In the world of Naruto there are 5 elements. Ninjas normally exhibit an affinity for using one or more elements. This seems to be genetic (as the Uchiha tended towards having an affinity for fire) but anomalies occur. When you make your character you will be given one affinity (allowing you to use techniques of that element) and you can train a second one when you become a Chunin and an advanced one when you become a Jounin.
Fire natured chakra allows for Fire Release ("Katon"), which is strong against Wind but weak against Water.
Water natured chakra allows for Water Release ("Suiton"), which is strong against Fire but weak against Earth. These techniques are diverse and powerful, but generally require a source of water to create.
Wind natured chakra allows for Wind Release ("Fūton"), which is strong against Lightning but weak against Fire. These techniques are "sharp" and often allow the user to aggressively "cut" the opponent down to size! They often hit in an area and can be effective as part of combos!
Lightning natured chakra allows for Lightning Release ("Raiton"), which is strong against Earth but weak against Wind. These techniques are probably the most high damaging. There are not a lot of low ranked techniques, but strong higher rank techniques. They are normally chakra intense and only last a brief instant.
Earth natured chakra allows for Earth Release ("Doton"), which is strong against Water but weak against Lightning. They are almost never directly offensive. They make great tools for defense and set ups. Their techniques tend to persist longer than other techniques.
