Shinobi Ranks & Positions

[Rambles]

Academy Students (忍者学校生, Akademī-sei) make up the student body of the Academy, the Academy is where they are trained and prepared for all the challenges that are set aside for their future life as a shinobi. For the most part, Academy students spend their time practicing the various skills that they are required to have by the time they become a Genin, they also undergo various exams and tests to see how far they have gotten.

Besides ordinary school subjects such as Mathematics and Geography, Academy students are taught the basics of the three arts, ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu and the teaching of those three arts also includes learning about the concept of chakra and how to control it, various tactics, hand seals that they will need for battle and several "E" rank techniques which include Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Skill) and Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique). Academy students are not an actual part of the shinobi force yet due to the fact they are in the very crucial process of mastering the very basics of the ninja lifestyle. However, they can potentially be called upon during times of great distress and emergency such as war.

Genin (下忍; low ninja) are the lowest level of ninja, possessing a knowledge of all the basic ninja skills. When an Academy Student graduates and becomes a Genin they start to do their bit for their village's economy - being sent on missions that the village gets paid for. For the most part, they are typically sent either on "D" rank missions, which are almost entirely risk-free jobs of manual labor such as repairing an old man's fence or finding an eight leaf clover. Genin are traditionally placed in a four man squad or cell, consisting of three genin and a Chūnin or jōnin-sensei, in order to learn teamwork and experience true ninja life under the supervision and protection of an elite shinobi. Rarely, very rarely do Genin go on "C" rank missions, which are a bit above a "D" rank mission and begin to verge on real "ninja" work that have a very low possibility of risk to the ninja involved. 

Ranking Up: Genin elligible for promotion traditionally undertake in the Chūnin Exams, an annual evaluation for determining which genin from the participating village are eligible for promotion. Promotions can be based on a number of factors besides a genin's combat presence, such as their tactical prowess or the drive they demonstrate against overwhelming odds. Alternatively, Kage can approve promotion of genin to chūnin level if they have successfully completed 8 missions and have demonstrated appropriate aptitudes in the shinobi arts. Such promotions generally occur when candidates who accomplish notable tasks or demonstrate exceptional growth.

• Character starting off as Genin are typically 12 years old, though there is no minimum age requirement for academy students ranking-up in-character
• It is highly recommended to start with a Genin character, however, not mandatory. Genin characters have far greater opportunities for in-character growth and development, and will often be awarded with additional spoils for completing difficult missions.
• Genin are typically assigned to operational teams consisting of three genin members and one Jōnin (or Chūnin) that serves as a sensei.
• Genin can also be assigned to solo apprentice positions under elite village shinobi and sages. As each of these elite shinobi can only mentor one apprentice at a time, these positions are in limited supply.
• Genin are elligible to participate in D-rank solo, and C-rank missions in the company of their operational team (or other sensei)
• While discouraged due to high rates of mortality, Genin can accompany higher-ranking shinobi on more dangerous missions. While on missions of B-rank or higher, all genin are considered DE - and exceptionally vulnerable, given the degree to which they are usually outmatched.

Chūnin (中忍; Middle Ninja") are ninja who have graduated from the rank of a Genin and are qualified to guide other ninja and lead missions. Chūnin have reached a level of maturity and ability that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess. Genin who do not have the skills to become chūnin are weeded out in the chūnin exams. Some of them move on to function as Academy teachers and others serve as team leaders in charge of small teams who need to make decisions and utilize the skills of the shinobi under their command to the maximum effect. 

Ranking Up:There is no "Jōnin Exam" as is the case with promotion from genin to Chūnin - instead promotion is granted solely on a merit basis. While there is no set number of missions one must complete, Chūnin who wish to advance usually have five or more B-rank missions under their belt in addition to having participated in A-rank jobs, Again, however, promotions from the Chūnin rank are based solely on merit.

• Characters starting off as Chūnin must be at least eighteen years old, though there is no minimum age for ranking up in-character
• Chūnin are typically assigned C-rank and B-rank missions due their more advanced combat abilities and tactical skills.
• Chūnin are elligible to participate in A-rank missions so long as one member of his or her team is of Jōnin-rank
• Common roles within village society for Chūnin include operational squad leaders or members, medical corps, and ANBU squad operatives. As they are the backbone of the village, Chūnin can essentially fill any role with little difficult. However, they are rarely seen in positions of leadership outside operational squads.

