Ninja Ranks

There are many levels and positions for a Ninja to attain during their training and action as a Ninja.

Academy Student
Becoming an Academy Student is the first step to becoming a professional ninja. Students are taught the basics to become a ninja. Rather than performing missions, all students are trained to master basic techniques and skills. All students enrolled are of very young age. In order to become a Genin, students must pass a comprehensive graduating test. Passing this test gives you all the chance in the world to become a great ninja. It is not very easy to make the cut and many students don't pass. After graduating, the students receive a headband bearing the symbol of their village. This is commonly referred to as a forehead protector, although it can be worn on other places instead of the forehead. This rank is probably he most crucial stage towards becoming an elite ninja.

Genin
The Genin is considered the lowest rank for a ninja. Most Genin's don't perform missions, but train like academy students. Genin ranked ninjas usually perform harsh labor and dirty work. When put into missions they usually perform D-ranked missions, but sometimes they are given C-ranked missions. If the Genin is exceptionally talented, he or she might even be given a B-ranked mission, or even an A-ranked mission (A-ranked missions are only given to Genin in extremely crucial situations)! Every Genin is assigned a Jounin instructor. The Jounin instructor helps train the Genin to become a wise and skilled ninja.

Chuunin
Chuunin is considered a medium ranked ninja. To become a Chuunin, the Genin participate in a large examination. The only shown parts of the exam is a test, then something that tests your abilities at accomplishing a mission, and fights between those who passed the first two stages. The last part is not based on who wins, but rather their performance during the fights. Only two Genin's become a Chuunin every year, so becoming a Chuunin is not that easy. Upon reaching the Chuunin level, ninjas can wear an identifying tactical vest. This isn't mandatory. In this rank you are no longer a follower, but a leader. Becoming a Chuunin allows you to teach lower ranked ninja's and students. Chuunin's are involved in more significant missions opposed to the ones given to the Genin, and are usually assigned B and C ranked missions.

Note that "Chuunin" is the spelling for this rank when the carrot above the "u" is not used in "Chunin."

The Viz Translation for Chuunin is "Journeyman."

Tokubetsu Jounin
Tokubetsu Jounin are ninja who rank above Chuunin but below Jounin. Tokusbetsu Jonin have Jounin-level ability, but they are not true Jounin. This is because they are probably only specialized in a certain ability. Tokubetsu translates along the lines of "specialized" in English.

Note that "Jounin" is the spelling when the dash line (-) above the "o" is not placed in "Jonin."

Jounin
Becoming a Jounin is the highest level ninja you can become with the exception of Kages and Sannin. Jounin's are given very intense and serious missions that most of the time include: assassinations. They may carry out these missions alone. When you become a Jounin, you may be assigned three Genins to look over. One part of your duties to help instruct and train these Genins to become great ninjas.

Sannin
The ultimate ninja rank. To become a sanin you have to be the best of the best. Only three are known to have reached this level:
 * Orochimaru
 * Tsunade the healer
 * and Jiraiya the frog hermit.

Kage
The Kage is the leader of a village there can only be one Kage at a time in each of the five main villages with the exception of the Star Village's Kage. Kages are highly respected ninja that perform the most dangerous missions. Usually they send out ninja teams made up of three Genins and one jounin to complete a C or D-rank mission sometimes a B. Kages make most of the decisions regarding the safety of the village.
 * Konohagakure (Village Hidden Among the Tree-Leaves) - Hokage
 * Sunogakure (Village Hidden in the Sand) - Kazekage
 * Village Hidden in the Mist - Mizukage
 * Village Hidden in the Rain - Raikage
 * Village Hidden Among the Rocks - Tsuchikage

Ninja Jobs

 * ANBU
 * Medical Unit