Ranks In The Villages Of Ninjas

You know what i mean, i’m talking about the ranks of ninja in the anime “Naruto”. Well, there are many ninja ranks that mark the level of a specific group of ninjas. Ninjas gain ranks as they progress in their training. However, the ranks doesn’t determine the skill level of a particular ninja. This means that ninjas of the same rank may not be equally strong, a ninja may even be stronger than one of a higher rank.

Academy Students

Students in the academy are not considered ninja until they graduate. ake formal and practical tests of all sorts and are taught basic ninja skills, such as martial arts, techniques, physical fitness and the way of the ninja. Basic weapon usage, such as kunai and shuriken, is commonly taught. Elementary ninja techniques, though they vary from village to village, are also taught. When students graduate from the academy, they will be given a forehead protector. This means that the students are now recognised as ninjas. However, in some villages, an additional test may be given before the students receive a forehead protector, this is to ensure that the students are truly qualified to be a proud ninja of the village. An example of this test is the bell-test given by Kakashi which determines whether the squad can work as a team.

Genin

Genin means “Junior Ninja”. They are the lowest level of ninja in the village and are often sent on D-rank missions, missions that are lowest in level. Experienced one however, are sent on C-rank missions, missions that are 1 rank higher than D-rank ones. Low risks are involved in these missions. Genin are put in four-man cells, consisting of three Genin and a Jonin sensei, in order to learn teamwork and experience true ninja life under the supervision and protection of an elite shinobi. The make-up of these teams is based on the individual skills of the Genin, so that there will remain a balance between the teams.

Chunin

Chunin means “Middle Ninja”. They are 1 rank higher than Genin. They are qualified to watch over and guide other ninjas. Some of the Chunins function as teachers (e.g. Iruka Umino), while some serves as team leaders. Chunins are often sent on a C or B-rank mission. Genins are to participate in “Chunin Exams” in order to be promoted to Chunins. However, these exams are very tough and often, only a few out of hundreds qualify to become Chunin. Due to the growing number of ninja in each village, the exams are hosted twice every year. Upon reaching Chunin level, ninja can wear an identifying tactical vest that holds ninjutsu scrolls.

Jonin

Jonin means “High Ninja/Elite Ninja”. These are highly-experienced ninja with great individual skill who serve as military captains. They are often sent on A-rank missions, and experienced Jonin may even be sent on S-rank missions, missions that are considered to be the toughest. They may also carry out these missions alone or in teams. Most Jonin are able to use at least two types of elemental jutsu.

Tokubetsu Jonin

Tokubetsu Jonin means “Special High Ninja”. They are not often seen or mentioned in the anime. They are ninjas who have Jonin-level ability in a single area or skill and are often assigned as subordinates to regular Jonin when their services are needed.

Kage

Kage means “Shadow”. They are leaders of the village and are often the most powerful ninja in their respective villages. Kage are names that are only given to the leaders of the five most powerful Hidden Villages.

List of Kages:

• Hokage (Fire Shadow). Kage of Konohagakure (Land Of Fire).

• Kazekage (Wind Shadow). Kage of Sunagakure (Land Of Wind).

• Mizukage (Water Shadow). Kage of Kirigakure (Land Of Water).

• Raikage (Lightning Shadow). Kage of Kumogakure (Land Of Lightning).

• Tsuchikage (Earth Shadow). Kage of Iwagakure. (Land Of Earth).

Above are the 6 main ranks in the anime. As for other special ranks, i’ll post them some other time. Hope this will help naruto fans understand more about the ranks in the anime. =]