Hi no Kuni

Hi no Kuni Map, Political

Hi no Kuni; The Country of Fire

• Also See Five Great Shinobi Countries

Hi no Kuni is perhaps one of the most iconic nations in the world, with many claims to fame tucked under her belt. Though her hidden village, Konohagakure no Sato, was once completely decimated, the shinobi industry thrives here. Boasting a mild climate year-round, Hi no Kuni is nearly swallowed by the forests that dominate the landscape. Although it is quite buggy in the spring and summer, tourism is a large source of money for the country. Many people from all over the world come to gawk at the backdrop of Konohagakure, a mountain etched with the faces of the many Kages the village has acted under over time.

Hi no Kuni, or as it is referred to by many whom are not from it, 'The Country of Fire', is one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, and has traditionally been seen by people of the world as a stable and beautiful place. It maintains its place as one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries because it holds both a normal military (many swordsmen and samurai come from this country) as well as it's own Hidden Village, Konohagakure no Sato, the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

Because it is a complex and diverse nation of great size, each subject important to a great country is discussed here.

The Country of Fire is a diverse place to live in, existing in a few climate areas ranging from forest to beach and is a place battling between historic times and modern times. It is a famous place where great ninja in the world have grown and aspired and is home to many household clan names. The people that originate from the Country of Fire are known to have a peaceful heart and a blazing will and determination for righteousness. Of course there are those occasional war hawks bred in the shadowy parts of the country but it is known very widely for the mantra 'Will of Fire'.

As a corner stone for the rest of the world, Hi no Kuni has repeatedly been a symbol of 'firsts' in the world, from its first established ninja village Konohagakure no Sato, to its first rebellion and alliance against feudal lords who became corrupt. From this nature of determined hard workers, it has been a target place of destruction and rebirth repeating several times over that a shinobi's will derives from the heart, not the village.

Hidden Village

• (See Konohagakure no Sato)

Politics

The political system in Hi no Kuni was redefined by the current Hokage as his first step for recovery. The entirely decimated and corrupted system needed to be reorganized and reassigned. Each position in the political structure has the jurisdiction to obtain shared sovereignty if a position is either inoperable or has been deemed as such. A conjoined power is shared by the Hokage and Daimyo and allows flexibility for all parties to be able to adjust to emergency situations. Nowadays, the central Daimyo and Hokage rule the land with additional mayors functioning as territorial representatives in the land. Most of the political aspect of the land derives from The Ten Ordinances.

Hokage
• [Fire Shadow] •

• Hyuuga Yatako
• Nepan Shin [Personal Guard; Diamond]
• Okaryuu Toruka [Personal Guard; Obsidian]

Queen of Hotarunoshi
• [Court of Firefly City] •

• Yoshida Kasumi [Daimyo]
• Honochi Emil [Elite Guard]

Sentinel Guard
• [Masons of Fire] •

• Ehime Yasuhiro [Topaz]
• Yuhi Yonrai [Sapphire]
• Sarutobi Jenoba [Ruby]
• Senju Amatsurama [Emerald]
• Akimichi Chojiro [Amber]
• Haruno Namora [Amethyst]

• Hokage- The complete overseer of all the government in Konohagakure no Sato and shinobi within the borders of Fire Country. They are the conductor of the Council of Nine, coordinating his eight cabinet members. They are also the adviser of political affairs over the entire nation, even if he doesn’t have final say. The current Hokage is Hyuuga Yatako

• Daimyo- The political leader of the nation of Hi no Kuni who resides in Hotarunoshi. Although there are many Daimyo, the commonplace title goes to the family head of the richest and most powerful dynasty in Hi no Kuni. The Daimyo contracts Konohagakure no Sato for protection across the country and defers to the Hokage as an advisor. With permission, the Hokage may speak on their behalf. Although she is young and her experience is questionable Yoshida Kasumi has proven that she has natural talent for perceptive diplomacy and has modeled her father, Yoshida Arashi.

• Sentinel Guard- The group of elite shinobi hand picked by the Hokage as a separate faction of guards. They are contracted from Konohagakure no Sato to guard specific areas on Hi no Kuni that are run by feudal lords (lesser Daimyo) to govern local militia. They are like a public ANBU force, enacted in case a political structure failure or inside civil war ever breaks out. They are a fail-safe, who report directly to the Hokage and are often referred to as their rank as precious stones. "The Hokage is known as "The Silver Sentinel" being the precious metal band that holds all the gems together.

• The Council of Nine- The nine individuals that make up Konohagakure's government.

Economy

Despite having one of the most famous of the hidden shinobi villages within it's borders, Hi no Kuni is in no way known for relying solely upon the Shinobi-nin for economic prosperity. It is a country filled with great forests, which has great roads and a number of great cities, along with farmlands and coastal settlements.

