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The Land of Sound (音の国, Oto no Kuni) is a neighboring country of the Land of Fire and Land of Hot Water. It is a relatively new country in the political scene, though it has existed for some time. At some point, Orochimaru conquered the country and convinced the second Sound Daimyō to let him establish his own ninja village.
Background[]
The Second Sound Daimyō and Orochimaru
This country was said to be home to many shinobi clans, who had been used in a hopeless war, with the clans suffering heavily. The Second Daimyō of the Land of Sound had begun shifting the policies of the region, gradually dismantling traditional structures and opening doors to external influence, hoping to establish a greater legacy and empire. However, his actions were not met with universal approval. His influence eventually caught the eye of Orochimaru, who saw an opportunity to establish his hidden shinobi village in this otherwise peaceful land.
Orochimaru's base
The creation of Otogakure was a turning point, marking the Land of Sound's entrance into the complex world of shinobi politics. Initially, Orochimaru claimed that he founded this village so that skilled ninja would find their purpose in life without being beholden to the fickle and warmongering priorities of the Five Great Shinobi Countries. The Land of Sound Base is the headquarters of Otogakure up to at least Chūnin Exam. the stronghold was built below a tree. Later, Orochimaru tricked Sunagakure into helping Otogakure invade Konoha. This is where Orochimaru returned to after Hiruzen Sarutobi had sealed his hands and he remained here while he experienced the adverse effects of his rotting hands.
Jiro Seiji
Following the disastrous Konoha Crush, the reign of the original Daimyō came to an abrupt end. In his place, Jiro Seiji rose as the Third Daimyō of the Land of Sound, swiftly enacting sweeping reforms. Determined to consolidate power and elevate the nation’s political standing, he pushed the Land of Sound’s policies in a bold new direction. However, Jiro eventually fell under the influence of The Followers of Shiin ensnared by a powerful Genjutsu that manipulated him into seeking out new vessels for their dark ambitions. Fortunately, he was ultimately freed from their control through the intervention of The Keepers of Shiin’s Will, who shattered the illusion and exposed the Followers' deception.
Otogakure[]
New Era: Otogakure
Ten years after the Fourth Shinobi World War, Otogakure underwent a transformation. It was reestablished as a legitimate shinobi village, recognized by the Shinobi Union. Through a democratic process, Aka Fūma was elected as the Village Head, uniting the scattered clans of the Land of Sound under a single banner. Under his leadership, Otogakure moved beyond its dark past, forging a new identity as a true hidden village.
Subdivisions[]
- Otogakure ANBU
- Otogakure Intelligence and Analysis Team
- Otogakure R&D Team
- Otogakure Medical Team
- Otogakure Barrier Team
Land of Sound Locations[]
Otokagami Lake[]
Otokagami Lake (音鏡湖, "Sound Mirror Lake") is one of the most enigmatic natural wonders in the region. Its waters are so still and pristine that they create a perfect mirror of the sky above, but its true peculiarity lies in its acoustic properties. There is a special portal at the bottom of the lake linking Mount Myōboku and The Land of Sound, that enables the smaller toads to quickly travel between the two without the use of the summoning technique.
Hibiki Town[]
Hibiki Town was once a vibrant settlement of the Shiin Clan. Hibiki Town now stands mostly abandoned with a few open bars. During the Land of Rice Fields Investigation Mission, Jiraiya visits a bar, only to be targeted in a scam when the establishment presents him with an absurdly high bill. Realizing the trap, he is forced to leave town with Naruto and Sakura before his cover is blown.
Ikarigawa Town[]
Ikarigawa Town is a secluded town nestled along the winding banks of Arrow River in the Land of Sound. It is home to the current Sound Daimyō. A branch of the Fūma Clan also has a unique and significant role here, serving as the protectors of the Sound Daimyō. This special group of elite archers are known as, The Fūma Bowguard (風魔弓衛, Fūma Kyūei).
Arrow River[]
Named for its swift current and the way its path curves like a drawn bow, the river is as beautiful as it is dangerous. Arrow River serves as a natural defense for Ikarigawa Town. Its sharp bends, hidden whirlpools, and slippery cliffside paths make it nearly impossible to cross without guidance.
Snake-Eye City[]
Snake-Eye City is a modern metropolis built during the New Era to transform the Land of Sound into a tourism powerhouse. Designed for indulgence, the city is packed with high-end boutiques, restaurants, and neon-lit entertainment districts that never sleep. Known for its gambling, adult nightlife, and luxury shopping, Snake-Eye draws visitors from every corner of the shinobi world. It is also home to the Land of Sound Casino.
Land of Sound Casino[]
The Land of Sound Casino is the crown jewel of Snake-Eye City. With golden snake motifs and endless neon lights, it attracts tourists from across the shinobi world and fuels the Land of Sound’s economy. Orochimaru once used the casino to launder money for his experiments, and some say he still does through hidden networks.
Otogakure ANBU HQ[]
During the New Era, the former Land of Sound base now serves as the headquarters of Otogakure ANBU. While many believed it to have been destroyed before the Fourth Shinobi World War, the underground structure remained fully intact. It was reconstructed and repurposed as a secure operations hub for overseeing intelligence gathering, covert missions, and high-level security operations within the Land of Sound.
Otogakure Training Academy[]
The Otogakure Training Academy serves as the primary training institution for young shinobi in the Hidden Sound Village. Unlike traditional shinobi academies, it specializes in stealth and espionage, molding its students into elite operatives for Otogakure’s military and intelligence divisions.
Otogakure Advanced Research Facility[]
The Otogakure Advanced Research Facility serves as the headquarters for the Otogakure R&D Team. This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to pioneering advancements in technology and the development of Scientific Ninja Tools, pushing the boundaries of modern shinobi warfare and innovation.
Otogakure Medical Building[]
The Otogakure Medical Building serves as the central hub for medical research and treatment in the village. Originally established to support Orochimaru’s experiments, the facility has since been reformed in the New Era, dedicated to legitimate medical advancements, experimental healing techniques, and the integration of Scientific Ninja Tools in medical practices.
Other Locations[]
Daiko Island Weapons Test Facility[]
Daiko Island Weapons Test Facility
The Daiko Island Weapons Test Facility is an island located somewhere in the middle of The Land of Water and the Land of Waves. It is the location of the Otogakure R&D Team Weapons Test Facility. The building, which is located furthest south of the island, is run by researcher Reo Chairo.
Land of Winter Satellite Location[]
Land of Winter Hideout
This hideout is a hidden cave entrance nestled within a snowy mountain pass. The entrance is concealed within the natural rock formations, blending seamlessly into the rugged, icy terrain. The surrounding cliffs provide a natural barrier, making it difficult to access without knowledge of the exact location.
Land of Fire Satellite Location[]
Land of Fire Hideout
This hideout is a secret underground facility hidden deep within the dense, misty forest in the Land of Fire. It is the closest base to Konohagakure and has a mouth of a snake for an entrance.
Land of Grass Satellite Location[]
This hideout is located somewhere in Kusagakure or there about. Another hideout built entirely underground with the entrance being at the foot of a rock formation. Within the hideout itself are numerous rooms and a statue of a gigantic snake coiled up with candles in its eyes. This is where Sai attempted to carry out his secret mission to kill Sasuke Uchiha.
Clans[]
Credits[]
- Timeline of Naruto Universe
- Anime-edited image source credits to: Photopea.com, Naruspot, Narutopedia, Masashi Kishimoto, & Osamu Kobayashi