Land of Swamps (SCB)

The is a small country located between the  and the. In the past the Land of Swamps was significant as its location between two major nations made it a convenient battlefield during the, when the country was invaded by. It also served as the location for one of ’s hideouts before his attack on. Its hidden village is.

History
In ancient times, the Land of Swamps was known for their mystical powers of divination and healing, and as a result it was influential in shaping world politics as leaders of surrounding countries would come to have their fortunes told through oracle bones. It is believed that the inhabitants were granted these powers of prophecy due to living in close proximity to a powerful and ancient forest god who had chosen the swamplands to be his seat of power. Eventually, Kusagakure was established in the swamps, at first to protect this divine element from those who wished to destroy it. However, as time passed natural disasters began to befall the village, and doubt arose over the alleged benevolence of the forest god. Some even claimed he had become malignant and wished to destroy the village, and as a result Kusa was split into two factions consisting of those who supported the god and those who opposed him. The animosity escalated into civil war, which completely destroyed the old Kusagakure, whose ruins remain hidden in the swamps to this day. Having been abused by those who claimed they followed him, the forest god disappeared after the war and was never again seen by human eyes. Kusagakure was later rebuilt, and grew to be a military power of its own over the next few centuries.