Hi all, came across tons of possible lineups for Water Main/Azure Fang while researching for myself and thought it might be nice to create a thread compiling them. Feel free to contribute any other formations so that we can reduce the amount of unnecessary [Lineup] request posts. I will start with a review of some of the most ‘cl*ic’ ones.

Disclaimer: I didn't come up with any of these formations.

[Curse Seal Era]

1) Kimimaro, Sakon/Ukon, Jugo, Azure Fang

Some attribute this as the first strategic Water Main team (apart from the extremely flexible Team 7 which is compatible with all mains). Not only are all these ninjas F2P i.e. can be upgraded to 5 stars, their mystery attacks are all AOE-based. Basically, this formation works by stacking poison debuffs (back when it was possible to have unlimited stacking compared to the current 4 layers) and waiting out till all the enemies die off. A complete combo will also result in ignition which provides additional debuff damage. If all goes well, the match should end in 3 rounds.

Dosu: Though I'm questioning the choice to leave Ukon/Sakon exposed like that thanks to their low HP pool.

[Pigs-Rearing Era]

2) Choza, Kurenai, Kabuto, Azure Fang

This formation depends on Kurenai, Kabuto and AF keeping Choza tanky/alive with their shields and heals who will then inflict poison debuffs with his attacks. With enough luck, Choza’s mystery attack is enough to kill off most enemies on the field after 4 rounds of stacking. Alternatively if you have non F2P ninjas like Sailor Sakura, you can try a more ‘complete’ pig(s) rearing formation such as the one below that grants more attack power.

3) Choza, GNW Choji, AF, Sailor Sakura

[Pain Treasure Era]

4) GNW Kiba, Konan, Azure Fang, Chikushodo

The advent of Pain ninjas could be seen as heralding the first 'peak' for Water Main players. Like the above two/three formations, this team works mainly via poisoning the enemies to death. What distinguishes this quartet however is how Kiba and Chikushodo’s multiple target chases allow for quick and easy poison stacking. Also, Akamaru and Chikushodo's summon provide some very hefty defences against incoming attacks. Finally, all ninjas can be obtained free of charge from daily sign-ins and shops. If you have * Sasuke, he can replace GNW Kiba and provides more buffs for the team.

[Kage Treasure Era]

This could be seen as the second peak for Water Main players. Not only is Mei one of the most hard-hitting characters introduced (p*ive barrier, poison, ignition, enhanced damage to males), she has high synergy with many other ninjas as well.

5) Mabui, GNW Ten Ten, Mei Terumi, Azure Fang

On the first round, GNW Ten Ten should be able to unleash her mystery after Mabui's p*ive is activated, Mei causing damage and poison with her fog barrier and Main’s Clone acupuncturing and initiating combo. On the second round,Mabui should release her mystery, Main to heal if necessary and finally Mei to wreck havoc with her mystery. Most enemies should be dead/near death by the third round so clear them up with Ten Ten's mystery once more. Repeat if needed.However, this formation depends quite heavily on Mabui’s p*ive so if she is immobilised or dead before she could recover chakra for the team, the above strategy is basically nulled.

6) Chojoro, Ao, Mei, Azure Fang

With Mei’s barrier activated, Chojuro’s attack agains a huge boost and can hammer down teams rather easily with his two standard attacks which hit the entire front row. Ao’s acupuncture also helps to control rather troublesome teams although this depends on whether he is fast enough to do so before the opposing team strikes. The advent of Roshi and his barrier-breaking mystery however severely diminishes the effectiveness of this formation, hence the need for high initiative for both Chojoro and Ao.