Nominally Ninja

The Village Hidden by the Leaves, also called 'The Village of the Dancing Leaves' gained its name due to the massive and plentiful forest that encircles and completely conceals the village to outsiders. A traveler could pass very near to the village and still not spot anything of the village due to the density of the leaves in the forest surrounding Konohagakure. While the village is built into the base of a mountain, it is a small mountain, like many others in the Land of Fire. From a distance, the faces carved into the mountain are beneath forest level. Around the village is a tall, wood-and-stone fence that forces all travel in and outside the village through one large gate. The characters for 'a' and 'n' are painted on the outside of the gate, to symbolize the original intention of the village as a peaceful retreat for shinobi looking for an end to conflict. The buildings of the village are almost exclusively one and two stories, built primarily out of wood. Conical yellow rooftops on some of the buildings rise above the other buildings, and in some cases above the gates, but usually serve no purpose beyond their aesthetic value.

Due to the large civilian population within the village, Konohagakure is among the most technological of the current shinobi villages, and various power lines can be seen tracing the entire village back and forth, providing power to each building, as well as plentiful billboards and signs advertising goods and events hosted by and for the civilian population. The power plant for the village is hidden a short distance from the village under heavy security. The Hokage Residence, where each currently reigning Hokage lives, is the second largest building in the village next to the Academy, situated at the base of the mountain. The administrative office of the Hokage is located inside the Academy, within a tall red building with the character for 'Fire' printed on it.

The Hokage is often seen as a paternal figure to the village, and the people of Konohagakure strongly believe in the 'will of fire', that love is the cornerstone of power, and the shinobi of the village are fanatically dedicated to the concept that the village is their true family unit and must be protected out of love for it.

D-Ranks

Known for being genin missions, in Konoha they are never truly dangerous, being tasks around the village that largely consist of errands, such as babysitting, weeding, cat chasing, or painting fences.

Pay for these missions is between 5,000 and 50,000 Ryo.

C-Ranks

These missions are given to both genin and chunin and are a step up from D-ranks in that they contain, much of the time, a mission outside the bounds of the village. This isn't always the case, however, as gate duty can be classed as a C-rank if the village is not on high alert. Missions in this category have a chance of battle, be it with animals or people. Guard duty, investigations, and handling wild animals all fall under this category.

Pay for these missions is between 30,000 and 100,000 Ryo.

B-Ranks

These missions are almost exclusively given to chunin, though jounin can take these missions if they so choose. Often combat is anticipated, and this is the lowest rank at which a shinobi is expected to have to possibly kill people and the one at which any enemy ninja would bring it up to. Missions in this category involve guard duty, espionage, and the killing of other shinobi.

Pay for these missions is between 100,000 and 200,000 Ryo.

A-Rank

Jounin primarily are the ones who get these missions, though the ANBU will be given missions in this category from time to time. Missions in this category are either incredibly dangerous, truly above and beyond what can be expected of the other ranks, or have extreme political delicacy. Guarding extremely high-profile political figures is in this category, as is handling treaties, or dealing with possible revolts.

Pay for these missions is between 150,000 and 1,000,000 Ryo.

S-Rank

Jounin are given these from time to time, but it is largely shinobi in the ANBU forces who get these missions. They concern levels of state security that cannot risk getting out and tend to be entirely confidential. Assassinating key political figures, transporting important documents, and a range of other similarly important missions fall under this rank.
Pay for these missions is 1,000,000 Ryo and beyond.

Entrance to Academy

Students in Konoha are to enter education no older than nine, though may start training as early as five at the present time. They are placed with their agemates regardless of previous schooling, and whatever time of year they are entered determines if they are placed with the spring class or the autumn class. Whichever class is the class that gives them at least a full year of training is more likely to be the class they end up in unless they are requested into the other class by their clan.

Academy Graduation

Graduating from Academy to Genin status requires a child to be no younger than ten, which can only be through a petition from the parents, and 12 is the normal standard age for graduation. There is a spring graduating class in March and an Autumn graduating class in August. This is to keep children of vastly differing ages from ending up with teammates of different levels of emotional maturity from themselves.

The test for this includes doing one of the basic three jutsu for Konoha: Bunshin, Henge, or Kawarimi. After this test is passed, the teacher of the class and the Hokage will consult to place the students. Usually, if a jounin wants specific students, they inform the Hokage before graduation and this would be taken into account. If a jounin simply has a standing request for a team, then they will be informed when their team has been chosen for them.

Promotion to Chunin from Genin

Though peace is still solid, Chunin exams are held bi-yearly, in January and June. They cycle through the five major powers, and when Konoha holds them, they have first an illusion test, then a bluff test, before moving on to survival. Final tests are always combat. Please keep in mind that the meat of the tests changes every time the test is held in the village to prevent people from knowing what to expect.

A genin must be vouched for by a jounin, and genin from other teams can be incorporated into incomplete teams for these tests.
Under certain circumstances, a Chunin can also be directly appointed by the Hokage, but in times of peace this is particularly rare.

Promotion from Chunin to Tokebetsu Jounin

This appointment is usually when a Chunin has shown some outstanding ability in one area but does not qualify for full Jounin status. This is almost always a Hokage-appointed post.

Promotion from Chunin to Jounin

Having someone willing to vouch for you is a must in this instance. Someone who has seen you train, and believes you can handle what being a Jounin would do. Usually, this involves someone who is close family or a teacher, because it's expected that being a Jounin is stressful to the psyche and in recommending the person, they're in a way taking responsibility for the Jounin-to-be's emotional welfare.

The tests here include combat tests and proof that some sort of outstanding affinity has been reached, either elemental or otherwise, in the realms of a bloodline, ninjutsu, or genjutsu. Being able to handle physical attacks and still get your jutsus into action is an absolute must to being able to pass this test. It is very difficult and usually takes at least two weeks to complete.

People who fail are often advised not to try again, because Jounin have to make ruthless choices, and this test is where many shinobi falter.

ANBU

ANBU, unlike normal ranks, is not a post that is actually part of the promotional ladder. It is Hokage appointed only and is to be kept secret from anyone not in ANBU with the person who holds the position. These are the Hokage's personal shinobi, and about half of the active ANBU usually change every time the Hokage does. This is the most common reason for retiring early from an ANBU service term.

ANBU are those given charge of policing shinobi even as the Uchiha handle the civilians (in instances where the Uchiha are still the police), and are essential to the infrastructure of the village. They also handle any missions that are deemed too dangerous or damaging for the standard forces. The downside to being appointed ANBU is that you will still have to carry out the normal duties of your rank while being on an ANBU rotation.

