In this world, a person's strength is determined by a combination of three fundamental factors: body potential, chakra level, and technique proficiency. Even within the same clan or lineage, individuals differ drastically, depending on talent and effort.
1. Body Potential and Talent
Every shinobi's physical and spiritual foundation determines the maximum capacity of their chakra and stamina. In my estimation, the human body in its natural, unrefined state can support only so much chakra—enough to function normally, perhaps 1-2 hours of sustained advanced technique. Exceptional bodies, like those of the Senju with Sage lineage, or certain Uchiha prodigies, can endure far beyond the limits of ordinary men. Their bodies are capable of withstanding prolonged chakra exertion, amplifying their potential during refinement or combat.
2. Chakra Level
Chakra is not infinite, even in extraordinary bodies. Increasing one's chakra level requires either extensive practice or exhaustive refinement techniques. A normal shinobi can refine chakra only for an hour or two at most before fatigue or strain sets in. Those with superior talent—like the Senju Dan, or shinobi born with extraordinary physical or spiritual traits—can endure much longer, extracting and refining greater amounts of chakra safely. The limit is proportional to their innate body potential and the amount of effort invested.
3. Technique Proficiency
Raw chakra alone does not define a shinobi's power. How effectively one can apply it through jutsu, control, and strategy matters equally. Proficiency is divided into tiers:
Beginner: Basic understanding, inconsistent results.
Proficient: Reliable application, moderate success.
Small Success: Executes techniques with strong effect, minor flaws remain.
Great Success: Mastery in application, techniques work almost perfectly.
Ward-Perfect: Absolute control, flawless execution under stress, maximizing every drop of chakra.
Even with high chakra levels, a shinobi's effectiveness is limited if their proficiency is low. Conversely, a master of technique can accomplish remarkable feats with moderate chakra, provided they use it efficiently.
Summary:
Power, in this era, is a product of talent × chakra × proficiency. Raw strength alone is meaningless without control, endurance, and the ability to refine and apply chakra effectively. This principle governs every confrontation, every battle, and every strategic decision a shinobi makes.