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[ STAGE: ONE. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Academy Student Level, Puppeteering.
+ Description: The most basic level of Kugutsu no jutsu, the user is able to control a single puppet through the use of chakra strings. It takes two lines at this stage to connect the strings, though the puppet can still be used to defend against an attack in that amount of time, and these strings are invisible to all but those with a doujutsu that allows them to see chakra (i.e. byakugan) and those creatures who consume chakra (kikai bugs.) Controlling the puppet requires both hands and the puppet's movements are functional if lacking fluidity. The puppeteer can affect the puppet with kawarimi and henge, assuming he knows those jutsus himself, and can speak through the puppet with his own voice. The distance allowed between the puppeteer and the puppet is limited to about ten yards, beyond which distance the chakra strings snap and the puppet falls inert. The puppeteer can set up chakra strings as a rudimentary sort of trip wire, though this requires a free hand to set up and maintain the strings, so puppet use is impossible at this stage. Unmaintained chakra strings fade immediately.


[ STAGE: TWO. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Genin Level, Stage One: Kugutsu no Jutsu.
+ Description: Genin mastery of Kugutus no Jutsu brings with it a few perks. Chakra strings can be attached to the puppet almost instantly, eliminating the need to use a full two lines to prepare for puppet use. The puppet's movements are swifter and more precise, as the user has acclimated himself to the technique and is now familiar with the hand movements that control the puppet. The distance allowed between the puppeteer and his puppet is now increased to about twenty yards, allowing the puppeteer to hide without worrying overly much about the size of the battlefield.


[ STAGE: THREE. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Chuunin Level, Stage Two: Kugutsu no Jutsu.
+ Description: At this level, the first major breakthrough of the Kugutsu no Jutsu is accomplished, as the character can now control two puppets simultaneously. One hand is used for each puppet, but the puppeteer is back to basic functional movements until he gets the hang of the new control scheme; though he can control one puppet with masterful speed and grace. Also at this level, the puppeteer gains the ability to hear sounds that are made within five yards of the puppet, though this sound is muted and will not transmit the effects of Sound techniques. Because he can control a puppet with a single hand, the puppeteer is also free to set up chakra strings (in slightly more elaborate traps; double and triple tripwires, a small crossed pattern, etc) while controlling a puppet. These wires persist for twenty lines after the user ceases maintaining them, in addition. The distance allowed between puppeteer and puppet has increased to thirty yards, allowing the puppeteer to engage an opponent at long distance, assuming he has a line of sight to see the battle.


[ STAGE: FOUR. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Chuunin Level, Stage Three: Kugutsu no Jutsu.
+ Description: Chuunin mastery of the puppetry technique likewise brings a few new benefits while further refining the old abilities. The puppeteer is beginning to understand the mechanics behind the technique, and can use a combination of mental commands and hand movements to enhance his control of both puppets. In other words, he can now command two puppets as masterfully as he can command one. The puppeteer can now see through the eyes of his puppet (but only one at a time,) this new visual information overlays on the puppeteer's normal vision and allows the puppeteer to battle at extreme range without having to physically see the fight itself. The distance around the puppet that the puppeteer can discern sound in is increased to 10 yards, and the sound is no longer muted, though a failsafe in the technique (causing the strings to momentarily snap in the case of a chakra-laced sound) prevents sound jutsu from affecting the user through his puppet. The distance allowed between the user and his puppet is now increased to forty yards. At this stage, the user is also allowed to make a unique jutsu, according to the rules set above in stage two.


[ STAGE: FIVE. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Jounin Level, Stage Four: Kugutsu no Jutsu.
+ Description: The first "Jounin level stage" of the puppetry technique carries with it a new breakthrough; the ability to control 3 puppets at once. A greater understanding of the technique and the ability to transmit complex mental commands through the strings (as well as manipulate them normally) allows the puppeteer to control all three puppets with two hands (roughtly three strings per puppet.) The puppeteer can now process visual information from two of his puppets simultaneously without difficulty, or all three if he closes his own eyes. Sound detection has increased to fifteen yards, and now works as amplifier for quiet noises (detecting and amplifying sounds about the volume of a whisper.) The distance between the puppeteer and the puppets is now increased to fifty yards.


[ STAGE: SIX. ]

+ Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5m ~ 10m), Far (10m+)
+ Type: Attack, Defense, Supplementary.
+ Requirements: Sannin or Kage Level, Stage Five: Kugutsu no Jutsu.
+ Description: This level is considered the mastery of the Kugutsu no jutsu, and the puppeteer is granted the title Kugutsushi. At this level, the user can control all three puppets masterfully, as he has become adept at dividing his attention without losing focus. He can control two puppets on a single hand (though one is limited to basic movements and no puppeteer may ever control more than three puppets at once,) allowing him to set up whatever chakra strings he might wish to use (as tripwires, etc) while still mounting a potent offense (or defense.) He can process all the visual information from each of his puppets without distraction, and the audio detection range is increased to twenty yards. The distance between the puppeteer and his puppets is now increased to sixty yards, allowing the puppeteer to battle at extreme range as well as a greater use of his puppets for infiltration while remaining safely hidden nearby.
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