Ok, I haven't actually sat down and counted every characters awakening duration but this is what I've found out:
1 count = 2 seconds
99 counts = 198 seconds
"Do certain actions help increase or decrease awakening durations?"
-No.
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Awakening levels:-------
Level 1- When you are able to awaken the moment you get to the orange bar. Normally it's for characters with the generic stats up A-mode.
Characters: Kakashi, Karin, Kiba, Yamato, Pain, Ten-ten, Hidan, Sai, Kabuto, Ino,
Konan, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Sakura, Shino, Kabuto and Lars.
Health: 50%
Strength: Generic
Duration: Around 15 counts = 30 seconds
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Level 2- These are a bit better than a stats up A-mode.
Characters:
Deidara, Gaara,
Choji, Chiyo, Taka Sasuke, Asuma, Kisame,
Minato, Neji, Hinata, Temari,
Tobi and Suigetsu.
Health: 45%
Strength: Below Average
Duration: Around 15 counts = 30 seconds
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Level 3- These are stronger...
Characters: Lee, Sasori, Kakuzu and Jiraiya.
Health: 40%
Strength: average
Duration: Around 13 counts = 26 seconds
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Level 4- These are dangerous...
Characters: Guy, Naruto(WS/9T), SM, Sasuke (kirin/spear) and Juugo.
Health: 35%
Strength: Above average
Duration: Around 13 counts = 26 seconds
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Level 5- Thee strongest!
Characters: Itachi, Killer Bee and Kankurou.
Health: 30%
Strength: Advanced
Duration: Around 12 counts = 24 seconds
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The time keeps going through the awakening cut scene so that's why the counts info are just an approximate.
***You're obviously not going to count during your match so I recommend you to pay attention to the 3 chakra flames next to the awakening icon. When there is 1 left and the icon is rapidly blinking red, try to position yourself to your advantage and get ready for the cool down mode.***
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Cool down mode- When you get stats down and a dark color after awakening.
Duration- 15 counts = 30 seconds
Characters- All.
After cool down mode you recover the awakening icon.
Sakura's up item restores awakening.
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Duration Exceptions:1. Konan- 13 counts = 26 seconds
2. Deidara- 13 counts = 26 seconds
3. Choji- 10 counts = 20 seconds!
4. Tobi- 16 counts = 32 seconds
5. Minato- 16 counts = 32 seconds