Hi no Kuni's primary industries and exports are lumber, animal products, and various kinds of food. On the coast, tourism and resorts are a very important contributor to the local economy. The one booming aspect of the economy is the revolution of technology built in to bicycles, the happy transit of the land. With additional work, the bike is able to run freely on its own, propelled by the user's focused chakra. Though this is mostly applicable to ninja, the nations 'auto' market is at an all time high.

As it is a land lost in time in parts, hand made crafts and wares are popular among the tourists and trade. Between shipping lumber and petrolatum oil, the nation's coastal ports are in record breaking highs.

Architecture

Typical Hi no Kuni architecture

The land of fire has been stuck in time for its buildings. Wooden structures and flimsy tents that could be blown over if a wind storm precariously picked up. Hi no Kuni is surrounded in ancient history and as such, refuses to renovate and improve. They still keep up the famous ramen shops and clay buildings in shopping districts. That is not to say there is no modernization, for there are many old landmarks found within modern villages. It is not uncommon to see heroes of the past painted on buildings or billboards for ancestry runs strong in Hi no Kuni.

Through a trial of tearing down and building up, Hi no Kuni likes to stay in its retro looks. Even if buildings look hundreds of years old, there is a good chance that they aren't even a decade in some parts of the country. The modernization is focused more at its ports and in the city-district of Hotaorunoshi.

Terrain

Hi no Kuni is dominated by expansive forests with trees that are equally as massive. Many of these trees, being hundreds of years old, have been undisturbed for decades, allowing them to grow hundreds of feet into the air. However, though these dense forests do dominate much of the landscape, the large country has much diversity in what can be found.

The landscape is relatively flat. There are valleys and hills throughout the entire land, but never enough to realize when walking. You will also never be walking through Hi no Kuni to see a mountain within its borders worth mentioning. However, many citizens have referred to the forests themselves as mountains, being just as hard to traverse or ‘scale’ in certain areas. The forests make up a huge part of the terrain and attributing to the hidden nature of its central village.

The southern coasts of the country are a near paradise. Moderate and warm weather all year round with much coast and healthy beaches has given birth to countless resort and vacation villages along the Eastern Oceans. The majority of coastline of Hi no Kuni are sandy beaches and beautiful rocky cliffs. As it has access to two sides of the ocean, some dfferences can be felt in the water temperature and sea life present.

Culture

Being one of the most ancient cultures in the world, the people of Fire Country hold dear to some conservative values and symbols. However, as a nation centered on drama, there is a strong popular cultural swing on the nation. With a slew of economical opportunities, there are several variations of different cultures and dialects among the nation. It's strong to its ancient roots, even if assimilating to modern ties. Now a days, it is a very family oriented place to be. It has a range, picking up on more sophisticated feel around the ports and an ancient feel in the heart of the land, the people's outlooks also reflect their regions.

In the recent years, traditional thoughts have been questioned on the spiritual nature when it appeared that at the fall of the Kumogakure Empire, there was a lapse between dimensions, leaving many parapsychologists sprouting up, along with a new age of anxiety.

The Temple of Fire represents remnants of old ways, where there still is an assimilation of monks and a growing congregation. There is also the ceaseless pride among families that probably will never leave the region. The revolutionists tend to be the clanless folk. As such, stereotypes run common and deep in heritage.

Another temple named Wantentei is devoted to a sight that is hardly seen anywhere in the world. Because of its dangerous positioning, most people who even heard of the Temple to the 'One God' will never see it in their life.

Places of Interest

A scene from the popular Eyama Port in south western Hi no Kuni in Anbaenkai.

In a time of relative peace, fire Country has become a tourism hot spot. With its diverse terrain and rich history, along with undiscovered truth it has attracted the eyes of many and of any age. Some seek adventure, some just seek relaxation.