ANBU tattoos are required if the position is accepted, and cannot be removed.

ROOT

Unlike ANBU, ROOT, while also not being part of the promotional ladder, can be entered in several ways. In the early years of the Foundation, as it was otherwise called, it was actually a special division of ANBU that chose its members from those particular elites. At this point in time, which is prior to the disbandment after the Sandaime retook office, it was considered a great honor and one had to wait to be approached by Shimura Danzo personally.

In post-Kyuubi years after the Sandaime drove the group underground and seals for secrecy became standard instead of voluntary, membership became a matter of quiet conscription brought on by either recruiters keeping an eye out among the orphanages or Danzo personally reaching out to ANBU and shinobi who he had been following the careers of who appeared to be in some way discontent. In these later years, one could no longer leave ROOT.

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki

Konoha has a complicated history with jinchuuriki given what happened with the Kyuubi in the past, though prior to that they had no particular opinions or grudges as that was largely considered an Uzumaki issue, and one that, for those few people who knew, expected Mito, and then Kushina, to handle without their interference. Naruto being exposed dramatically shifted things, as after his birth was the first time that Konoha had properly felt the wrath of a bijuu and they were not forgiving. The breach of confidentiality in the identity of the Jinchuuriki was a political decision to conceal the boy's parentage.

Bloodlines

Konoha is very fond of their bloodlines! Anyone with a bloodline that is new to Konoha seeking asylum will be given consideration, and possibly a home, visitors from other villages will be treated with cautious respect so long as they do no harm.

Civilians

Konoha treats their civilians fairly well. They don't treat them badly or as lesser, and they have a thriving trade with the civilian villages and cities in other parts of the country.

Outsiders

Konoha is a fairly welcoming village for one based around shinobi. Like any Hidden Village, they have a distinct level of wariness, but they're very likely to accept trade and visitors without discrimination or hostility.

Village Bloodlines/Clans: Aburame: Affinity with bugs that live inside them.
Akimichi: The ability to modify their body composition.
Hyuga: Doujutsu users who have eyes that see 360 degrees and through things.
Inuzuka: This clan communicates and bonds with their dog companions.
Kohaku: Currently this clan has no noted abilities.
Kurama: Illusion-based clan, though in decline.
Nara: Shadow using clan.
Sarutobi: Known for their willpower, no noted abilities.
Senju: Exceptionally strong elemental affinities, an advantage in learning jutsu.
Shimura: Tend to be known for their stealth, no other noted abilities.
Uchiha: Doujutsu users who have eyes that can copy anything visual, as well as see the formation of chakra as it occurs.
Yamanaka: Clan centered around mind-based techniques.

Konoha was the first of the five great shinobi villages to be founded. These founders were Madara, of the Uchiha clan, and Hashirama, of the Senju clan. These two clans had once been at war, and through these two visionaries, Konoha came to be. After this, the other Shinobi villages began to form, falling in line behind the example that had been offered to them.

That is not to say that all went well in the beginning, however. There were many issues in Konoha, settling pains such as when one of the founders, Madara, chose to leave, only to later attack the village he had helped create. In the end, history says he died at the hands of his friend and partner, Hashirama, and he was never heard from again. This was at the Valley of the End, and since then, though there has been war, it seems that Konoha is once again spearheading a movement, only this time, it's for a step further in peace.

And what happened between then and now? The first war, started during the reign of the Nidaime Hokage, Tobirama Senju, who died during it, and the second and third wars, both of which ran during the reign of the Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. The Sannin found their reputation during the second war, but it was the Yondaime Hokage, Minato Namikaze, that found his reputation during the third.

It was at the end of this war that he was appointed as Hokage, the Sandaime having stepped down, and Konoha's current reign of peace began. In fact, even the notoriously stubborn Danzo Shimura disassembled his ROOT forces due to how the Hokage position was being handled during the Yondaime's reign. Unfortunately, it was a tragedy when the Yondaime was lost, but the Sandaime has since stepped back up and looked after the village until another worthy successor can be found.

Konoha has always been known as both the strongest village and the most gullible. The thirst of their leaders for peace seems to be an unending drive, though catching any lone shinobi is usually a... mistake. Many lives have been lost just because one might seem harmless on the surface, and it's hardly just the Uchiha that need to be watched for.

And remember, if you catch a Konoha shinobi alone, you better make sure they can't find you, because this village is the most ruthless about recovering and defending their comrades. Especially under the newest Hokage.

The Village Hidden by Sand is named such for the incredible desert surrounding it on all sides. Roads to the village are almost indistinguishable to foreigners without first being told what to look for. Given the frequency of sand storms in the area around Sunagakure and the relative lack of landmarks, most foreigners who attempt to find Suna without permission will almost certainly become lost in the desert of the Land of Wind and die. The village itself is hidden within a circular cut-out of a giant rock cliff. Near to the gates of the village, the cliffs have been meticulously carved into many lookout points, to allow a small army to stand above approaching armies and rain down weapons and jutsu before they arrive. It is almost impossible to enter the village in any way other than the small gap in the cliffside or by air. The buildings in Suna are primarily built out of clay and stucco, almost all being small, round, and short. Most buildings have windows that lack glass, save for some of the larger and more secure buildings. Due to the almost constant heat in the land of Wind, most of the buildings are designed for optimal cooling and temperature control. Sunagakure is the least technologically advanced of the five villages, as it is designed to be abandoned at any time the weather becomes unlivable even for natives.

Sunagakure contains the highest concentration of wind nature shinobi in the five great nations, and such shinobi are valued almost as much as those who can find or create water. The office of the Kazekage is not the tallest building in the village but is located in the center, with the character for 'Wind' printed prominently on it. The village's primary water tower is interconnected with the Kazekage office, as is the primary meeting room. The meeting room houses giant clay statues of previous Kazekage and is therefore considered sacred. Violence is prohibited in the meeting room out of concern of damaging the statues. Some small living quarters for the family of the Kazekage are also located in the office, on occasion when the Kazekage cannot return home due to business.

Shinobi of Sunagakure believe that the successful completion of a mission is the most important priority of a shinobi. Even if their life is forfeit, or if success is impossible, Sunagakure will pursue victory unrelentingly for as long as they survive. Due to this belief, Sunagakure shinobi are known as some of the most ruthless and deadly ninja to face in battle. The family of the Kazekage is usually respected in Sunagakure for providing supplies and shelter to the people, if not often loved. Sunagakure was the first nation to capture and seal away a Tailed Beast. Although the legend has become somewhat twisted and inaccurate now, the shinobi of the village are nonetheless extremely proud of this. Just like in battle, Sunagakure residents are ruthless in negotiations, rarely ever backing down from a demand.

