Shinjugakure

Suzushikaze District at night.

**Shinjugakure** (真珠隠れの里, *Shinjugakure no Sato, Hidden Pearl Village, Village Hidden by Pearls*) is the hidden village of Chihana no Kuni (*Land of a Thousand Flowers*). Shinjukagure is led by a village head referred to as Hashira (*lit. Pillar*). While perhaps the most well-populated hidden village in the entire world, Shinju practices Clan Limitation, meaning that only village citizens of one of its ninja clans may enroll in the academy, so its number of active-duty shinobi is comparable to that of a minor village. Shinjugakure is often known as the "Village that Never Sleeps" (完徹の里, *Kantetsu no Sato; lit. All-Nighter Village*) for its prominent and active night life.

Generally neutral to the affairs of the shinobi world, Shinjugakure sits in an extremely prosperous position as a trade center between the two continents as well as the only Shinobi nation in control of its home country. It is generally more aligned with its southern neighbors than those to the north. The village is highly wealthy and developed; visually, the village resembles Taisho-era Japan in architecture albeit upscaled. Shinju’s clans work essentially as aristocrats; not only are they the only shinobi, but they wield great political power and own a large number of powerful companies.

The standard attire for Shinju-nin consists of generally blue uniforms underneath red flak jackets. The flak jacket of Shinju nin resembles a cross between a Konoha and Kiri jacket, albeit with bulkier shoulder straps. Furthermore, Shinju nin often wear tabi socks under their shinobi sandals as well as arm guards like Leaf ANBU. A prominent trend among Shinju-nin is the inclusion of customized or designer clothing into their uniforms, which may include hats, belts, patterned waistcloths, or customized shinobi sandals. The forehead protectors of Shinju are usually either red or blue but can come in any color.

## Background

Chihana no Kuni sits on a circular island similar in size to the Land of Sound which is situated between the two great continents. The island boasts extraordinarily fertile land and incredible natural resources. Due to its positioning, the nation and its village are often neutral to outside affairs.

Shinjugakure is a relatively young village founded when the Flower Daimyo found his realm harassed by pirates who were even beginning to move into his lands. Dependent on trade to keep contact with the outside world, he called upon the scattered ninja of his lands to gather together and form their own village at the promise of autonomy if they would defend his lands. The ninja agreed and rose up their strongest to be the first Hashira, a title chosen to put them above the Village Heads elsewhere while remaining below the Kage.

The first Hashira organized an attack on the pirates, who had seized a valuable northern natural harbor, and defeated them. He executed all of the pirates who were not shinobi or did not have shinobi in their families, but allowed those who did to join him. The first Hashira then founded his village in this natural harbor. Supposedly, a great batch of fine pearls washed ashore that day, resulting in the village's name.

However, the Hashira began to increasingly interfere in their realm's politicals, using Shinju's rapidly increasing wealth to throw weight around. During the Second Shinobi World War, the Daimyo died of natural causes, leaving his sickly young son in charge who was perfectly happy to relinquish all political power in turn for getting to party or sleep all he wanted. Thus the Hashira became the premier political figure of Chihana no Kuni with his village as its de facto capital.

## Locations

### Academy

Despite its gargantuan population, Shinju only has need for a single large academy. This academy is considered highly prestigious due to its discriminatory entry practices. It possesses a large student populace and tends to field Jonin as teachers for later grade students, and Shinju's academy lasts longer than that of other villages. Students become Genin at 12 as usual but continue attending until they are 15. Upon completing the academy, most students take their Chunin Exams about a month later; regardless if they are promoted or not they are graduated from the academy afterwards.

### Suzushikaze District

The Suzushikaze District (颸郡, *Suzushikazegun*)is a major financial center within Shinjugakure located in center of the metropolitan "village". A sleepless place that's full of life nearly 24/7, the center is brilliantly lit in colorful neon. It is a major cultural, shopping, and technological center. The Shiame-owned Akihabara Theater is found here.

### Minamoto District

The Minamoto District (源郡, *Minamotogun*) is a coastal district in Shinjugakure. Minamoto is home to the compounds of several major clans, an upscale boardwalk, a fine beach, and the **Shiganmachi and Gotouge Ports**, a busy commercial port on the western end and a naval port on the eastern end respectively.

## Clans

### Shiame Clan

A prominent Shinju clan which holds a prominent position in Chihana’s entertainment industry. They boast a unique Firework Release, which is a highly sophisticated version of Explosion Release). The Shiame tend to have wavy, choppy hair and fair skin. Their symbol is a dandelion or a firework burst. One notable member is Naomi Shiame.

### Sasagani Clan

A major Shinju clan known for producing able spymasters, tacticians, and ANBU. These clan members tend to have dark hair and narrow, tired eyes. Their symbol is a minimalistic spider.