• Temple of Fire- The Temple of Fire, or Fire Temple was home to a house of monks including Chiriku, who battled against the Akatsuki that destroyed the temple. It has since been rebuilt and was used as a base during the NCIA and later by a terrorist organization called Shingai trying to find a secret buried in the lowers chambers. A group of would-be Chuunin fixed that problem and now it is run by the monks again, open for the public.
• Fallen Star Lake- A lake rumored to have once been a part of the north eastern sea, but in ancient times a meteor fell and separated it into two bodies of water. The water in Fallen Star Lake is now fresh water by some miracle.
• Sunyin Port- The western port of the two major ports within Hi no Kuni. It trades with Kumogakure and Kirigakure, along with the smaller islands when the markets are open and good. It is the major fishing port of the nation.
• Eyame Port- The eastern port of the two major ports within Hi no Kuni. It trades with Kaze no Kuni and Kiba no Kuni when the markets are open and good. It is the major goods and craft port of the nation.
• Kinomi no Toshi- A small town previously out of any major map, but with its process of being destroyed and rebuilt Kinomi no Toshi is now a popular tourist destination and holds some of the country's most extensive festivals.
• Wantentei Temple- A temple that is one of the most ancient buildings known to the world. The nearest landmark is the Saeuru Peak, which is one of the most dangerous spots to venture in all of Hi no Kuni. The temple is dedicated to a religion that believes in a monotheistic God named the Wantentei Religion. One would not be wise coming here without a weathered guide.
• Ruins of Uzushiogakure- Commonly known as The Village Hidden in the Whirling Tides, Uzu no Kuni was once led by the esteemed Uzumaki clan and famously known for their Sealing techniques. Alongside the Uzumaki, the Naiyume and Ageshio clans made up the tree Prestige Families of Uzushiogakure. Now a country in ruins next to the southern peninsula of their former ally Konohagakure no Sato, the village has begun archeological digs and excavations, even beginning to rebuild the mess of destruction of a symbolism. However, many of the mysteries of the fallen countries still lay in its ash.

Weather

The weather in Hi no Kuni is moderately moderate all year round, which attracts several visitors but when locals traverse outward, they’re sure to get bitten by the rest of the world’s skew climate. The weather is very comfortable for vegetation and is a key reason why the legendary Forest of Death is so dominant.

Transit

Well paved and moderated roads can be found all across Hi no Kuni, through the majority of forests and going in and out of every village. Because of the moderate climate and easy terrain, this allows for a major set of transit based on carts and carriages. These can be pulled or carried by any number of large animals, from horses to ox. As well, traveling by foot or on bicycle is very popular when transporting only people across the country or between villages. Within larger cities such as Konohagakure no Sato and Hotarunoshi bicycles are the transit of choice. The bicycle, given its new upgrade has been sold in a 'family' and 'couple' pack, moving like a train down its preserved trails.

Along with the other technological revolutions, the Country of Fire has reinvested in its Railway Projects. The track would begin in the capital Nigiyakashufuand run to Eyama port, to Hotarunoshi, to Sunyin port, to the outside border of the country that will be accessible to other tracks into other countries. it would help speed up goods, services and timely businessmen on their daily routes.

Hotarunoshi, Capital of Hi no Kuni

Hotarunoshi, capital of Fire Country.

The Capital of Fire Country, home of the Daimyo of the country and a major economic center in its own right. Poetically known as the City of Blinding Lights, but more often called by its actual name, which means Firefly City. The city was destroyed during the final NCIA attack. The airship Hyuuga Yatako used to transport over the city was shot down, which started the events that lead to the coup of the Daimyo Yoshida Arashi. It is the most technologically advanced of the cities in Hi no Kuni, with several research facilities and a train station in town. It's also the major shopping destination of the nation. The Daimyo's Palace is in the newly built "Chamber of the Sun", which is a large glass dome overlooking the entire city. The floor has alabaster tiles that create a sun symbol and the room itself it a giant sundial. It is the home of the current Daimyo Yoshida Kasumi.

Its landscapes are a mix of urban and rural. In some districts you can find high towers, but in most it's a complex structure of art, dashed in with the environmentally pleasing airspace. A train station is in the outside of town, running directly from Nigiyakashufu and straight to Eyama Port.

Anbaenkai

Named the "Amber Coast" of the southern shores of Hi no Kuni for its sparkling gold beaches and wonderful teal water. Anbaenkai is collectively the southern section of the continent where the Eyama Port lies on the south western shores, overlooking the ruins of Uzushiogakure. The Eyama port is one of the many resort destinations, as it trades frequently with Arrikas was the Country of Fang to its west. Also found in this district is the Wantentei temple.

Important Events of The Country of Fire

• Kumogakure Invasion (2107)
• Destruction of Kinomi no Toshi (2109)
• Chouzou's Charge (2109)
• Forest of Death Fire (2110)
• The Crimson Dawn (2110)
• Lux Vigiliae (2110)
• The Ten Ordinances (2111)
• Operation: DUSTWALK (2114)
• Wind & Flame (2115)

Notable People of The Country of Fire

• Hyuuga Yatako [Hokage, Hachinin]
• Yoshida Kasumi [Daimyo]
• Nox [Kyuubi Jinchuuriki]
• Okaryuu Toruka [Elite Ninja; Hokage's Guard]
• Nepan Shin [Elite Ninja; Hokage's Guard]
• Sarutobi Mari [Elite Ninja; Wandering Sennin]
• Uchiha Nevan [Elite Ninja; Archgeneral of ANBU]
• Shimura Raijuta [ANBU General]
• Hohken Soujiro [Elite Ninja; Sealed Sennin]