Land Of Water

The **Land of Water** (水の国, *Mizu no Kuni*) also known as the "Land of Mist" (霧の国, *Kiri no Kuni*). It is composed of many islands, with each having its own unique traditions. The country's weather is typically cool and the islands are usually covered by mist. The islands themselves also feature many lakes. In some places, like the area where Haku grew up, it is very cold and snows quite a bit. The nation is oriented towards the element of water. Its government leader is the Water Daimyō. Little is currently known about the country and it apparently leaves itself out of most political affairs, which is understandable considering that it is composed of vast islands relatively remote from the continent containing the other four major countries. What is known, however, is that the country used to be ravaged by many civil wars, during which clans with kekkei genkai were used extensively, causing many to view them as harbingers of war and death, leading to purges and genocide to the point of parents killing their own children. Many clans went into hiding, such as the Yuki clan. Fifteen years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, the Land of Water grew uneasy with the Land of Waves and Land of the Sea over their continued expansion, to the point of not wanting to sign a treaty that would give them further stability, even against the wishes of Kirigakure, who would also benefit from more stability.

## **Culture**

Kiri was founded after the Warring States Period by the First Mizukage. Shortly after the formation of their villages, Konoha's First Hokage sold tailed beasts to Kiri as a sign of friendship and to ensure a balance of power amongst their new villages. The goodwill this fostered was short-lived, and Kiri would become involved in different conflicts over the following decades. The Second Mizukage and Iwa's Second Tsuchikage who would clash against one another countless times eventually met in what would be their final battle and killed each other.

According to Kahyō, Kirigakure's society was split into a form of caste system since the founding of the village. The highest ranking civilians were those whose family lineage originally stemmed from within Kirigakure, the second caste was for members of families who were allied with Kirigakure on the battlefields in the past while the last and lowest caste consisted of members of the families who were defeated on said battlefields and annexed into the village. From the early days on, the members of the third caste were handled with caution and had to complete the most perilous and dangerous missions for the village — thus keeping them occupied and preventing them from revolting

## **Hidden Village**

**Kirigakure** (霧隠れの里, *Kirigakure no Sato*, *literally meaning:* Village Hidden by Mist) is the hidden village of the Land of Water. As the village of one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, Kiri has a Kage as its leader known as the Mizukage, of which there have been six in its history. Befitting its name, the village is surrounded by a thick mist, with several mountains in the background, making it difficult to find by foreigners.

Kirigakure's architecture is composed of several cylindrical buildings, with the Mizukage's office being the widest and largest. Most of the buildings have vegetation growing on their roofs.

The standard attire for Kiri shinobi revolves around a pinstriped material which the shinobi wear as bracers and greaves which merge into their sandals. Underneath this, they wear a full-black shirt and pants over which they wear the villages' standard grey flak jacket. Some also wear waist-guards. Many Kiri ninja use Water Release techniques. Due to the village's high number of missing-nin, Kiri has a subdivision of Anbu known as hunter-nin that are specifically tasked with eliminating these defectors.

## **Colonies**

**Land of Hot Water** (湯の国, Yu no Kuni)

The Land of Hot Water is a large colonial asset to the Water Empire; The military service of the country was established after the nation's reconstitution. The forces are primarily stationed in various garrisons located all across the colony and they are maintained in constant readiness due to being naturally flanked by two major nations. Due to the recent revitalization of the nation's armed forces, only a small fraction of the forces consists of native forces, while the majority of it consists of foreign mercenaries and missing-nin that have settled in the colony or have been hired by the empire in hopes of pardoning their crimes and thousands of religious Jashinists that have migrated to the country, amassing the largest and most diverse armed force among all of the empire's colonies. Due to the empire's strict policies when first managing the Hot Water Colony, its military forces are immensely well organized, despite its short years of activity.

