I. Welcome

Hello and Welcome to Kirigakure~

I'm Aya, A.K.A the Mizukage and leader of this country. Just here to tell you things that you would like to know about this country as you begin to start your role-playing adventure on Naruto Saga. And here, I'm going to give you the Layout of the country, some basic history of things that have gone on in the past little while, some handy links, and some important names for those who would be looking for them.

II. About Kirigakure

Status:
Kirigakure currently has expanded since it has become a military superpower spanning over Hagai Island, O'uzu Island / Sea, the island in which hosts Mt. Myoboku and has even assimilated mountain country through alliances and trade. Having trained one of the worlds' strongest leaders the ninja world has seen in generations, the tempered military of Kirigakure which followed has consolidated trade routes and alliances with the likes of Iwa and Konoha in which Kiri stands highly. Nearly unmatched in both military might and commerce with any other country.

Demographics:
Kirigakure has an interesting system of government when it comes to labour, people within the nation are more than able to seek out their own trade or workplace whether they are in employment or otherwise. However, should they be out of employment, Kirigakure's almost socialistic system kicks in, moving them into a sector in need of work or training (usually military or farming) which suits their skills and circumstances based on a small exam until such a time as they move onto another or they retire. This has led to record low bordering zero unemployment and homelessness within the country.

Kirigakure has an approximate total population of about 4.9 million people. Of that population, due to Kiri's strong military culture, socialized work system and in part of its recent and more extended history of the bloody mist, a staggering 26% (1.3mil) of the population of Kirigakure no Sato are involved in the military in some way, whether that be as front-line ninja, soldiers/ samurai, in training, logistics, communications, Medical or other areas of the armed forces. This leaves the remaining 3.6 million people either pre-schooling age, in school or the labour work force farming, mining, fishing, smithing or selling one many of Kiri's famed exports.

Following these the population of 1.3 million career military personnel. Kirigakure overall has a standing fighting force of approximately 720k are trained fighters or within the countries many military academies becoming trained fighters, while about 20% of that force would be considered Samurai, under the direct command of the Daimyo and his elected Generals, 5% of that number are ninja of escalating ranks at about a 3:1 ratio which are assorted into squads as necessity calls. The remainder of the standing military force are often specialists, assorted non-Ninja or non-Samurai Soldiers.

Education:
Ninja in Kirigakure are incredibly well learned in subjects like shinobi history, basic weapons and chakra use as well as specialist classes like: Basic Medical Knowledge, Botany and Amaterasu Emergency Procedures. The Academy has become more streamlined and less brutal than the old ways of the Bloody Mist, meaning that Kiri Genin spars tend not to cause a loss of life and it is punished and mourned when the unfortunate tragedy does occur.

Visage:
Kirigakure is a complex land, covered in majestic mountains, swamps and rain-forest, though, most notably, Kirigakure is a tropical nation which operates between three seasons in four stages; Cold, Wet, Tropical & Wet on an eternal cycle. The architecture of the city is traditional Japanese betwixt with concrete and stone. The Capitol of Kirigakure No Sato itself is bordered with an expansive stone wall nearing eight stories tall, with guarded entrances to the north, east, south and west with a vast array of aqueducts for drainage and anti-fire routes throughout the city used for protection and transportation.  As these rivers flow through the city leading to Kiris non coastal and coastal villages, each in turn protected by stone fortress walls, notably because Kiri's blacksmiths and craftsmen are always well supplied, creating a bastion of safety for the country against attackers. Within the city there are many districts, markets, shops, cherry groves, and the administration building standing as a pillar at the City Center. Outside of the Capitol however, there are many small villages and especially fishing towns surrounding the islands. All the while, all of the above is under the constant and careful watch and patrols from the countries many Special Jounin rank ninja and higher, who watch over the forests, docks, streets and entrances of the city, making invisible invasion on the core islands of Mizunokuni almost impossible.

The outer-Islands are less guarded though the population on all of the islands is on the constant rise.

