Lion

are one of the signature summons of the Hō-ō Clan. Varying in size and appearance, they are arguably the most reclusive of the various summoning beasts, with many Ninja believing them to have died out. They are famous for their intense physical abilities, as well as their powerful senses and tracking abilities.

While their primary home and affiliation is the Ilex Valley, they are also allied with the Shikkotsu Forest and have been known to travel between the two locations.

Overview
Like other Beasts, lions vary greatly in size, body mass and species; from kitten sized younger lions who can hide in one's shirt or backpack, to the average sized adult lions who can reach the size of horses or humans, or massive lions who are large enough to tower over trees and buildings. Others are sizes that most would think don't add up with their age. The lions also have their own personality types, though as whole, lions are most often honest and sincere, regardless of other personality traits.

The lions also seems to have their own society with certain rules and roles. Unlike most other summons, lions seem to enjoy the human world and have even adopted some human traditions, such as holidays and festivals.

Similar to toads, elder lions hold a high amount of honor in the lion society; the Great Lion Sage holds the position as the supreme leader of all of the lions, though she rarely gets involved with conflict due to her old age. Her two children act as her aids and work together as the Bosses of the lions, often going in battle in place of their mother.

Abilities
Lions are renown as being of the most versatile species of summoning beasts. Like all summons, they have the ability to speak human languages and utilize Chakra. Different from other summons, lions have a unique ability that allows them phase from their true form of a lion, and transform into a human, but still retaining some lion characteristics.

Known Lions

 * Great Lion Sage
 * Arashimaru
 * Ranmaru

Summoners
The Contract of Lions has been signed almost exclusively by the members of the Hō-ō Clan. Before the Hidden Villages Era, it was signed by their ancestors, the Uzumaki Clan.


 * Contract::Naruto Hō-ō