Hidden Leaf Ranks

Academy Student- Ninja Academy students are taught the basic jutsu skills. Once they have mastered the needed skills, they are able to graduate and become actual ninja. However if the new Genin do not impress their Jounin sensei, they can be sent back to the Academy for further training.

Genin- Genin are the lowest of ninja skill levels. They possess a knowledge of all the basic ninja skills and will do lower C & D rank missions with their Jounin sensei. Once the Genin has successfully undertaken eight missions, they can be sponsored by their Jounin sensei for the Chuunin Exam.

Chuunin- The Chuunin is the basic journeyman ninja of the village. These ninja can become field doctors or teachers. They were formerly Genin who were promoted for displaying excellent intelligence, strategy and combat skills in the Chuunin Exam. Chuunin have the equivalent rank of military captain, exhibiting strong stamina, knowledge and inner wisdom.

ANBU(Chuunin and Special Jounin level)- The ANBU, meaning "dark side" is actually short for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai (literally Assassination Tactics Special Military Force). The ANBU work directly under the leadership of the Hokage. This specialized ninja battalion generally work in groups of four to five. They are responsible for assassinations and missions requiring highly trained ninjas. The masks the members wear are based around the signs of the zodiac.

Special Jounin- Special Jounin are ninjas who have gained high Jounin-level skills in one area of ninja arts. Ninja attain the rank of Special Jounin through official appointment.

Jounin- The Jounin are ninja who are highly skilled in all jutsu skills and arts. Ninja attain the rank of Jounin through official appointment. The Jounin generally serve as squad commander for mission operations.

Sannin- The Sannin are Jounin that are good enough to be hopefuls for being the next Hokage. They are sent on the most dangerous missions and will protect the village if the Hokage is ill or unavailable.

(Kage)Hokage- The village Kage is the strongest ninja in the hidden villages. The Kage serves as the pillar upon which the village stands and the strength a village presents to the other ninja countries largely depends upon the strength of the Kage in power. They have excellent chakra and stamina and know the most jutsu techniques.