The Itazura clan started off as a single family of warriors who served a kingdom long forgotten. The family was well known for being very capable fighters. The family grew into many families and the kingdom they served crumbled. When their kingdom fell the Itazura had become large enough to be called a clan and held a size-able bit of land in current day Soragakure complete with a stronghold. The Itazura clan was lead by a man named Yagamichi Itazura who sold his clans power as mercenaries while constantly fighting with other nearby and nomadic clans. Although they didn't use the term nor did he have absolute say in the clan modern Itazura consider him to be the first clan leader. During Yagamichi's reign the Itazura became rich and powerful and had snuffed out or absorbed many clans.

But after his death the clan was divided and often acted alone rather than as a group. They were almost destroyed by a longtime rival clan during what is normally just a small raid to harass the enemy. But half the clan was out trying to make their own fortune and no one was on guard as they expected the other families to do it for them. They had reached a level of arrogance were they believed themselves more capable then any threat. The raiding party made its way unnoticed into their stronghold set traps while one member went back to get reinforcements. They nearly leveled the place and jumped the surprised Itazura beating them far into the edge of their stronghold. They were surprised and many of their members were injured or died in the explosions. Instead of coming together to fight them united they chose to charge the invaders. Which made them easy prey for the raiding Nins traps and those that did make it through we're faced with a cohesive and united enemy and were easily defeated. The surviving members were on the verge of retreat when a talented kunoichi named Tenma Itazura rallied them and drove of the raiders. When the reinforcements came they were faced with a united enemy determined to hold their lands. They tried testing the Itazuras resolve by sending a few waves at them but they were quickly cut down. The enemy clan did not come to fight a long bloody battle and saw little to gain in engaging in one. They frustratedly turned back to their own clan. The Itazura made Tenma there clan leader right after the battle. They had learned a great lesson in humility and no longer looked at personal power and riches as the way to greatness. But family, selflessness, wisdom, and loyalty above all else is what makes humans "Truly Great." Tenma established many rites to ensure loyalty and created the clans pledge. "To be or to become truly great." During her reign as clan leader the clan lost some of it aggressiveness and became more peaceful. There was little growth during Tenmas reign but the Itazura were no longer interested in conquest. She will always be remembered as the savior of the clan and the person responsible for instilling the clan with honor.

Tenma was succeeded by Kenshin Itazura the most famous clan leader of all. Early in Kenshins career as clan leader he was faced with powerful and aggressive clans on all sides of the Itazura. Kenshin fought many more battles than he wanted to. He devised a plan and enlisted the help of the Itazuras most prominent employers who happily agreed to help because the less problems the Itazura had the more ninja they could give them. They gave a high number false contracts that promised huge payouts to the clans north of the Itazura. The contracts took many of the northern clans strongest ninjas out of their clans and lead them into traps that killed just about everyone of them. Right after this the Itazura lead a army of samurai who sold their swords funded by the Itazuras employers. The Itazura sabotaged their enemies while the samurai fought them head on. Afterwards the Itazura occupied the lands north of them receiving a fortune from their enemies stash of treasure and paid back their employers. After this the Itazura's position was guaranteed safety no longer would clans risk open war with the Itazura. When Kenshin became middle aged several of the clans that could rival the Itazura came together to create peace and a united front against the village of Donzogakure. Kenshin and the rest of the Itazura were eager to establish peace and accepted and agreed to the terms. Kenshin believed in the man the Noble clans, as they were now called, nominated to be the first Sokage as they shared very similar ideas and morals. The Itazura turned their stronghold into the Itazura compound and began helping and funding the creation of the village. Kenshin happy with the direction the Sokage was leading the village spent years to create a Jutsu that symbolized his and his clans loyalty to the village. The Great Shadow symbolized the Itazura's pledge to be with the village always. Kenshin gained the nickname The Modest Truth after defeating an entire army with his Purest Shadow technique when the village was under attack by multiple clans. Thanks to him protecting a side of the village by himself it allowed the village to focus its attention else where. He was unfortunately killed in the battle however.

After Kenshins reign the Itazura clan split into two groups one militant and the other financial. This system was created by the new clan leader who recognized some of the clans want to lead normal lives and saw a chance to capitalize on developing the young village. The Itazura gained a reputation as the most loyal and one of the most successful clans in Sora under this leaders reign. From this time to to the present the Itazura clan became known as one of the most powerful among the noble clans in Soragakure. The Itazura clan are looked upon as leaders in Soragakure always involved in politics and the defense of Soragakure. The Itazura clan is renowned for producing Ninjutsu users of the highest caliber which is why they are called "The clan who walk the path of destruction." The Itazura clan has played an extremely active role in every war Soragakure has taken apart in. The Itazura clans ninja also boasts Soragakure's longest standing 90% mission success rate for decades making the Itazura clan shinobi statistically the most efficient in Soragakure. This has led many people who come to Sora for assistance to ask specifically for cells made up of entirely Itazura ninja. There are many rites in the Itazura clan failure to complete a rite will result in the clan halting your progress as a ninja until you become stronger. The Itazura clan is most famous for a jutsu created by Kaizens great great grandfather Kenshin Itazura aka "The modest truth". He created "The Great Shadow Technique" Which is taught to every Itazura shinobi. The Itazura clan is not just known for its ninja they are just one side of the clan. The Itazura is also a great merchant clan as well ranging from the shipping of goods to real estate they make up a large portion of Soragakures total income. There is not much left to tell about the Itazura they are a powerful and rich clan. Their current leader is Ryuu Itazura grandson of the Modest Truth.

