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The world...can be so loud. | 
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Arikurin Shiin (亜璃紅鈴紫音), otherwise known as The Nohkan Shinobi (能管忍, literally meaning: Bamboo Flute Ninja) or The Leaf's Rainbow Blur (木ノ葉の虹ぼかし, Konoha no Niji Bokashi) is an elite Sensor-type Jōnin, whose remarkable career spans service in multiple organizations. After rising through the ranks of Konohagakure's covert ANBU Root faction and the Five Great Countries' Joint Investigation Team, he now holds two influential positions: Otogakure's representative in the Shinobi Union and commander of Otogakure ANBU.
Perhaps his most prized trait, Arikurin has the unique ability to whistle hand seals. By modulating precise tonal frequencies infused with chakra, he can execute both Genjutsu and Ninjutsu with the same ease as one might the conventional way. His mastery over his Sound Release Kekkei Genkai allows him to manipulate sonic waves, manifesting as spectacular displays of spectral-colored pressure waves emanating from his tenketsu points. This ability extends beyond self-generated sound, enabling him to amplify and direct external sound waves, making him a proven formidable force in both combat and stealth operations.
Background[]
Early Life[]
Arikurin wanders the forest
Arikurin was born in the Land of Sound to Aoide Shiin and Shiro Fuma. His life took a tragic turn when a fierce battle claimed his father's life, and in the ensuing chaos, he was separated from his mother, sister, and brother. Lost and disoriented, he wandered aimlessly, drawn forward by the distant sound of birds chirping. The soothing melody guided his steps through the unfamiliar landscape until he eventually reached the outskirts of Konoha. With no memory of his past or true origins, he grew up unaware of the destiny that had once been set for him by the Followers of Shiin, who sought vessels for Shiinshiki Ōtsutsuki.
Arikurin at Konoha Orphanage
Raised in Konoha's Orphanage, Arikurin learned the basics of Medical Ninjutsu and was often visited by Danzō Shimura, because of Arikurin's early signs of advanced chakra control. During wartime, the orphanage also helped out Konoha shinobi, acting as a medical center where they would come for treatment. Once old enough, the children of this orphanage could train as Konoha shinobi. When Arikurin reached age 5, he was permitted to join the academy.
At the Academy, Arikurin takes Taijutsu classes with Hirzuen
When Arikurin entered the Academy, his natural talent was undeniable. He consistently scored top grades, particularly excelling in chakra control. Through relentless practice, he refined this skill to extraordinary levels, using it to amplify his senses—most notably his hearing. Training under his teachers refined his already impressive chakra control. By channeling chakra to enhance his auditory perception, he could detect faint sounds from astonishing distances, giving him an edge in both combat and strategy. At just six years old, Arikurin astonished his instructors by summoning shadow clones with ease. What made his technique unique was his method: instead of forming traditional hand seals, he whistled specific tones corresponding to the seals required. This groundbreaking approach hinted at the budding genius within him.
Danzo recruits a young Arikurin to Root
Toward the end of his time at the Academy, Arikurin’s abilities reached new heights. His mastery over sound-based techniques became legendary. By whistling specific tones, he could cast Genjutsu and Ninjutsu with unparalleled speed and precision. His unique approach eliminated the need for traditional hand seals, giving him an edge in combat where split-second decisions could mean life or death. Then one early morning, Arikurin was training alone in the woods. Unknown to him, Danzo Shimura observed him from the shadows. The boy’s skill and innovation had not gone unnoticed. Danzō, ever the opportunist, saw immense potential in Arikurin’s abilities. Not long after, Arikurin was recruited into Konoha's ANBU Root division.
ANBU Career[]
Pre-Byakugan[]
Arikurin joins ANBU
The transition was seamless. As a graduate of the Academy and a prodigy in his own right, he was perfectly suited for the shadowy world of Root—a world where talent like his was honed into a deadly instrument. The day he joined Root, he was given a new identity: Nohkan, a silent player in a deadly symphony. Danzō, sensing raw potential in the boy, decided to personally oversee his training—a rare honor, but one that came with immense pressure. When the time came, Danzō paired him with with Kaede Murasaki, She was older, more experienced, and together, they formed the core of the 1st iteration of Team Fue.
