What Kiri is like...

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NSRP
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What Kiri is like...

Post by NSRP » Fri Dec 19, 2008 2:26 pm

KIRIGAKURE NO SATO
THE VILLAGE HIDDEN IN THE MIST
Topographic Summary:
'Kirigakure no Sato' is located on an island in the middle of a large lake. This lake is within a much larger island, that was artificially created by Shodai Mizukage, when the village was first established. This larger artificial island is within Water Country and isn't too far from the central island where the Water Daimyo resides. The proximity of the central island and the artificial island makes is so transportation isn't an issue, they are literally a boat ride away when you think of it.

There are numerous mountains surrounding the island that were created specifically to keep the village safe from external threats. The mountains in effect produce a wall of jagged death for anyone crazy enough to scale them. It also doesn't help that the whole island is almost always covered in a blanket of thick mist, hence the name of the village nestled within this perilous landscape.

The lake that surrounds the village, connects to a mature river that runs straight through the large island. This is the only logical way in and out the village which also has the benefit of making the village excessively simple to defend. The general look of the village has been altered over the years by the various leaders, with the most recent rendition having the village drastically adapted for defense. Three colossal walls encircle and protect the village from any threats that may arise. But there is another purpose to these walls then defense; they serve to enforce a caste system of sorts.
Village Defenses:

Permanent Mist
X-ranked Jutsu
The island Kirigakure sits on, and the ocean a mile beyond its shores is constantly coated in a thick shroud of mist. The mist makes navigating the shores of the village virtually impossible without experience moving through them. Unlike typical mist jutsu, this permanent mist doesn't restrict any sort of senses except for sight. However, sight is limited to a meter for anyone who has not been in the mist for more than 2 days. Periods longer than a week not within the village will reset this requirement.

Swamp Gas
X-ranked Jutsu
As Kiri is a recursive island, its largest "island" has swamp lands on it's interior side. The swamps hold a noxious gas in them that is considered quite potent. The village has since set up a series of fuuinjutsu that store a large amount of this gas. Upon activation, enough gas to cover the entire island (but not the lake or island the actual village is on) can be released. The gas causes -5 Strength and -5 Willpower to anyone in it, and for 5 posts after exiting. It also causes quite extreme nausea and induced vomiting in anyone remaining in it for more than 3 posts.

SOCIETY
Summary:
The social hierarchy in Kirigakure is extremely complex. To those outside the village the customs of Kirigakure are nearly impossible to properly navigate. Every individual in Kirigakure is placed within the grand social pyramid of the village based on 3 different factors. While none of these factors are inherently more important than any others, they each come with their own rules, impacts, influences and histories that shift where that individual sits within the village. While some of these factors can be changed, others are simply as they are and nothing can be done about it. The three things are the person's family, their caste, and whether they belong to a clan or not. As a whole, these 3 different factors have a permeable effect on life within the village. The families, castes, and the structure of clan influence within the village is more thoroughly explored below.

FAMILIES One of the most compelling things about the social structure of Kirigakure no Sato, besides the caste system, is perhaps the five ruling families. Approximately 95% of the residents of the village belong to one of the five ruling families. Not necessarily by blood, but some by marriage, some by servitude, others through contract agreements, and some simply through inheritance. The families are all so large, so expansive, that not everyone is truly aware of who belongs to their family, though each family has a specific method of identifying themselves. Due to the wide-spread nature of the families, they’re almost equal to businesses, mostly political moves and business agreements that further the gains of the core nobility of each family. However, anyone belonging to a family knows that they can go to any other family member for assistance and it will be given. Each family has it’s own unique culture and beliefs, and perhaps the only fact that exists true for each of them is that every families main goal is to be the most important, if anything, to prove its worth to the people of Kirigakure.

When one member of a biological family joins into one of the five families, only that member is a part of the family. Contractually, other members of the family are able to join if those are the agreement, but by doing so, they are forfeiting membership of the family they belonged to previously. This proves to be dangerous to many, and is often the causation for assassinations.
In Summary:
Throughout the world, the importance of family is not lost, but it takes on a whole new meaning in Kirigakure. Traditionally, a person anywhere in the world would, in a respectable situation, introduce themselves as Haruma, of the Family Hyouto, this is understood as the name they go by is Haruma, and they belong to a larger family of people who are share the surname Hyouto. In Kirigakure, however, this is not the case. In Kirigakure, families are less about bloodline and more about contracts. While some contracts are oral, often times a written contract, bringing someone into a family, actually exists. The unique nature of contracted families is explored more thoroughly further down. In Kirigakure, the more respectable way to introduce yourself would be Haruma, bled for the Family Karagata, born of the family Hyouto. This is understood to mean that his name is Haruma, he belongs to a larger family of people who share the surname Hyouto, but his loyalty falls to the Karagata family.

Kirigakure has 5 Principle Families, the Karagata, the Muramasa, the Kawazaiwa, the Hirohito, and the Shiimu. Every single villager in Kirigakure belongs to one of these 5 families. To be granted residence in the village requires sponsorship from a principle family, and by extension, typically a contract to them. Contracts are not based on blood, and while husband and wife typically belong to the same principle family, most often individuals are only contracted except for rare exceptions. Principle families can be inherited from parents, but often children entering the academy, or civilians in their teens will "sell their soul" and contract to a different family in order to gain something. To add to the general complexities of this social contract, 4 of the 5 families divide themselves into subfamilies, based on a shifting vowel within their names. Derived from when the Karagata used a shifting vowel to denote which shipping company they were talking about, the tradition was picked up by the Muramasa, Hirohito, and Kawazaiwa (the Shiimu do follow a similar sub-family structure, but is based off of Oni worship and is explored individually in the Shiimu family section). All 4 families have individual rank based off which vowel is being shifted. For example, the Karagata have 4 subfamilies (Karegata, Karigata, Karogata and Karugata), while being recognized as a Karagata is most desirable, everyone knows that the Karugata are essentially slaves within their own family and garner almost 0 respect. Each of the families subsection will further explain the differences within their subfamilies. To summarize, in Kirigakure, one belongs to their own genetic family, and in addition, a "business" like family that contracts individuals. A person can belong to a Principle Family, or any of its subfamilies based on a shifting vowel, with depreciating prestige based on that vowel. One would introduce themselves in Kirigakure as Haruma, bled for the Family Karigata, born of the Family Hyouto.
~~The Shiimu
The Shiimu family is the first of the five, most noted for being the family of the current Mizukage. The Shiimu family is primarily known for the slave movement within Kirigakure, the main family having made the larger portion of its wealth off of control over the slave trade. The Shiimu family is almost merciless in it’s business ventures, ruthlessly seizing control of slave trading families, and making no secrets of the shinobi force it has under its control. The Shiimu require all members of it’s family to submit their eldest son and eldest daughter to the academy, and grants wealth to every family member after the first two that is submitted to the academy. While it doesn’t incur punishment for those who are not accepted, families that fail to produce shinobi are typically viewed as worthless within the Shiimu family. Due to this ruling, the Shiimu has arguably the most shinobi under its control between the 5 families. Shiimu are taught to love Kirigakure, and to recognize the value in all life. Not in a manner that all deserve life, but in a manner that all should fight for life. This is why the family dabbles so deeply in the slave trade, as it has a deep respect for slaves who are willing to do anything to maintain their livelihood. Should a Shiimu witness the poor treatment of a slave, they will be quick to the jump to the defense of a slave, much as a person would jump to defend a dog being kicked by a man.

Aside from heavy influence within the slaving community, the Shiimu family does dabble in weapon and armor production, though not too deeply. Culturally, the Shiimu family is considered the only hyper-religious family of the 5. Shiimu are known for their worship of the gods, and regularly put on festivals (for family members only) where they celebrate thanks for different gods that have granted them fortune. Almost every church in Kirigakure belongs to the Shiimu family, with very few of them being open to non-family members. Shiimu are easily recognized as their homes are often decorated in religious texts and items, and the scent of incense is almost universal in every Shiimu home. The Shiimu family fears the Oni, and teach all family members special practices to keep their family safe from Oni. Many of the other families mock them for the superstitious nature, and have popularized the phrase “Don’t be a Shiimu” if someone fears something due to a bad feeling. Shiimu identify each other through the use of a special charm that’s been blessed by a Shiimu priestess to protect them from Oni, often worn on a necklace (though other ways are not unheard of). Losing of this charm is punishable by death (as is being caught wearing it as a non-Shiimu). The Shiimu family only control one clan, the Jouchaku.

