17 years of the release of the anime "Naruto" did not pass without a trace - this world has long been a part of our reality. Even those who are not keen on Japanese animation have heard about the ninja world and know what this story is all about. It would seem that this topic has been studied up and down, but from time to time, themes still appear that require a more detailed study. For example, the ninja ranks in Naruto.
Short review
In hidden villages, all ninjas have a certain level of skills that determine their rank in Naruto. The most talented shinobi in the village is Kage, the head of the Hidden Settlement. In contrast to his talent and abilities, there are ninjas who are just beginning to understand the sciences of genjutsu, ninjutsu and taijutsu - these are students of the academy. In addition to the main ranks, in the world of Naruto there are groups that do not have their level in this ranking. For example, ANBU. Today we’ll talk about all these subtleties and nuances.
Academy students
If you look at the ranks in “Naruto” in order, then at the first (and lowest) level there will be students of the Shinobi Academy.
An academy is an institution like a school where potential shinobi gather. They are not yet perceived as a ninja until they finish their training. At the academy, future ninjas study battle tactics, the rules of shinobi and team interactions on missions, jitsu (jutsu), and train physical endurance.
Also, children have the right to use and wear kunai and shurikens (and this, for a minute, cold steel). They are taught to use basic techniques, such as creating shadow clones or replacement techniques. The training ends with an exam, which consists of two parts: written and practical. Future ninja should write a test on a written exam, and on a practical one - demonstrate basic techniques, only then graduates receive a new title of shinobi in Naruto. As a sign of this, they are given headbands with a metal plate - “hitai-ate”, with the symbol of their village.
By the way, the use of techniques is based on the control of chakras. It is believed that if a person cannot use the chakra, he, by definition, cannot be a ninja. But, there are always exceptions to the rules - Rock Lee, the ninja of the village of Hidden in Foliage, could not use the chakra, but he successfully graduated from the Academy and learned to masterfully use taijutsu.
Genin
The next rank in Naruto is genin. In literal translation, this means "lower ninja." Genins are usually called those who have just graduated from the Academy and are part of a team of three people, headed by a johnin teacher. Such teams are formed so that the ninja can gain experience in completing missions and improve their own combat skills. Groups are formed based on individual qualities. Genins are selected in a team in such a way as to balance forces.
Genins go to the simplest missions (level D), where they perform tasks that are free from any risk. Occasionally, very distinguished teams can send to a level C mission, its risk is minimal, and it is vaguely reminiscent of the real work of the ninja.
Chunin
The rank of Chunin in Naruto, like any other, must be earned. This is a mid-level ninja whose job it is to guide other small ninja groups. Shinobi of this level have leadership qualities and tactical skills. Some Chunin teach at the Academy (Umino Iruka), some are responsible for small teams and lead ninja groups on missions (Shikamaru Nara).
Chunin should make decisions as efficiently as possible and give commands to those under their command. Receiving the rank of Chunin, the shinobi issue an identification vest of a dark green color. It is great for storing extra battle scrolls. They usually complete missions of rank B and C.
To become a Chunin, a genin and his team must pass a special exam. But he can get on it only on the recommendation of his mentor johnin. Such exams are held twice a year, in one of the ninja villages. Genin from various hidden villages take part in it. On the exam, genin must show his strength, dexterity, ability to collect information and survive in difficult conditions. First there is a written exam, then a task for survival and the last round - two by two fights. It is worth noting that winning the final does not guarantee the assignment of this ninja title to Naruto. Much more important is how genin behaves in different situations. The judges monitor the progress of the trials and decide who to raise and who not.
Johnin
This title in Naruto is not easy to obtain. Highly qualified shinobi with outstanding individual skills can become the “Highest Ninja”. Dzhoniny fulfill missions of level A, sometimes - S (tasks of the highest complexity), can be military captains. Often they are assigned to train genin teams. This title can be obtained by passing a special exam. Jonin can use two or more types of elements, have the skills of genjutsu and taijutsu.
In Naruto it’s difficult to get the title of johnin, but it’s even harder to become Tokubetsu Jonin - “special higher ninja”. These are shinobi with a dzhonin level, but they were trained in only one area of military science. They are considered to be elite specialists, although on assignments they are often under the command of an ordinary johnin, unless the work is related to their specialization. The elite Jonins in Naruto were Ibiki, the interrogation master; Ebisu is an elite teacher (the one who taught Konohomaru).
Kage
Those who received this title become heads of one of the strongest Hidden Villages. Kage is an elite, their strength and wisdom know no boundaries. But even so, over time, they can be defeated by younger ninjas. Kage may resign by transferring his title to someone else, but most often he takes office until he dies. Initially, the kage was chosen from among the strongest shinobi. Then there was a tendency to appoint relatives or students of the current or former kage to this position. In the world of Naruto, the viewer has the opportunity to get acquainted with the five kage of the strongest Hidden Villages:
- Hokage is a village Hidden in Foliage (Country of Fire).
- Kazekage is a village Hidden in the Sand (Wind Country).
- Mizukage is a village of Hidden Mist (Land of Water).
- Tsuchikage is a village of Hidden Rock (Country of the Earth).
- Raikage is the village of the Hidden Cloud (Lightning Country).
This concludes the list of ninja titles in Naruto. In order, the ranks are divided in this way, but, besides them, there are other ranks that are not included in the general list.
Sannins
Like the kage, these are S-class shinobi, which are far superior to regular johnin. But since the level of abilities S is not an official title, according to the documents of the sannins, these are ordinary johnins.
Sometimes sannins can have an even lower rank or even do without it. For example, Naruto Uzumaki was not inferior in strength to outstanding ninjas (which is only worthy of his merits at CVMS), but for a long time he wore the title of genin.
The organization
In a separate group, it is worth identifying special-purpose teams, such as ANBU - personal special forces kage. Team members wear masks to remain unrecognizable. Their uniform does not stand out - the armor is gray and black. They usually pursue fugitives, destroy traitors, or gather important information in other villages. ANBU teams consist of experienced and strong shinobi, but their names and titles are not known to anyone.
In addition to ANBU, in Konoha there are several more organizations:
- Military police - it was founded by the Uchiha clan. The organization makes sure that the laws are respected in the village and no one violates the order.
- Detachment Twenty is a special task force created by the Fifth Hokage to search for and capture members of the Akatsuki organization.
- Root - originally, members of ANBU were trained in this organization. She is under the control of Danzo, who believes that the ninja should not be tested and even more so show emotions.
Doctors and traitors
Even in the world of "Naruto" there are doctors and traitors. Ninja doctors specialize in treatment. This position requires great knowledge and excellent control of the chakra, in addition, medical ninja must be able to repel enemy attacks. If the team has a medical ninja, then the success of the mission increases significantly and the mortality rate decreases.
Ninja traitors are shinobi who willfully left their village. They are constantly being watched because of the secrets that they can keep. Other Hidden Villages are not averse to capturing these secrets and are willing to pay well. Traitors may have information on how to obtain a unique innate skill or tell about weaknesses in the defense of the Village. Therefore, they are persecuted and, if possible, returned.
They say that anime is for children. That's just not every adult will be able to understand the variety of ranks, ranks and classes of the world "Naruto". Politics, military tactics, death missions, betrayal, forced killings - this is definitely better for children not to show.