[S] Ruler Spells

[Royal Taorito]

Storm Ruler

Storm Manipulation
Description: This control allows the Storm user to create varied amounts of black colored electricity. Electricity created by this technique has a static effect that can cause temporary numbness or even paralysis on contact. Not only can it take any form the user desires, but it can also be shifted around as if it were a part of their own body. It should be noted that one can only manipulate the electricity they themselves have made. Additionally, any electricity that is being freely manipulated is not very strong, and can be broken or blown away as if it were completely natural. Should be noted that techniques can be made smaller while retaining their rank.

Rank E: Very small amount of electricity [static shock]. Can cause tingling and discomfort at contact point. Effects lasts one [1] post.
Rank D: Small amounts of electricity. Can cause pain and numbness at contact point. Effects last one [1] post.
Rank C: Medium amounts of electricity [a series of arcing bolts]. Can cause pain and numbness throughout body, and stuns the opponent, reducing the number of activations they receive by [1]. Effects last one [1] post.
Rank B: Large amounts of electricity. Can cause pain, numbness, loss of control of limbs, and stuns the opponent, reducing the number of activations they receive by [1]. Affects anyone within five feet of contact. Effects last one [1] post.
Rank A: Very large amounts of electricity [lightning bolts]. Can cause pain, numbness, loss of control of limbs, and stuns the opponent, reducing the number of activations they receive by [1]. Affects anyone within five feet of contact. Effects last two [2] posts.
Rank S: Massive amounts of electricity [a storm]. Causes loss of consciousness at contact. Causes temporary paralysis to anyone within ten feet of contact. Paralysis lasts three [3] posts.

• Requires [5] parts of a paragraph to learn, and must be learned before proceeding to other techniques. Receives no reductions.
• The amount of electricity that can be created is limited to the user's experience rank limit [at E-rank can make up to C-rank, D-rank up to B-rank, etc.]
• Manipulated lightning lose any modifiers, and are beaten by techniques of the same rank, or one rank lower against wind.

Displacement of Light]
Rank: E | Strength: -- | Speed: --
Description: An add-on specifically for clones. The clone(s) will be encompassed by wobbling light patterns, which will cause it to appear to all but the user as either much larger or much smaller than it really is. Clones gain an E-rank dodge bonus for [3] posts.

Threatening
Rank: E | Strength: -- | Speed: --
Description: A basic Storm ability in which the user will slap an object and have a thunder sound emit from that spot. The noise is loud enough to overlap most other sounds for a brief moment. If used offensively, a slap within [3] meters of the opponent can cause temporary deafness, lasting [1] post.

Spark
Rank: D | Strength: -- | Speed: D
Description: The user either touches the opponent or throws a spark at them that does no more than tingle on contact. However, the opponent will find that lightning-based techniques are drawn toward them, making them harder to dodge. For [3] posts, all Lightning and Storm spells act as [1] rank higher in speed against the sparked opponent, and they lose any dodge bonuses.

Lightning Barrier
Rank: D | Strength: D | Speed: --
Description: While this spell only requires a single motion to cast, its rather taxing for the user. By quite literally venting Storm mana from the body the user creates an aura around them which, while no more then four inches in size, is filled with lightning. This forms an emergency shield of sorts to protect the user. Given its nature its ill advised to strike the user with hand to hand combat, as it will deliver a nasty shock, which can result in first degree burns and stun, which reduces the number of activations the opponent can make by one [1]. Can be maintained for half the original cost per post, and is dismissed by the seal.

Electric Blast
Rank: X | Strength: X-1 | Speed: X+1
Description: Functioning in a similar way to Lightning Barrier, the user makes a single motion and releases a surge of lightning. However, instead of creating an aura, the blast extends in a [b[[3] meter radius per rank around them, delivering a nasty shock to anyone in range. It is weak but has the potential to cause burns and even paralysis at higher ranks.

Chain Lightning
Rank: Passive | Strength: -- | Speed: --
Description: As the user grows stronger, they gain more control of their lightning. Once this training is complete, the user is able to chain their Storm and Lightning spells to [1] additional opponent within [5] meters, [1] time per post at no extra cost or activation. The chained technique functions as [1] rank lower in strength and speed against the additional opponent. Training takes [3] parts of a paragraph to learn. It can be retrained again when the user reaches B-rank to chain to [1] additional opponent at [2] ranks weaker. This second training takes [5] parts of a paragraph to learn.
• Requires C-rank experience to learn, and then B-rank to upgrade.