D-Ranks

Unlike many other villages, even genin have to worry about a bit of danger, and these are typically given to them. Some are easier, such as clearing the streets or hunting birds, but there is also the common mission of patrolling the desert just beyond the village cliffs. More than one genin has been lost due to being unprepared for a sudden sandstorm while outside the village.

Pay for these missions is between 10,000 and 70,000 Ryo.

C-Ranks

Both genin and chunin are given these missions, and they often cover things such as low-priority escort missions, guard duty, bandit handling, information gathering, and oasis finding. The last is very specific to Suna, and is usually one of the higher-paying missions, as it leads to the founding of new civilian villages in the country.

Pay for these missions is between 50,000 and 120,000 Ryo.

B-Ranks Chunin and Jounin usually get these missions, but some genin are given them as well. This category often involves missions that would have a shinobi expecting to face other shinobi in deadly combat, higher-level escort duty, and matters of moderate village security.

Pay for these missions is between 100,000 and 300,000 Ryo.

A-Rank

Confined almost entirely to jounin and chunin, this category is a lot more dangerous than most villages make it, though that's largely because they are willing to be a bit more extreme than other villages. This rank includes things with highly dangerous missing-nin, treaties, and quelling possible uprisings. Many political matters fall under this rank.

Pay for these missions is between 250,000 and 1,000,000 Ryo.

S-Rank

Jounin and ANBU are the only ones entrusted with these missions. Political assassinations, high-level information, and a range of similarly important missions all fall under this rank.

Pay for these missions is 1,000,000 Ryo and beyond.

Entrance to Academy

Suna shinobi are enrolled as young as 4, but no later than age 8. This is to ensure that chakra control has time to be taught up to instinctive levels, and provides leeway if for any reason there is a problem enrolling a child at a younger age. When a child is enrolled, their aptitudes are tested and their class placement is determined by those results rather than age. Often those who enter school at the same time, regardless of age, are trained together.

Academy Graduation

Suna nin can graduate anywhere between the ages of 10 and 13, since they are far more skill-based because of the large class sizes. They have biyearly graduations in December and May.

The skills required to graduate are Tessen use, genjutsu dispelling, and sand walking.

Promotion to Chunin from Genin

In Suna, the first test is one of espionage, followed by a survival test, and it concludes in open combat.

On certain occasions there are field promotions, but not typically in times of peace.

Promotion from Chunin to Tokebetsu Jounin

This requires a shinobi showing an exceptional skill that would not merit a full promotion and is by appointment only.

Promotion from Chunin to Jounin

Due to the harsh nature of the climate of their country, Suna would never promote anyone to Jounin who couldn't survive out in the desert for a week, and this is the first half of the testing. The other half of the testing is proving that they have mastery of one of the great disciplines of Suna. Puppetry, Wind Jutsu, or Sand mastery are all options, though anyone without these would have to show two exceptional abilities in their place.

ANBU

ANBU, unlike normal ranks, is not a post that is actually part of the promotional ladder. This is an appointment that is given by the Kazekage to those he finds to have superior skill, but whom he can also place his trust. Due to the wary nature of the man, the ANBU forces in Suna are much smaller than those of the other Kage-run hidden villages.

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki

Bijuu are beasts and Jinchuuriki are to be feared. This was the lesson hard learned by those in Suna, and it is not a view that would waver easily after the bloodthirsty person the Kazekage's son had become.

Bloodlines

Bloodlines are well and good, something to be wary of, but they do not inherently make someone special. Suna is a land where people are only worth what they can do, and some bloodlines would be flat-out useless in their home climate.

Civilians

Civilians are important parts of the country. They feed the shinobi and keep them clothed, and this is far more important than in other nations. Without their civilian farmers, the population of shinobi would starve.

However, the nobility of their nation do not get the same sort of warm reception that their local civilians get, largely due to their Daimyo causing them significant difficulties financially.

Outsiders

While treated with wariness, outsiders will always be treated with welcome. Anyone who comes from outside is prospective business, and it's something that the village always desperately needs.

Village Bloodlines/Clans

This village has no clans, however, there is a strong affinity for sand usage and Wind jutsu among the villagers. They also have exceptionally fine chakra control as puppeteering is a very big deal in this village.

Suna has always been a proud and independent nation. Among the first to form their own shinobi village, the Shodai Kazekage captured Shukaku all on his own, and united the shinobi of the village with his great power. It's been a long time since the Kazekage sealed away Shukaku, and the origin of the creature has been lost to legend because of the secretive way the matter was handled. Currently, the leading theory is that Shukaku is the spirit of a corrupted priest, kept by the Kage family out of responsibility to the people.

The Kazekage has always been seen as a pillar of strength. Even when his physical prowess might fail to overcome, the various Kazekage have always had the skill and intelligence to leave them standing above the other Kage. Historically, the various Kazekage have always been cunning and resourceful, able to keep Suna prosperous and powerful despite its disadvantages in the economic arena. Since the Sandaime's sudden disappearance and the war caused by the weakness of that loss, the country has been in decline. Even the Yondaime's considerable strength and intelligence have done little to return Suna to its previous glory... an effort not helped by his son's poor control over the demon Shukaku.

Suna's spirit of determination is as strong as ever, however, and faith in the Yondaime is still great. Even though Suna has fallen behind the other countries recently, their endurance and strength will surely persevere while the other countries will eventually falter and collapse under their own pride and weakness. Especially Konoha and Iwa.

Suna is an arrogant nation, more proud than wily as far as the Five Nations go. Suna is the country most known for having the willingness to trade and is well known for being only behind Konoha when it comes to not backing out of an agreement. Suna tends to make any decision that most benefits them, with ferocious shinobi to back up their promises. This also means that they tend to avoid making bad blood, at least politically. Suna nin are known for their powerful sand attacks and cloth-binding jutsu, but their biggest reputation lies behind their Tessen and Puppeteer brigades. Their puppetry techniques are the most advanced in the five nations and remain their most fearsome and up-to-date tradition.

Suna nin are known for being ruthless on missions, willing to do anything it takes, no matter who they have to cut down in the process. Some say that it's because of their country's financial difficulties, while others speculate that it's to feed the reputations that serve as family names in their country. No matter the reason, they're frightening to behold, especially because they rely on so many long-range battle tactics.