○ Yu Ground Forces – 27,243

○ Yu Airborne Troops – 14,143

○ Yu Naval Forces – 17,662

○ Yu Strategic Suicide Troops – 11,813

○ Yu Strategic Rear Forces – 12,634

○ Yu Strategic Annihilation Forces – 14,382

○ Peace Operative Forces – 12,245

○ Peace Defensive Forces – 12,800

**Total Yu Forces:** 142,922 soldiers

**Civilian Population:** 210,455 citizens

**Total Population:** 353,377 citizens

○ **Hot Water Colonial Assets**

– 50 aircrafts

– 70 airships

– 273 battleships

– 88 tank destroyers

**Land of Sea Salt** (海の国, Umi no Kuni)

The Land of Sea Salt is a nation of islands similar to the Land of Water, composed of four islands: Mother Island, Haha Island, Taro Island, and Kika Island. The nation has a long history of not being prosperous, having to rely on shinobi from Kirigakure for protection. After the Fourth Shinobi World War, the Land of the Sea Salt has made several attempts to expand its influence, causing friction with the Land of Water, to the point of the Land of Water being uneasy with signing a treaty that would give the Land of the Sea Salt more stability. Disregarding their warnings, the Water Empire took their hostile relations as a threat and swiftly invaded, in an act of self defense. Due to their lack of obedience, expensive military bases have been planted on each of the nation's islands to ensure those who are military-trained are broken and ameliorated to serve the empire and only the empire.

○ Umi Ground Forces – 14,018

○ Umi Flying Forces – 11,000

○ Umi Naval Forces – 12,570

○ Umi Coast Guard – 11,933

○ Umi Defense Operatives – 11,802

**Total Umi Forces:** 60,323 soldiers

**Civilian Population:** 125,003 citizens

**Total Population:** 185,326 citizens

○ **Sea Colonial Assets**

– 550 battleships

– 233 tanks

– 34 submarines

– 107 sea tanks

## **Armed Forces**

The **Blue Heron Fire Assembly** (青鷺火集会, Shūkai no Aosaginohi) is a newly founded consortium, assigned the task of overseeing all military efforts and acquired colonial assets. It is managed by the Water Emperor and the **Taikō**, (大公, Archduke) an individual with power equalling that of the Mizukage in terms of commanding the Imperial Water Forces. Occupying the remaining space available on the Ryugan in Kinai Province, the Blue Heron Fire Assembly is composed of a considerable amount of towers, all of which are crowned by a luminescent blue flame. These flames behave as chakra antennae, allowing them unremitting contact with all of their outposts throughout the nation and even with their settlements overseas. The assembly's main structure is also home to Kinai's own protective barrier, the sensory barrier that shrouds the empire's mainland, **Musakaika** (無境化, Development of a Borderless World) and the Fishbowl's mainframe. **Non-Shinobi Forces**

Soldiers directly headed by the Taikō, (大公, Archduke) and in turn, the Water Emperor–– the **Imperial Water Forces** are a collection of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to defending their country but are unable to perform jutsu akin to a shinobi. To compensate for this lack of skill, the Imperial Forces are armed with a vast array of weapons and technology that can be utilized in combat. The strongest division in the Imperial Force is no doubt the navy, due to their collection of battleships and innovative combat style on the ocean and underwater. Unlike the hidden village's forces, the Imperial Water Forces are mainly patrol soldiers, however, should not in any way be seen as inferior to their counterpart militia.

Uniforms worn by members, both male and female, of the Imperial Forces are traditionally blue overcoats, pants, and black boots with a yellow aiguillette and decoration/badges adorned on the uniform depending on the achievements of individual soldiers. Some soldiers can be seen wearing blue berets. The epaulets on the uniform display the rank of the soldier in question. When entering foreign or dangerous terrain, white coats, hats, and gloves are generally seen adored by soldiers to aid in harsh climates. Police guards generally wear a black version of the uniform to distinguish themselves as special service guardsman. However, individuals with special expertise and services are not required to wear the military uniform at all. All soldiers are expected to follow strict protocols– those who don't are subject to punishment by detainment or court martialing.

○ Imperial Ground Forces –– 23,401

○ Imperial Navy –– 30,450

○ Imperial Coast Guard –– 21,573

○ Imperial Marine Corps –– 20,997

○ Imperial Air Force –– 10,260

○ Imperial Reserves Forces –– 35,028

**Total Imperial Forces:** 141,709 soldiers

○ **Regular Shinobi** (正規部隊, 'Seiki Butai') –

The regular Kirigakure forces form the foundation of the village and its shinobi system. The majority of shinobi are a part of these forces and together, either individually or in teams, they perform the majority of the missions the village receives. They are also tasked with the various duties within the organisation, such as training and administrative duties.

