Mission 2-1: The Allied Shinobi Forces Assemble

Mission 2-1: The Allied Shinobi Forces Assemble

Welcome, Shinobi! Mission 2-1 thrusts you into the heart of the Fourth Great Ninja War, where the newly formed Allied Shinobi Forces face their first major challenge against Kabuto's terrifying Edo Tensei army. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies to not only survive but dominate this crucial early encounter.

Mission Briefing & Objectives

In this mission, you take control of Darui, the Third Raikage's former student and a formidable Lightning Release user. Your primary objective is to push back the encroaching Edo Tensei forces and confront the reanimated Kage leading them. This mission serves as an excellent introduction to managing multiple opponents and utilizing Team Ultimate Jutsu effectively.

• Playable Character: Darui
• Support Characters: C, Shikamaru Nara (Initial)
• Primary Objective: Defeat the reanimated Kage and their Edo Tensei minions.
• Bonus Condition: Successfully land a Team Ultimate Jutsu.

Walkthrough: The Front Lines

The mission begins with Darui and his initial support characters, C and Shikamaru, facing a horde of generic Edo Tensei shinobi. This initial phase is designed to get you comfortable with Darui's combat style and the importance of crowd control.

1. Initial Engagement (Area A): You'll start in a relatively open area with several Edo Tensei grunts.
   • Strategy: Utilize Darui's wide-reaching basic combos (e.g., Square/X x4-5) to hit multiple targets. His Lightning Release: Black Panther (Circle/B) is excellent for clearing groups and stunning enemies.
   • Support Usage: Call in C (L1/LB or R1/RB) for his ranged Ninjutsu to disrupt enemy formations, or Shikamaru for his Shadow Paralysis Jutsu to temporarily immobilize a group, allowing you to focus on others.
2. Advancing Through the Battlefield (Area B): As you clear the initial wave, more Edo Tensei will appear, and you'll progress deeper into the battlefield.
   • Strategy: Keep an eye on your Storm Gauge. As it fills, prepare for a Team Ultimate Jutsu. To activate, press Triangle/Y twice rapidly, then execute your Ultimate Jutsu (Triangle/Y + Circle/B). This will trigger a powerful cinematic attack involving Darui and his current supports, fulfilling the bonus condition.
   • Item Usage: Don't hesitate to use recovery items (e.g., Bento, Chakra Recovery Pills) if your health or chakra gets low.
3. Confronting the Reanimated Kage (Area C - Boss Arena): After dispatching several waves of grunts, you will reach a larger, more defined arena where the reanimated Kage make their appearance. This is the core challenge of the mission.

The Reanimated Kage: Strategies & Weaknesses

This mission features a challenging encounter against multiple reanimated Kage simultaneously. Understanding their individual abilities and Darui's strengths is key to victory.

Darui's Arsenal: Mastering Lightning Release

Darui is a versatile fighter with excellent crowd control and single-target damage potential, primarily through his Lightning Release techniques. Understanding how to use them is crucial.

• Basic Combos (Square/X): Darui's standard combos are fast and cover a decent area, making them effective against multiple Edo Tensei grunts. His tilt attack (Left Stick + Square/X) also has good reach.
• Lightning Release: Black Panther (Ninjutsu - Circle/B):
  • Usage: Darui sends out a large, tracking black panther made of lightning.
  • Crowd Control: Excellent for hitting multiple enemies, stunning them, and creating openings for follow-up attacks.
  • Isolation: Can be used to knock a specific Kage away from the group, allowing you to focus on another.
  • Combo Extender: After a basic combo, immediately use Black Panther to extend the stun duration and continue your assault.
• Lightning Release: Laser Circus (Awakening Action - Triangle/Y + Circle/B while Awakened):
  • Usage: Darui fires multiple lightning beams in various directions.
  • Area Denial: Superb for clearing large groups of enemies or pressuring multiple Kage simultaneously.
  • Damage: Deals significant damage, especially if multiple beams connect.
• Storm Release: Laser Circus (Ultimate Jutsu - Triangle/Y + Circle/B):
  • Usage: Darui combines Lightning and Water Release to create powerful laser beams.
  • High Damage: Your primary source of burst damage against individual Kage.
  • Team Ultimate: When your Storm Gauge is full, activate the Team Ultimate (Triangle/Y x2, then Triangle/Y + Circle/B) for an even more devastating attack involving your supports. This is vital for the bonus condition and dealing with the Kage effectively.

Recommended Support Characters & Synergy

While the mission starts with C and Shikamaru, understanding how to best utilize supports for crowd control and isolating enemies is key.

• C (Initial Support):
  • Role: Ranged harassment, minor healing.
  • Synergy with Darui: C's ranged Ninjutsu can help keep enemies off Darui, allowing him to charge chakra or focus on a single target. His healing ability (when called in during certain situations) can provide crucial sustain.
• Shikamaru Nara (Initial Support):
  • Role: Crowd control, enemy immobilization.
  • Synergy with Darui: Shikamaru's Shadow Paralysis Jutsu (L1/LB or R1/RB) is invaluable. Use it to bind one of the reanimated Kage, allowing Darui to unleash a full combo or Ultimate Jutsu without interruption on another Kage or the bound target. This is your primary tool for isolating targets in this mission.
• General Support Strategy:
  • Call in Supports Frequently: Don't save your support calls. They regenerate quickly and provide invaluable assistance.
  • Defensive Calls: If you're being pressured, call in a support to interrupt enemy combos or create space.
  • Offensive Calls: Use supports to extend your combos or set up your Ultimate Jutsu. For example, have Shikamaru bind a Kage, then immediately follow up with Darui's Black Panther or a full combo.

Rewards

Common Pitfalls & Tips for Success

• Overextending: Don't get surrounded by the Edo Tensei grunts or try to take on all three Kage at once. Use Darui's mobility and supports to manage the battlefield.
• Ignoring Supports: Your supports are not just for show. Use them actively for crowd control, combo extensions, and defensive maneuvers.
• Chakra Management: Darui's Ninjutsu and Ultimate Jutsu consume chakra. Keep an eye on your chakra bar and use chakra recovery items or charge chakra when safe.
• Substitution Jutsu: Master the timing of your Substitution Jutsu (L2/LT or R2/RT) to evade incoming attacks, especially the Kage's powerful Ninjutsu.
• Awakening: If you find yourself in a tight spot, consider activating Darui's Awakening (hold Triangle/Y). His Awakened state grants increased stats and access to the powerful Lightning Release: Laser Circus, which is excellent for clearing multiple targets.

By following these strategies and mastering Darui's unique abilities, you'll successfully lead the Allied Shinobi Forces through their first major confrontation and emerge victorious against the reanimated Kage!