Name:Great Shadow Technique
Rank:C-A
Range:Immediate 5ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part use it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:C rank level. The user manipulates their chakra into their shadow to animate it. Once animated the shadow will rise and cover the user. The shadow will fight on its own when the user engages an enemy and will deflect minor attacks on its own such as punches and weapons incoming. The user now has the ability to use the Itazuras other techniques. B Rank Level. At this level the shadow may perform any C rank level jutsu the user knows however it is limited to using only three attacks per battle. The user may now use all great shadow techniques without the use of handsigns so long as their health and chakra reserves are not low. A rank level. The user gains the ability animate their shadow to leave their body for three posts. The shadow can't be destroyed as it is intangible it can however be sealed. The user while not having the Great Shadow on may perform the handsigns necessary for any Great Shadow technique and their shadow will appear and the Jutsu will take effect immediately. Skipping the need to activate their Great Shadow technique then use the Jutsu they want, although it is still preferable to have Great Shadow active before hand as performing the technique you want will be faster.

Name:Shadow Absorb Passive
Rank:D
Range:20ft
Exclusive to:No on but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user has the ability to animate shadows outside their body and add them to their own including the shadow of a person. By doing this the shadow may grow an extra ten feet as well as increasing the Great Shadows strength by 10%

Name:Shadow tentacles
Rank:C
Range:15ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user manipulates their shadow to branch out into eight tentacle like forms that can lash out and block attacks. Getting hit with a tentacle is the equivalent of being hit with a bat. Can be used in conjunction with Shadow Stretch to increase its range to far. If the user is aware of the B rank abilities of the great shadow they can absorb other shadows increasing their tentacles power. The tentacles when first formed can reach up to 15ft when combined with shadow stretch their range increase to 25. Shadow absorb does not increase range but increase the thickness so the tentacles and bumps their power from C to B.

Name:Shadow Catapult
Rank:C
Range:50ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user molds the top of their shadow into a spoon like state and load anything inside from a rock, kunai, a Jutsu if possible, and even a person. At your shadows regular size range is limited to 50ft however when used after absorbing other shadows range can be increased to 80ft. (No longer safe for people to be thrown.) And when used with Shadow Stretch to increase the height of your catapult and giving it much more room to be brought down you increase it's range even further. When first formed it goes up ten feet in the air and bends all the way down to the earth. When combined with Shadow Stretch the range is increased by 10ft.

Name:Shadow Jump
Rank:C
Range:10ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user may jump in and out of shadows on the battlefield. Even exploiting their enemies shadows and coming out behind or under them. Can only be used three times per thread. If your understanding of the great shadow is only C rank you are limited to only one jump, B rank knowledge of the technique gives you two, and a mastery of the Great Shadow grants you three jumps. However each jump increases the rank of the jutsu

Name:Shadow Stretch Passive
Rank:E
Range:15ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user has the ability to stretch their shadow to reach enemies farther away. Kaizen uses this technique in combination with Shadow Jump to increase his attacks momentum. 15ft maximum increase.

Name:Shadow Blast
Rank:B-A
Range:30ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:B rank level. The user animates their shadow and fills it with chakra and sends it flying towards their enemy. This attack can't be blocked as it will phase through objects so you must dodge. However when passing through Suiton it losses momentum thanks to the refracting of the shadow. A rank level. The user has the ability to animate shadows outside their body filling them with chakra to send at the enemy. May only animate shadows in front of their opponent. With an A rank Great Shadow the user may animate shadows all around their opponent.(note that you will not be able to animate the shadow of a living thing while using this technique) The explosion from this technique is five feet and you may only control twenty shadows at once. The max range is 30ft.

Name:Shadow Shell
Rank:B
Range:Self
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinty:None
Description:The user molds their shadow into a ball that covers their body protecting them from all attacks C rank and lower. The user can stay inside the ball for three post but they will be stationary the entire time. It takes two B rank attacks to break the shell. A rank attacks can break the shell but will be reduced by two ranks. When used in conjunction with shadow stretch the ball can hold up to three people. Even if you combined it with absorbing other shadows three is the limit to make sure there is enough chakra all around to keep you safe from attacks. S and SS rank attacks completely destroy the shadow.

Name:Shades
Rank:B
Range:N/A
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:
Description:The user animates shadows beyond their body that take on the shape of their favorite animal. The user can use Shadow Stretch to increase their Shades size and power. (Can't use shadow absorb to increase size as ability only works on Great Shadow) The user can only control five shadows and can have one alpha or pack leader who is bigger and stronger than the rest. This pack leader will also have the ability to use all C rank shadow techniques aside from Great Shadow. Note these Shades do not posses the great shadows intangible effect and can be destroyed. Shades will crumble if they move 20 meters away from user. Shades power corresponds to users Ninjutsu level but will never be as strong as the user.