○ **Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist** (霧の忍刀七人衆, 'Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū') – 7 members

The Seven Swordsmen of the Mist are a prominent team, consisting of only the greatest blade-wielding shinobi of their generation that Kirigakure can produce. There can only be seven members at a time — hence the name. The swords of the Seven Swordsmen are passed down from generation to generation.

○ **Barrier Protection Team** (障壁分隊, 'Shōheki Butai') –

Comprised of shinobi who specialize in barriers and sensing, these teams are tasked with maintaining the main security of the entire nation. While the barrier corps serve to create several hard and soft barriers in and around the village and country as well as breaking enemy barriers– the sensory corps cooperate with the former in order to provide the ultimate protection against adversaries. Members of these squads are not only confined to the underground facility– they may also be sent out on assignments which require barrier makers, barrier breakers, or sensors. A mastery of Barrier and/or Sensory ninjutsu is required to join each squad, respectively.

○ **ANBU Black Operatives** (暗部, 'Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai') –

The ANBU take orders directly from the Kage, performing special high-level missions, such as assassinations and torture. The Anbu usually work in teams formed to the requirements of the mission, ensuring maximum success. The shinobi in the Anbu are hand-picked by the Kage, chosen for their individual capabilities and special skills. Age, gender, background, or previous rank bear no weight in this decision. Similar to Konohagakure, Anbu members are given code names after animals, however in Kirigakure, they are marine creatures, seabirds, or semi-aquatic reptiles.

○ **Hunter-Nin** (追い忍部隊, 'Oinin Butai') –

Coined as the Corpse Processing Team and sometimes dubbed 'The Undertaker Squad', Hunter-nin are given the specific duty of hunting down missing-nin. Hunter-nin are a sub-branch of the Anbu and so, they also act under the orders of the Kage and to an extent, the Kirigakure council. They completely erase the person they're searching for by means of their superior assassination techniques and medical skills.

○ **Medical Team** (医療班, 'Iryō-han') –

The medical teams is the supporting side of the shinobi forces. They consist of medical-nin, working behind the scenes to heal sick and injured shinobi and to make sure the organization's resources are always in peak condition. Medical-nin are similar to a hospital corpsman or HM of the military in real life. They also do extensive research into new techniques, medicines, diseases and the human body. Although not seen very often, they are highly respected. Even to a jōnin, the advanced skills of these shinobi seem like magic.

○ **Order of the Red Crystal** (章赤結晶, 'Sekisuisho no Jun') –

The Sekisuisho no Jun is a medical organization that has its roots in Kirigakure, specifically the island the Ketsueki inhabit, Akegenshu-Ga-Shimajima. The order's main objective is to share medical knowledge and techniques among its network of allies and strengthen the bond between their medical brethren. Each member must have superb knowledge of human physiology and all which ail the human form, as well as knowing a plethora of medical jutsu and extremely good control of chakra. It is a worldwide order, having centres located in 2/5 of the Five Great Nations (soon to be 3) and a plethora of island nations surrounding the Land of Water. Within Kirigakure, ORC members congregate within the Iyashinote Memorial Hospital. Medical experts from the Iryo-han often strive to be apart of this organization.

○ **Order of the Chrysanthemums** (菊花章, 'Kikkashō') –

The highest order in all of the Land of Water–– members of this organization take orders from both the Water Emperor and the Taikō, despite their loyalty lying solely with the emperor when there are discrepancies. The Kikkashō is an intelligence agency for the Water Empire, often sent out for assignments given to them personally by either of the two officials. More so used for intel gathering and spying, it would be foolish to apprehend a squad from this order, or even an agent operating alone. Similar to Kirigakure's Hunter-nin, the identity of Kikkashō members are kept an upmost secret. If anyone within this order betrays the empire or attempts to disband from the organization, they will be rid of effectively. The emperor is known as the Head of the order, the Taikō as the Stem, and the agents are referred to as Petals.