~~The Karagata
The Karagata family is the second of the five families. They are primarily known around Water Country and beyond for their ties to the shipping and transportation industry. It is said that those that control the sea most likely have their hands in about everything you can think of. This is actually quite true. With a monopoly over the shipping and transportation industry they are the most wealthy of the five families. Their primary shipping partners are Water and Earth Country, though they do a fair share for Lightning and Tea Country when contracted. It isn't surprising then, to learn that they are also deeply rooted financially within each of the other ruling families.

There is a darker side to the family as with all the other families. For the Karagata family it is their ruthlessness. They do not believe in any higher power, they believe in the strength of themselves. Over the years they have gained a reputation of producing exceptional assassins. It has come to a point in which they are known for their ties to assassinations as much as they are for shipping and transportation. They forcefully push whatever they want through the system through any means. If there is opposition in the way of progress the opposition will simply be eliminated. "Don't cross a Karagata", has become a popular phrase around the land because of their way of handling things.

There are no clans associated with them. They were the lowest of the five families at one time and do not care to be associated with any of the clans. They have risen to power through outright killing anybody that gets in their way. Relying on the strength of their family over anything is what is deemed important to them. If one decides to leave the family it is almost as if they have chosen their own death sentence because they will be assassinated once they are officially accepted into another family. There are no second chances when dealing with the Karagata family.

Each family has a way of recognition, to recognize a Karagata all one has to do is look for their sigil. The sigil of the Karagata family is that of a Kraken. Why a Kraken? Well, the mythical beast and the Karagata family share some similarities. The Kraken is known for taking down ships indiscriminately and without remorse and that translated well with how the Karagata family rose to be the most wealthy of the families.

~~The Kawazaiwa
The third family is the Kawazaiwa family. Their main business is farming and crops, despite their sparse nature in Kirigakure every single land based farm in Kirigakure is owned by the Kawazaiwa family, may it be through business, or through less moral transactions. The Kawazaiwa family is perhaps the smallest family, having only made it’s claim in the last hundred years or so. However, the Kawazaiwa have gained immense popularity, and are very effective at seizing members of other families due to their very freeform nature. Kawazaiwa family members are not required to participate in any festivals, and pay very low taxes to their family. However, family members earn their keep by contributing a portion of all their crops. To be in the Kawazaiwa family you must own some portion of land, and use it to grow crops, which 40% of must go to the main family to sell. The other 60% can be used by the growing family to do with as they please, typically selling it as well. They gain their loyalty by allowing family members to do what they want, not mandating anything beyond the basic necessities.

Shinobi do come from the Kawazaiwa family, but not many of them, as farming is typically far more important than shinobi activity. Kawazaiwa, like all other families, are taught to be very loyal to Kirigakure, in that they must provide for the village, to be provided for. The Kawazaia family managed to join the Yamai clan into their ranks, who contribute the majority of their shinobi. A part of that contract, however, is that all members of the Kawazaiwa family must also don the red dots from the Yamai clan, though not necessarily on their forehead. If a Yamai clan member finds a non-Kawazaiwa touting the dots, or a Kawazaiwa without them, it is a sign of great disrespect, and they often respond by murdering them in cold blood. Other Kawazaiwa are not so strict, and the Kawazaiwa have made an effort not to take in anyone who has been what could be considered too hostile, as they want to maintain at least the appearance of being a more peaceful family.

~~The Hirohito
The fourth of the five ruling families are the Hirohito. Known primarily for their political machinations and widespread influence, their primary trade is in information and back-door dealings; if someone wants to know something, they come to the Hirohito. While they aren't as monetarily wealthy as some of the other families, having been around almost as long as the Shiimu family, they know certain dirty little secrets about the other families that allows them to retain their influence without having to throw money behind bribes and the like. While members of the family, both the main family and the sub-branches, produce shinobi at a fairly standard rate they are encouraged to work in other avenues of business as well, primarily political in nature, and as a result the Hirohito makes up the majority of the judges/secretaries/bureaucrats/etc in the village. Some are trained to be traditional spies, breaking into secure areas to retrieve information, but most gain their information through more general means. Hearing whispers while at work, listening to gossip at the local bars, following rumors that one hears in everyday life, all of these are then given to a trained spy of the Hirohito who then either confirm or deny the information. The Hirohito do not kill off family members who join other the other families, and in-fact often encourage certain members to do so, whether through marriage or servitude. While this is a 'well-known fact' it has yet to actually be proven by the other families, and such a widespread amount of family members is what gives the Hirohito their information gathering skills.

Over the years, the Hirohito have managed to bind not one but two of the shinobi clans of Kirigakure to themselves; the Aisu and the Fushinkou. The Aisu have been tied to the Hirohito family for as long as they have been in Kirigakure. The original member of the ice-wielding clan was married to a rarity in the Hirohito main family, a strong warrior and famed shinobi of the village. While they became a clan of their own, given the nature of bloodline limits, they remained bound to the Hirohito through the marriage. The Fushinkou were a different matter entirely. Originally the Hirohito and Fushinkou were rivals, their control over the politics of Kiri almost equal in measure. However, when the time period came that the bloodline-wielding clans were feared and attacked, the Hirohito took advantage of the situation and provided the prideful clan of warriors with advanced knowledge of attacks in return for their political power and military backing. When the 'bloodline purge' ended, the Fushinkou were indebted to the Hirohito, though only those two families know that. Whenever a 'changing of political power' is required, aka an assassination, and the Hirohito do not want to risk their usual tactics of extortion and subtle manipulation, they typically call upon the Fushinkou to perform their dirty work.

Given that the majority of the Hirohito family and its branch family members are involved in espionage is some form or another, it is necessary that their family marker isn't anything plainly obvious. They are also one of the only families that do not require their marker to be worn at all times, at least in terms of the branch-family members. Family members outside of the direct Hirohito line wear a simple band of iron on the thumb with the Hirohito symbol engraved on the inside when they are meeting with other family members. Those in the main family are given both a platinum ring, which is passed down through generations that is worn on the ring finger. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, family members can chose to 'turn in' the ring and receive a brand in the form of the Hirohito family symbol on the underside of their tongue; this is optional but also highly encouraged for the shinobi of the family.

~~The Muramasa
The last of the "Power Five" families in Kirigakure is the Muramasa. Well known throughout Water Country for their skills in hard labor, the Muramasa make everything from boats, to houses, to bridges, to weapons. Having been around for quite some time, the family has amassed a large amount of wealth due to their ever-growing industry of metalwork. Many believe that the Muramasa family has dealings with Rock Country to obtain vast amounts of iron with which to work, but the family has been tight-lipped in anything concerning the matter and so no one really knows whether or not it's true. It is public knowledge however, that the family owns a series of islands near the borders of Water Country.

Rich with iron deposits, these islands have become mines that have been in the family for times preceding its official establishment. The Muramasa family nobles are limited in number, with a total of five branching families, none of which take on the Muramasa name. Nobles are identified by a single earring consisting of three pearls in a sequence. The first pearl is carved out into a waxing crescent, the middle of which is attached to a full pearl. Attached on the other side of the middle pearl is another carved pearl, in a waning crescent. The earring is typically hung from the middle pearl. Male nobles wear it on their right ear lobe while females wear it on their left.

Members of the branching families are known to wear the Muramasa crest as well, usually embroidered subtly into their clothing. Many have it on the back of their collar, if applicable. The branching families are each closely intermingled, with a single noble sitting atop each of the branches at any given moment. When a noble dies, the other nobles meet with the elders of the fallen branch, discussing in length who should replace the dead. It generally boils down to the firstborn, but there have been exceptions. Holding a monopoly, anyone that works in construction or blacksmithing of any sort are under the influence of the Muramasa family. Aside from their massive control over the metalworking industry, the Muramasa family are known to produce shinobi of high caliber. Most of them are exceptionally strong in the physical sense, but there do exist those that excel in the other aspects of the shinobi life. The family has produced two Mizukage's throughout the history of Kirigakure, though neither were nobles.

Throughout the years, the Muramasa family has formed an alliance with the Toukai clan. Those in the clan that don't become shinobi will generally become workers for the Muramasa. The Toukai have time and time again proven to be a valuable asset to the workforce. In return, the Nobles give them any supplies they need for personal construction free of charge. The Toukai just have to build it themself. It's said that the Muramasa's pay them quite handsomely as well for their work. The Muramasa family generally don't have their hands dirty with too many assassinations, instead relying on their Toukai allies to do the job and supply any materials needed for it to get done. Their are of course the few exceptions. During the series of uprisings from the bloodline clans of Kirigakure, the Muramasa family strongly discouraged the Toukai from participating. Instead, they offered them protection from the village. After all, the Toukai had once been almost entirely wiped out. Another incident like that would likely extinguish them forever.