III. Hunter Ninja

Hunter Ninja:

Hunter ninja are, first and foremost, a special sub-unit of the ANBU, who, while the ANBU are specifically designated within the borders of Kirigakure... Hunter ninja, are not. Considered the countries' greatest export, hunter ninja are sent out into the world to hunt down the missing ninja of other countries and perform missions with their advanced skills and equipment, trained from sabotage to body-guarding and even political assassination, these ninja are the highest class of mercenaries and are in no slim number nor short on demand.

Hunter ninja can be used in any mission in the ninja world where there is a missing ninja in order to aid in their capture... Though, using each hunter ninja as a supportive NPC reduces the ryo prize of the mission by 1/4. Hunter ninja can also be employed to aid ninja in generic missions of B rank and higher without penalty, as, they would be paid by the country as a participant of the mission.

IV: Trade in Kirigakure:

Summary: Kirigakure, aside from their trade of experienced ninja for hire, have a host of other goods and services which benefit their own economy and trade with other countries and groups on industrial levels. The strength of the countries' military has expanded the countries' growth in the sale of ninja tools and weaponry to an all time high, as well as farming and the unique herbs and skilled manpower which Kiri has to offer.

In more detail, the major exports of Kirigakure are:

Arms: Since before the Seven Bells war, Kirigakure had been becoming a more militarized nation, focusing on empowering their ninja on every front, from better training both martial and spiritual, as well as more research on unique and powerful jutsu and secret techniques, and finally, of course, better equipment. Since then, and tempered over an arms race during the countries' state of war, bolstered by the following spoils of that war which followed soon-after... Kiri became bountiful with powerful ninja tools, of which are traded with Kiri's partners all over the world at great cost, for great quality, far exceeding the common mass produced world standard.

Fishing: Kiri, as an island nation of its size, has an unmatched fishing culture, putting its goods on ice and shipping their superior sea-food and sea related goods all around the world for profit. While other smaller fishing locations are known for their prime goods, none quite match either the quality or the scale on which Kirigakure controls its market. From shell jewelry to the finest fish, Kirigakure sells their goods to the finest establishments around the world to the kitchens of the Daimyo's themselves. Fishermen skilled in their art quickly find their riches in this country, as the seas around kiri single handedly boosted the piracy in the area due to the richness and wealth of their cargo.

Farming: While not Kirigakure's greatest export by a long-shot as they neighbor Konohagakrue, Kiri has a great many farming villages over its islands, many of whom sell their goods inward within the country rather than export it to others, leaning more towards Kiri-gakure being more self sufficient, not requiring the imports of other food markets so much. Though the wetlands of Kiri make some of their lands prime areas for rice plantations which are sold abroad. Although, the unique climate of the country is home to a series of unique flora, some of which have unique flavours and properties. These properties create a market for kirigakure specific spices and potent medicinal herbs which are traded on request.

Craftsman: While not their prime source of trade, Kirigakure craftsmanship is well known, from masonry to fine metal work and jewelry. Though Kirigakure's level of skill and renown pales compared to the iconic stature of Iwagakure's legendary craftsman or Suna's glass-work. Kirigakure is known for the subtle intricacy of their metal-work, and on average, their metal-workers are able to engrave and beautify their craft with unique and dazzling embellishment.

V. Kirigakure a History:

After Chōjūrō, the Sixth Mizukage, there were six various Kage which served in the age of peace as the continents began to once again drift apart into the various nations.

Age of Hikou: XIII - Thirteenth Mizukage
A Young Kage who came into power with bright ideals, though was short lived. Under the rule of Hikou the land of Kirigakure was stable, until the Shichiouza came to the land of water, Uchiha Hao fighting the Young Mizukage, turned his black flame upon him, burning Hikou to ash, as well as the entirety of Kirigakure to cinders.

Age of Juro: XIV - Fourteenth Mizukage
Under Juro, the land of the hidden mist began to decline, post the black flames ripping through the country. Though he was a powerful fighter and swordsman, he was proud, often passing on the duties of leadership onto others, as other stars and live began to breathe into the country. Through trade he lost the country many of its traditional treasures, such as the seven swords of the mist which he claimed for himself, and have since been lost to the land of water. Though he was thought killed by a member of the criminal organisation, he still walks the earth as Kirigakure's most wanted missing ninja.