## **National Defenses**

Adjacent to the fourteen meters high wall that covered the entire islands, was a hundred-meter high wall made of highly condense water. The thickness of the water wall was nine meters. One would question what was so impressive about a water wall? The simplistic idea was undoubtedly genius, as shinobi with gigantic egos would think that the defensive easy to destroy, but they would soon find out that fire release would not be the answer as the cryptic wall would absorb the air particles of water vapor would condense and rebuild the wall within a fraction of a second. When one enters and collides with the moisten barrier, energy would immediately be transferred to the water molecules, controlling the opponent’s friction and slowing them down. Their gestures would be move slow and subtlety as if they were stuck in stasis. If need be the barrier would absorb any moisture from its opponent’s, killing them immediately as they’d appear to be in a mummified state. The wishes of the Mizukage came to fruition. The barrier system would have morning, evening, and night shifts. Soldiers who poured their chakra into the barrier for eight hours, only able to leave after their replacement had begun their shift. This organization had caused a consistent amount of chakra to be poured into the barrier, helping maintain to stay afloat for twenty-four hours. Within the barrier system. Technological advancement had surged through the land, as they now restricted outside forces from freely entering and exiting the Land of Water. Each resident’s chakra, saliva glands, and hair strands with hair follicles attached to the end were all securely entered into the system. This would deem it impossible for one to replicate one's identity and chakra, immediately detecting an intruder’s presence. It was no surprise that Takeshi and Shusuke would be exiled from the land, not including them into the barrier system. Had they tried to enter the Land, they would suffer the fatal effects from the barrier alone. It is to be noted that Reijutsu is a erected around the barrier and maintain by the notorious Ashida Clan 24 hours.

The numerous outposts and military centers throughout the nation and its colonies all have access to the Fishbowl. This grants them access to limited information available on the mainframe such as population statistics to register incoming and outgoing visitors of the nation. On the mainland, the outposts are spread evenly throughout each province, especially on the outer borders. On the colonies, the largest of military centers hold their combat assets while their accompanying outposts maintain the barrier systems to keep them protected. At least one military center on each island is home to a Chōmon. (蝶紋, Butterfly Gate)

The pinnacle of **Technological Ninjutsu**, (上級忍術, Jōkyūkan Ninjutsu) the Chōmon is a large, circular construct that is able to apply a large-scale version of the village's secret technique, Chōkōnō. (蝶効能, Butterfly Effect) The butterfly effect is a concept that states that "small causes can have larger effects."; It is the sensitive dependence on initial conditions in which a small change in one state of a deterministic nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state. This scientific realization gave birth to an advanced Water Release technique, derived from a special connection to the water element and attachment to the world. Through the ripple, one can displace themselves along its currents and appear at any given point in the area around it, even allowing the user to slink away into the world of "ripples" for a period of time. This world itself can be described as a seemingly infinite space where the ripples along pools of water and fate lighten the world around them. When this was applied to the Chōmon, an extensive amount of chakra was required to fuel the circular gate, thus requiring the process to be hastened, only permitting a swift in-and-out performance. Unlike its original technique, the Chōmon cannot allow objects to appear anywhere they choose– They can only emerge from other Chōmon that are around the empire. This piece of technology has drastically changed the tactics of the empire's warfare and allows a large number of their forces to appear at any location they've conquered thus far with relative ease.

Scientific Development & Technological Advancements

Aircraft Carriers

An aircraft carrier is a warship that serves as a seagoing airbase, equipped with a full-length flight deck and facilities for carrying, arming, deploying, and recovering aircraft. Typically, it is the capital ship of a fleet, as it allows a naval force to project air power worldwide without depending on local bases for staging aircraft operations. The Water Empire is the second naval force to have come across this advanced technology, receiving one carrier from the Fire Empire. This one carrier was reverse-engineered and re-designed, now allowing the empire to possess 10 of them in total. They vary in type and capabilities, the most unique of them being the **Gamakō Carrier**. (蟇蛙公爵, Toad Prince) It is the first ever built amphibious assault carrier and was created in order to deploy land and support ground forces on enemy territory via an amphibious assault with ease. Unlike the rest of the world's naval forces, the aircraft carriers also are able to deploy sea tanks, a combat vehicle exclusive to the Water Empire.

