Notes on AHTF-verse Elemental Affinities

Elemental affinities in this version of the Narutoverse follow a discrete scale, from E- to S-rank (with up to two pluses in between). The higher the rank, the more chakra control and reserves are required. Your natural affinity has to be at least one rank above the attempted technique to accomplish it with half the hand seals required; and three ranks above to accomplish it with a fourth of the hand seals required. Higher ranks also mean that techniques that have equal and/or lesser rank require less chakra to use.

Secondary and Acquired affinities are harder to use; elements in direct opposition to yours double the chakra control and reserves required after ranking, unless you have a Bloodline Limit that allows opposing elements to coexist.

The elusive EX rank
EX Rank in elemental manipulation does not imply outright mastery and/or the ability to spam S-ranked elemental techniques like peanuts.

The EX rank is, rather, where your primary affinity manifests in ways that are outside the norm of elemental affinities. Off the scale, so to speak.

Examples of possible EX rank causes are:
 * Bloodline limits (examples below)
 * Fusion elements (i.e. Wood Release and Ice Release)
 * Heredity
 * Dojutsu

Examples of EX rank manifestations:
 * The Raikiri being both easier to use and less of a chakra drain than the Chidori (Alicia Testarossa, EX-rank Lightning affinity)
 * All normal jutsu being easier to use when the Lightning element is added, i.e. Raiton Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, Raiton Shunshin no Jutsu (Precia Testarossa, EX-rank Lightning affinity)
 * Hashirama Senju's Wood Release, which is functionally closer to Senjutsu or Life Release (if measured, his Wood Release would easily be an EX-rank)
 * Tobirama Senju's Water Dragon Bullet done with just two hand seals quantify him as having an EX-rank Water affinity.