Jōnin (上忍, High Ninja) are generally highly-experienced shinobi who have trained in the ninja arts for many years with great individual skill who serve as military captains. They are often sent on A-rank missions, and experienced jōnin may even be sent on S-rank missions (which are considered to be the greatest difficulty). It is not unusual for jōnin to go on missions alone. Jōnin are generally able to use at least two types of elemental chakra, some genjutsu, and above average taijutsu skills. Jōnin are often assigned three-man genin team to supervise, be this of their own free will or in accordance with the need's of the village. The many duties they must undertake in this position ultimately helps shape young shinobi into competent ninja.

Jōnin are unique in that the range of their abilities fluctuates. Whilst most hover around the same area, a few key shinobi can demonstrate exceptional prowess that exceeds that of his or her fellow elite. As Jōnin is technically the highest rank one can achieve in a village (excluding Kage or Lord-status), qualifying Jōnin can be appointed to a limited number of unique positions reserved for exceptional individuals. 

Tokubetsu Jōnin are a subdivision of the Jōnin rank. These shinobi exhibited exceptional prowess in a single specific skillset, such as fuuinjutsu or interrogation. While their overall skills fall short compared to traditional elitre, the abilities of these shinobi earn them respect and privileges almost equivalent to that of Jōnin. 

• Characters starting out as Jōnin must be at least twenty-five years old, while characters starting out as Tokubetsu Jōnin must be at least twenty-two years old
  
  
• Jōnin participate in missions of any rank; Tokubetsu Jōnin may freely participate in missions up to A-rank, and can complete S-rank missions when accompanied by at least one Jōnin
  
  
• Traditional roles within village society for Jōnin include Operational squad leaders, elite medical corps members, ANBU squad leaders or operatives, and classified operational roles in specialized areas (e.g. espionage, assassination, etc)
  
  
• Jōnin are eligible for elite village roles, which represent positions of leadership within a village. Such Jōnin are often placed in charge of branches of the shinobi forces such as the ANBU or medical corps underneath the kage, and have proven their competencies both on and off the field. They can also hold positions on the village's council.
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• The Jōnin Commander [Jōnin Hanchō] is considered to be the second-on-command of a village's main military force underneath the kage. Shinobi in this position have proven their skills both on and off the battlefield, demonstrating exceptional competencies in combat as well as the experience and tactical prowess needed to command an army with precision. However, for those in this position combat abilities are often second to the experience and wisdom necessary to effectively monitor conflicts and implement appropriate tactical responses.
  
  The Head Medic [Sentou Iryō] is placed in charge of a village's medical corps, and is generally the most skilled and experience healer the village has to offer. These shinobi can pull off medical miracles with nothing but some chakra and a few bandages, bringing back shinobi from the brink of death on a near-regular basis. The Head Medic is one of few Iryō-nin with permissions to engage in combat, as their exceptional chakra control and knowledge of anatomy allows them to dissect foes with terrifying precision. However, most prefer to keep to their healing duties outside times of war and direct threats to their villages.
  
  ANBU Captains monitor their village's espionage and assassination operations, deciding who must die or which political figures to frame to ensure the village's safety and prosperity. These Captains can give the order to execute high-rank targets or to bring them in for torturous interrogation; as such, they are extremely experienced in all manner of black ops policies and practices. These shinobi oftentimes make hard decisions on par with the of the Kage, as the actions of the ANBU can be all that stands in the way of a village's continued survival or desolation.
  
  Council Members are shinobi elected to serve as advisers to the kage, as well as prominent political figures capable of voting on a village's policies and actions. While they do not possess any formal power over the shinobi forces, members of the council typically possess prestige that warrants respect and attention from the rest of the village. The manner in which this prestige was earned can vary greatly, however, ranging from possessing leadership of a prominent clan to acts of heroism in battle bordering on war-crimes.

Kage (影; Shadow) are the leaders of one of the five most powerful Hidden Villages, and generally are also the most powerful ninja in their respective villages.These powerful leaders act as commanders of the village's entire military force, choosing when to use diplomacy to resolve disagreements or when to send shinobi out to war in response to hostile actions. As kage are seen as symbols of a village, they rarely enter combat themselves outside of dire circumstances. Instead, they assign missions and tasks to the many shinobi underneath their rule in order to carry out their wills. Their every thought and action is directed towards ensuring the prosperity and continued survivals of their villages - oftentimes by any means necessary.

If a Kage has held their position for a lengthy amount of time the Kage may retire and give the title to someone else. The title, once granted, is held permanently, that means even after they leave office they are still referred to as "Kage". This creates a case where there are two Kage at the same time, with only one of them actually active. The Kage stand equally with the rulers of their countries, oversee the activities of their villages, and are the leaders of ninja society. They typically are the ones who send the ninja teams out on their missions and make the decisions regarding the safety of the village.

The minimum age to play a Kage is 30. Remember, the Kage is someone who is experienced and one of, if not the strongest shinobi in their village.