Technological Ninjutsu(上級忍術, Jōkyūkan Ninjutsu)

**Technological Ninjutsu** (上級忍術, Jōkyūkan Ninjutsu) is a variation of common ninjutsu that requires manual engineering to produce a creation as well as chakra to power said creation. Because the nation's government was led by a Daimyo who was also a shinobi for many generations, the village and the rest of the nation's technology grew side by side with little impediments. This allows modern technology to be further enhanced by large scale ninjutsu typically utilized by shinobi to complete tasks that would otherwise seem unfeasible. Due to Technological Ninjutsu, the Water Empire's forces are capable of numerous formerly impossible feats like entering battle zones in seconds via air/battleship (like the Chōmon or see below ) and producing shields that rebound projectile attacks back to its originating source.

One example of this is **Jōkyūkan Ninjutsu: Suishayusō**. (上級忍術 水車輸送, Technology Ninjutsu: Water Fleet Conveyance) In short, this technique is a large scaled, space-time variant of the Water Flicker Technique that allows a ship to travel instantaneously throughout a body of water to reach a destination that would otherwise take much longer to reach. This is also derived from the method of supercavitation, which allows all imperial vessels, including aircraft carriers, to travel faster through water than any other navy's armadas. Supercavitation has been studied greatly by the empire by dissecting and understanding the same forces that propelled their standard torpedoes; It has since been further enhanced, through the use of pre-stored chakra. The basic idea behind supercavitation propulsion is to reduce the friction of the vessel(s) with the surrounding water by covering it with a stream of small bubbles. However, these very same bubbles also drastically reduce the effectiveness of standard propellers and, thus, chakra is required to be used instead.

**Mechanized Mangekyō** (機械化万華鏡, *Kikai-Mangekyō VIZ. "Mechanized Kaleidoscope"*) as it was dubbed was strictly being manufactured by Kirigakure and the Land of Water under the radar. It was as if they were preparing for a possible war. Probably the Daimyo had unique abilities to “foresee” the future, but only one thing was for certain that Daimyo enjoyed giving the consent to a project like this. The Mechanized Mangekyō is a special line of incredibly large, Mech-Style Robots personally designed and developed without the consent of the Mizukage or Daiymō by Kaiyō Arashi out of nothing more than pure disdain for the Uchiha Clan; the name of this product is a mockery in itself, but it's a true insult is in its design as not only is it meant to be a direct rival to their infamous Susano’o but in many aspects much superior. Starting off with its defensive capabilities, the MM at its base is incredibly durable made with the strongest metals that money can buy, each time an MM is created it goes through a test in order to determine its durability that consists of hitting it with some of the most powerful weapons that the Land of Water has in its arsenal as well as allowing several S-Ranked and occasionally SS-Ranked Shinobi to wail on it until they tire; the majority of the time the MM comes out with a good amount of damage done to its outer shell especially when taking into consideration how strong SS-Ranked Shinobi can be, but for it to be a piece of technologies makes this a marvel.

Additionally if for any reason that the MM has a vulnerability revealed to its main body, it is able to retract from its left forearm a fairly thick tower shield made out of a slightly less durable material than the outer shell itself, the shield is designed like a Rashōmon Gate with an ornately designed face on the front of it. For its final line of defense or if the MM is able to recognize a powerful incoming attack or simply wishes to protect those around it, the MM is capable of deploying a teal barrier around itself and others, the strength of this barrier is dependent of the amount of chakra put into, but on the few occasions where the MM needs to put in enough chakra into a barrier that it nearly drains all its chakra reserves then the barrier will be akin in strength to the **Four Red Yang Formation**.