Rain Clouds
Rank: C | Strength: -- | Speed: --
Description: This spell condenses moisture in the air to form an overcast sky. It should be noted that this spell does not cover much area, about [30] meters, and after being performed it still takes roughly four [4] posts before the clouds form and break open. Only takes two [2] posts, if clouds are already present. Rain will last [10] posts once it starts, soaking all within range. Lightning-based spells act as [1] rank higher in strength against soaked opponents.

Lightning Grenade
Rank: X | Strength: X-1 | Speed: X+1
Description: A ball of lightning forms between the user's hands. With a simple throwing motion, the lightning ball is launched at an opponent. Upon contact, the ball will explode in a [1] meter radius per rank blast. The blast can cause up to second degree burns if struck directly, and cause stun or even paralysis to anyone within an addition [1] meter per rank beyond.

Light Fang
Rank: C | Strength: D | Speed: B
Description: The user gathers Storm mana into their mouth and fires off a sharp, thin stream of light. Due to the concentration, it is powerful enough to cut clean through flesh on contact, but the beam is smaller than an inch wide, requiring it to be well placed to do any lethal damage. However, it is very fast, making it difficult to dodge.

show spoilerhide spoiler

Denki Shihai [Electric Domination]
Rank: B
Strength: C
Speed: A
Description: This technique functions almost identically to Denki Bakuhatsu [Electric Blast] in that black lightning is released in a surge from the user by forming the ram seal. However, instead of a radial blast, the lightning is released in a straight line forward. The stream is approximately [3] meters wide and about [15] meters long. If caught directly by the stream, the opponent may suffer severe burns and temporary paralysis, lasting [2] posts.
Found In:

Reizaa Saakasu [Laser Circus]
Rank: B
Strength: C
Speed: A
Description: This technique creates up to [10] brilliant beams of black lightning that the user fires at the enemy. First, a halo of bright energy spreads around the user's hands as the technique is activated, then it encircles the user's hand. From that the beams are shot forward. The user is able to alter the beam's direction after being shot, making it possible to strike multiple enemies with pinpoint accuracy, even bypassing hostages held in close proximity. The more beams that are created, the weaker each individual beam is (all beams together equal the strength of the technique), but being hit by one is enough to deliver a nasty shock that stuns the opponent, causing them to lose [1] activation on their next post. The effect stack per beam the opponent is struck by, up to [1] full post of activations lost.
Found In:

Kurobansa [Black Panther]
Rank: A
Strength: A
Speed: A
Description: As the user performs the required hand signs, a substantial amount of black lightning gathers around their form. At the last seal, the user holds their hand forward and releases a mass of lightning in the shape of a panther-like beats to strike a desired target. The panther will then focus on the opponent for [3] posts or until dispersed. Because of the sheer size and intensity of the panther, contact with it can cause severe burns and numbness at the point of contact.
Found In:

Shougekiha [Shock Wave]
Rank: A
Strength: S
Speed: B
Description: Unlike most lightning-based techniques, this one is slower and easier to dodge, but incredibly devastating on contact. By creating a string of seals, the user creates a flat, vertical disk of black lightning in front of them. This disk is fired straight ahead, leaving a trail of destruction in a conical shape up to [10] meters from the user. Trees, walls, and barriers are fairly easily blown through and treated as full strength against such defenses. However, as the technique is not inherently designed for use on people, the damage dealt to organic targets is [1] rank lower, leaving it still powerful at A-rank but not nearly as devastating.
Found In:

Ryuuki Boufuuryuu [Rising Dragon Storm]
Rank: S
Strength: S
Speed: S
Description: The user takes aim with both hands, builds up chakra, and then releases a twisting torrent of black lightning at the target at an impressive speed. While twisting, the black lightning will separate and converge, as if dragons clashing during a fight. When the attack finally makes impact the lightning will cluster, swirl, and electrocute a [10] meter area. Then, just as the technique seems to come to an end, the user performs one last hand sign, causing the lightning to coil and spin in a miniature electrical tornado, pulling anything within [20] meters towards it. The dazzling display can cause horrible burns and is likely to knock out if not paralyze anyone caught within.
Found In:

Kishou Shousa [Weather Manipulation]
Rank: S/X [See below]
Strength: --
Speed: --
Description: The ultimate display of control, the user has learned to temporarily freely manipulate the weather around them. Regardless of the natural atmosphere, they can manifest many different weather effects, effectively turning them into powerful attacks or defenses. It should be noted that the area of effect is not limited to outside, as the user is able to isolate their abilities to relatively closed off areas while within them. The user displays a great level of control over the range and direction of their ability. The user is able to alter the weather of up to a [1] mile radius once every [5] posts for an S-rank cost. From there, an X-rank amount of chakra can be spent to manipulate the weather for both offensive and defensive purposes, like other manipulation techniques. Once the weather effect is created, it lasts for [5] posts before dissipating and returning to however it was previously. Requires [10] paragraphs to learn. Here are some effects:

• Rain: Once manifested, it could rain softly or fiercely, and could even be directed towards a single person. The rain itself seems to have an unusual effects on opponents, as it is able to drain them of their chakra and vitality, while seemingly making them sad as well. For an X-ranked cost, the user can summon varying sizes of very powerful, pressurized, water trenches to either block incoming attacks, restrain, or crush their opponents. They could even create huge water bubbles that attacks opponents with concussive force. Coming from many different directions, each of the attacks could manifest from anywhere within their vicinity, seemingly coming from thin air. The rain's drain is equal to a C-rank per post per victim.

• Snow: The user is able to turn a simple snowfall into a powerful blizzard, enabling them to near instantly freeze everything around them, including people. Requires a cold area, otherwise the snow will turn into rain. Anyone caught in this effect experiences cold-based hazards developing at double their normal rate.

• Lightning: The user can produce large bolts of purple lighting. The lightning could be directed from anywhere, to anywhere the enemy is, and in rapid succession. The lightning is always A-rank in speed, regardless of outside modifiers, but the strength is X-ranked. Should the lightning ever connect, it is powerful enough to instantly kill the target. However, if the user wills it, the lightning can completely obliterate the target, or only shock them.

• Wind: The user is able to fully manipulate the direction and intensity of wind by whistling. They can summon anything from a concentrated tornado, to several whirlwinds at an X-ranked cost. Each of these attacks have the offensive capabilities to slash and wound the intended target.

• Sunlight: The user could also make the sun shine brightly. There are no particular effects associated with this weather effect.

Found In:

 

[Royal Taorito]

Wood Ruler

Wood Manipulation
Description: This control allows the user to create and grow existing wood at a rapid rate, or pull it straight from the ground. Not only can it take any form the user desires, but it can also be shifted around as if it were free from the ground. It should be noted that one can also manipulate naturally occurring wood, so long as it matches the type(s) they are capable of using. Additionally, any wood that is being freely manipulated is not very strong, and can be broken or shattered as if it were completely natural. Should be noted that techniques can be made smaller while retaining their rank.
tab Rank E: Very small amounts of wood [bits of bark, twigs].
tab Rank D: Small amounts of wood [saplings, large sticks].
tab Rank C: Medium amounts of wood [young trees].
tab Rank B: Large amounts of wood [medium trees].
tab Rank A: Very large amounts of wood [large trees].
tab Rank S: Massive amounts of wood [ancient trees].
• Requires [5] parts of a paragraph to learn, and must be learned before proceeding to other techniques. Receives no reductions.
• Manipulated wood loses any modifiers, and is beaten by techniques of the same rank, or one rank lower against fire.

Woodcutting
Rank: E | Strength: -- | Speed: --
Description: A versatile spell where the user can produce sharp wooden spikes from their body to either fashion short-range weapons akin to a makeshift sword, or else use them as long-range projectiles, where the branches' growth can be triggered remotely, skewering the enemy as a result.

Wood Spike Ring
Rank: E | Strength: D | Speed: --
Description: The user creates a semi-circle of wood around a captured target, and then forms spikes within the ring, pointing at the target, preventing them from making any sudden movements.