Third Shinobi World War[]
Arikurin and Meldi capture Konan
During the Third Shinobi World War, Danzō agreed to provide aid to Hanzō of Amegakure sent some of his forces to deal with Akatsuki. After Danzō had members of Root transform into Iwa-nin and frame the village to cause war between the two villages. Hanzō came to fear that they were power hungry and would usurp his power. He betrayed them and called in the assistance of Danzō and his Root ANBU. Konan was abducted by Team Fue in order to strengthen the ties between Danzo and Hanzo. Kaede was later killed when Kona-ANBU were all wiped out when Nagato summoned the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Danzō aims for the seat of Hokage
When Hiruzen sought to end the bloodshed from the Third Shinobi World War through a truce with the other villages, Danzō voiced his disdain, feeling that a such an act was spitting on the memory of all the Konoha shinobi who died so far. Understanding Danzō's intent, Hiruzen decided to take responsibility for the loss by stepping down as Hokage. At a meeting with the Land of Fire Council, Danzō strongly suggested that Orochimaru be made Fourth Hokage. Hiruzen, however, pointed out that Orochimaru had grown power-hungry and showed signs of sinister intent.
Sekki Inuzuka and Arikurin on mission
Ultimately, Minato Namikaze was elected as Fourth Hokage unanimously, excluding Danzō who detested the idea, feeling that following Hiruzen's ideology will ultimately destroy Konoha. Team Fue also becomes a 2-man squad again, with Sekkei Inuzuka added. They are then assigned to infiltrate Iwagakure in the hopes of securing intel about their explosion corps. When trying to return to Konoha with the intel, Arikurin is forced to fight Hanabi Hotaru with Sekkei losing his arm in the battle. After summoning Rohmaru to carry Sekkei back for treatment, Arikurin engages with Hanabi. Her explosive firework style give him issues at first. He is even injured at one point.
Team Mukai[]
Masked man kills Tenma Izumo
Danzo soon believed that a Konoha-nin had been selling secrets to Kirigakure. In order to monitor him. Arikurin was part of a team assigned to provide security to the Land of Fire's daimyō during his annual visit to Konoha. The team was lead by Mukai Kohinata. Konoha's Team 2 publicly served as the daimyō's escorts, while Arikurin and Mukai followed in the shadows to monitor for threats. When the daimyō's entourage was confronted by the masked man, Mukai and most of the other ANBU fell prey to the man's Genjutsu. Only Arikurin and Kakashi Hatake resisted the Genjutsu, but it took him some time to free Mukai and the others. They went to the daimyō's defence as soon as they were able, but the masked man had already been driven off by Itachi Uchiha.
Team Mukai
As Arikurin continued to spy on Mukai Kohinata eventually forming Team Mukai with Shikari Yukionna. They were to infiltrate Sunagakure and monitor a meeting between the Fourth Kazekage and a representative from Kirigakure; their villages were secretly developing an alliance. Such an alliance would break the delicate peace that had been formed after the conclusion of the Third Shinobi World War, and inevitably initiate another war. Mukai's team was to gather information, so that Konoha could take the necessary steps to prevent this from happening.
Arikurin defeats multiple pursuers
Although they went unnoticed during the reconnaissance itself, another ANBU set off a booby trap as they were leaving, alerting Suna's ninja to their presence. Arikurin became convinced that the Suna-nin would catch them as he heard them getting closer and closer. It wasn't long until the first wave of Suna-ANBU had arrived. Arikurin defeated them with long ranged Vibration Control: Bullets. This created an opening for his team to escape toward Konoha.
Arikurin helps Mukai defeat the Suna ANBU
Mukai and his team rushed from the village, trying to cross the border back into the Land of Fire before the Suna-nin could catch up to them. Eventually they decided to fight their pursuers. Arikurin helped Mukai defeat more than twenty Suna-nin in close combat. With their pursuers dealt with, Mukai and his team resumed their course back to Konoha. In the end, because Suna and Kiri's planned alliance had been discovered by Konoha before it could be formalized, the two villages were forced to abandon it.
