Sunagakure

**Sunagakure** (砂隠れの里, *Sunagakure no Sato*, *literally meaning:* Village Hidden by Sand) is the hidden village of the Land of Wind. As the village of one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, Sunagakure has a Kage as its leader known as the Kazekage, of which there have been five in its history. Being surrounded by desert offers the village a natural deterrent against invasion, as few foreign powers would be willing to endure the sandstorms and water scarcity common to Suna. Sunagakure itself lies in a fortified valley behind cliffs of rock, with passage in and out of the village restricted to a single cleft between two cliff faces, making the area very hard to attack from the ground. The buildings inside seem to be made of clay or stucco, which would help to keep the buildings cool.

## Kage of the Village

**First Kazekage** – Sunaku Hise

**Second Kazekage** – Sunaku Hiroji

**Third Kazekage** – Sunaku Hikari

Sunagakure is the hidden village in the Land of Wind. It has had three Kage in its history, going by the title of Kazekage.  The village is surrounded by desert on all sides, giving a natural deterrent against invasion. The village itself is built into a valley, protected by cliffs of rock and sandstone. Buildings made of clay and stucco help keep the villagers cool and protected from the heat of the desert.

#### History

The Great Desert was once home to many tribes, the largest of which was led by the Sunaku Clan. Joining together to better defend from the harsh weather of the desert, the Clan Head, Hise Sunaku, established a permanent residence in a large valley, naming it Sunagakure – a place of safety and sanctuary for all who call the desert home. Word quickly spread among the tribes, and many began filtering into the village.

With the death of Hise, and the rise of his son, Hiroji, the village saw an even larger influx of refugees. Stories began to circulate among the residents of Sunagakure about a great beast, hiding among the sands and terrorizing its residents. Desperate to protect the people of his village, and his yet unborn child, Hiroji reached out to find a peaceful agreement with the creature. It wasn’t until is daughter, Hikari, was born that the beast first opened himself to negotiations.

For, like the Great Beast, Hikari held an affinity previously unseen. Though, she was born early, and weakened, her survival was questionable. So, in desperation, Hiroji struck a deal with the beast. If the creature would save his daughter, he would dedicate the village resources in protection of the beast, and furthering knowledge of his skill. Thus, the One-Tail Jinchuriki was created.

#### The Tailed Beast War

News began to filter in from traveling merchants of Kirigakure’s hatred of the Tailed Beasts, and their desire to see the world rid of the beasts influence. This was not only against the oath Hiroji swore to Shukaku, but put his daughter and heiress at direct risk. As soon as war became unavoidable, Hiroji sealed the village from all outsiders, putting the full force of Suna’s military might into keeping the village – and his daughter – safe and protected.

This protection did not last.

Three years into the war, a small band of Kumogakure Shinobi infiltrated the village’s defenses. Their target was the 13 year old Jinchuriki. Much to Sunagakure’s dismay, they were successful in taking the child. Nearly seven months passed, before a young child-assassin rescued her from their hands. Left with nothing but a single word of identification – Viper – Hikari was returned to her village. Enraged, the Shinobi of Sunagakure joined the fight, laying siege to Kumogakure alongside the combined forces of the other three villages.

#### Post-War

The Treaty of Boiling Water marked the end of the war, but that did not mean all was well for the people of Sunagakure. Hiroji, their beloved Kazekage, suffered great injury during the war. For five years, he struggled through his injury, before he finally gave in, leaving his daughter to take up the title of Third Kazekage.

Under Hikari’s leadership, Sunagakure has become a fiercely loyal warrior village. Their dedication to their Kage is matched only by their equally powerful dedication to the village. Small tribes continue to test their defenses, but they are largely unsuccessful due in part to Hikari’s deep connection with the Tailed Beast, Shukaku. Together, they are but one of Sunagakure’s greatest defenses.

## Nearby Locations

Demon Desert

Ancient Ruins

Dead Camp

## Clans/Families

Sunaku Clan

Hiyama Clan

Chikamatsu Clan