13 Military Influence

The ninja force isn’t merely a military; it is the military backbone of the entire nation, shaping society from the top down. Highly structured and rigorously trained from a young age, ninjas serve not only as defenders against external threats and internal dissent like the Kaichis faction, but also as the enforcers of government policies, however just or corrupt those policies might be. Village leaders (Elder Joku) often double as military commanders, their authority absolute within their domain, overseeing everything from border patrols and mission assignments to the training academies where the next generation hones their Chi and combat skills through punishing regimens. This pervasive military structure fosters a culture of discipline, obedience, and hierarchical respect, but also creates fertile ground for power abuses. Loyalty is paramount, missions are the lifeblood of the economy and individual advancement, and the constant readiness for conflict – a legacy of the Great Chi War – permeates daily life, influencing everything from architecture (likely favouring defensibility) to social interactions, where strength and rank often dictate relationships.