The village Hidden by Rocks gained its title for the jagged and almost impossible-to-traverse mountain range surrounding the village, completely hiding it from outsiders. Due to the impassable mountains surrounding the village, it is situated in its own natural stronghold, and difficult to siege: a fact many of its citizens take great pride in. The village itself is composed primarily of rock buildings fashioned by its earth jutsu users. The structures are usually tall and tower-like in their form, mimicking the jagged rocks they were formed from (and often are built into). The buildings themselves are interconnected on multiple levels with rope bridges, which are used to travel across upper floors without the need for climbing and descending stairs unnecessarily. The Tsuchikage complex is the tallest building in the village by far, and marked with the symbol for 'Earth', and therefore is easy to locate.

The current Tsuchikage family is known for flying across the tops of the tall buildings with their unique jutsu rather than using the bridges. The shinobi in Iwagakure are generally fanatically loyal to their Tsuchikage and will follow any order given by him even if it means their death. The people of Iwagakure strongly believe in the Will of Stone, the concept that an unrelenting and unchangeable will is the core essential to a strong shinobi.

D-Ranks

This rank is devoted solely to Genin, and consists of missions around the village. Because the shinobi of this country prefer to be self-sufficient, these missions tend to involve things such as tending the local plant life, clearing any rocks that fell into roads near the village, and babysitting.

Pay for these missions is between 3,000 and 40,000 Ryo.

C-Ranks

Both Genin and Chunin are welcome to take these missions. These missions are anything beyond the village's borders that isn't considered truly dangerous, and missions include courier runs, game hunting, escort services, and minor demolitions.

Pay for these missions is between 30,0000 and 90,000 Ryo.

B-Ranks

Chunin and Jounin typically are the only ones who take these, though from time to time a genin might. These are the missions that are considered more difficult, and often run the risk of genuine danger. Examples include escort missions, major demolition, spying, and information selling.

Pay for these missions is between 80,000 and 150,000 Ryo.

A-Rank

This level is for Jounins only, and often handles the most delicate parts of being an Iwa shinobi. Missions in this category include treaty writing, finding political loopholes, and assassinations that can be done without Iwa being blamed.

Pay for these missions is between 130,000 and 900,000 Ryo.

S-Rank

Usually kept to the village ANBU, there are at times Jounin who are given these missions as well. Missions in this category include starting wars, closing the borders, and transporting vital information.

Pay for these missions is 900,000 Ryo and beyond.

Entrance to Academy

Students in Iwa are to enter education no older than seven, though may start training as early as five. They are placed with their agemates.

Academy Graduation

The Academy of Iwa is a different place than many other villages. The classes start in the spring, always in March, and end in November, when the students are evaluated to see if they can be graduated to a Jounin-sensei that year. Any students who fail their first evaluation, which is done at age ten, have one more year to try again before being directed to alternate schooling. Those students often end up in metalworking and seal making.

Graduation standards include being able to do an Earth release jutsu, being able to walk up a cliffside, and knowing how to tie a knot that can support a person's weight.

Promotion to Chunin from Genin

When the exam comes to Iwa, it's always placed high in the mountains beyond the boundaries of the village, just as their arena isn't actually inside the village itself. They're simply not that trusting. The tests tend to include taking information from point a to point b, through a trapped mountainside, of course, and a test in gathering information. Due to their high standards and unwillingness to trust, the theme of the third non-arena test tends to vary wildly from year to year.

Chunin from Iwa are only ever promoted by the Tsuchikage on years when the exams are not in the village, and even then, the chunin must be exceptional.

Promotion from Chunin to Tokebetsu Jounin

This promotion is always an interesting thing in the villages that have it, and this one is no exception. Usually, this rank is only given to chunin who prove to have created a jutsu that is well usable by the village, but do not actually have the skills to be a Jounin.

Promotion from Chunin to Jounin

The test to get to Jounin from chunin is complicated in Iwa. First, you have to have proven to have created some kind of exceptional jutsu. Second, you must have at least two people willing to speak for you, be it on a personal or professional level in vouching for you. Third, you must have mastered at least one elemental affinity or bloodline. And last, you have to lead a team of shinobi, who will be pretending to be civilians, through a trapped mountainside and back again without them needing to use their abilities to protect themselves.

Special Divisions

Unlike most other villages, Iwa tends to keep their different divisions very pointedly focused on whatever area they choose. There is little variety in assignments once an Iwa shinobi chooses a division unless they manage to convince a superior they're better suited elsewhere.

ANBU

ANBU, unlike normal ranks, is not a post that is actually part of the promotional ladder. Any ANBU are always carefully selected by the Tsuchikage, and have to have proven to be the sort of people that would never do anything that could possibly harm the village. Usually, one has to have done something exceptionally beneficial to the village to be chosen.

Seduction Corps

Known for using their bodies and charm to get what they need, the way Iwa handles these people is a bit cold but watchful. Many shinobi have a bit of training for this, though those who make it their specialty tend to be in general a bit colder because there isn't a great deal of accommodation for the difficulties that come with such an intimate set of assignments.

Hunter-nin

Often trained as a group and sent out as individuals, those who show a tendency toward aggression or isolation are often brought into this special unit. Usually, those who go into the Hunter-nin profession are only allowed to remain on it for five years at a time with a mandatory one year between to reorient to the village.

T&I

There are three parts to this.

The first are those who gather information gently, such as spies and inner village monitors, who are essentially information relay points, and often have an extended network of people who they keep in contact with to feed them rumors and more solid intel.

The second group of this is those who are hard gatherers. These people are the ones known for going out into the field and taking out targets to get information, as well as dealing with prisoners either through soft or rough interrogation methods. Usually, it's one or the other as rough interrogation tends to ruin a prisoner, sometimes at no benefit.

The last is the Cypher part of this department and is usually people who don't go afield at all, and instead are fixed on sorting through intelligence that has been recovered by others to pick apart any codes that might be used to encrypt such information.

Teachers

There are several levels of teachers, all of which tend to imply a level of trust for those in higher authority. These can be found among any group within the village, from the Academy Chunin all the way up to ANBU trainers. Each level of teacher comes with its own sort of clearance, and someone out of favor in the village is highly unlikely to ever end up with students.

Medic-nin

Iwa has never had the best medical group, and as such their units are relatively small compared to some of the other villages. Medic nin are highly coveted, and once carefully trained, rarely leave the village on missions afterward.

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki

Using a Bijuu to further your own abilities is seen as cheating, and Jinchuuriki cannot expect to be treated well in Iwa. Iwa is a place where hard work is rewarded, and someone who could easily cruise by to greatness will never earn respect from their peers. Due to this, Jichuuriki are nothing more than a weapon for their village, and anything they achieve is nothing more than to be expected.