Wood Clone
Rank: D | Strength: D | Speed: D
Description: A clone that is created by using mana to alter the user's own cells into vegetation. The clone is a physical clone and can therefore make physical attacks. It is also able to use any wood spells the user knows. Moreover, since the wood clone has the ability to merge with plants and trees, it is also great for reconnaissance missions. It can take physical damage up to one [1] rank higher, but is destroyed by fire. If a wood clone is changed into a seed and ingested into the body or left on a target, it can be used as a transmission device of sorts. The user can use these to track their target as the seeds respond to their mana.

Threefold Wooden Shield
Rank: D | Strength: D | Speed: --
Description: The user forms a shield of wood, which consists of three round parts out of their hand. The shield is very durable and can be removed and reconditioned any time the user wants to. The shield can take up to one rank higher in damage before it breaks, but is susceptible to fire.

Underground Roots
Rank: D | Strength: D | Speed: --
Description: The user can manipulate the terrain, bringing out underground roots of varying sizes to fit various offensive situations, such as using the roots for trickery, misdirection and restriction.

Tree Limb
Rank: C | Strength: C | Speed: C
Description: The user summons forth five thick tree roots from the ground. These roots can then be used to shelter, shield, or impale, depending on the user's whim. They have a range of about five [5] meters.

World of Trees
Rank: C | Strength: B | Speed: --
Description: The user creates countless wooden branches that grow at high speed from the ground. The wood interlaces to form a wide, net-like wall with an impressive defensive power. Susceptible to fire, but can take hits up to one [1] rank higher.

Smothering Binding
Rank: C | Strength: C | Speed: C
Description: By transforming their arm into a tree, the user can then create multiple branches which will rapidly grow around the target, immobilizing them. Susceptible to fire, but can take hits up to one [1] rank higher.

Wooden Transformation
Rank: C | Strength: D | Speed: --
Description: This spell is just like any other Transformation spell. The user performs the necessary casting, then wood emerges and covers his entire body. Once the spell is done, the user is able to disguise themselves as an entirely different person. Likewise, it gives a D-rank defensive bonus against physical attacks. It acts more like a costume than a transformation, as the user is able to leave it behind if necessary. They are also able to adjust their voice while using this technique.

show spoilerhide spoiler

Mokuton: Daijurin no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Great Forest Technique ]
Rank B
A technique that changes one's own arm into big trees. Using chakra, the tissues are transformed into trees at the cellular level. Then, by activating the trees, stimulating them to grow rapidly, they lengthen at high speed and fork into many branches. It is possible to capture the enemy with these branches and at the same time, if one changes the ends into sharp stakes, turn them into countless, sharp, spear-like piercing weapons. This technique has also been used to break through stone walls. When a small hole is found the tree will squeeze in the hole and grow into a square shape and increase the size of the hole so a human can pass through.

Mokuton: Shichūka no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Technique ]
Rank B
By sending chakra into the ground, the roots of the plants are converted into raw materials. This technique allows for a building to be constructed, by forcing accelerated growth. Just like with the Four-Pillar Prison Technique, the size and shape of the building are taken from the user's imagination or memories. By placing tags around the house, the user creates a barrier, making it impossible for the enemy to detect it and allowing the user to "camp" in peace.

Mokuton: Jubaku Eiso [ Wood Release: Tree Bind Flourishing Burial ]
Rank B
This technique lets the user summon a tree to slowly wrap and bind their opponent. This technique is relatively powerful and holds opponents much more gracefully, with less of a strain on the user, because the user sinks them into the ground. Afterwards, the user can enclose the opponent so that their body implodes. This technique requires some preparation as Yamato first had to crush the earth and then add water before this technique could be used. ( 1 post of preparation time needed )

Wood Release: Foo Dog Heads
Rank B
A technique used to absorb a tailed beast's chakra. The user produces the "sit" (座, suwaru) kanji on their palm and creates a series of wooden pillars, which are engraved with what resemble foo dog faces and have lit wicks on top of them. When the user slams their palm on the ground, the wooden statues rush towards the target and absorbs its chakra. ( Deactivates demonic chakra & tailed beast chakra not being emitted from the original owner, and absorbs it as normal chakra for the user to use )

