Kanazawa

*"Only the wall broke!"*

The city of Kanazawa has a most interesting history. It is a place of pride and honour. A city of strategic importance, both military and economic value. It is where the Uchiha before held their ground against numerous foes. And where they will continue to guard their heartlands against any possible threat that approaches them from the south.

## Shigekazu Family

Descendants of Shigekazu. Many individuals of this noble family strive to be much like their prestigious ancestor: Shigekazu. Who was rumoured to be fearless in battle and fiercely loyal to his lord. When the Mitsuyori family attempted to rebel against the Inner Branch in the year 234 ADS, they tried to bribe Shigekazu. Not only refusing the bribe, Shigekazu killed every member of the Mitsuyori family but the family head. Dragging the head of the Mitsuyori family to the clan leader, Shigekazu earned various titles and the office of '*bailiff of Kanazawa*', an office and title held previously by the Mitsuyori family.

## History

The city of Kanazawa has been founded centuries ago. There are vague stories on the city's founding, that it was once built by an unknown clan. Who decided to leave its foundation and move on. Other and more popular stories depict on how an unknown Uchiha noble decided to rally a group of people. Due to being born as the fourth son, this Uchiha noble knew that he wouldn't inherit much power. For that reason, he decided to petition to find a settlement to expand the clan's heartland and influence. The settlement is that of Kanazawa.

Whatever the city's origin was, it has started out as most cities. Small and insignificant at first. With the city's fertile land and the stern governance of the Uchiha clan, it started to prosper. Each year saw the population grow bigger as it continued to thrive. Till the point that the economic weight of the settlement warranted more security. Fortifications were built and a militia was better organised as funded by the Uchiha clan.

A rather unique aspect of the city started to become the many gardens that were constructed, to decorate and offer places of recreation for the inhabitants of Kanazawa. First as a mere symbol of the influence and wealth that the Uchiha clan possessed. Later becoming the city's own pride and honour. Even leading to the annual garden contest held within the city.

But the history of Kanazawa isn't without bloodshed. For with its growing importance, so too would it become a target for rivals and enemies alike. Withstanding through fierce sieges, its most trying time would be during the Tokugawa Conquest. When the city became besieged by a horde of barbarians. And while the barbarians threw their might at the city's defences, the brave city's inhabitants and soldiers stood their ground. Creating the local saying *"Only the wall broke"*.

These days, Kanazawa's purpose is more orientated on economic values than military or traditional. With being the largest Uchiha situated to the southern direction - to the centrum of the Empire, it serves as a staple market. Both from the Uchiha clan to the interior of the Empire as vice versa. A true example of how a city can shine when under proper Uchiha governance.

## Surrounding Land

The surrounding land of Kanazawa is filled with meadows, used for agriculture or recreation, and fields on which humble farmers and their aids work. In the shadow of the tall and mighty walls of Kanazawa, there are only a few who don't feel safe. To the northeast, the large lake bearing a strong resemblance of the name of the Uchiha clan founder: Yoshimata.

## Kanazawa Interior

The city of Kanazawa itself, past the formidable gates and defences, can be separated into two distinct parts. The largest part of the city is called 'Kanazawa Interior'. It is the place where most inhabitants of the city call home and where almost all visitors reside and leave from, both denizens as visitors only able to throw a glimpse at the might the second ring of defences that separate Kanazawa Interior from the secluded part and districts.

While Kanazawa Interior is home to the common folk. It is where many large markets are held on grand plazas, strictly overviewed by respective servants of the Shigekazu family. Yet as despite the large numbers of stands and visiting folk, there is a certain peace and order during these markets. Some state it is due to the excellence of the Uchiha governing the city but only a few others dare to whisper it is due to the Crimson Blades, who use these markets as training grounds - to blend in with the crowd and take out any troublemaker before they can cause any damage to the good name of the Uchiha.

Another aspect of Kanazawa Interior is how the city was designed. Many a pickpocket from another town will become nervous as there aren't small many alleys to disappear in. Broad streets allow carts with goods to enter and leave the city in an orderly fashion, avoiding the chaos and disturbance that many other places suffer. Clever positioning of barracks allows the guards of the city to respond quickly to calamities. Whether it is some violence erupting or a fire spreading. While the commoners of Kanazawa might not have the same luxurious as their superiors have, the living standards within the city's common districts are far from being flea-ridden slums.

## Kanazawa Superior

If gained enough honour or prestige, they might get the chance to visit the districts that are called 'Kanazawa Superior'. Within these districts, the lower nobility resides to serve the whims of the ruling family. Large complexes to house servants or acting as buildings of importance - either religious or governance - are far from a rare sight within Kanazawa Superior. Within Kanazawa Superior, are many luxurious lodges and facilities prepared to receive dignitaries of other clans. Allowing those honoured guests to relax and marvel at true Uchiha hospitality.

Shielded from the world by strong defences and an elite force of guards and soldiers, it is rare to find any disturbances within these noble districts. Unlike the common folk need to drink, sing and please themselves in louder fashions, the true nobles of the region indulge in matters of tranquillity and discipline.

## Trivia

* Despite the reputation and high standing quality of life within the city, criminality it isn't uncommon. Even with the strict and diligent watch of the city's guards and soldiers, criminals still engage in various nefarious activities. Some whisper that it is also partly the blame of the Crimson Swords, who engage in criminal activity to only use it as a training ground - with harsh punishments if being caught by the local authorities.
* Even despite the many edicts and attempts of the ruling family, a lot of the city's denizens are keen on importing alcohol from the Tokugawa clan. Due to the taxations raised on the Tokugawa beverages, illegal smuggling has become an ever-annoying thorn in the side of the ruling family within Kanazawa.
* Kanazawa is one of the largest cities that don't hold a large temple to the Way of Fire. Instead of a large central temple, there are many shrines and small temples located over the city. Something that many claims to be because the people of Kanazawa are truly humble enough to respect God correctly.