Age of Sero: XV - Fifteenth Mizukage
Sero was a shining light coming out of the darkness of the recession Hikou had caused the country, having rebuilt Kirigakure from the ashes of the black flames under the order of Jurou, Sero built the land into an empire the country could begin to be proud of once again. Water country flourished, and although Sero was still a powerful warrior, he was a leader the people could look up to. But, at the height of his reign, Sero was cut down by another member of the criminal organisation, who once again like a plague caused their country strife, crippling Kirigakure once again.

Age of Solstice: XVI - Sixteenth Mizukage
Though recession did not strike this time, as the next Mizukage rose to the plate with her quote 'no more prisoners' and destroying the Fusa Prison, with dozens of criminals still inside its walls. Solstice turned the country hidden in the mist into a more militaristic nation, tempering it into a weapon and making it stronger than it had ever been. The mettle of the country was tested as The members of the Shichiouza were cut down one by one, though another evil lurked in the shadows. After five years of peace under Solstice, having killed the murderer of the previous Mizukage, Seven Bells, another criminal ninja and his small army of puppets and soldiers waged war against the land of Mist. After Seven days and Seven nights of war, Kirigakure with its allies stood victorious with little loss, with some minor rebuild, Kirigakure under Solstice stands tall as the most powerful country in the ninja world.

Kirigakure Now:
Still in the Age of Solstice, Kirigakure has once again consolidated its strength, which now spands over Hagai Island O'uzu Island the island in which hosts Mt. Myoboku and has assimilated mountain country through alliances and trade. Having waged a war with very little loss other than high ranking leaders to assassinations which have long since been replaced, some feuds still hold among the founding houses of the country. The Osada, Hoshigake, Kaguya, Hozuki and the Aisu. The country is stronger than ever, its ninja trained in the flames of war, and its Kage ruling with a just hand and iron will against those who would trespass their domain.

VI. Names

Some important names in the structure of kirigakure are namely the Sanin members of the City, each of the Sannin are secondary leaders to the city and are able to perform requests in place of the Mizukage should they be away. The current Mizukage/ Sannin are:

Ayakashi (Kage)

Gin (7 Swordsman)

&

Dameon Shikyo (Sannin)

VII. Links

Some of the things you might want to check out in Kiri are:

The Kirigakure Roster
In this roster, there is listed the current active members of Kiri, their ranks, as well as their skills and abilities. This way you can easily find what kind of people you would like to roleplay with, trainers, partners, etc. Each of the character names in this forum is also a link to their profile! Add yourself to the list, so people can see you!~

The Seven Swords
The Legendary Seven Swords of Kirigakure are the Countrie's pride and joy, each of the people to have ever wielded these famous weapons are etched into the countries' history forever.

Kirigakure Laws
The laws of Kirigakure are the strict rules which all people must adhere to at all times within the country, those who enter, be they Ronin, Missing ninja whom kiri do not recognise or loyal citizens, none are exempt.

Requests
The requests of the Mizukage, for rank ups, travelling requests, and various others.

Noteworthy Locations
Are the Areas inside the area of Kirigakure, each and all of these areas are patrolled by ANBU and other high ranking ninja, making any criminal activity almost impossible. The safest areas of Kirigakure are here, as well as each of them having a brief description for your enjoyment.~

The Wilderness
The Wilderness is the greater area of Mizu no Kuni, rather than the safer areas within the city, most missions are carried out in these areas and though they are not as safe as the central city areas, They are still patrolled, scouted and watched over by Kiri ninja, simply less heavily, making the area reasonably safe. Some of these areas are relatively interesting, so, have a look-see, and let creativity go wild.

Kiri Missions Board
Here are a list, sorted into ranks, of repeatable pre-written missions which can be taken by anyone at any time. Take in mind their ranks in relation to your own, as you are only able to take a mission over one rank higher than you if you are accompanied by a higher ranking ninja.

VII. Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope this information has helped in some way to develop your characters or to help Navigate the Kirigakure boards. Feel free to PM me, or the Sannin with any questions, we would be happy to answer.

The Mizukage~

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