Bloodlines

Conversely, because Jinchuuriki are treated so poorly, bloodline users tend to get more respect. While also having an exceptional ability, having a bloodline is often seen as a liability. These people have to take time from their other studies and aptitudes to work on something outside their control, so if they can keep their other skills up as well, then they're praised. If they cannot, they're pitied, which is the worst thing for any Iwa nin.

Civilians

Civilians are something that exist but are not truly seen by Iwa nin. They are there to serve the shinobi, true, but they are not to be abused in any way, as that's not how things are done.

Outsiders

People from beyond the village get a mixed reception. Potential customers are always greeted with warmth and openness, but foreign shinobi will always be met with suspicious glances and a certainty that they're hunting for information that they should not have about the village.

Village Bloodlines/Clans

Kamizuru: This clan is one that uses bees in combat and to tend plants around the village.

This is the only clan that actually uses their family name, as to take more pride in being part of a clan is to betray the village, and Iwa frowns on that very strongly. Using surnames is thus a practice that has been largely wiped out.

Iwa was one of the first shinobi villages to be formed after Konoha, led by the powerful First Tsuchikage. Historically, Tsuchikage have often been considered among the most powerful of the Kage, and if not the most powerful then the most influential. People follow the word of the Tsuchikage unwaveringly and without hesitation, so even if a command may not be good for the shinobi carrying it out, they can be assured it's for the good of Iwa itself because the Tsuchikage always looks out for Iwa first. The First Tsuchikage secured two jinchuuriki, ensuring that Iwa would be powerful and capable against the other countries hoarding tailed beasts. It was a victory, and since then the tools that the beasts are have been used well.

The Tsuchikage are ruthless in protecting the village's interests, ensuring that even if the landmass is inferior to that of other countries, and has less to offer in trade, they never fall behind the other countries in military might. Even among Kage, the Tsuchikage is always the most powerful and resourceful of Kage, keeping other countries on their toes, always pressing the advantage when the opportunity arises, and even besting other Kage, like the Second Mizukage, in one-on-one combat.

Then, as now, something as small as a piece of paper wouldn't keep Iwa from taking advantage of a weakness... if it was to their benefit.

Put simply, Iwa is a snake. While all other countries usually make an effort to maintain peace during times of treaty, Iwa is known for doing things that can and do provoke wars, seizing opportunities and pouncing on any perceived weakness by other countries, especially when it comes to Suna and Konoha. Trusting Iwa in any alliance or treaty, especially with the latest Tsuchikage, would be a mistake. Iwa has been known for going back on promises and stabbing their allies in the back even more often and more quickly than Kumo.

Their military might is truly fearsome, however, and waging war with Iwa is especially difficult with their rough terrain. The current Tsuchikage has earned the nickname 'fence-sitter' due to his unwillingness to commit to things and his quickness to flip sides on anything if it suits him better. The Tsuchikage rules his people with an iron fist, raining destruction and even destroying whole cities of his own people should they disobey. This is why Iwa nin are even more notorious for following orders and missions than Suna-nin. Once the Tsuchikage has spoken, his people do it, no exceptions. Even if it means their own death.

It's better to be on Iwa's good side than its bad side, given the powerful rock and gravity techniques known by the Iwa nin... but even if you know which side you're on at the moment, that's subject to change long before you'll know about it.

The Village Hidden in the Clouds gained its name from the clouds that are often trapped and linger among the extremely high peaks that the village is built into. Like Iwagakure, the village is built into a mountain range, but atop them, rather than among them. Further, the mountains that Kumogakure is built into are so tall that the cloud cover becomes thick enough to completely disguise and cloak the village from outsiders passing below. Due to its position, any siege on the village is very difficult. Many buildings of Kumogakure use the mountains themselves partially or almost completely as their walls, rather than building out of them. Most peaks have platforms built around them to allow for easier travel through the winding streets and jagged peaks breaking up the village.

The Raikage's facility is a large dome-like blue building, built at the top of the tallest mountain in the village. Kumo is one of the only villages in which the workspace of the leader is larger than the Kage's home. Kumogakure shinobi and residents put a great amount of value into personal strength, although this is not confined purely to the physical. Offering mercy is generally considered an insult to a Kumo ninja, and even minor infractions are primarily reacted to with measured levels of violence. Weakness, and perceived weakness, are disdained and have been considered a legitimate reason for war with another country. Due to the focus on personal strength, a shinobi's position at birth is less important than what they do with themselves afterward. Raikage have even been known to adopt low-level shinobi as members of their own families and grant them titles on occasion. The Raikage family is generally well respected and loved by the residents of Kumogakure due to their frequent interactivity with the populace.

A receiver is built into the very top of the Raikage's facility to allow for electronic communication between nations. A small but ornate building tucked into the back of the village, inaccessible except through a bridge leading from the village itself houses the Lightning Daimyo when he chooses to reside in Kumogakure.

D-Ranks

Known for being genin missions, in Kumo they are rarely dangerous, being tasks around the village that largely consist of errands, such as babysitting, rock clearing, grocery hauling, or painting fences. Yes, Kumo has fences.

Pay for these missions is between 5,000 and 50,000 Ryo.

C-Ranks

These missions are given to both genin and chunin, and are a step up from D-ranks in that they contain, much of the time, a mission outside the bounds of the village. Still, that isn't always the case, and it's not unheard of for a new chunin to be stuck sorting files as a C-rank, purely due to clearance levels. Still, examples of the type of missions this includes are guard duty, letter deliveries, and hunting game.

Pay for these missions is between 30,000 and 100,000 Ryo.

B-Ranks

These missions are almost exclusively given to chunin, though jounin can take these missions if they so choose. Usually, these are the missions where political situations start to arise, and this is also when killing is to be an expected possibility. Missions in this category involve border patrols, espionage, and taking bounties on other shinobi.

Pay for these missions is between 75,000 and 200,000 Ryo.

A-Rank

Jounin primarily are the ones who get these missions, though the ANBU will be given missions in this category from time to time. Missions in this category are either incredibly dangerous, truly above and beyond what can be expected of the other ranks, or have extreme political delicacy. Guarding extremely high-profile political figures is in this category, as is handling treaties, or dealing with possible revolts.

Pay for these missions is between 150,000 and 1,000,000 Ryo.

S-Rank

Jounin are given these from time to time, but it is largely shinobi in the ANBU forces who get these missions. They concern levels of state security that cannot risk getting out, and tend to be entirely confidential. Assassinating key political figures, kidnapping potential bloodlines, and spying on potential problems are all good examples of this section.

Pay for these missions is 1,000,000 Ryo and beyond.

Entrance to Academy

The Academy in Kumo is set up so that children are pulled into Academy classes no later than five years of age. The reason for this is that they believe that younger children learn more quickly.

