All shinobi regardless of their origin can make use of elements and specializations to augment their combative power. They can hone their elements and specializations through training which allows the shinobi to use them to elevate themselves to new levels. Some shinobi decide to specialize themselves in only a few specializations and elements while others want to explore all possible avenues.


Specializations
At creation a shinobi has 7 ranks to distribute (this can be influenced by clans or special characteristics). A shinobi is able to train up 20 ranks worth of specializations and may distribute this in anyway they please (every rank counts as 1 rank). This limit may be increased through clans, special characteristics or event reward to a maximum of 25. As an example: it’s possible to train 6 of your specializations up to B-rank and their 7th up to C-rank or one could choose to specialize only a couple of things, train 3 of their specializations up to Legendary rank and a fourth to C-rank.


Elements
Elements are a little bit different however. Honing elements is incredibly more difficult than honing ones specializations and therefor most shinobi are only capable of having 3 elements at their disposal and in really rare cases 4, such as Kekkei Tōta. Further these elements aren’t all immediately unlocked either. A shinobi is only capable of knowing 2 elements at creation, between these two elements they may distribute 7 ranks in whichever way they desire. An example is one element at A-rank and the other at B-rank. When a shinobi reaches B-rank it’s possible for a shinobi to learn their 3rd element. All elements may be trained up to Legendary rank.


Affinity
Every shinobi has an affinity towards one of their elements and specializations, this is the shinobi's primary element/specialization. This affinity means that the shinobi gets a 10% ryo reduction towards any technique that uses this element or specialization (they do not stack with each other). Additionally this reduction doesn't count towards the normal training reduction cap (which is 70%), however, this can't exceed a total reduction of 90%.


Training Costs for Specializations and Elements.
Nothing – D-rank: 375 ryo
D rank – C-rank: 375 ryo
C rank – B-rank: 500 ryo
B rank – A-rank: 750 ryo
A rank – S-rank: 1000 ryo
S rank – Legendary: 1500 ryo


Senjutsu
Senjutsu, unlike other specializations, requires enormous dedication and is subject to its own Word Count requirements.
Nothing – D-rank: 1250 ryo
D rank – C-rank: 1500 ryo
C rank – B-rank: 1750 ryo
B rank – A-rank: 2000 ryo
A rank – S-rank: 2250 ryo
S rank – Legendary: 2500 ryo


How to (un)learn/train a Specialization / Element
To learn or train your specialization or element is quite simple. Make an appropriate training thread in the proper section here. Once you’ve posted your training in your thread make a request here so that a moderator will know to check it out. For unlearning a specialization or element it’s the same process, simply state in the thread you don’t want to know that specialization or element anymore and make a request. Removing one of the two and replacing them with the new desired thing can be done in the same request.


Notes:

1. All passive training and ryo word counts from Perks / Event Prizes / KKG / SC's / items etc  have a maximum discount rate of 70% which cannot be exceeded.
   
2. Any techniques or items that you may have gained with your old specialization / elements can remain in your possession, but cannot be used unless you obtain the spec / element required again.