Welcome To Konoha!

[Leaf Historian]

Description​

The Village Hidden in the Leaf otherwise known as Konohagakure is located in the Land of Fire. The village itself is hidden in forest at the base of Hokage Rock, a large mountain formation the forms a natural barrier protecting the village. This is one of Konoha most notable landmarks as cut into the surface of the rock are the faces of the former and current Hokage’s as a monument to their rule, this can be seen from everywhere in the village as well as from certain viewpoints outside of the village walls.

Pre-Civil War History Below​

1000 Years Ago, Konohagakure​

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A land at the center of the known world, prospered and thrived. Its military was large and its people were wealthy, and the lives they all lead seemed to be happy ones. A great mountain in the backdrop, with faces carved upon it, stood as testament to their skill, while a colossal Gate bore testimony of their power. This grandiosity had come at a price though, paid by the working and the ruling class alike. Wars and deception had paved their road to success, and unrest brewed from within and without. The Country of Fire grew nervous with the growing size of its Shinobi Village, while those inside saw that the path they now tread lead either to dominion or ruin.

But fate was cruel. It soon came time for the Village Hidden amidst Leaves to pay for its many sins.

A red rain poured down upon them. The scholars debated over whether this was a terrible concoction of nature, or the wrath of the Goddess herself. It persisted for days, then months, and the people fled into the greater Country to which the village belonged. These tolling months turned to years and all hope was drenched. Even the leaders fled for higher ground, and those few that remained met the same fate as their drowning village. Nearly a decade passed before the torrent came to a close, and the red soil beneath the crumbled village mourned the loss of its pride. It was the most devastating calamity in recorded history, scarring the heart of the Fire Country and rendering it barren for ages.

825 Years Ago, The Ghost Village
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The drowned village was now the inhabitant of stories told to children, stories about the Gods and what comes of too much power. No one walked into the large and crimson graveyard, as the perennial shade teased the imagination until the people were convinced that the grounds were haunted.

Those that did find residence in the ruins of Konohagakure, became isolated and learned to sustain themselves. They were Shinobi that realized that dispersing into the expansive lands of Fire would chip away at their Arts. From father to son, the teachings of Konohagakure was passed down the generations in the quiet hospice of ruins.

750 Years Ago, Shinobi
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The Shinobi of the drowned village had spread throughout the Fire Country, and without a central Military base, the Country grew weak in its military. This was not a problem as the Country rapidly invested its time and efforts into technology and industrialization. A new kind of success came into light -- the success of the businessman. Machinery became the new measure of the Fire Country's advancement, and the nation prospered. The ways of the Shinobi, passed down in schools and in books, became irrelevant. Soon, it was not the upper class and the honorable that practiced Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu. These men partook in what made money, in what was relevant, business and trade. Even law enforcement began to rely on technology, rather than the hidden arts.

It came to be apparent that the Shinobi ways were now a form of combat used amongst criminals and scum. Like a plague, it distracted the progression of the Country. Then finally, in a decree heard around the world, Ninja Arts were banned. The teachers were removed from schools, erased from books, and purged from the land. In only a decade, the Shinobi became a thing of the past, doomed to be passed down in folklore, along with the Village it had once belonged to.

500 Years Ago, The Konoha Corporation
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The Shinobi had long since been forgotten now, and in its place there were machinists and traders. The nation became the hub of technology, factories and power-plants now littered across its land. But not all was well, and a light trickle of conflicts once in a while along the border alerted the Governing Council that they had competition. For years now, the commerce of the Country struggled due to attacks from outside sources, and these sources used techniques they could not explain with their modern science. Those that believed in the existence of Shinobi, or those that knew such people existed beyond the borders of the Nation, understood what it was that they were against.