Being as a whole rather religious, the Muramasa have for a long time been dedicating to serving the Lunar Goddess, Mizuki. Legends state that the first Nobles of the family had a pact with the Night Mother, they and their descendants should serve her for time immortal in exchange for great prosperity and long lives. Indeed, the Nobles that aren't assassinated seem to live an extraordinarily long time before dying of old age far past others. Unlike the most of the power families, the Muramasa care little if one marries into the other families. They don't discourage it, though they don't particularly encourage it either. The only time they would ever have a problem with inter-family marriage is if the Muramasa name is disgraced by the wed.
CASTES Kirigakure uses a traditional caste social structure that has had a massive impact on the overall design of the village over the years. The castes are divided in the following order, moving from the outside to the core of the village. The closer you get to the core the higher class you are in this caste system.
  • Untouchables
  • Merchants
  • Military
  • Nobles
While this dividing social structure is rather prevalent in the life of everyone in Kirigakure, it's not all inclusive, and while there is a tendency to lean towards endogamy, it's not terribly uncommon for there to be some level of mixing, especially between shinobi and civilians.
In Summary:
While the family one belongs to is more apparent based on day-to-day interactions, there is a slightly more subtle mechanic at work in Kirigakure that divides its citizens as well, which is castes. While Kirigakure does not enforce castes to the point where people of nobility have never met poor villagers, there are places certain villagers simply can't go because of their caste, and certain experiences they will never have because of it. The castes in Kirigakure as split into 4 ranks, Untouchables, Merchants, Shinobi, and Nobles. A random person visiting the for a day may never notice these castes if they aren't too observant, but the more time you spend in Kirigakure, the more apparent it becomes. Those born and raised within the village have it bred into them and often follow social norms based on a caste that they may not even be aware of. The caste structure does have a physical effect on the village though, as the village is actually split into 4 sections called Provinces, based entirely on the castes. Each Province is actually self-sustaining, and has an internal "economy" (i.e; farming, plumbing, housing, law enforcement, banks, etc) that is not principally reliant on any of the other provinces in order to function for short bursts of time. This was intentional so that in the event of siege, Kirigakure could lock away parts of the village to protect the villagers. The Provinces are divided by enormous stone walls that act as barriers for the shinobi to monitor and travel through, and passage through the walls requires certain permits, permission, reason, and so forth. Typically speaking, downgrading (going from the Noble Province to the Shinobi Province) is scrutinized far less than upgrading (going from Merchant Province to Shinobi Province).

Everyone in the village falls into a caste. While shifting castes is not as simple as shifting a family is (simply signing a contract), it is possible for someone to change their caste and their fortune. Most commonly, this is done by children in the merchant caste who manage to earn themselves into the ranks of shinobi. Less frequently but still common, is merchants down on their luck who fall to less legal methods of profit and fall victim to their vices. Gaining Nobility is just short of impossible, as it requires at least 3/4ths approval of nobility status from the the current noble families, as well as sponsorship from the Daimyo and at least 2 council members. Castes lean towards endogamy, but there is no law demanding it, and while it can be frowned upon by outsiders, it is not entirely uncommon for people to explore love, and lust, outside of their caste.
~~Untouchables
They are typically the most disgusting in the eyes of the majority. They're people that have been destroyed by their various diseases and vices and because of such are often looked upon as if they were worth nothing at all. This isn't exactly true, there are a variety of people and families amongst the thieves and criminals, that have been born into this shitty existence. The civilians found here typically have no true means of income and are otherwise ignored by the government. Their place of residence is located outside the village, built upon the meager amount of land that the village has no use for. The total population here is only 5% of the Kiri civilian population, which is perhaps what makes it so easy to ignore.

Due to their impoverished state, they are not expected to pay any taxes and their homes are not taxed or bothered. However, the homes are almost entirely slums, and have fallen into an utter state of decay. Many of the homes no longer have doors, windows, etc, and are just frames of buildings that house far more people than they were ever truly intended to. Almost every building that isn't a home in this area is a bar, or some sort of brothel.

The village turns a blind eye to this area, so crime runs rampant, and is mostly ignored. Usually the only time the village will intervene is to dispose of the dead, and even then the bodies are destroyed without a care in the world. The ninja that come here, only do so because they can get away with almost anything. It isn't uncommon for a variety of ninja to be seen around the slums, though those that make this a habit are often questioned as to why they would mingle with such filth.

~~The Merchant Caste
This caste is composed of the general working class amongst the village. Merchants, sailors, shippers, laborers, artisans, whatever, they are all part of this particular caste which is located in the outer rim of the village. The majority of the people that make up this caste are contracted by the village to complete tasks around the village, so it isn't surprising to find that this caste represents about 45% of the civilian population. Their living conditions here are mostly average. A lot of the people in this area are dirty, tricky, and underhanded, but respect the ideals of the village and do their best to uphold them. While it's certainly not common, some businessmen in this area will own a slave or two, though the slave is often of poor quality. All residents of this caste are taxed by the country based on their income, which is usually a small amount compared to the higher castes.

The Merchant caste is considered something of the motivational powerhouse for the village, however. These are people that typically buy almost completely into the philosophies of Kirigakure. The ninja as a whole, are viewed as celebrities, and the ones they hear about more often become icons very quickly. It's not uncommon for merchandise from the merchant caste to make it's way up in the social structure, only to reveal that a new ninja is "hot" and products in their likeness are selling like crazy. People from this caste, tend to only really have run-ins with senior ninja during festivities and large events, and even then they are separated. Ninja seeking fame and status will be smart to utilize their face time with these lesser civilians to gain stature in their eyes. As the ninja that impress these people are quick to get attention from the village as well.

Members of the merchant caste sometimes enroll themselves or their children into the military in an attempt to work their way up the social ladder. Many of these people and or the children that come from here, perform average at best once they do become ninja. It is a rarity for them to advance past Chuunin. The ninja coming from the merchant class are either ninja with a few too many bad marks on their record or not enough social standing to make it higher in the castes. They then fall from the good graces of the people and are assumed to be either social climbers or dirt bags, neither of which are good things.

~~The Military (Shinobi) Caste
Everyone in this caste is a ninja or the families of ninja. Active ninja have their housing paid for by the village, those that are not active ninja are charged a standard fee for the area in which they live. This is mostly for the elderly and or those that have had ninja within their family before. There are many ninja owned business' found in this area, making the caste fully self supportive.

Often times, nobles and or large business owners from the Noble Caste will buy ninja owned business' to increase their own wealth and power. By sponsoring a ninja this way, the ninja and the owner of said ninja's business gain more influence and fame depending on the relationship and or status of the parties involved. Famous ninja are a sought after commodity for the Noble Caste, so they are always looking for ways to sponsor ninja that rise in fame.

In population terms, this caste makes up about 65% of the military force and about 30% of the civilian force for the whole village. It is also the largest of the areas within the village. That being said, it houses many important buildings, headquarters, training grounds, and two of the three military academies. This particular area of the village is located in the second ring of the village.

~~The Nobles Caste
Finally we have the Nobles Caste located at the very core of the village. It is composed of people of nobility and stature within the country, including important family members, famous ninja, and wealthy businessmen. This caste is fairly large, despite it's small population. It's size is primarily due to it's massive residencies and parks. Many of the civilians found in this area have their hands deep in the matters of the country and village and are of great social importance. Additionally, much like the civilians in the merchant district, they profusely buy into the celebrity status of ninja. The civilians here make up about 20% of the civilian population, and the remaining portion of the shinobi population.

Businessmen and nobles will actually buy family owned businesses of ninja as a way to support then, and then consequently tout their close relationship with said ninja and his family. The more ninja a person is connected with and the more fame those ninja have, the more popular a person can become in this caste.

Many of the people in this caste are indulgent in their life styles and will do anything to be affiliated with a ninja that has gained fame so as to increase their own position in the social hierarchy. Often enough, they will use anything at their disposal to get their hands on information that will pull them farther into wealth and in the process increase their power overall.
CLANS
Clans (A Summary):
The 3rd and final factor that acts as a silent divisionary force within Kirigakure in a person's status as a clan member. There are 5 primary clans, each with a Kekkei Genkai, the Fushinkou, the Toukai, the Aisu, the Yamai, and the Jouchaku. While other minor clans have come and gone, the 5 major clans hold such significance within Kirigakure due to their history. Clan members are regarded as powerful, important members of society, and they are held to a somewhat different standard. While their actions are more heavily scrutinized, they are also granted more leniency. Clans as a whole hold great political significance within the village due to the unique power they offer, which calls for a unique approach to their lives. While some people of Kirigakure look at clan members with respect, there are still many people within the village who view clans as a danger, and would prefer their extinction.