Academy Graduation

Kumo has one graduating class every year, in July, and these students range between the ages of nine and twelve, based on capability, not age. Each graduating student must be highly proficient with a blade of some sort, know how to do henge, and have tested for their elemental affinity so that they can start working on it.

Promotion to Chunin from Genin

When Kumo is the village hosting, it tends to be rather interesting, as the test often begins when the genin wake up the morning of the exam... often after having been carefully moved to a location that wasn't where they went to sleep. How you handle being moved is the first test in Kumo's exam. After that, there is a great deal of running around the terrain outside the village, then off to the island everyone goes. Suffice it to say that the wildlife isn't as frightening as the people who train on Turtle Island, but a genin still has to make it back to the mainland to qualify for the arena matches.

Any promotions outside the exams are nearly unheard of.

Promotion from Chunin to Tokebetsu Jounin

Less common than in some countries, more common than in others, this rank is one usually given to people for the sake of being able to take on a genin team, as teaching is something that is taken very seriously, and sometimes a chunin just can't get the affinities they need to be a proper jounin.

Promotion from Chunin to Jounin

Becoming a Jounin is an interesting process in Kumo. First, you have to prove your personal worth, which usually consists of being able to find inner tranquility and stay still for a full 24 hours in a meditative position without getting up or falling asleep. After that are the physical tests, usually an advanced course live with your comrades trying to stab you, and last is proving you've mastered an affinity, and have created your own jutsu with it.

ANBU

ANBU, unlike normal ranks, is not a post that is actually part of the promotional ladder. That doesn't mean that there aren't tests to get into it, however, and Kumo is known for being careful in their choices for the position. Always, it's people who would listen to A before Bee, and usually, a nin is tested on if they would do just that before being offered the post. Of course, then there are the physical hoops someone has to jump through too, but those are truly secondary.

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki are handled pretty well by the village, as those containing the Bijuu, not to mention the beasts themselves, are regarded with a rather high standard. Kumo tends to have a tight hold on their Jinchuuriki and keep up with them as much as possible, be that by way of students or simply keeping track, so they take it as a serious concern if they suddenly disappear or are captured.

Bloodlines

Bloodlines aren't regarded as anything terribly special due to Kumo being a rather strong village even without bloodline abilities. This doesn't mean they don't want them, as wars have nearly been started over just that, but not having them isn't going to change how people live their lives. Suffice it to say that having one means you've stolen one from the outside in some way, which is viewed as praiseworthy, but perhaps somewhat questionable.

As a side effect of the village not having bloodlines, it often goes without saying that those who do are almost exclusively outsiders and get treated accordingly until allegiance can be determined.

Civilians

Civilians are handled with the same regard as the shinobi when it comes to respect, as everyone knows that the village would not function properly without them. The common belief is that though not meant to be shinobi, the civilians were put in Kumo for some purpose as well, and should be respected for that.

Outsiders

People not from Kumo are largely regarded with much caution by the Kumo natives. Outsiders are considered to be tenuous enemies until proven otherwise or are from villages that Kumo has a good history with. They've been burned just a few too many times.

Village Bloodlines/Clans

This village has no native bloodlines. Clans are notable in this village due to jutsu and standing.

Nii: A clan known for their extreme resilience and reliability.

Yotsuki: A clan known for their loyalty.

If one could choose just one word to describe Kumo, it would be 'strong'. Powerful and fierce are close afterward, but strength is what defines them as a people. In military might, in force of will and in character, and in their allegiances to one another. Kumo is united more strongly and more reliably than any other country when it comes to their shinobi, and while other countries might revere or fear their Kage as something unapproachable, Kumo-nin see the Raikage and his brother as one of them. Superiors, lords, epitomes of the word 'shinobi' and all that comes with the word, yes, but while some Kage are so wrapped up in politics or disassociated from their people so that they neither know nor care about them, the Raikage and his family are always aware, and always look out for their people's concerns first, unlike the Tsuchikage and Mizukage.

The first Raikage showed his strength by uniting the village and collecting two jinchuuriki, and his decision to make jinchuuriki a part of the family (or given closely monitored positions of honor) has been followed through by the rest of the Kage, to say nothing of the villagers themselves. Unlike in other countries, where they need to worry about Jinchuuriki betraying them or defecting, no such concerns exist for Kumo.

The Raikage are known for being intensely powerful. The first Raikage led the village through the volatile First War, the second fought off the Gold and Silver brothers--a feat that Konoha's much-lauded second Hokage failed--and the Third mastered the art of controlling rampaging bijuu (yet another feat the Hokage never could). The Third Raikage was so powerful he was considered completely invincible, and the Fourth Raikage has even tamed the untamable Eight-Tails.

Despite what one may expect from a shinobi with as much raw physical power as the Raikage, the Raikage are also exceptionally clever. While Iwa boldly provokes war, Suna bides its time with weak power grabs, and Kiri is busy destroying itself in petty civil wars, Kumo is decisive and discreet as a shinobi should be. Through the Raikage's efforts, Kumo has amassed great power and resources from across all of the shinobi lands and has done so without provoking as many wars nor as much discontent as Iwa. Also, unlike Iwa, it's not only the Raikage who collects jutsu and advantages. Other high and low-ranking shinobi are independent and motivated enough to make their own decisions and to learn powerful things on their own.

If those independent, unsupported ninja failing and being disavowed happens to avoid a war that would have been sparked should the Kage be involved? That just makes Kumo stronger.

Expecting Kumo to be foolish is a dangerous gamble. While the Raikage have a history of being rash and volatile, Kumo usually has more than enough military and political might to back up even their mistakes. Kumo is certainly not stupid, it doesn't overreach as easily as Iwa or Kiri, and likewise, it's more trustworthy in its treaties than Iwa... but only just. Historically, while Kumo presents itself more openly than Kiri does, it's far more dangerous to turn one's back (or leave a powerful bloodline in the open) in front of Kumo than Kiri. Despite their rashness and greed for powerful jutsu, they're always careful to leave themselves backdoors and excuses. Kumo has stolen or attempted to steal dozens of jutsu and their shinobi from all of the great lands and many of the small lands, but they've rarely been caught red-handed and never been pinned down enough to spark a war because of it.

Kumo is a powerful ally to have in battle, though their reckless and speedy lightning attacks (and historically unstable jinchuuriki) means they're an ally you want to stand far, far behind... but a difficult one to keep. Due to their proud and hot-headed nature, they're hard to keep pleased, and due to their arrogance and selfishness, they're quick to betray even helpful allies if it means making themselves 'stronger'. Due to their strange culture, they have the most collective... quirks among their shinobi, as well. It's a little bit like, in their rush to become the pinnacle of power at all costs, they forget to learn the patience, stability, and sensibility of a shinobi that all the other lands instill in their students before they even graduate.