Mukai Kohinata clashes with Arikurin
Not long after, Arikurin is assigned to finally eliminate Mukai. He and Shikari ambushed him during one of his secret meetings with a Kiri-nin. Despite Arikurin's efforts to maintain distance, Mukai quickly closed the gap, attempting to strike with a Gentle Fist technique. However, the Arikurin he attacked was a Swiftlet Clone, a distraction long enough for the real Arikurin to reposition himself. Shikari entered the fray, his fists covered in ice. The two engaged in a brief but intense taijutsu exchange, their movements sharp and precise. Mukai tried to anticipate Shikari's strikes, but the ice made every blow feel like a solid wall.
Arikurin immobilizes Mukai
Perched atop the tree, Arikurin began to play his Genjutsu Melody, Tree Binding., the haunting notes weaving through the air. Mukai’s movements froze as the melody took hold, his body immobilized by the binding power of the sound. Seizing the opportunity, Arikurin descended with fluid grace, his Shindō Tantō shimmering in the dim light. In one precise, ruthless motion, he closed the distance and severed Mukai’s head cleanly from his body, ensuring the mission’s success with a swift, silent strike.
Mukai's Byakugan
Arikurin's hands moved with surgical precision , brushing aside the blood-matted hair to expose the pale, unblinking eye. With careful pressure and a practiced grip, he extracted the Byakugan from its socket and placed it in a jar. The eye, still shimmering faintly with chakra, was now Root's. Arikurin swiftly returned Mukai’s Byakugan to Danzō, who immediately entrusted it to the skilled Root surgeons.
Arikurin undergoes surgery
Under their cold precision, the eye was successfully transplanted into Arikurin. The procedure was delicate, but Root’s advanced techniques—combined with the potent properties of the Eye Medicine Plant —ensured the Byakugan integrated flawlessly with his body. In the weeks that followed, Arikurin remained deep within Root’s hidden facilities, recovering in silence. As his strength returned, so too did his clarity, the Byakugan settling into him as though it had always been his.
Post-Byakugan[]
Arikurin keeps his Byakugan covered
Arikurin was ordered to keep his newly acquired Byakugan concealed beneath a bandage at all times, a precaution against potential retaliation from the Hyuga Clan. The eye was a stolen secret, and its presence on an outsider marked him as a target. Yet even with the Byakugan now his, Arikurin quickly discovered that wielding its full potential required far more than possession. Mastery demanded unwavering discipline, sharp focus, and tireless training. As an outsider to the Hyuga bloodline, he was forbidden from learning their advanced techniques, forcing him to forge his own path—one built not on inherited legacy, but on sheer determination.
Uchiha Incident[]
Arikurin monitors the Uchiha Clan District
Despite Hiruzen's misgivings, Danzō persuades the Konoha Council to side with his decision to have the Uchiha put under strict surveillance, arguing that the clan's possession of the Sharingan made them the prime suspects in the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox’s Attack. He presents the idea that only someone with their ocular abilities could have controlled the beast, fueling existing distrust toward the Uchiha. Insisting that decisive action must be taken, Danzō orders the Anbu to place the Uchiha under relentless 24/7 surveillance. Every movement, every interaction is to be documented, and every sign of insubordination reported directly to him.
Arikurin reports urgent intel
The Uchiha, already aware of the suspicions cast upon them, find themselves increasingly cornered as the village they swore to protect begins treating them as enemies within their own walls. Realizing the devastating consequences of the clan’s actions, Shisui devised a desperate plan. He proposed to use his Mangekyō Sharingan’s Kotoamatsukami on Fugaku Uchiha, the clan leader, to subtly influence him and dissuade the coup. Unbeknownst to them, Arikurin, had deployed his swiftlet clone to spy on their conversation. The clone, with its ability to silently observe and relay information, remained undetected. and relayed this to Danzo.
Arikurin and Shisui clash
Danzō then summoned Shisui under the pretense of supporting his efforts. Danzō confronted Shisui with feigned support, only to launch an ambush. Shisui, anticipating treachery, initially countered their attacks. But Danzō activated Izanagi—a forbidden technique that rewrote his reality. What should have been a fatal strike against him was undone in an instant, allowing him to appear behind Shisui and rip his right Mangekyō Sharingan from its socket. Blinded on one side and bleeding heavily, Shisui fled. Emerging from Shisui’s blind spot, Arikurin landed a precise blow, sending Shisui crashing against a tree. Shisui barely deflected the follow-up, but his body was failing. With no other choice, he forced his last chakra into the Body Flicker Technique, vanishing once more into the depths of the forest.