During these hardships, a grim and crimson ray of hope came to light, and it originated from Konohagakure. The underworld of crime in the Fire Country had come under the grasp, over the years, of one large organization. This was referred to, by the people who had not come face to face with it, as the Yakuza. This Yakuza was a collection of families that had gone underground after the ban on Ninja Arts. And now, when their Nation needed a better defense than pure technology could provide, the Yakuza rose out of its slumber. Deploying its agents to the various routes where the most attacks and thefts were happening, the Yakuza single-handedly began solving the problem of security. The older generation was wary of this uprising, as they knew that even in providing safety, these agents were 'Shinobi', and thus they were criminals. But the younger generation, the youth and the children all loved their new-found guardians.

A few years later, during the national elections, the first known member of this Yakuza found his seat in the Governing Council. In months, he swayed the public opinion of the Ninja Arts, and was able to convince the Council to not only lift its ban on the Ninja Arts, but to support it as it once had, so many years ago. As a result, the government recognized this Yakuza under its official name, the Konoha Corporation. Functioning out of the old Konohagakure, this Corporation quickly became the heart of the Country. As it was overseen by the government, no official 'head' was allowed to be appointed, and instead, the Corporation was run by the Governing Council.

This saw the rise of the Ninja Arts once more, as the books and schools filled up quickly with the teachings that had long been forgotten. Soon, the older generation of citizens that had been wary of this Konoha Corporation grew irrelevant and quiet, while the new blood of the Fire Country began to acclimatize to once again having a Shinobi center.

Last Year, The Republic of Fire
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Technology and the Ninja Arts thrived hand in hand. One complimented the other constantly, and power came in abundance. Konohagakure was rebuilt now, and had swiftly become the sight of attention that it had been a thousand years ago. Skyscrapers broke through the sky, the glint of metal and glass made one wonder if it had really been the sight of a disastrous flood.

Outer Village Zone​

Inner Village Zone​

If one was to enter Leaf from the domain of the Land of Lightning the first thing that you would be greeted with is the imposing Valley of the End. This landmark is a large ravine with cascading waterfall and while this is a impressive sight on its own, the two massive statues depicting the two oldest clans of Leaf, the Uchiha and the Senju, stand watchful over the waterways. Time has worn down the face of the statues leaving the identities of the two ninja they were model on a mystery. While the area outside village walls is peaceful and idyllic consisting of mainly farm lands and small trade communities that does not mean that travelers are safe, either from the wildlife of the thick jungles that lay on the Eastern point of the land of Fire or the scorching heat of the desert plans that connect Leaf to the land of Wind there are many perils one could face. One such place lays nears the coast Crater City, also called the City of Thieves among other things by the locals. This is the home to many undersiverables the have found their way to the country from the lands that are dotted around the coast, the City itself is the location of a high number of illegal activities from black market trade to Assassin and Thieves Guilds it is a place the even the Shinobi of Leaf would rather not go.

When approaching the inner areas of Konoha, the first thing that you would see is the village walls, a large wooden walls that runs the circumference the village itself, in the centre of this wall is the Phoenix Gate itself, so named as a sign of Leaf’s own rebirth from the ashes left after the Fire Country Civil War. The gates themself are always left open other then the rare events of war, as a sign of peace and trust to the other Shinobi villages around them, the walls and gate house are adorned with Phoenix iconography once again showing the rebirth of Leaf after its near total destruction. Once through the gates, visitor are within the streets of Oak District, this is the main shopping district. One of the things that this are is most famous for is Ichiraku Ramen, the most popular ramen shop in the village. Leaving Oak district you are in Maple Town, this is one of the newest developments inside of leaf town and acts as the main residential districts or both residents and Shinobi alike. This is also the location of the Village Hopital the Konoha Byoin, and the Clan House Complex a sparling area that contains the various mansion of the Clan inside of Leaf. The building in the main part of the area have a perfect view of the Hokage Rock and the faces of the Hokage’s look down on those that walk the streets. Outside of the residential and shopping districts you will find the Konoha academy its large grounds stretch into the foothills to a untamed section of forest dubbed by student and teachers alike as the Forest of Death, this is the location of all ANBU exams and its entrance is strictly forbidden to all student without the written permission of an academy teacher.