The Village Hidden by the Mist gains its name from the permanent thick fog that settles all across the island where the hidden village is stationed. By the same coin, within the village, the sunrises often turn the mist a deep red color, which lends partially to the nickname of 'The Bloody Mist'. While the fog would usually dissipate during short periods of the year, villagers manipulate water chakra to keep themselves perpetually shrouded in mist. Scattered mountains fill the island, creating a maze that makes it very difficult for outsiders to locate the village proper, and often leads invading armies into traps or disadvantageous positions. Buildings in Kirigakure are almost exclusively brick, squat, and round. Most buildings have some level of moss or plant overgrowth designed to help the village appear abandoned, and taller buildings have trees growing out of the top of them, to throw off those who might otherwise catch glimpses of the buildings in the distance.

The Mizukage's building is the widest and largest building in the village, tucked against a mountain. The village itself is heavily segregated into sections, with stone walls separating each section and preventing even welcome visitors from witnessing the majority of the village. Shinobi of the village have strong senses of self-preservation and are widely known to be extremely duplicitous. Loyalty to the Mizukage is primarily secured through fear, and through the Mizukage's elite forces. Defection and escape from the village are so common that Kirigakure possesses the largest and most highly trained division of hunter-nin in the shinobi world. It's generally known that disobeying an order from a higher-ranking shinobi, regardless of its importance, will result in extreme punishment. Kirigakure is the most secretive of the primary five nations, and is almost as difficult to get information of from the public as Amegakure.

D-Ranks

D-Rank missions are typically given to Genins, and are seldom more dangerous than any other work of their caliber. D-rank missions are essentially civic service for the greater good of the village, often involving significant physical labor, helping students to develop useful skills and bolster the village's resources; however, any mission without expectations of explicit danger or combat is given a D-ranking, so their content can vary widely. Typical missions include tasks such as weaponsmithing, shipwrighting, medicine and poison preparation, and other construction or repair work. Guard duty at the docks or working with sailors is also a relatively common assignment.

Pay for these missions is between 10,000 and 60,000 Ryo.

C-Ranks

Genins and Chunins alike are given C-rank missions, and the assignment of their first C-rank mission is often considered a Genin's 'true' graduation to becoming a shinobi. Anything with mild to moderate danger can be classified as a C-rank mission, from guard work, to escort missions, to courier work, to information gathering, to more mercenary tasks such as thefts and sabotage. These missions are more likely to come from sponsors outside the village and country, and first reveal the broad scope of potential shinobi work; anything is fair game to hire Kirigakure shinobi for, no matter how morally dubious.

Pay for these missions is between 50,000 and 150,000 Ryo.

B-Ranks

Chunins and Jounins are both liable to find themselves with missions of this rank. Considered more capable of handling themselves, missions at this level are often dangerous, and are given toward dealing in more important matters. These can involve assassinations, bounty hunting, and setting up a situation to frame another party politically. Due to the specialties of the village, being able to kill without leaving any kind of trademark of Kiri behind is rather prized.

Pay for these missions is between 130,000 and 350,000 Ryo.

A-Rank

Jounins are almost only the ones that get these missions, though some exceptional chunin are at times trusted with things of this rank. Because missions get dangerous at such a low rank, anything at this level tends to involve directly going after other shinobi, getting into places where it's known that people do not return from it, normally, and anything politically delicate that was deemed too important for a lower rank.

Pay for these missions is between 300,000 and 1,000,000 Ryo.

S-Rank

Almost exclusively for ANBU, some Jounin still end up with missions in this bracket. Anything on this level will involve total secrecy, very likely matters of high political importance, and often killing. Examples include deep cover spying, political assassinations, and routing information on political uprisings.

Pay for these missions is 1,000,000 Ryo and beyond.

Entrance to Academy

Regardless of prior training or clan, Kirigakure shinobi are enrolled in the Academy at the age of 6. If a child is unable to be enrolled at this age for any reason, they are often deflected to non-shinobi arts, though the rare child is at times enrolled at 5 or 4 years of age if they show sufficient natural skill. All children are placed with the class that entered the Academy the same year as them, regardless of age.

Academy Graduation

Kirigakure shinobi are permitted to graduate as early as age 7, provided a sufficient level of mastery is demonstrated. Most shinobi who can afford to do so, but particularly the established clans, begin tutoring their children in the shinobi arts as soon as they're able to walk. Classes graduate bi-yearly, in January and July.

Although the practice of pitting students against each other in a battle to the death to graduate has been abolished, echoes of this tradition remain; students are still pitted against each other to demonstrate their skills, and unless the losing party demonstrates exceptional talent, they are often not allowed to graduate. Beyond this, the skills necessary for graduation are water-walking, Kiri-Shunshin, and basic proficiency in a weapon of the student's choice.

Kirigakure does not have standardized Genin teams, as many villages do; Genins are expected to be able to work with any of their comrades at a moment's notice, broaden their learning potential as much as possible through exposure to different training styles, and discouraged from forming strong emotional bonds with others, as this impedes their effectiveness as shinobi. Rather, they are assigned to teams with Jounin instructors as their talents and specific missions warrant.

This also serves the purpose of allowing Jounin to work with as many students as possible, giving them the opportunity to choose apprentices from the Genin population. As the only permanent arrangement in Kirigakure, these positions are highly advantageous and sought after, allowing Genin to earn prestige and experience by gaining considerable one-on-one training with some of the village's most powerful and prominent shinobi.

Promotion to Chunin from Genin

When the exams are held in Kiri, they are very quick to show that they have no tolerance for the weakness that shinobi from other countries might exhibit. Often abolished to one of the outlying islands for the duration of the non-arena part of the exam, only those who stumble out are granted a chance to move on, and only then if they come out with both their mission 'objective' complete, and with the ability to fight. Unlike many other countries, teams do not need to make it through this exam together and it's not unheard of that there be 'accidents' in the Kiri exams.

It's almost unheard of that someone makes chunin without at least having taken a chunin exam once, the only exception being when the country is at war, at which point any promising killers are quickly bumped up the ranks to get them to the front of the battles.

Promotion from Chunin to Tokebetsu Jounin

Unlike many of the other major villages, in Kiri, this rank is almost unheard of to be used. Either someone is strong enough to advance, or they aren't, and it's only those with exceptional skill in the areas of intelligence that ever get this particular title.