The intruder escaped through a warp portal, dodging Arikurin's attack
Back in the Root HQ, Danzo assigns Arikurin a new mission. To find and capture an intruder that is entering the village undetected and bypassing the barrier code. Arikurin meticulously scouted every barrier seal around the village, analyzing signs of tampering or unusual activity. After days of observation, he finally spotted a figure cloaked in secrecy: a masked man who moved with practiced stealth. Careful not to alert the intruder, Arikurin tracked his movements from a distance. Just as he was poised to deliver a silent decisive blow, the intruder activated a mysterious warp portal. In a swirl of distorted space-time, the masked man vanished before Arikurin could stop him.
Team Fue arrives
Some nights later, Fugaku Uchiha sought Itachi’s help to lead a bloodless coup against Konoha’s higher-ups, favoring diplomacy over the clan’s desire to control the Nine-Tailed Fox. However, Itachi, torn between family and village, reported the clan’s plans to the Konoha Council. While Hiruzen wished for peace, Danzō Shimura saw no solution that spared the Uchiha. Tasking Itachi with annihilating the clan in exchange for sparing Sasuke, Danzō solidified his plan. In a single night, Itachi and Tobi massacred the Uchiha clan. Tobi eradicated the military forces at the Police Force headquarters, enabling Itachi to dispatch the civilians with little resistance. Secretly, Tobi also claimed several Uchiha corpses for his own purposes. Shortly after the Uchiha massacre, Team Fue was dispatched to help clean the compound.
Hiruzen meets with Arikurin
Root was officially disbanded after the Uchiha Clan Downfall due to Danzō spearheading the tragedy. Afterwards, Arikurin is summoned to the Hokage’s office, With solemn authority, the Third Hokage issued a groundbreaking decree: no Hyūga Clan member—or any Konoha shinobi—could claim Arikurin’s left Byakugan. His achievements formally recognized for safeguarding Konoha. This dōjutsu, earned through sacrifice, was declared his alone, shielding him from contention or retribution. However, in the shadows, Danzo seized the opportunity, positioning an agent close to Hiruzen under the guise of loyalty while continuing to run Root.
Personality[]
Arikurin is typically a laid-back individual with a blunt personality. He rarely speaks unless spoken to. During his early time with Root, Arikurin went through the gruesome training regime Danzō had his subordinates undergo. Composed and highly observant, he thinks very quickly and remains calm in a fight, enabling him to respond to situations with maximum efficiency and with the smallest likelihood of making unfortunate miscalculations.
Appearance[]
Arikurin is a tall, dark-skinned man with a muscular and well-defined build. His black hair is brushed and flattened out, creating a ripple-like pattern on the top of his head. He wears black-rimmed, round glasses and an ANBU mask that conceals his identity. This porcelain mask is decorated with the symbol, "Oto" (音), for sound. Being of Shiin decent, Arikurin has a special tattoo of a purple band circling three times around his upper-right arm. It glows brightly when Arikurin is in full Sage Mode.
Arikurin's Prologue clothing consisted of black round glasses a purple forehead protector and the standard ANBU attire, consisting of dark or black clothing, a standard ANBU grey flak jacket. After his receiving a Byakugan, his left eye is bandaged at most times.
Arikurin's Part I-II clothing consisted of black round glasses a purple forehead protector and the standard ANBU attire, consisting of dark or black clothing, a standard ANBU grey flak jacket. After Danzo's death, Arikurin was promoted to Jonin and wore the standard Konoha shinobi outfit complete with a black cloak, forehead protector, flak jacket and regular shinobi sandals. He also carried his Shindō Tantō strapped over his back.
Arikurin's Blank Period clothing consisted of the standard attire of Konoha ANBU, trading in his purple headband for a deep purple bandana tied securely around his head.
Arikurin's New Era clothing consists of a redesigned grey flak jacket, and a deep purple bandana tied securely around his head. Around his neck is a black scarf adorned with subtle purple stripes and around his eyes are the Shinobi Smart Glasses.
