Genin

Genin (下忍, Genin; Literally meaning "Low Ninja") are the lowest level of ninja and also the ones that display the most difference in power. When they become Genin, ninja start to do their bit for their village's economy – being sent on missions that the village gets paid for. They are typically sent either on D-Rank missions, which are almost entirely risk-free jobs of manual labor, or, very rarely, on C-Rank missions, which are a cut above that and begin to verge on real "ninja" work that have a very low possibility of risk to the ninja involved.

Traditionally, Genin are put in four-man cells or squad, consisting of three Genin and a Jounin-sensei, in order to learn teamwork and experience true ninja life under the supervision and protection of an elite shinobi. The make-up of these teams is based on the individual skills of the Genin, so that there will be a balance between the teams. The teams are traditionally made up of two boys and one girl, though there are exceptions. As well, in the current times it is not unlikely to find teams of two or three, being a Genin and teacher or two Genin and a teacher.

Due to the fact that Genin are the lowest level ninja, they normally provide limited use during dangerous missions (B-rank or higher), and are usually only capable of successfully completing low level techniques. However, it should be noted that Genin is simply a rank, and is not always an accurate representation of a ninja's skill level.