Kazekage Clan

The Kazekage Clan, originally the Higashi Clan, is one of the three founding families of Sunagakure, and are known as having the kekkei genkai: Magnet Release. The family is famous for producing the Kazekages.

## Background

### Founding

Before the establishment of Sunagakure, the Higashi clan stood as preminent figures among the most formidable shinobi in the Land of Wind. Renowned for their prowess in various conflicts, the Higashi clan became the go-to choice for affluent lords assembling formidable armies. Their battlefield achievements swiftly garnered respect from both local and international clans across the globe.

The pivotal role of the Higashi clan in shaping Sunagakure's foundation marked them as one of the Three Founding Families of the village. It was their vision that initiated the creation of a Hidden Ninja Village, presented to the country's daimyō. With their leader, Reto Higashi, ascending to the position of Kazekage at the time, the clan underwent a transformative shift, adopting the name Kazekage Clan. This move set a precedent for the majority of Kazekage to hail from this distinguished clan.

### Sunagakure

In Sunagakure, the Utsui Clan has become an integral part of the village's fabric, blending tradition with adaptability. The turning point for the Utsui Clan came during the reign of the third Kazekage. As Sunagakure faced various challenges, the Utsui Clan showcased its resilience and unique capabilities, earning them a reputation that resonated beyond their modest numbers. The Ugokanaigan, a rare kekkei genkai possessed by half of the clan, played a pivotal role in this newfound recognition. With the ability to pause what they saw, members of the Utsui Clan demonstrated unparalleled observational prowess, positioning themselves as valuable assets within the village.

The Utsui Clan's reputation extends beyond the realm of combat, with members often sought after for their abilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, and strategic planning. Their distinctive kekkei genkai sets them apart in Sunagakure, making the Utsui Clan both a respected and mysterious presence within the village walls.

## Abilities

The Kazekage clan boasts a formidable array of abilities, with a predominant affinity for the wind chakra nature. Many members of the clan demonstrate exceptional proficiency in manipulating wind release techniques, contributing to their reputation as wielders of some of the most potent wind nature jutsu in the shinobi world.

A notable subset within the Kazekage clan possesses the Magnet Release, a unique kekkei genkai that seamlessly blends wind and earth-based chakra. This combination results in the creation of magnetic forces, each exhibiting distinct properties and applications. Unlike some kekkei genkai exclusive to a single clan, Magnet Release appears to have traversed various family trees, making its origins and users challenging to trace. The rarity of this nature transformation kekkei genkai further enhances its enigmatic nature.

Beyond their elemental prowess, members of the Kazekage clan often embody the qualities befitting strong leaders. Fueled by a profound loyalty to their village, they strive to uphold the family's reputation as a lineage of exceptional leaders. This innate leadership quality extends beyond the battlefield, as many prominent members are known for their intelligence, stoicism, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare and prosperity of their village.

In the Kazekage clan's past, the Higashi clan specialized in the ancient art of Fūinjutsu. Bunpuku Higashi, a prominent figure in their lineage, demonstrated exceptional skill by sealing the formidable Shukaku, the One-Tail, into a teapot, and later became the first Jinchūriki of the beast. Bunpuku's ability to maintain control over Shukaku for extended periods without inner cages showcased the potency of the seals he crafted, surpassing the need for additional containment measures.

The Higashi clan's expertise extended to manipulating currents and utilizing techniques like the Dharma Power Sealing Technique: Sen no Rikyū. This mastery over Fūinjutsu set them apart, allowing them to control and seal powerful entities with precision. However, with the transformation into the Kazekage clan, this once-revered art of sealing began to fade from their collective memory.

In the present era, although the Kazekage clan members still serve as Jinchūriki for Shukaku, the ancient Fūinjutsu traditions have been all but forgotten. A rebranding of the clan has shifted their focus, and candidates for Shukaku's vessel now require the rare Magnet Release. This restriction poses challenges, as not all members of the Kazekage clan possess this elemental affinity, narrowing the pool of potential Jinchūriki candidates and reshaping the clan's identity over time.

## Members

### Leaders

Due to the Kazekage Clan wanting to only have male heads, the leaders of the clan jumped branches from Reto to his brother Yudai.

* **Bokushi Higashi**: Earliest known head, father of Daifuku and Bunpuku.
* **Daifuku Higashi**: Clan head after his father Bokushi.
* **Reto Kazekage**: Clan head after his father Daifuku, was the first Kazekage.
* **Yudai Kazekage**: Clan head after his brother Reto.
* **Seiji Kazekage**: Clan head after his father Yudai, he is the youngest head of clan, starting at the age of sixteen.
* **Kabuki Kazekage**: Clan head after his first cousin once removed Takezo.
* **Masaru Kazekage**: Clan head after his first cousin once removed Koshiro, was the sixth Kazekage.
* **Sarōu Kazekage**: Current clan head, became head after his second cousin once removed, Rasa, died.

### Heirs

* **Daifuku Higashi**: Bokushi's first child, and designated successor.
* **Reto Kazekage**: Daifuku's first born, and designated successor.
* **Yudai Kazekage**: Reto's oldest younger brother, and designated successor.
* **Seiji Kazekage**: Yudai's only son, and designated successor.
* **Kabuki Kazekage**: Seiji's first born, and designated successor.
* **Masaru Kazekage**: Kabuki's only son, and designated successor.
* **Sarōu Kazekage**: Masaru's only child, and designated successor.
* **Kazato Kazekage**: Sarōu's first cousin once removed, and his closest Kazekage male relative at present, so current designated successor.

### Alive

Alive Utsui's in age order:

* Chiyo ♀
* Ebizō ♂
* Fusako ♀
* Mahana ♀
* Akarō ♂
* Sasori ♂
* Sarōu ♂
* Fujinao ♂
* Temari ♀
* Kankurō ♂
* Gaara ♂
* Kazato ♂

## Trivia

* "Higashi" (東) literally means "east", and is derived from a combination of 日 ‎(hi) meaning "sun," 向か ‎(muka) meaning "facing" and 風 ‎(shi, nowadays kaze) meaning "wind."
* "Kazekage" (風影) means Wind Shadow.