Name:Shadow Fire/Water/Lightning Spear
Rank:A
Range:20ft
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user gains the ability to add their main element to their shadow through some handsigns and project it out as a spear. The regular spear has the ability to break rocks and mid size trees with ease. Since the spear comes directly from the Great Shadow it can can be controlled and manipulated just by thinking about it. You can change the spears course for an extra cost of chakra and bend it, shrink it. This ability loses its intangible effect by having elemental chakra mixed in with it however the chakra is necessary to sustain the spear outside the Great Shadows body. If the user had absorbed the shadows around then the spear will be bigger and stronger able to crush large trees and rocks. Used with Shadow Stretch the user can make it extend it to get opponents out of its reach. The spear is 10ft long.

Name:Shadow Shell Shock
Rank:A
Range:Self
Exclusive to No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user molds their shadow into a ball that covers their body protecting the from all attacks B rank and lower. The user can stay inside the ball for two post and will have the ability to role the ball for movement. It takes two A rank attacks to break the shell the second attack will not only break the shell but deal damage to the user reduced by two ranks. S rank attacks can break the shell but will be reduced by one rank SS ranks will hit with full force. When used in conjunction with shadow stretch the ball can hold up to three people. Even if you combined it with absorbing other shadows three is the limit to make sure there is enough chakra all around to keep you safe from attacks. This new shell has the ability to protrude spikes to roll over enemies and impale them.

Name:Shades Shadow Demon Army
Rank:A
Range:N/A
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user animates shadows beyond their body that take on the shape of their favorite animal. The user can use Shadow Stretch to increase their Shades size and power. (Can't use shadow absorb to increase size as ability only works on Great Shadow) The user can only control five shadows and can have one alpha or pack leader who is bigger and stronger than the rest. All Shades have the ability to use all C rank shadow techniques aside from Great Shadow and Shadow Jump. The alpha will gain the ability to shoot the users main element from its mouth aswell. Note these Shades do not posses the great shadows intangible effect and can be destroyed. All shades can be destroyed by one hit except for the alpha and all Shades are Chuunin level skill when it comes to speed and strength. Alpha will be destroyed by two hits. Shades will crumble if they stray 20 meters away from user.

Name:Dark Angel
Rank:S
Range:N/A
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:This is the Shadow Shell at its strongest this Jutsu is one of the main reasons the Great Shadow Technique is so revered and feared. The user molds his chakra into a suit of sorts and wraps it around their body. This armor like your shadow is completely unique to every person and can look like anything as long as its humanoid and when using this technique the user sprouts dark wings. The wings are not feathery but have eight spikes on both wings. The user can use Shadow Stretch to make the spikes launch out and pierce opponents. The user is also able to take to the sky when four of the lower spikes from each wing stretch to the ground and lift the user up. The user becomes much stronger and can shave damage like Shadow Shell the original. Using absorb the users body can grow to nine feet tall. While it can make limbs grow to huge sizes but only one limb at a time. The user will also wield a 12ft long scythe that looks unique to each user. The scythe is made by using the ability to manipulate the size of the shadow to make the blade extremely thin and it becomes unfathomably sharp able to cut threw boulders like butter. By using Shadow Stretch the user can elongate the scythe to catch far enemies (15ft long max). The user can use any Jutsu as long as its related to the Great Shadow anything else can't be used. Scythe blade is determined by Ninjutsu strength. 4 posts is the safety limit of this jutsu. After six your body will be extremely fatigued and your muscles will deteriorate. Once this jutsu is over you will fall unconscious(300 word recovery topic). Max limit is eight but after six posts your character will die.

Name:Great Shadow Pure
Rank:SS
Range:N/A
Exclusive to:No one but the Itazura clan for the most part uses it exclusively
Element Affinity:None
Description:The user creates their Great Shadow and has it rise up from their body. This Shadow is a projection of who you truly are as the face part of the shadow continuously changes if at heart your a care taker it will change into a small version of of you helping children the wounded and the sick. This shadow possess super human strength and has eight arms four on each side and is capable of performing four C rank Justus at one time. Most Taijutsu will be deflected unless its of A rank caliber or to fast for the shadow to deflect. This shadow does not have the ability to absorb shadows to increase its power it can however be used with Shadow Stretch to increase its range. This shadow can perform any C rank Jutsu the user knows. Up to eight per thread. This shadow can leave the users body for up to five posts and attack the users enemies. This shadow can't be destroyed but it can be sealed. In this form the users shadow gains the ability to speak although the Great Shadow once animated gains consciousness even at its basic form. This shadow when speaking will speak with the personality the user truly has. This may sound different from the users normal speech as many personality traits are learned and are not the ones that truly define a person. The shadow when directly asked a question must answer it and will only answer truthfully which is how Kenshin gained the name the Modest Truth.