Already it is quite obvious that the defensive prowess of the MM is either greater than or equal that of the Susano’o, but where it truly shines is its offensive capabilities which in all honesty is similar to that of the legendary Tailed Beast, it's most basic of the offenses are found in its left and right shoulder where there is a retractable shoulder-mounted weapon, one being a much larger variation of the Gatling gun and the other is a shoulder-mounted rocket launcher capable of firing off the same rods that the F.O.D. is equipped with. Around its hip is a series of weapons that seem to be attached by a powerful magnet built into the MM itself, while the arsenal entirely depends on what the pilot of the MM prefers the following weapons are a standard: a chakra blade that has built-in chakra batteries installed on it, a specially designed pistol capable of shooting four beams of chakra at a time with the same strength as the Shintenraihō and two different magazine clips for each of its shoulder-mounted projectile launchers. Built into each arm is a variation of the Kirigakure’s Shinobi Gauntlet that is capable of holding twelve special scrolls at once and automatically reloads itself with another twelve after it has emptied and can do this up to nine more times, majority of the time the MM is equipped with the standard nature releases, but on occasion is imbued with special scrolls that release tailed beast jutsu. The kneecaps themselves might technically be considered weapons, as well as either one, are capable of holding a large amount of Kiri’s autonomous puppets and the other contains a poisonous gas that when let into the battlefield is capable of killing a mass amount of troops at once. Where it truly shines in sheer offensive capabilities is the highly modified Shintenraihō which has been inserted into the MM’s chest, by charging up the Shintenraihō in its chest in a way akin to the Tailed Beast it is able to release a highly dangerous and sometimes widespread beam that can indeed level mountains and quite possibly destroy a fully-formed Susano’o. The MM is indeed the size of a fully formed Susano’o, for this reason, it is not mass-produced by the Land of Water due to insufficient resources, there are only five that have been made thus far and only those who are incredibly skilled at mechs are allowed to use them.

- Approximately 200,000 unmanned robotic MM's controlled by the Water Empire.

Laser Oscillation Systems

The Laser Oscillation System is derived from the lasers installed on the Flying Destruction Machine which once belonged to the Land of Sky; The Imperial Army has dissected and divided this weapon to function independently.

**The Shintenraihō** (震天雷炮, Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannons; VIZ "Heaven Shaking Lightning Cannon") are the primary choice of weapon used by the Imperial Navy as replacement for their standard cannons and anti-aircraft auto-cannons. These cannons are also referred to as the offensive cornerstones of the Laser Oscillation System. Depending on their purpose, the heaven-shaking thunder cannons can fire very quickly with a low charge per shot (for example, in anti-air and anti-missile defence systems, where the density of fire is more important) or fire more powerful shots for larger targets/ranges albeit with a longer recharge period. Upon impact, the beam produces a wide-ranged explosion. In some cases, miniature thunder cannons can be used as anti-personnel weaponry, in the case that enemies find a way to board a ship. (which is very rare) In such circumstances, the power of each shot is lowered to non-lethal levels when facing off against human targets.

Only five **Hiryū Gekizoku Shintenraihō**(飛竜撃賊震天雷炮, Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon; VIZ "Dragon Strike Heaven Shaking Lightning Cannon") cannons exist in the empire's military. This cannon is a direct upgrade from its smaller counterpart– the Shintenraihō; It is known as the pinnacle of the empire's destructive capabilities. Alongside the sharp laser, this supreme cannon also utilizes gravitational waves, condensed into a narrow beam to deal damage to its target. The effective range of the cannon is limited only by the vessel's engine power, which is why it has only been installed onto the grandest battleships the empire has to offer. Normally, it is used at the distances of about 5 to 10 kilometres, however, it is rumoured that the cannon can fire from up to 20 kilometres away. A prominent issue with the cannon is how noticeable its usage is– not only does the cannon's charge up create a small anomaly in its gravitational field, but this disturbance can be clearly registered on human technology and even be seen by the naked eye; It appears as a distortion in space that is able to slightly part the ocean directly in front of the cannon's firing shot. While the Flying Dragon-Striking Heaven-Shaking Thunder Cannon is a very powerful weapon, it requires a great deal of power and some time to charge up. It's not easy to re-aim, which means that it is not effective against moving targets. Additionally, in order to fire the cannon, the grand battleship needs to drop their shields in the direction of the shot, leaving it completely vulnerable to attacks coming from that direction. This weakness is compensated by having an accompanying fleet work as a distraction while barrier corps' members form a breakable, physical boundary while the cannon charges up.

