DLC Story Modes (Shikamaru's Story, Gaara's Story)

Beyond the main narrative of Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, two significant DLC story expansions offer unique perspectives and challenges: Shikamaru's Tale - A Cloudy Sky and Gaara's Tale - Bonds of the Sandy Shore. These modes provide not only engaging new storylines but also opportunities to unlock valuable items, Ryo, and experience points.

Shikamaru's Tale - A Cloudy Sky

This DLC focuses on Shikamaru Nara's journey after the Fourth Great Ninja War, delving into his struggles with leadership and the legacy of his mentor, Asuma Sarutobi. The story is presented through a series of battles and interactive cutscenes, culminating in a powerful emotional arc.

Walkthrough:

A New Generation: The story begins with Shikamaru reflecting on his past. Your first battle will be a training exercise against Choji Akimichi. Focus on using Shikamaru's Shadow Imitation Jutsu (Chakra + O) to immobilize Choji and follow up with combos.
Shadows of the Past: Shikamaru confronts his inner demons, leading to a battle against a manifestation of Asuma Sarutobi. This fight emphasizes strategic evasion and counter-attacks. Asuma is aggressive; utilize Shikamaru's long-range kunai attacks and substitution jutsu to create openings.
The Kage Summit: After a series of narrative segments, Shikamaru attends a Kage Summit. You'll engage in a multi-stage battle sequence.
- Stage 1: Shikamaru & Temari vs. Kankuro & Gaara (Team Battle): Coordinate with Temari to overwhelm your opponents. Focus on isolating Kankuro first, as his puppets can be a nuisance.
- Stage 2: Shikamaru vs. Darui (One-on-One): Darui's lightning-style attacks are fast. Guard breaking and precise counter-attacks are key. Consider using Shikamaru's Ultimate Jutsu when Darui is low on health.
A Leader's Resolve: The final arc involves Shikamaru accepting his role. This culminates in a climactic battle against a powerful, unnamed antagonist (often a generic ninja or a symbolic representation of his internal conflict). This battle will test all your learned skills. Maintain chakra for substitutions and try to land your Ultimate Jutsu for significant damage.

Collectible Items & Rewards:

Ryo: Earned generously after each battle, especially for achieving S-Ranks.
Ninja Tools: Keep an eye out for glowing spots in the interactive exploration segments between battles, particularly in the Konoha village areas. You can find items like Explosive Tag Kunai and Paper Bombs.
Costumes: Completing Shikamaru's Tale unlocks the Shikamaru (The Last) costume for use in Free Battle and other modes.
Ninja Info Cards: Various cards depicting characters and events from Shikamaru's story are unlocked.

Gaara's Tale - Bonds of the Sandy Shore

This DLC explores Gaara's past and his complex relationship with his siblings and the Hidden Sand Village. It delves into his early life as a jinchuriki and his journey towards becoming the Kazekage, offering a poignant look at his character development.

Walkthrough:

The Jinchuriki's Burden: The story opens with flashbacks to Gaara's childhood. Your initial battles will be against generic Sand Village ninja, showcasing Gaara's early, more destructive fighting style. Practice his sand-based attacks and area-of-effect jutsus.
Brotherly Bonds: Gaara's relationship with Kankuro and Temari is central.
- Battle 1: Gaara vs. Kankuro: Kankuro's puppets require careful dodging. Use Gaara's Sand Coffin (Chakra + O) to trap Kankuro and then unleash powerful combos.
- Battle 2: Gaara vs. Temari: Temari's wind attacks have good range. Close the distance quickly with Gaara's dash or use his sand shield to block her projectiles.
The Kazekage's Path: As Gaara matures, his battles become more strategic. You'll face a series of challenges representing his growth.
- Stage 1: Gaara vs. Rasa (Fourth Kazekage): This is a challenging fight against Gaara's father. Rasa's Gold Dust attacks are potent. Focus on guarding and finding openings after his attacks. Gaara's Ultimate Jutsu is highly effective here.
- Stage 2: Gaara & Shukaku vs. Deidara (Boss Battle): This is a unique boss battle where you control Gaara and the Shukaku. Focus on dodging Deidara's explosive clay birds and using Shukaku's massive sand attacks to chip away at his health. QTEs will be crucial for avoiding major damage.
A New Era: The concluding battles reflect Gaara's acceptance and his role as Kazekage. You'll often be paired with allies.
- Team Battle: Gaara & Kankuro vs. Puppet Masters (Generic Ninja): Utilize Kankuro's support to control the battlefield. Focus on taking down one enemy at a time.
- Final Battle: Gaara vs. Sasuke Uchiha (Five Kage Summit Arc): This intense battle requires mastery of Gaara's defensive and offensive capabilities. Sasuke is fast and powerful. Use Gaara's sand defense to mitigate damage and counter with well-timed sand attacks.

Collectible Items & Rewards:

Ryo: Consistent Ryo rewards for completing missions and achieving high ranks.
Ninja Tools: Explore the Hidden Sand Village hub area for hidden items. Look for sparkling spots near buildings and pathways to find items like Kunai and Shuriken.
Costumes: Completing Gaara's Tale unlocks the Gaara (The Last) costume, along with a special Shukaku Gaara costume for specific battles.
Ninja Info Cards: Unlock cards detailing Gaara's past, the Kazekage, and the Hidden Sand Village.

General Tips for DLC Story Modes:

Aim for S-Ranks: Achieving S-Ranks in battles not only grants more Ryo but also often unlocks bonus items or titles. To get S-Ranks, aim for high health remaining, a good combo count, and completing the battle quickly.
Utilize Support Characters: In team battles, effectively using your support characters (by pressing L1/R1 or LB/RB) can turn the tide. They can extend combos, guard break, or protect you.
Chakra Management: Always be mindful of your chakra. It's essential for substitution jutsu, awakening, and ultimate jutsus, all of which are critical for survival and dealing heavy damage.
Explore Thoroughly: Don't rush through the interactive segments. Many hidden items and conversations can be found by exploring every corner of the environment.
Practice Combos: Familiarize yourself with the main character's combo strings and how to link them with jutsus for maximum damage output.