Arikurin's Flashforward clothing consists of a black head covering with a Leaf Village forehead protector plate and the standard ANBU attire
Abilities[]
Chakra and Physical Prowess
Chakra being visibly molded.
Having undergone years of intensive training, Arikurin has genius-level proficiency in chakra control. He is able to expel chakra from any of his tenketsu, reducing, the damage from an enemy attack. He also has considerable chakra reserves and a high tolerance for pain. His chakra glows as an array of spectral colors, much like a rainbow. It distorts, flickers, and makes a distinct "wind chime" like sound.
Arikurin catches Ken Hatake by surprise using the Silent Hummingbird Technique
Arikurin's is a very quick and agile shinobi. He can focus a burst of sonic waves from the bottom of his feet to gain immense speed, breaking the sound barrier. His time in the ANBU also taught him how to suddenly approach enemies from behind unnoticed. He's able to evade his foes and restrain them with holds, demonstrating the strength required to hold up a much larger and heavier foe. Additionally, his reflexes are sharp enough to block attacks he is unable to see; instead, he uses his acute hearing.
Arikurin's Mystical Palm Technique
Arikurin was taught the basics of chakra control Ninjutsu at the Konoha Orphange, but didn't become proficient in the skill until his early time with Root; there, he was further instructed in medical Ninjutsu by Kido Tsumiki. After receiving his Byakugan, Arikurin's knowledge of chakra pathway system increased tremendously. Now, Arikurin can heal most injuries without difficulty.
Taijutsu
Arikurin attacks using the Gentle Fist
Despite not being a member of the Hyuga Clan, Arikurin possesses extensive knowledge of the Gentle Fist fighting style, which takes advantage of the Byakugan's piercing vision to strike an opponent's chakra system directly, requiring only minimal contact in order to constrict or cut off their chakra flow. He is incredibly versatile in battle, able to attack multiple targets at once, striking several opponents' tenketsu in order to restrain them. Defensively, he can expel chakra from his body and repel incoming attacks from all directions at once.
Intelligence
Arikurin formulates multiple strategies while playing Shogi
Nature Transformation
Arikurin channels chakra through his blade
Arikurin is capable of performing several changes in chakra nature, as well as Yin Release and Yang Release. His natural affinity is Wind Release, which he can channel into weaponry to increase its cutting power. Being particularly proficient in Wind Release, and having trained directly under Danzō, he can exhale powerful vacuum-based attacks that can either slash like blades, or pierce like bullets. He can also use his wind chakra to maneuver himself in mid-air.
Arikurin hiding in the earth
Arikurin specializes in advanced Earth Release, allowing him to move seamlessly underground for stealthy ambushes and surprise attacks. He can rapidly construct intricate defensive walls, shielding himself or large areas from incoming threats. Arikurin can convert earth into Quartz, strengthening his defenses and negating their weakness to lightning-based attacks. His quartz constructs resonate with vibrations, enhancing the range, precision, and power of his Sound Release techniques.
Ninjutsu
Arikurin can create soundwaves from all 361 Tenketsu points. By utilizing his chakra, he can shape and manipulate these soundwaves to create periodic disturbances in the air, projecting outwards in the form of pressure waves. Not only can can project soundwaves of his own making, but he can even amplify and influence the soundwaves of others. Additionally, he can alter the frequency of soundwaves to the point where different wavelengths can induce different effects, including Genjutsu, erasing another person's memory, or enhancing his own or another person's chakra, causing them to gain an increase in speed and strength.
Since his time at the academy, Arikurin has mastered the use of his whistling. By using different tones in the same way a shinobi would regularly use hand seals to perform their techniques, he can easily cast Genjutsu, or Ninjutsu. Apart from this, Arikurin's greatest strength is his hearing, which is so precise that he can detect a person's heartbeat and breathing-patterns to determine their emotional state. He can also anticipate the nature of how an opponent will attack by listening to their shifting posture and analyzing the rhythm of their movements. This also allows Arikurin to gain an understanding of his opponent's habits as well as their blind spots, giving him an edge against them.