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NSRP
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What Kiri is like...

Post by NSRP » Sun Jun 29, 2014 10:53 pm

The administration is based in the highest building in the village and is known to everyone as 'Mizukage Tower'. This tower stands menacingly above every other building in the village and has tons of glass windows that glimmer whenever the sun actually breaks through the thick mists that blanket the entire island. It is the most important building in the entire village and is often crawling with activity. This activity includes basically everything one can think of, but is mostly reserved for the Kirigakure military. A noteworthy trait of this building is that is stands directly in the center of the village. Some would say the ominous tower makes for quite the display of Kirigakure might and those lucky enough to gaze upon it are left speechless.

The office of the Mizukage is located at the very top of the building. This area and the couple floors under are what make up the personal dwelling of the Mizukage. Each time a new leader is chosen the dwelling is renovated to their liking, no matter the expense. That in itself makes it the most sought after property in the whole village. If you are ever invited here for anything, then you are quite possibly one of the most revered people in the village or one of the luckiest. The whole building isn't just about the Mizukage's luxurious pent house though, the council chambers are also located here. Every major decision is made in the council chambers and it is without a doubt one of the most secured places in Water Country. There are few people in the village that have had the privilege to glimpse upon the these lavishly designed chambers.
Kage and CouncilShow
The Mizuakge is the supreme leader of Kirigakure, and is often considered to be the strongest of all the shinobi in the village, and in the views of many, the world. The title of Mizukage is one that is often passed on through combat (this will be expanded upon later), which typically means that the new Mizukage is seen as a military coup and proof that he stands as the strongest among others. The Mizukage makes all legislative decisions of the village,as a war lord, king, or elected leader, any changes in policy are those done through the will of the Mizukage. While the Mizukage often elects to delegate certain responsibilities to subordinates, it is assumed these things are done in-line with the Mizukage’s interests, with the Mizukage’s authority, and respected as such. Conversely, those who are given this privilege and abuse it often meet….unfortunate fates.

Unlike the Kirigakure of the past, and many other villages, the Mizukage acts without a council, after a previous Mizukage found the council to be plotting against them and had the entire council assassinated. Instead, the Mizukage often consults with the heads of the noble families. This is in no way an official station, and the Heads will often send a representative in their stead, reflecting that they recognize they are often called upon as a courtesy, not an obligation.

Perhaps the most interesting dynamic of the Mizukage is that while the Mizukage is in charge of Kirigakure, the Mizukage also acts as the de facto Daimyo of Water Country. While Water Country does have it’s own Daimyo (and a standing samurai army), the Mizukage’s station is recognized as supremely powerful, and the military strength of Kirigakure is respected as far outclassing Water Country’s. Because of this, while the Mizukage answers to the Daimyo from a public and technical stand point, it is well known that the Mizukage has the freedom to act as he wills throughout the country, and that requests sent to the Daimyo on the behalf of the Mizukage are only requests in name, but orders in reality. This creates an inverse relationship in Water Country, where the economic, military, and cultural center of the country is considered Kirigakure, and not the Daimyo’s village.
Kirigakure HolidaysShow
  • January:

    Iyashii Commemorative Day: During this month the country celebrates the hero Iyashii, a fabled Kirigakure swordsman that single-handedly killed a giant sea monster that had threatened to consume the village. The tale has been passed on for generations and the man has become a legend around the country. During this day people often retell the tale of Iyashii. The retelling of the tale can get quite intricate and elaborate in some places with whole plays being created to entertain and enlighten everyone about this famous Kirigakure hero. In unison with these plays are large festivals with a boisterous amount of song, drink, and food.
  • April:

    Water Festival: A day to celebrate the element that both surrounds and protects the village of Kirigakure. The people of Kirigakure celebrate the vast and open waters as a symbol of their strength and freedom. It involves three days of celebrations that include sincere, yet light-hearted rituals that invariably end in merrymaking, where everyone ends up getting splashed, sprayed or doused with water. It is a sight to behold as the streets are filled with people flocking to the markets to enjoy a huge variety of seafood which has been collected from the surrounding waters. People can also enjoy a grand showings put on by suiton users, telling tales of the sea. Overall it is a joyous few days of celebration in appreciation for the water that allows trade, and Kirigakure to flourish safely.

    Jester Day: A relatively new holiday that came out of the mischievous nature of Lord Mizukage Okure, Kyuuri. Upon this day it is customary for people to play practical jokes or hoaxes on each other for fun. In contrast to other holidays this is quite a cheerful day with most of the younger generation really getting into and enjoying the whole experience which usually tapers off by noon or so.
  • June

    Night of Tears: A memorial event, commemorating the night that the 5 major clans of the village (Aisu, Fushinkou, Kaguya, Jouchaku and Toukai), went about killing all of the half blood clan members 200 years ago. This day is accompanied with a moment of silence, and many family members will wear black for the loved ones lost on that day for the greater good.
  • July:

    The Fleshing: A gladiatorial event with a cruel twist: as a fighter wins their matches, the number of opponents they fight simultaneously, generally other prisoners of war or willing volunteers, would increase. This usually meant eventual death for every contender, though also unparalleled glory if one survived the excruciating ordeal. The few that have survived have become like royalty around the country.

    This particular holiday is one of the most celebrated and anticipated with lords and common folk coming from every corner of Water Country to watch the gruesome event. Betting has become common place during this event and it isn't unusual for people to make wagers on how long a contender will survive. After the three day event is all wrapped up there is usually a high mortality rate around the country, the slums in particular, for the next month or so.
  • November:

    Mizukage Day: During November, a day is set aside to honor the current Mizukage. It is a day of much gratitude and respect for the leader of the village. During this day the Mizukage does a customary speech directed to the whole village. When finished the representatives of the village show their gratitude for their leader by going through the contributions the Mizukage has made for the betterment of Kirigakure. It is also a day to remember all shinobi who have made sacrifice for their beloved country. The whole day is host to memorials, speeches, and parades which bolster the attitude and morale of the village. This moral boosting day ends with an evening festival for people to enjoy and commemorate the Mizukage and those that have sacrificed for the village.
Kirigakure MilitaryShow

Kirigakure has a Spartan like society, placing emphasis on strength. From a young age children are taught never to retreat, never to surrender, that death in the battlefield in service of Kirigakure is the greatest glory one could achieve in life. Shinobi that are weak or 'disturbed' are seen as the worst of the worst because they do not uphold to the standard of the village and those that do are highly respected, eventually being treated like celebrities among the people of the village. The people of the village love ninja, almost everything civilians do is in regards to improving the experiences of ninja in general. When a shinobi dies, no matter who they are or what they have done, they are treated with the utmost respect.

Much to the surprise of everyone, the forces of the village are not the most solidarity even though the majority work so well together in the field. This is probably due to having their egos boosted everyday by the people around them. Their ambitious nature to surpass each other and strive for greater strength has created a void, where people will often kill their emotions to further their own personal rise to power. It isn't surprising then that the village boasts some of the finest actual 'shinobi' of all the villages. Ruthless, efficient, and effective are the exact words you can use to describe a majority of the shinobi within the village. This fact alone makes the small village of Kirigakure, capable of contending with the larger villages.
Ninja Code of ConductShow
All ninja that graduate from the academies in Kirigakure are expected to have learned and internalized the ‘Ninja Code of Conduct’:

1: A ninja is an extension of its village, and thus a tool. Without a village, a ninja is nothing.
2: A ninja lives not for themselves or for anyone else, but for the village, they exist to maintain and further the strength of the village.
3: There is no higher glory for a ninja then to die in service of the village.
4: A ninja's duty is to become the best at what the ninja does, willing to sacrifice anything to accomplish this goal.
5: A ninja must recognize and be aware of all forms of strength; the physical, the mental, and the spiritual.
6: A ninja must not ignore fear, but embrace it, as fear can be an ally.
7: A ninja recognizes no limitations.

