Shogun

A Shogun (将軍; lit. Force Commander) is the leader of the nine most powerful samurai countries (or districts). Similar to the rank of Kage among the shinobi, the Shogun are considered to be the most powerful samurai in their districts. Unlike the Kage rank, the Shogun rank is hereditary, passed from father/mother to son/daughter, although "usurpation" has been known to have occurred. Collectively, they are known as the Nine Shogun (九将軍; Kokoshogun). The passing of the title of Shogun typically occurs when a son or daughter challenges the parent holding the Shogun title, though instances where a non-family member has challenged the Shogun.

The Shogun oversee their respective districts and are all considered to be equals in the eyes of the other Shoguns. Shoguns typically organize their countries and manage their land's political scenes. The Nine Shogun are:


 * Tetsushogun (鉄将軍; lit. Iron Force Commander) of the Land of Iron.
 * Fubukishogun (吹雪の中将軍; lit. Blizzard Force Commander) of the Land of Blizzards.
 * Kazanshogun (火山の将軍; lit. Volcano Force Commander) of the Land of Volcanoes.
 * Arashishogun (嵐の将軍; lit. Storm Force Commander) of the Land of Storms.
 * Moríshogun (森将軍; lit. Forest Force Commander) of the Land of Forests.
 * Kyōkokushogun (峡谷の将軍; lit. Canyon Force Commander) of the Land of Canyons.
 * Hankyōshogun (将軍エコー; lit. Echo Force Commander) of the Land of Echoes.
 * Tatsumakishogun (竜巻の将軍; lit. Tornado Force Commander) of the Land of Tornadoes.
 * Seishinshogun (精神将軍; lit. Spirit Force Commander) of the Land of Spirits.

Although there are exceptions, as in the case of the samurai known as Ronin, the bulk of samurai society was led by the Nine Shoguns.