Arikurin using the summoning jutsu
Arikurin can use the Summoning Technique in order to summon a toad named Shikazaku. Together, they can use Demonic Illusion: Toad Confrontation Chant. This is a sound-based Genjutsu sung by toads, their most powerful Genjutsu.
Senjutsu
Arikurin activates Sage Mode for the first time.
Genjutsu
Arikurin plays an enchanting melody on his Shindō Tantō
Shinobi-Ware
Arikurin's body is implanted with tech
Byakugan
Arikuin's Byakugan
During his early time with Root, Arikurin had Mukai Kohinata's left Byakugan transplanted into him by Orochimaru under orders from Danzō. With the Byakugan, he can distinguish between the chakra colors of certain individuals and determine if an individual is under the influence of Genjutsu. It also allows him to see sound waves, sound frequencies, and sound vibrations as different spectrums of color. It even allows him to see the chakra pathway system, as well as the 361 tenketsu that run along it.
Arikurin's Byakugan during New Era
He is well aware of the Byakugan's blindspot, behind his third upper-thoracic vertebrae, and as such has trained to compensate for it, specifically by conditioning himself to immediately react to any attacks directed at his blindspot in order to minimize damage and begin a counterattack. The nanotechnology in his Shinobi Smart Glasses. help to increase the range of his Byakugan.
Jōgan
Arikurin's Jōgan
Bukijutsu
Arikurin's weapon summoning scroll
Arikurin is able to wield and employ a variety of different weapons and tools in combat. His main weapons include his custom blade, Shindō Tantō, and RESV2. By adulthood, Arikurin was considered to be one of ANBU's top weapon users, because of how effectively he could wield a weapon that he had no prior knowledge on.
Arikurin applies explosive tags to his Fuma Shuriken
Arikurin frequently uses shuriken, kunai, senbon, or any other number of bladed, hand-held weapons in combat—including his large fūma shuriken. His expertise in shurikenjutsu allows him to throw shuriken and kunai with precision; for complicated or moving targets, Arikurin can guide shuriken to their mark using either wire strings. or by deflecting them off each other.
Kenjutsu
Arikurin using Dance of the Crescent Moon
As a fully-trained Konoha ANBU, Arikurin is an expertly trained swordsman. He is able to defend himself with just the scabbard of his katana. With his actual blade, he excels at quickdraw techniques, able to take down opponents with a single strike. His sword style is characterized by smooth, controlled movements when drawing the sword from its scabbard, striking, or cutting the opponent, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. This kenjutsu art is known as laido.
Arikurin sculpts his Shindō Tantō into a hammer
Fūinjutsu
Arikurin releases a seal
Stats[]
| Stage | Ninjutsu | Taijutsu | Genjutsu | Intelligence | Strength | Speed | Stamina | Hand seals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childhood | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 17.5 |
| Part I | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 3 | 4 | 29 |
| Part II | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 33.5 |
| Final | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 34 |
New Era Stat Wheel Chart
Trivia[]
- Arikurin grew up without a name during his years at the orphanage and the academy, known only by the numbers assigned to him. It wasn’t until he was taken under Danzō’s wing that he was given the name "Nohkan". It was only during the Interlude that he finally uncovered his full name.
- "Nohko" is the term used to refer to the romantic relationship between Arikurin Shiin and Anko Mitarashi.
- Arikurin's favorite meal on missions are roasted wild mushrooms seasoned with Chilli Pepper Bombs
- Arikurin's right arm tattoo varies in sizes and shades of purple due to laziness of the editor.
Inspiration[]
- Arikurin's singular Byakugan is based on Kakashi Hatake and Mukai Konhinata
- Arikurin's chakra draws inspiration from Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow's Seven-Couloured Rasengan
- Arikurin's Shindō Tantō is based on Tayuya's Demonic Flute
- Arikurin's Part II Jōnin style is based on Raido
- Arikurin's New Era style is based on Mugino
Credits[]
- Timeline of Naruto Universe
- "Arikurin Shiin Theme" is sampled from Deebu's "Kogarashi"
- Anime-edited image source credits to: Photopea, Narutopedia, Masashi Kishimoto, & Osamu Kobayashi
- Shinobi Stat Wheel Chart created by: Holly Winter