Defense Mechanisms of the Water Empire

Fishbowl

**The Fishbowl** (フィッシュボウル, Fisshubōru) is an information network that connects all vessels and all outposts with the Blue Heron Fire Assembly, allowing them to exchange varying information as well as the ability to store/share any experience acquired through combat. In easier words, it's basically an archive. The Fishbowl is mainly built upon quantum communication protocols and thus, access to it can't be affected by things such as distance and minor interference. However, if there is an extraordinary event that can cause a massive disruption in space and time, all connections will cease to be established. Physically, the Fishbowl's mainframe is located in the headquarters of the Blue Heron Fire Assembly, where they are easily able to access and organize its many contents. The Fishbowl can even be linked to pre-existing barriers (most common ones placed onto military vessels) to store and broadcast information live. It also doubles as a digital repository, holding statistics on the empire's population, military assets, active forces, and colonial forces.

Barriers of the Water Empire

The barriers that protect the empire from external threats have been reconstructed since the aerial attack on the Mizukage Tower by the **Tenryū Weapon**. (天龍, Dragon of the Sky Flame) Through advanced ninjutsu, the barrier corps with help of the much spiritual clan; Ashida clan established a solution; They would apply an otherwise basic jutsu and scale it to the barrier's size to solve their issue. By meticulously studying the Water Mirror Technique and applying this atop of their studies of Shasui, the barrier teams found themselves capable of granting all of their barriers the ability to reflect back attacks whether they are spiritual attacks, demonic or even normal ones they would otherwise prove to be formidable, at whim.

**Musakaika** (無境化, Development of a Borderless World) is the first line of defence that surrounds the entire Water mainland, including its various small islands. Musakaika is designed to be adaptable to all situations; As a result, it is a highly versatile barrier. The barrier itself is connected to several water sensory spheres stationed underneath the Blue Heron Fire Assembly, controlled by members of the barrier and sensory teams. These shinobi have the ability to sense the chakra of anyone inside, passing through, or in the immediate vicinity of the barrier itself, differentiating outsiders to citizens themselves due to the Martial Blessing. Outsiders have to gain the approval of guards at one of the many designated outer imperial-stationed outposts before the barrier can be opened for them. Exiting is done in a similar fashion.

**Shinsuke Tenshushūiten** (天佑神助周囲天, Blessings of God from Heaven) is the specialized barrier that looms over the Adishesha Kyūden. Unlike other barriers, when hardened, it cannot be destroyed unless its accompanying torii are shattered. They are called the Nagavanshi Torii (नागवंशी–鳥居, Serpent Dynasty Bird Abode) and number in 9 total and are obsidian in color. Three straddle the three great rivers of the empire's mainland as they cross into the adjacent provinces, allowing for safe passage by river only under the central Torii. (together, they are referred to as the Miwa Torii) Another three are placed along the land borders with the adjacent provinces, allowing for safe entrance by land. (together, these three are referred to as the Usa Torii) They look nearly identical to the Miwa Torii, except for the lack of the gakuzuka (額束) on each of them. The last three can be found on the Ryūgan. Each of the torii clusters forms a barrier, collectively meaning that the Shinsuke Tenshushūiten is a three-layered barrier with the Ryūgan at its centre. Only the inner two can be hardened, utilizing the outer third one as a sensory barrier. Since these barriers are present in Kinai, they are also connected to the capital's province barrier.

**Nijūrokujūmahōjin** (十重魔法陣, Twenty-Six Layered Magic Circles) is the set of barriers (26) that cover each of the mainland's provinces and each island of the colonies conquered thus far. (this number is subject to change when more lands are conquered) They hold the same properties as Musakaika and are remotely controlled via each kazoku's clan compound save for Kirigakure, Kinai, and the various colonies. (Kirigakure's being underneath the Mizukage Tower and Kinai's being underneath the palace) In regards to the colonies, their barriers are regulated within each island's Imperial Station. Every individual barrier the empire has erected can be remotely transformed via the usage of Shasui. A map of where the barriers are located can be found here. The diameter of each circle corresponds to what territory the empire claims to control, including the sea the barrier actively covers, sans the Hot Water Colony acting as a special case. Areas that appear overlapped have an amplified sensory range and increased durability. (the latter being when solid) Due to this, many of the barriers' overlaps cover a majority of each of the three major rivers leading to Kinai including the capital province itself. Because all of the empire's barriers are remotely controlled, different properties can be applied to augment their capabilities as well as give them new attributes when the situation calls for it.