Wood Release: Stocks
Rank B
Yamato uses wooden stocks to suppress the targets chakra with his Wood Release. There are also two candle-like appendages on each end of the device similar to the technique Yamato used during Naruto's training. (Foo Dog Heads) In the anime, the stocks were illustrated with metal rings. ( Prevents B-ranked and under chakra usage while in the stocks )

Mokuton: Jukai Kōtan [ Wood Release: Nativity of a Sea of Trees ]
Rank A
Mokuton • Jukai Koutan is a Ninjutsu technique used by Yamato which uses the Wood Element. After doing the needed hand seals, a small woodland will grow from the ground. The size of the forest is dependent on how much Chakra is used. E-rank usage may only create a few small saplings, but an A-rank usage will create tens of adult trees.

Mokuton: Renchūka no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Technique ]
Rank A
A larger scaled version of the Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Technique where instead of creating a single house, Yamato creates multiple houses at once. Because of the sheer volume of structures created with this technique, it appears to exhaust him rather quickly. It should be noted that in the anime, these constructs emerged fully painted and with glass windows. ( In essence, this is the Tajū version of Mokuton: Shichūka no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Four-Pillar House Technique ] )

Mokusatsu Shibari no Jutsu [ Smothering Binding Technique ]
Rank A
This technique is similar to the Wood Release: Great Forest Technique, as it also transforms the user's arm into several wood tendrils which can be used to capture and restrain an enemy. This technique can be made large enough to capture a giant enemies or a mass of normal sized ones.

Shichuurou no Jutsu [ Four Pillar Prison Technique ]
Rank A
The user converts chakra into timber under the ground and makes it grow rapidly, while forming it into a wooden prison. The size of the prison is based on the user's imagination. From an insect cage to a great prison, one can make it into whatever they want by regulating the amount of chakra used. The timber itself is treated with a chakra coating, making its destruction extremely difficult. During war, it has the great ability to detain prisoners, but it can also be used as a disciplinary measure for quarrelling subordinates. Parts of the prison can extend into the interior to serve as additional shackles to bind prisoners, and sealing tags can be placed onto the prison, which, when removed, caused the prison to disappear similar to recalling a summon, for later use.

Mokuton: Mokujōheki [ Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall ]
Rank A
An extremely versatile move, this technique uses chakra to activate the roots in the ground and, using the user of the technique as a reference point, makes wooden pillars appear from left and right. The wooden pillars join together in a dome-shape with the user at the center. This process can be used to catch the enemy in a double sided attack. Also, in case one confronts the enemy at a short distance, the enemy can be locked up inside the dome, setting the situation for a one-on-one fight. This dome can also be collapsed or burnt with the enemy inside to inflict damage. Furthermore, it functions as an easy shelter against the enemy's long-distance attacks, like shuriken and kunai. When Yamato used this technique in Naruto 5: Blood Prison, he formed the dome around Naruto for protection, instead of using himself as the reference point. ( Blocks all projectile-based, non-Katon Ninjutsu A-ranked and below )

Mokuton: Mokuryū no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique ]
Rank A
After performing the required hand seals, the user creates a gigantic wooden dragon from any surface, which is then directed to attack an intended target. Its shape closely resembles a Chinese dragon, though with a short trunk-like nose, having an elongated and serpentine body, which can be used to constrict larger opponents. It also has the ability to absorb a tailed beast's chakra once it is bound. The dragon created by this technique resembles a creature predominantly seen in Hindu mythology known as the Makara. Over time, the myth surrounding this creature has spread throughout most of Asia, and in Chinese renditions of the creature it most resembles this one: a dragon with an elephant's trunk. If being used from the bark of the God Tree, this technique's name becomes 'Inukai Takeru no Mikoto'. ( Requires Sage Mode to be activated, but does not draw from the Senjutsu Chakra pool unless directed. )

Tajū Mokuton Bunshin no Jutsu [ Multiple Wood Release Clone Technique ]
Rank A
This technique is essentially a mass version of the Wood Clone Technique wherein the user forms the clone-oriented hand seal and then, using the pre-existing vegetation in the immediate vicinity as a medium, creates a large number of wood clones.