Ninja are expected to know these to their core and truly believe and live by them. This code of conduct is held in such high regard because it perfectly explains the ideologies preached in Kirigakure. Not only does it emphasize the power of an individual, but the importance that individual power is to the village. Kirigakure ninja are driven, supported, and empowered by the village; they owe the village for the power they gain. This is truly indoctrination to some extent, which is why it is preached so intensely to all ninja. It is one of the highest crimes in Kirigakure to preach anything that would contradict this code. This code has become the main philosophy within the village. It is a driving force that makes Kirigakure ninja so thirsty for power and blood, willing to do whatever it takes to prove their strength for the village.

Outside of their duties, there is no "standard" for how to live. They are not required to live a certain way or conform to a certain lifestyle. They are free to do as they please and live life however they want, as long as they remain loyal to the village. They are tools of the village and are expected to fulfill the duties given to them by the village in an effective and efficient manner. If their loyalty to the village would ever be questioned due to their actions, they are expected to turn themselves in and face the consequences. The village frowns upon behavior that is counterproductive to achieving its will. Ninja who indulge in these types of behavior will find themselves getting less important missions as they can no longer be trusted.

Even if the ninja are not required to adhere to a certain standard of living, they are still expected to embrace and uphold the ideologies of the village, as that is what being a ninja is about. The ninja under the village are expected to strive for greatness and become exemplary members of society. They achieve this by biting their lip per say. Being a exemplary ninja does not necessarily mean that they support the village in all its ventures, and participate in things with enthusiasm, only that they are able to look past their smaller indifference's and disagreements, and recognize that even when they do not support what the village is doing, they support the village as a whole.

This is why Kirigakure's ninja are widely considered to be some of the most fierce and dangerous ninja.
Kirigakure Military StructureShow
Junior Level Structure (Genin): Composed of rivalry and assault squads.
Journeymen Level Structure (Chuunin): Composed of Assault and Specialty squads.
Senior Level Structure (Jounin): Composed of Assault, Specialty, and Assassin squads.
Rivalry SquadShow
The rivalry squad is the most basic type of squad found in the village. This type of squad is usually reserved for those that have just graduated from the academy. It consists of four members: two Genin, one Chuunin, and one Jounin. The term rivalry is used very tentatively, because the Genin are expected to not only compete against each other, but to also work with each other to complete tasks and advance in skill. This squad was designed to propel the Genin forward by using each other as motivation. The Chuunin is tasked with providing the Genin with reference and guidance, while the Jounin is purely on the squad for instruction, setting guidelines and goals for the Genin to accomplish. The squad will see their Jounin once or twice a month because the Chuunin is charged with doing the bulk of the instruction and is expected to report to the Jounin on a regular basis. Jounin will often have multiple rivalry squads under their watch. Once the Genin members of the squad become Chuunin, the squad is disassembled and transitions into one of the higher tier squads.
Assault SquadShow
Squads originally created for minor skirmishes in times of war, but are now used daily to accomplish a variety of tasks for the village. The assault squad is composed of five members. A senior ninja is used as a liaison between the squad and village. The senior doesn’t accompany the squad and is mostly just responsible for briefing the squad and or providing the squad with the required intel to accomplish given objectives for a mission. This squad typically consists of two offensive and two supportive ninja.
Specialty SquadShow
Much like the original assault squads, this type of squad was developed in war times to steam roll over situations. Specialty squads are composed of three or four ninja who all have similar skill sets. An example of a specialty squad would be a suiton group tasked with putting out fires. Within this squad there is a squad leader who will be charged with accomplishing the task(s) given by the village.
Assassin SquadShow
A three man cell designed to have maximum efficiency in assassinating a target(s). The squad is typically led by a tactician, whose responsibility is locating the target(s), coordinating the attack, and accounting for all the scenarios. The second member is usually a supportive ninja, most commonly someone who can mask the squad and the actual assassination. This could be a genjutsu user that casts genjutsu on possible witnesses, or someone simply skilled at causing distractions and covering the battle field. The last member is the assassin of the squad. They are tasked with actually eliminating the target(s). While this squad type has lost popularity over the years due to the addition of the Head Hunter Division (HHD), the Assassin Squad format is something Kirigakure is relatively famous for.
NotesShow
Being in one squad doesn’t stop a shinobi from being in another; the majority of shinobi in Kiriagkure belong to multiple squads each with a different function and or purpose.

Everybody has a higher ranked senior ninja above them, if you want to request something you are required to request it from them, and then they will take the request higher if needed. For example, if a Genin is interested in a special squad (such as being a Dagger in the SSM or a recruit in HHD), they express their interest with their senior, who will determine if they're ready for something like that. If deemed ready the senior will take the required steps to move forward with the motion. This is even true for Jounin. They are not expected to go directly to the kage, or any organization leaders for matters concerning themselves. They have a designated senior who has been placed in lead of their squads which they can use for things regarding themselves. They are free to directly go to the person of interest when involving shinobi below them, however.
Kirigakure Military AcademyShow
Being a ninja in Kirigakure is much like joining an army, so there are technically no limitations aside from a 6 to 18 year age restriction on becoming a ninja.

Anyone who is willing is able to volunteer themselves to the Academy, but that does not necessarily mean that they will be permitted to attend, or become a ninja. Submitting oneself to the Academy means participating in a series of mental and physical challenges to ensure the volunteer is up to par, and doing an invested background check on the person's history and their family’s history.

Many times, it's this family background check that gets people eliminated from the running. Those without a thorough enough family history are not able to be accepted due to risk factors, additionally, those with family members that have poor history are often excluded for the same reasons. Due to this, typically the people accepted into the academies are children of ninja in the ninja caste, and nobles. It is a rarity to find children of the merchant class attending the Academy, they often have to use what influence they have to even get a chance at the lowest level Academy in the village.

Most students are between 9 and 12 years of age, since that is typically the age they have the best chance of passing the Academy in their first try. Once a candidate has made it through the tests and background checks, they are submitted to the small committee that organizes the classes. A new class starts every 6 months, and accepts 30 students.

There are three academies, one located in the center-most ring, and two located in the Ninja Caste area, each of which follow this schedule. The Academy lasts for a year and 6 months, meaning there are a total of 9 slots in rotation at all times. The Academy uses an 18 month schedule, dividing the 18 months into three 6 month cores.

The first core is entirely education based. It focuses on the fundamentals of chakra, ninja lifestyle, history of the world, and more importantly, Kirigakure. During this time the children are indoctrinated into Kirigakure ideology with near constant preaching of the ‘Ninja Code of Conduct’ and the ‘Ninja Rules’. At the end of this core, the students are given a written test to test the knowledge they have accumulated; however, the results of the test are withheld until graduation.

The second core set focuses on teaching skills, this is a mix between class exercise and hands on exercise, since the students have already been taught about chakra, hand seals and what not, the class room setting is mostly to reinforce those ideas and allow the students to ask any questions they have. The hands on exercises are the students learning how to use the ninja skills. Basic genjutsu, basic taijutsu moves, and the basic ninjutsu are taught to everyone. Much like the previous core set, this one ends in a test of skills where the students will be asked to present skills at random. These test results are also withheld until graduation.

The third core set is practical application, this core expands the schedule into longer hours, and sometimes even requires over night exercises and the like. This core focuses on testing the mental fortitude of the students, and their ability to apply the skills they've been taught at combat speed. This core is made up of a lot of fights between the students, the dividing of them based on their skill sets to either capitalize on their skills, or help develop their lesser skills. While the previous cores is mostly 1 or 2 instructors with all 30 students, the number of teachers at this level is increased so each of the students can have more attention to ensure they're ready to graduate. Due to recent changes in political landscape, this core has been amended to include a final exercise in which the students are sent out on a week long field training exercise (FTX), where they are left to their own devices to hunt a number of targets released. These targets are most often criminals, but all slaves in Kirigakure are given the opportunity to volunteer to participate. All students must return with a head of a kill in order to graduate, the head can be any of the targets released, a class mates, or a teacher’s. Any student who fails to return with a head is recycled. Any targets who survive are granted their freedom and an opportunity to join the academy.

Each test is semi-accumulative, so the grades from the last core are taken with the most weight, but all grades are assessed. Students cannot graduate purely on physical skill, nor purely on intellect. They must show an aptitude of some degree for all the skills. However, even the best student can be failed if they do not show a comprehensive understanding and intake of Kirigakure's ideology. Since Kirigakure's primary intent is to maintain control over their ninja, students that show too much resistance or indifference to what Kirigakure's preaches will be failed. Those that have been determined ready to graduate will pass and be sorted into teams with graduation following shortly.

