Ninja Ranks

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 protecter, although it can be worn on other places instead of the forhead. 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. Every Genin is assigned a Jounin instructor. The Jounin instructor helps train the Genin to become a wise and skilled ninja.

Chunin
Chunin is considered a medium ranked ninja. To become a Chunin, the Genin participate in a large examination. The only shown parts of the exam is a test, then somthing 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 Chunin every year, so becoming a Chunin is not that easy. Upon reaching the Chunin leval, 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 Chunin allows you to teach lower ranked ninja's and students. Chunin's are involved in more significant missions opposed to the ones given to the Genin.

Tokubetsu Jonin
Tokubetsu Jonin are ninja who rank above Chunin but below Jonin. Tokusbetsu Jonin have Jonin-level ability

Jounin
Becoming a Jounin is the highest level ninja you can become; unless you are a Kage. 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. Hardly considered a ninja level as there are only three known: Orochimaru, Tsunade the healer, and Jiraiya the frog hermit.

Kage
There can only be one Kage at a time in each of the five main villages (exception for the Star Village where they also have a 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. There is only one Kage per village. The Kage is the leader of their village. Kages make most of the decisions regarding the safety of the village.


 * Leaf Village - Hokage
 * Sand Village - Kazekage