Hokage-Shiki Jijun Jutsu — Kakuan Nitten Suishu [ Hokage-Style Sixty-Year-Old Technique — Enclosed Hermitage Entering Society with Bliss-Bringing Hands ]
Rank A
This technique utilizes the power of the Wood Release to forcibly suppress a tailed beast's chakra. To invoke this technique, it is necessary for the user or a jinchūriki to be in the possession of the Crystal Gem (結晶石, kesshōseki) that responds to the First Hokage's chakra. The user produces the "sit" (座, suwaru) kanji in his palm, and by touching the tailed beast, or its host, with their hand, the user suppresses the chakra inside an area lined with ten pillars. When Hashirama used it on a tailed beast directly, rather than a jinchūriki, he circumvented the use of the pillars and channeled the tailed beast control through his Wood Release: Wood Human Technique.


Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan [ Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees ]
Rank S
A technique developed by Hashirama Senju, founder of Konohagakure, the user forces trees to grow on any surface, easily creating a dense forest anywhere they choose. A small plant can grow into a forest in an instant.[2] By generating chakra, the user manoeuvers it as they see fit for attack and defense; and furthermore, this omnipotent technique even allows them to capture the enemy at the same time. With their tremendous life force, the trees can pierce through earthen walls, and extend their branches at their prey in an instant. Even stating that Konohagakure wouldn't have been established without this technique wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Mokuton: Mokujin no Jutsu [ Wood Release: Wood Human Technique ]
Rank S
After forming the required hand seals, the user creates a large statue-like creature out of wood, which is strong enough to catch an uncompressed Tailed Beast Ball fired by the Nine-Tails.

Mokuton: Hōbi no Jutsu [ Wood Style: Wood Expulsion Jutsu ]
Rank S+
Using Wood Release, the user creates a dome-like defensive structure that completely surrounds which takes the form of a dragon's face. This defense is split down the middle and can be opened on the user's command. It is strong enough to withstand the destructive force of a Tailed Beast Ball. ( Blocks all projectile-based, non-Katon Ninjutsu S+ranked and below )

Chōjō Kebutsu [ Top Transformed Buddha ]
Rank S+
After creating a gigantic wooden statue that possesses thousands of hands, Hashirama utilises all of these hands simultaneously to deliver thousands of powerful blows to a target. Due to the sheer volume of the punches involved, defending against the entirety of them is nearly impossible. These punches are of such magnitude that they were able to completely destroy Madara Uchiha's final Susanoo, strip it off the Nine-Tails, while at the same time create a massive crater which later became known as the Valley of the End despite the fact the overall damage of this technique had been weakened by Madara shortly before it landed on Kurama. ( Requires this technique to be active: Senpō: Mokuton: Shin Sūsenju [ Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands ] )

Mokuton: Hotei no Jutsu [ Wood Style: Laughing Buddha Jutsu ]
Rank S
After performing the required hand seals, the user creates a number of gigantic wooden hands that erupt upward from beneath the ground, which encircle and then attempt to restrain a chosen enemy. The size of each of these hands is around the size of a tailed beast. ( Must be in Sage Mode to use )

Senpō: Mokuton: Shin Sūsenju [ Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands ]
Rank S+
After entering Sage Mode, Hashirama creates a wooden statue of titanic proportions, easily able to dwarf a tailed beast like Kurama. Thousands of hands emanate from the statue's back in countless concentric rows, while its two main hands are clasped as if in prayer. The statue can serve a variety of purposes in battle from fighting on Hashirama's behalf, to defending and even using other techniques with it. ( Must be in Sage Mode to use )

Mokuton: Kajukai Kōrin [ Wood Release: Advent of a World of Flowering Trees ]
Rank S+
Taking advantage of the innate properties of Wood Release which allows the user to force trees to grow on any surface in an instant, the user creates a dense forest of flowering trees. The pollen produced by these flowers is then released into the atmosphere and when inhaled, renders any afflicted target unconscious. With enough willpower, it is possible to regain consciousness. However, in order to counter the technique fully, either the trees themselves must be destroyed completely or the target must continue to remain elevated above the dispersed pollen. ( Requires this technique to be known prior to learning: Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan [ Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees ] ) ( Must be in Sage Mode to use )

 

[Royal Taorito]

--