• Climate

Leaf has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, the winter tend to be cold with flurries of snow which are blown in from the eastern coast where the frozen Mist country is located, the summer tend to be long, hot and humid, Spring and Autumn are both pleasant and short in duration.

• Culture

Even though Konoha is a military Village it never forgets the importance of choice, when a young Shinobi reaches the age of 10, or sooner if their talents are advance, they are formally invited to the Academy to start their studies, if this is not what they wish to do they are free to study privately and join the rank of their peers at a later date. Upon leaving the academy, trainee Shinobi have the ability to choose from one for three branches, from there their studies are overseen by the head of the branch.

Leaf has an aura of peace which reflects on it inhabitants with both the residence of the village and it Shinobi having a more relaxed and laid back outlook on life. There are many festival and customs that are celebrated inside its walls the most well known of these is the Maple Festival which marks the start of Autumn. This takes place in Maple Town where the residential area is transformed into a market selling Maple Syrup treats as well as stalls with games and activities to keep all entertained.
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• Language

There are three major languages that are used inside of Leaf Country, those being Fuego, Fiero and Vulcan. Fuego is the native language of Leaf spoken by all Shinobi and residents, this is the most common language that you would hear spoken inside of the village walls. The other two languages can only be learnt by Shinobi, these are both cypher based language and the skills needed to learn these are kept secret from all non-Leaf Shinobi. This first of these is Fiero, used exclusively by all Leaf Shinobi. Fiero is both a written and spoken language used to keep secrets from foreigners. The third and final language that is used in Leaf is Vulcan, this language is only used and known to those who are inside of the ANBU Brach, the cypher on what this language is based on is changed on a weekly basis meaning that only those current serving ANBU or the current see Hokage can fully utilize the language.

• Clans

There are several famous Clan that call Leaf home, these are:

Uchiha
Senju
Isaki
Hyuuga
Santaru

Each of these Clan have their residents inside of Maple Town inside their self contained complexes.
Link for more information.

Leaf History First Hokage Kami Second Hokage Umashi = Civil War/Leaf Rebuild Third Hokage Yomi Second Hokage Umashi Fourth Hokage Takeshi

First Hokage Yamaguchi Kami​ The reign of Yamaguchi Kami was a peaceful one which saw a boom in Leaf’s infrastructure, great buildings surfaced, great people were born that helped bring Leaf into a golden age of prosperity. In this age, the mafia organization called the Yakuza ran most of the village. Even though they were considered an evil organization, they cared for their home town and made it prosper through unorthodox methods. Years and years went by, Leaf becoming a stronger power in Fire Country as time went by. Even Leaf became famous for its welcoming nature to outsiders, people on the outer zones would move to Leaf due to the opportunities it offered. Leaf came to have a reputation so large that the citizens started looking at the Shinobi Force lead by the Hokage Kami as the true leader of Fire Country. The Damiyo did not like this and decided to do take his reputation back by any means necessary.

Second Hokage Umashiashikabihikoji​ The Damiyo recruited an army of Samurai from Earth Country to wipe Leaf from the map and restore his rightful power over Fire Country. Thankfully, the citizens of Fire Country found out about the plan and warned Leaf about it. By this time Kami had retired and a process to find the new Hokage was just beginning, thanks to the present circumstances an emergency meeting was made between the Sennin, after discussion it was decided to grant the Hokage title immediately to none other than Umashiashikabihikoji. With his leadership a plan was put into place to fend off the attackers, the war started once Shinobi and Samurai clashed outside of the gates. The war went on for a while, not a clear side gaining the advantage. Stories and rumors made the citizens cower in fear, casualties piled up as time went on. There was a story of a young Shinobi that responded to a distress call, an Orphanage was on fire, while he was saving the orphans from their presumed doom he was ambushed and killed by Samurai. This and many more stories were born thanks to this war. The war ended when Shinobi made the final push into the Damiyo’s home city. Once there they dispelled their forces and disposed of the Damiyo for his crimes against Leaf. Since then, no Damiyo has been appointed since.