For those who failed, their fate depends on the Academy they were sorted into. Because the Academy they are sorted into depends to some degree on their social status, students with more status are given more opportunities. The academies are known best as simply number one, two, and three. The number one Academy is located in the center ring of the village while the other two are located within the second ring.

If a student fails out of an Academy, the student is reentered in a class that is about to start its full cycle in the next Academy. This means for the fall outs in Academy one, they go to Academy two, and for fall outs of Academy two, they go to Academy three. If a student falls out of Academy three, they are simply removed from the cycle, and are barred from ever becoming a ninja. Typically, the students that fall out of Academy three are those with zero aptitude for the ninja arts. This means that students that get accepted into Academy one get two retries, while students from Academy two only get one retry, and students from Academy three must pass on their first go.

While the academies all offer the same level of teaching, the Academy a student goes to typically follows them for their entire career. Since the sorting is loosely based on social status, many people immediately assume that the best and brightest come from Academy one, while the worst come from Academy three. While it's not necessarily true, it makes for a good way for Kirigakure to maintain the hierarchy.
Clan RelationsShow
Throughout Kiri’s rich and deep history, there are many moments that are considered turning points for the village. One of the biggest would be the clan civil war that occured briefly after the death of the second Mizukage. After the founding of the village, many non-clan members were hesitant to accept new clans into the village. The prevailing thought was that giving up clan members had secured the village’s position as an official shinobi village, and accepting new clans would put that at risk. This created tension that the Niidaime Mizukage is largely responsible for keeping at bay. Even upon his retirement, the second Mizukage was the forerunner in clan-village relations and acted as the middle man, easing the tensions. His death seemed to be the trigger that pushed everything into chaos. Without the Niidaime acting as a buffer, there was an increase in deaths to clan members, and violent retaliation from clans. The Sandaime Mizukage, not belonging to a clan, viewed this as a secondary issue, in his own words ‘If the clans got eliminated, they were too weak. And if everyone else gets eliminated, they were too weak.’.

By his own admission the Sandaime had no interest in quelling the violence in his village, which only seemed to make matters worse. After 5 years of violence, murdering, and uprisings, the revolts met there peak and broke into an outright civil war, demanding the Mizukage to force his hand. In a violent conquest, the Sandaime Mizukage singlehandedly eliminated almost half of the shinobi population of the village, killing indiscriminately, without a second thought. After two consecutive days of killing, the Mizukage ended his rampage and demanded the remaining population to enter the Mizukage compound. There, he announced a series of legislation that would introduce the caste system, would set specific standards for shinobi service from all families, and would create a system of checks and balances for clans and non-clan members alike. Through this legislation, the Mizukage would create a council of 10 representatives. One from each of the major clans in the village: The Aisu, Kaguya, Jouchaku, Fushinkou, and Toukai, and one from of the 5 prevailing families not in possession of a kekkei genkai: The Shiimu, Karagata, Kawazaiwa, Hirohito, and Muramasa.(Though, the council has been streamlined to 6 people in recent years.)

This legislation would be directly responsible for the social dynamic that exists today in Kirigakure. The clans, which due to their prowess would be secured in the shinobi caste and never risk being worth less than a shinobi, gained a sense of elitism about them. The Fushinkou, soon followed by every other clan in the village, would pass a doctrine that required the purification of their blood. All children would come of two Fushinkou parents, and any children considered to be “half breed”, meaning not of pure blood, would be killed. This lead to what is known at Night of Tears, commemorated as a day of memorial by the Yondaime Mizukage, where the clans expunged all their impure clan members.

Since, Kirigakure’s relationship with clans has grown stronger. Clan members are viewed as an asset in power, stabilized in the villages strict hierarchy established by the Sandaime’s legislation. They are respected, even revered by some, and thought of an important component to the village’s strength. Clans are expected to be heavily involved in the politics of the village, and are often the first called to important missions and duties.

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NSRP
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What Kiri is like...

Post by NSRP » Thu Aug 13, 2015 4:11 pm

Kirigakure was formed roughly 800 years into the modern era. A small island in Water Country had been agreed upon by the Grand Three at the time to be used as penal colony of sorts. An initially bloody existence, many criminals who were deposited on the island either created gangs and groups to ensure their survival, or were killed in the blood baths. It took about 20 years of criminal infighting until a single leader, Senju Haziwara took command. With his raw power, Haziwara conquered every single gang on the island, brought them together under his name, and invented the idea of creating their own shinobi village.

As a display of might, Haziwara terraformed the entire island by his own power. He created the mountains, the swamps, brought the ocean into the center of the island to create a giant lake, then create another island within that lake. On that island, he formed Kirigakure no Sato. He sought approval of Water Country, which happily granted them the military clearance to start an academy.

The history of Kirigakure stems in many directions from here, so this post will have posts exploring the various different aspects of Kirigakure's history. Things like important dates, important figures, and various changes throughout time.
MizukagesShow
There have been 11 Mizukage's in the history of Kirigakure. The most recent Mizukage was the Eleventh Mizukage Yami Kasai. The position is currently vacant following Kasai's untimely death.
Shoudaime Mizukage : Senju, Haziwara:
Originally apart of the Hidden Leaf village, the Shoudaime Mizukage was the founder of the village hidden in the Mist. Sent to the penal colony as punishment for treason, Haziwara had killed several Konoha shinobi that he claimed had attacked him first. To this day it's disputed among scholars what actually happened, but is his punishment is considered to be a decision that largely shaped the course of the political landscape. Upon landing on island, Haziwara immediately took command of the people around him. An eloquent speaker and a dangerous enemy, Haziwara led with an intelligence first, and a strong fist second. Those who fell to his command were taken under his protection and treated as equals, those who defied him did not live.

When every criminal on the island had pledged their allegiance to his reign, Haziwara proved his power with a show of excellence, standing on the center of the island he completely terraformed it. The tropical island was altered into a fortress, designed in a way that made it practically impossible to infiltrate. The mountains were raised as a warning, and the swamps as a punishment. Within the center of the island, he rose an island from a lake and named it Kirigakure, Village Hidden in the Mist. The alteration of the landscape, and the creation of the warm swamps caused an unnatural mist to rise onto the island that never seemed to leave.

The Daimyo at the time had seen the rise of the other villages in his childhood, and recognized the revolution within the penal colony as an opportunity. Driven by a desire to see his country seen as a political superpower, he met gleefully with Haziwara and granted them the full scope of their military rights. Kirigakure no Sato was officially adopted by Water Country and recognized as it's shinobi village.

For 2 short years, Haziwara sat as Mizukage. It was a seat that was met with contention by the other villages, especially Konohagakure who recognized Kirigakure, and their Senju kage, as a stain on their good name. A village of criminals, the Grand 3 would denounce the status of shinobi village and threatened with war. Haziwara's speaking skill would delay what seemed to be the inevitable. In secrecy he met with his most trusted men, and eventually decided a method of recourse. He called a meeting with what he recognized as his fellow Kage, and demanded legitimacy in their eyes. In exchange for their recognition, Haziwara would turn over every clan member, and any criminals of exceptional status to their respective villages to be dealt with properly.

His request would be accepted, and Haziwara returned to his village. The small village comprised of about 500, of which only 300 were shinobi, were gathered and given the news. At first, they rebuked his announcement and demanded war, refusing to give themselves up. But Haziwara made it no choice of their own, and in an act that surely defined the course of Kirigakure, acted on his own to kill every single individual he had said he'd turn over, then committed suicide himself. In 802, with only two years as an official leader, Senju Haziwara was dead.
Niidaime Mizukage : Gasidou, Genjaa:
With the sudden death of the Shoudaime Mizukage, Gasidou, Genjaa was forced to take the seat at the age of 26. The second-in-command to Haziwara and his closest confidant, Genjaa was something of Haziwara's opposite. While Haziwara spoke with skill and lined his words with threats and promise, Genjaa was a eternal pacifist who didn't believe in forcing his hand. Intelligent but slow to think, Genjaa spoke slowly, syllables often being sustained as he thought of his next word. He was a simple man that didn't believe in unnecessary killing and wanted only what was best for his village.

In contrast to Haziwara though, he was exactly what the village needed. He inspired confidence in his followers due to his smart ideas. As he took the seat, his first action was to coordinate with the standing Daimyo to bring in more populous to the village. Through his actions to of the most influential families in Water Country, the Shiimu and the Hirohito, were incentivized to move to Kirigakure, and with them many who fall under their control. In what seemed like over night, the population of Kirigakure increased ten fold. Buildings were erected, academies were made, and people settled in.