Promotion from Chunin to Jounin

Jounin may be a desirable rank, but getting there is a bloody vicious fight. Assigned a partner at the beginning of the exam, both parties are given key pieces of information that are both required to complete the test mission objectives. Only one person ever graduates from a pair in this exam, as the one who makes it to the objective first can move on to the next round, and the one who failed is often left behind in an incapacitated state. Working together happens rarely, and usually when this occurs it becomes a game that leaves all other applicants for Jounin a mess at the end of the exam. This has only been noted to happen twice, and both times those people moved on to become part of the current seven swordsmen. Notable skill in jutsu is obviously a must, but the ability to take down your compatriots is often more highly prized.

ANBU

ANBU, unlike normal ranks, is not a post that is actually part of the promotional ladder. This is an appointment made by the Mizukage of those he considers to have exceptional skill, and in whom he can also place his trust. This decision is often made with input from the Captain of the ANBU, as Kirigakure's ANBU forces routinely monitor the general shinobi population, both for reasons of recruitment and security. Promotion to Hunter-nin, a specialized unit in the ANBU ranks, is made primarily by the Captain of the ANBU, with the Mizukage's blessing. These individuals are the most elite of the elite forces, often with special talents useful for tracking, or for taking on particularly dangerous opponents.

Testing for these positions is considered harsh, even by Kirigakure's standards; the ANBU force is a comparatively small one, owing to this difficulty and to the stringent standards of trust and talent that candidates are held to. Testing for these positions is not announced to candidates beforehand; they are instead subjected to the gauntlet through which they will be expected to run through with others. ANBU candidates are typically abducted from their homes, interrogated, and even tortured for days at a time, testing their loyalty to their village and country and presenting them with charges of treason. Hunter-nin candidates are similarly confronted as traitors and attacked with lethal force, hunted across the countryside and forced to attempt to outwit or outfight their future compatriots until they prove their worth.

Bijuu and Jinchuuriki

Paradoxically, Jinchuuriki are regarded far more cordially than bloodlines in Kirigakure. While those with bloodlines could be considered humans made monstrous, Jinchuuriki could be considered monsters made human. Bijuu are regarded by many as something akin to spirits or forces of nature, things to be feared and respected, but not inherently malevolent unless angered. Those Jinchuuriki who can fully master their Bijuu are revered as legends in their time, heroes to be looked up to for their indomitable wills, rigorous discipline, and great and terrible power. They often climb to positions of great power and responsibility, and many look to them as natural leaders, blessed by the elements themselves.

Bloodlines

When not actively persecuted, those with bloodlines are subject to a fair amount of de facto prejudice, ranging from fear and avoidance to outright abuse and manipulation. They are frequently held to a double standard, their possessors demanded to be both powerful but not too threatening, superior weapons and fearsome warriors that are nonetheless unquestionably obedient and subservient to their betters, soldiers that fight only for their superiors, and only when they're asked to. Caught between a rock and a hard place, those with bloodlines are at once hated, feared, admired, envied, shunned, lusted after, and jealously guarded.

Civilians

Civilians are a vital part of the village, but just as the shinobi vie so hard against each other, the weakness of civilians in the village is frowned upon and only those who have reached the pinnacle of their skills get anything remotely like respect from the shinobi that live around them. Often mistreated, the civilians in Kiri are hard, harsh people, and woe on anyone who tries to compare.

Outsiders

Outsiders are the money of the village. Not seen as something more than a necessity, anyone coming in can expect to be mocked, scorned, or just generally made to feel unwelcome, client or not. Still, when a shinobi is bought by a customer, they can at least know they're getting their money's worth.

Village Bloodlines/Clans

Ameyuri: A clan known for their skill with forging and rumored to have a connection with the Terumi, their clan also excels in utilizing fire, water, and earth chakra.

Funato: Known for their pirate tendencies, this clan is one of those that often comes under suspicion because of their tendency to band together, and even stronger tendency to flee into the ocean on trips to restock their shops on raids of passing merchants.

Hoshigaki: This clan is known for their distinct appearance, persistent honesty, and almost always have strong water affinities.

Hōzuki: This clan has the ability to change their bodies into liquid form.

Kaguya: This clan's bloodline is one that allows them to pull bones from their bodies to use as weapons. They were known to level the field of battle during the wars... and this unfortunately means even allies are destroyed so long as they aren't family. Sometimes even when they are. This only encourages bloodline fear within the country.

Terumī: This clan is known for their exceptionally powerful use of combined elements, water and fire in some cases, which allows the family to create corrosive vapor, earth and fire in others, which allows the user to create lava.

Yuki: This clan has ice affinities, which are a bloodline that combines water and wind.

Kiri, the Bloody Mist, was once known as that because of the blood-red sunrises that colored the land. It might have been a sign, a show that the first Mizukage had chosen the right place for their home, that such a display would greet their mornings. In the years that came, even if there was peace between the shinobi nations, Kiri would never rest inside itself. Always, there was uneasiness and distrust between comrades in arms and it was set off by the Shodai Mizukage himself. He might have been uniting the clans under one banner, but he definitely wasn't uniting them under one belief. He passed the torch shortly before his death.

Unfortunately, that's when tempers and ideals started to really conflict. This was especially clear as at the end of the Nidaime's reign, an unfortunate murder, the first of Kiri's civil wars broke out, leading to the deaths of many others because no clear successor had been chosen. At least, that's history as people are told.

This started a trend, as the Mizukage that came into power to be the third was the first to be chosen by the villagers, by way of bloody might and ideals. He was similarly the spark for the next bout of internal strife, dying due to complications in the wake of the Second Shinobi war, and leading to another feud between factions. This is the power void that Yagura stepped into, and the Yondaime has sat over the village ever since like a deadly predator. He's a Jinchuuriki, and though he looks young, he's not flighty as children are. He is, however, vicious, and will tolerate no whispers against him.

He strongly advocated the process of weeding the weak in graduation ceremonies, a process that the Sandaime had been considering doing away with before his death. Instead, Yagura redoubled the practice for a few years until a young Zabuza destroyed an entire class. It was abolished thereafter as impractical. Still, even with that type of bloodshed ended, there are others, with any disobedience to him being harshly put down to keep the bloodline clans from going wild and killing everyone. At least, that's how it seems, and that's what the villagers are certain of. That he tends to target the bloodline clans is very likely a calculated choice, using fear of them as a measure to keep everyone in line.

Kiri is, after all, the village best known for their practicality.

Let it never be said that Kiri would ever be boring.

Kiri nin are ruthless, terrifying enemies that you never want to get on the wrong side of. These people will destroy you on the battlefield without a hint of remorse, and do not care if their teammates are sacrificed in the process. Never bank on their mercy, because doing so would quickly spell the end of your life.