Third Hokage Yomi​ Umashiashikabihijoji left the village after the battle, no reason why or where he had gone. He just disappeared, henceforth his wife took the role after a vote in a Sennin meeting and it was up to Yomi to rebuild what was destroyed. Even though the golden age of Leaf had ended thanks to the countless casualties that had taken into effect. Even with all the difficulties, all the problems that needed to be solved Yomi rebuilt Leaf in record time bringing it back to prosperity, children were born, they grew up and entered the academy. New Shinobi spawned and grew, shops were reopened, money went back into circulation and merchants started coming back to Leaf. Once all the job was done and Umashi had returned, Yomi decided to step down and give the title to it’s rightful owner. Hence why Umashi became the Hokage once more. Umashi’s rule wasn’t without its own problems but Leaf was in peace and Happy. Umashi continued Yomi’s work, changing and improving on things making taking Leaf back into the age before the Civil War. After being satisfied with his work Umashi decided to retire and with his wife moved to Cloud, to live the rest of his days in peace.

Fourth Hokage Uchiha Takeshi​ Once Umashi had stepped down, Uchiha Takeshi was chosen to be the next Hokage. The fifth Hokage, in theory, fourth since Umashi came back after a small hiatus. Under Takeshi’s rule, Leaf did nothing but prosper, a talk between the Village hidden in the Sand that ended in a deal struck which made trade a lot easier between the villages as well as a peace agreement. Making the future safer for future Generations. Unfortunately, not all was peace and quiet. A few years after Takeshi took the title of Hokage the village of Frost decided to kidnap one of Leaf’s most trusted and respected Sennin, Isaki Maki. Being the fearsome warrior that he was no amount of torture made the Sennin open his mouth and reveal the secrets of the village but it all comes at a price. A mission was set in motion and executed, ending in the retrieval of the Sennin but it all came at a price. Seeing the danger of the situation Takeshi mobilized the forces for an all-out assault. Unfortunately, Frost struck first, attacking the gates in which brave Shinobi fended them off. Mission after mission were given out to try and diminish their numbers, gain intelligence and gather as much strength as possible. Unfortunately, frost had to wait since it wasn’t them who ended up wounding Leaf. But it’s citizens. Main Branch Leader and Sennin Kenshin was attacked by a missing-nin and a couple of Leaf’s own Ninja. Backup came and a huge battle ensued. Although Leaf Shinobi won a couple of casualties emerged,Yuu Kenshin was badly wounded and members of the village Left. Some with blessing, others with the unfortunate case of turning Missing. Their names ever present in Leaf’s Bingo Book. Rebuilding and the future

Leaf's current leadership





Hokage - Uchiha Takeshi
Hokage Advisor - Tonkon Maki

Main Branch Sennin - Uchiha Asuka
Head Jounin - Hoshirei
Head Jounin - Haku Yuki

Medical Sennin - Kishiko Nagisa
Medical Chef - Keiji

ANBU Sennin - Hyuuga Yukio
ANBU Captain - Santaru Soku

Overview​

- Upon learning of atrocious crimes against humanity by the Fire Country Daimyo, a coalition lead by former Konoha and Iwa shinobi liberate Konohagakure from under his iron fist.
- Though the Fire Country Daimyo manages to escape punishment, he still holds political sway over many in the Fire Country and the various groups within the Fire Country are forced to choose alignments between his forces and the forces of Konohagakure.
- Being a close ally of Konohagakure, Iwagakure formally signs a Defense Agreement with Konoha leading to free movement of shinobi from one state to the other.
- There is a resurgence of shinobi arts within Konoha in the post Daimyo Era.
- All information can be found on the Major Events Thread