Following this, Genjaa continued to pass laws, work with Water Country, and coordinate with many other allies to bring in people and secure resources for Kirigakure. In his 50 odd years of tenure as Mizukage, Genjaa took what Water Country viewed as a competitive control of the sea and made it under the complete control of Kirigakure. He acted with purpose, and his slow methodical manner of speaking became renown, along side his skillful negotiation methods and intelligent understanding of anyone he met.

Genjaa did not believe in treating his people like children, much as Haziwara did not. The blood bath created by the Shoudaime Mizukage was a point of contention for many and Genjaa did not punish those who sought to usurp his seat. He encouraged people to work out their own problems, to handle affairs internally, and to act in a way that they saw was best for the village. Several attempts were made on his life, but none were ever successful. Even more aggression was made when Genjaa sought out the attention of two clans, the Aisu and the Fushinkou. Incorporating them into the village, he promised them peace and prosperity in exchange for their service.

Many of the villagers saw this as a problem, they feared that the introduction of more clans would bring the village under scrutiny and possibly challenge it's legitimacy again. Genjaa, ever the diplomat, addressed these concerns with tact, and managed an era of peace that could have easily have been bloody and violent. Though not a clan member himself, the Nidaime Mizukage saw the merit, and advantage, in kekkei genkai and valued their power. He'd be labeled a sympathizer and a blood traitor by those who disagreed, but he would maintain for his career that members of both clans were safer with him in his position.

When the first great Shinobi war broke out, Genjaa maintained his stance of pacifism and demanded that Kirigakure shinobi kept their noses out of the businesses of the other villages. The Daimyo who viewed this war as an opportunity for the country, demanded the villages participation, and Genjaa's retirement for it. He was threatened and pressure, and with his age wearing on him, Genjaa folded, retiring at the age of 75. In his place, a bright experience shinobi thirsty for blood and born to lead was put in his place. 851 years into the modern era, a new Mizukage took the seat.
Sandaime Mizukage : Senagariku, Hoyu:
Senagariku, Hoyu was a young, disciplined shinobi that idolized strength above all else. A natural born leader, Hoyu grew up under Gasidou, Genjaa, but was raised on bed time stories about Senju, Haziwara. His hero, and who he aspired to be, Hoyu respected nothing but strength. Named the Sandaime Mizukage by the Daimyo, the 31 year old put Kirigakure into the war his first day in the seat. Kirigakure would intervene in support of Konohagakure, a tactical decision that would be regarded as both brilliant and lucky.

While many of his forces were at war, however, Hoyu would be dealing with troubles brewing within his village. The war had acted as something of a stimulus, in the village. The Muramasa family and Kawazaiwa family would move their roots within the village, incorporating themselves into the inner working of the shinobi life. Additionally, the Karagata, who had been relatively unheard of would quickly rise to power. Hoyu had also garnered the attention of another clan, the Jouchaku, and soon the Toukai and Yamai would follow to join the village. The increase in activity, the increase in population, and the higher number of clan members, created unease for everyone.

As the war came to a close, Kirigakure would betray Konoha and align itself with Iwagakure, and Hoyu established Kirigakure as one of the largest purchasers of slaves. A strong believer in servitude, Hoyu's opinion on the matter was well documented: "If they don't want to be slaves, they'll find the strength from within themselves to obtain their freedom.". This view was reflected as it was known universally that a slave who killed his masters was granted his freedom and their estate.

As tensions grew with clans, Hoyu was largely dismissive of the issue. He viewed the issue as a struggle for power and actively contested those who believed that this would be the cause of the destruction of Kirigakure. Not belonging to a clan, and viewing no intrinsic value in kekkei genkai, Hoyu kept things simple, "If someone gets eliminated, they were too weak to survive. These are the laws of nature, and thus, the laws of man."

For 5 continuous years, Hoyu would watch rioting, violence, murders and attacks within his village and stand by idly, dealing with other matters. He would open a second and third academy, introduce criminal justice legislation, and create close ties with the many families of the village that provided it with prosperity. He placed his eyes on islands outside of Water Countries control, and began laying down the groundwork for a colonization of many of these islands.

Finally, at the peak of the 5 years, during the Water Festival, an aisu child was killed. A blizzard descended on the village and a civil war broke out. It was this final moment that forced the Mizukage to act. Following the footsteps of his childhood hero, Hoyu armed himself and went on a conquest. For two days he covered the village in blood, eliminating almost half the shinobi population in a violent rampage, leaving corpses in his wake and leaving none who challenged him alive.

At the end, he drew those who still lived into the Mizukage compound and sat on his podium, blood still soaked into his clothes, wounds still covering his body. He'd tell of the time he had to think during his spree, and would announce comprehensive legislation based on what he believed was the vision of Haziwara. He would introduce a caste system, naming families of nobility at the top, and placing shinobi only second to them. Normal villagers of trades would be under shinobi, leaving only those who provide no benefit to the village. He'd compose a council, composed of the 5 noble families he had named, and 5 clan members of the 5 clans within the village. He cited the nobles as representatives of the normal man, and the clan members as representatives of their individual clans. Additionally, he would require the first born child of any and all villagers to be submitted to the academy. His final words would be the Ninja Code of Conduct, which is still expected and adhered by all shinobi of Kirigakure to this day.

The fall out from this event was practically non-existent. Villagers and clan members alike recognized and embraced the ideology and status quo the Mizukage had created. Strength would become something of respect, and while the concepts of strength shifted from person to person, the Sandaime Mizukage was considered to be a hero despite having killed so many.

He would rule over and era of peace following this. He would dispatch large crews of shinobi that would conquer island, entire societies that would bend to their might. Through the use of the Karagata families expertise in the sea, Hoyu initiated a period of conquest and imperialism. At 101 years of age, he was assassinated in his sleep by one of his aids at the order of Yoruske, Ryon, who would leverage the council the name his the Yondaime Mizukage. 921 years into the modern era, yet another Mizukage was given the crown.
Yondaime Mizuage : Yoruske, Ryon:
Yoruske, Ryon of the Hirohito family had risen to power quickly, and silently. Someone who stood out in a crowd, he was considered a stickler for rules, incredibly rude, and not the most stable of individuals. A collector of secrets, he used his intellect, and backing by the Hirohito clan to leverage the council following the assassination of the Sandaime Mizukage. He was voted in 9 to 1, the sole dissenter being the head of the Fushinkou clan, rivals of the Hirohito.

Taking the seat, Ryon took total and complete power as the Mizukage. He used his control over the council members to essentially nullify their positions, blackmailing them to get his way with anything he wanted. He passed law after law, enforcing strict rules and a code of conduct expected to be followed by shinobi. He would regularly inspect merchants himself, and dole out punishments to those who failed to meet his standards, ranging from fines to death.

Ryon's time as Mizukage is regarded as the sole reason the Mizukage has so much power to this day. He used his seat to give himself absolute control over the village. He would prove himself to be a brilliant man, violent and unfearing. His position would eventually lead to the unity of the Fushinkou and Hirohito clan, taking advantage of a secret he learned of the clan leader and recognizing how much he would gain from obtaining the secrets the Fushinkou had.

Though not commonly known, Ryon's work is what initiated the blood purge. What was presented as a show of promise to the words of the Sandaime Mizukage and a commemoration to the rise of the Yondaime's power was closer to the subtle and intricate plotting by the Yondaime. He would name the occasion the Night of Tears, and was said to have found a disturbing amount of glee in the sorrowful events that would occur annually in remembrance of the event.

His tenure as Mizukage would oversea the colonization that the Sandaime had started, and Ryon enjoyed what he gained for the Daimyo, utilizing the gains, and the forced alliances with those he dominated, to put the Daimyo under his thumb. Unrestricted and unrestrained, Ryon would act freely, and take many wives and women as his own. Considered to be the black smudge on the record of a man who would have otherwise been immensely respected for his cunning and skill, Ryon had no qualms with forcing Kirigakure villagers into slavery when they slighted him...or if he was simply in a mood for a new slave.

He would rule over a dark period in Kirigakure for 60 years, until 981 years into the modern era when he announced his retirement under mysterious circumstances and named his successor, a 26 year old Jinchuurinki, Yamai, Yumara.
Godaime Mizukage : Yamai, Yumara:
Given the title in 981, Yumara was made a jinchuurinki to the Basics Genma at the tender age of 8, briefly after her graduation from the academy. She was a volatile as she was dangerous, and her nomination as the Mizukage was something as a given following Ryon's retirement. Yumara was a party-er, and a month long celebration was started following her naming to the position, setting the stage for her long seat as Mizukage.

Yumara was unique in her leadership. Loving, and popular, she regularly visited the academy, went on missions herself, and even traveled the world. While many saw this as her putting the village in danger, she saw it as a "hands on" approach. When a large and dangerous pirate fleet attempted to assault Kirigakure, Yumara pulled back every single shinobi to the village and ordered them to eliminate any threats that go through her guard. She then, single handed, went out into the ocean to assault the pirates. Skating on the ocean surface, she impaled the boats with enormous bones, set them aflame, brought lighting from the skies to strike them in half, slammed them into the shore with unstoppable winds only to have the ground eat them up, and if any got past her, the ocean would simply break out into a terrible storm and swallow the boats whole.

This defined Yumara's legacy. Every time a big mission came up, or a skirmish occurred, Yumara would order the elite of the village to protect it, and she'd single handedly handle whatever it was. Yumara's status as not only a jinchuurinki, but as a clan member, seemed to be what drove their status from "important to the safety of the village" into "celebrities". While shinobi were already treated with a great amount of respect, Yumara's love for people and adoration of the spotlight caused people to begin making memorabilia of her, telling tall tales, and otherwise acting just short of worship of her.

Shinobi she thought highly of would also earn this treatment, the host of the Body Genma at the time, though overshadowed by her brilliance, was treated like a celebrity as well. In terms of legislation, Yumara did very little, instead changing the village through spirit and will alone. Kirigakure would participate in many skirmishes during her tenure as Water Country dealt with the fall out following Ryon's closing of the conquests by Kirigakure.

Many rebellions would form in the conquered islands and micro-countries, and Yumara would lead the fights, squashing them, displaying her might, and winning those who were left over with her charm and endearment. Yumara was a force of nature, and beautiful as ever even as she aged. Many feared the day she would be unseated, and in 1051 that day came at the hands of a young Aisu.
Rokudaime Mizukage : Aisu, Shira:
If Yumara loved the spotlight, Shira loved the shadows. Raised in the hands of the Aisu and the Hirohito, Shira lived for secrets and diplomacy. While Yumara was stood out with her loud, outstanding features, Shira had soft delicate skin, raven black hair, and stood barely over 5 foot. She was breathtaking, but in a way that chilled a room. At the tend age of 10 she was already named a Jounin, though many would say that this was to some length the result of blackmail.

On her 18th birthday, in 1051, the day she was technically eligible for candidacy for Mizukage, Shira approached the Mizukage tower, put her hands to the front doors, and dropped the entire tower to freezing temperature. From there, she waged assault on the Basic Genma Jinchuurinki the Godaime Mizukage, the universally adored Kaguya, Yumara. While story tellers would later claim the battle lasted for days, the truth was in lasted only for several hours. By the end of the battle, a blizzard had descended upon the village, multiple earthquakes had struck, a hurricane had moved through, and the Mizukage tower was nothing but a pile of rubble and bones. When the hurricane finally settled, Shira stood over Yumara's limp, unconscious body, donned the bloodied and torn Mizukage hat, and ordered the Basic Genma be removed from the old lady before her so that Shira could take her life.

The following day, the Rokudaime Mizukage had been named: Aisu, Shira, the youngest Mizukage to ever be named.

While she was first met with disdain from many of the normal civilians of the village, the shinobi embraced their new leader almost immediately. Shira embodied the ideals of Kirigakure. She was strong physically, mentally, and spiritually. Unlike Yumara, Shira rarely traveled beyond the gates of her rebuilt tower. Her interactions with the villagers were limited to bi-weekly announcements where the village would be gathered before the tower and any important updates would be given. If she needed to discuss politics, whoever she needed to speak with came to her, or they had no discussion at all. At first, many daimyo and village leaders found this distasteful, but it took only a few years for the world to realize that there was only one way things would go in Kirigakure: Shira's way.

Despite the coldness that resonated from her, Shira was soft spoken, her voice rarely raising above a whisper. People who spoke with her would hold their breath lest the sound of them breathing cause them to not be able to hear her. When she gave out missions, Shira had an uncanny ability to give instructions, down to when they would face enemies and what time of combatants they would, that would turn up eerily accurate.

When the Grand War broke out 2 years into her seat, Shira never once left her office during the entire 7 years of the war. The few granted permission to enter spoke nothing of what they saw within, but villagers noted that her windows had even been blacked out, and sensors spoke that they couldn't even sense within the office. Despite the circumstances, however, Shira guided the war with such a tactical brilliance that at a point in the war, not a single Kirigakure shinobi made a move without guidance from the village's leadership, and allying villages were hesitant to do anything lest they interrupt her process. While no single person could be named as the reason the war was won by Kirigakure, Iwagakure, Iron Country and Sea, many would note that Shira told allying leadership the day when the Konoha, Suna, and Kumo would withdraw their support of the minor countries 5 months in advance.

Life would continue in Kirigakure, and Shira would rule with authority. She instigated many legislative changes that would reinforce Kirigakure's standing, empower Water Country as a whole, and set up defensive schemes for many allying countries and islands. She would never marry, nor have any children, much to the silent disdain of her clan's membership.

When she entered her 80s, Shira took a shinobi under her wing, a young genin by the name of Mesai, Tensentai. Tensentai was not permitted to leave the village, was expected to be at her office by 5am, and rarely allowed to leave it until after 10pm. It was the entrance into Tensentai's life that Shira began to spend more time out in the village. Many would doubt her age in the 80s claiming that she still looked to be in her 30s or 40s. As she wandered the village, Shira would dictate in quiet whispered to Tensentai who would vigilantly write everything she spoke to him. Days later, squads of shinobi would come through and work repairs throughout the village.

Taking advantage of the economic burst Shira was having, she ordered renovations throughout the villages, built up walls and check points, rebuilt the housing in the entire shinobi caste, and gifted architecture to the merchants. Over the course of 20 years, the 3 inner rings of Kirigakure had been almost completely rebuilt.

In the early years following the first century of life, many began to wonder when Tensentai, the obvious choice for her replacement, would be named Mizukage in her stead. However, in 1134, Tensentai became incredibly sick, as medics from all over the world were brought in, few could stave off his symptoms, let alone cure him. Eventually, he passed, and the typically cold Shira in her great age, broke. She spent a week straight in her office, and when she finally came out, she walked through the village, whispering to herself as she would often do with Tensentai at her side. Eventually, she'd retreat to her room where she passed that night. Leaving Kirigakure, for the first time in many centuries, without a Mizukage in the year 1135.
Nanadaime Mizukage : Goyru, Tessu:
Weak mizukage often thought of as failure in comparison to his predecessors. Was Mizukage from
1143 to 1153 where Kiri had several economic downfalls and lost control of several alliances, 3 years into the the war he was murdered by the council and replaced in fear of costing Kirigakure success. Mizukage from age 30 to 40
Hachidaime Mizukage : Okure, Kyuuri:
Okure, Kyuuri
Trickster, intelligent, sadistic.
Lead Kiri through most recent war, named Mizukage at 24.
1153 through 1193 chose to retire.
Returned as Mizukage 1201 after the death of the Kyuudaime
Kyuudaime Mizukage : Shinwa, Basuta:
Shinwa, Basuta
Cold, calculating, genius, thought to be the most brilliant mind to come through Kiri. Played a large part in undoing the economic tragedies caused by the Nanadaime Mizukage. Died under mysterious circumstances not available to public record. Became Mizukage at 24, died at 32
Juudaime Mizukage : Kyuo, Kai:
Bled for Muramasa.
Kai's outward happy and chipper manner belies his hidden political acumen. His manouvering and bold decisions earned him many enemies on Kirigakure's council, resulting in an assassination attempt against him. In retaliation, Kai commanded the Overseer of the Seven Swordsmen, Kaikyo Kohon, to execute the entire council. With his power uncontested, he worked to strengthen Kirigakure and their control over Water Country.
Kai's legacy can be seen in Kirigakure's return to the "Bloody Mist" mentality.
Juuichidaime Mizukage : Yami, Kasai:
Yami Kasai
Renowned Jounin Yami Kasai became the Mizukage after challenging and defeating Kyuo Kai.
Kasai helmed Kirigakure during the Fourth Great Shinobi War and oversaw a rapid expansion of Water Country. He personally defending Kirigakure from a combined attack by the former-Kirigakure Bannin Kaguya Aimi and Artemisu Katsu.
He was eventually killed by the Grand Shogun Iyashii Fuhen of the Heart Empire.
Last edited by Valkier on Tue Jun 27, 2023 4:59 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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