The Shinobi World inNarutohas seen many villages come and go with few standing the test of time. The concept of villages was first coined out of necessity by two of the greatest of their time, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha. The intent for these villages was to provide a harmonious and peaceful environment for the current as well as upcoming generations.
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Although this was done to ensure that the people wouldn’t have to see as many bloodthirsty wars as before, things didn’t go exactly as planned. While some perished with time, others — whether by hook and crook or not — have managed to maintain a stronghold in the shinobi world.
10Yugakure
Known for its natural hot springs and geysers, Yugakure, Village Hidden in Hot Water, is one of the smaller players compared to others comprising many islands as a nation in the shinobi world.
The village is enveloped with its signature steam which not only helps the village stay hidden but is also used by its ninjas to conceal themselves and use the steam in combat when necessary. The village is tainted with many rumors of dark experiments and mysterious disappearances, but it’s still a unique landscape for tourists that mostly visit it due to its enchanting aura.
9Takigakure
Village Hidden in a Waterfall, Takigakure brings its rugged nature to the table with a decent place among other villages. The village itself consists of deep canyons and thundering waterfalls, making it a good tactical position for water-style users.
The feudal lords in control of Takigakure are a mixed batch, as not everyone is as faithful and saintly as others, while the village itself is known for the minerals and ores. Tagikure also made an appearance in the Naruto spin-off series, Rock Lee & His Ninja Pals, and is also remembered by many as the homeplace of one of the Akatsuki members named Kakuzu along with the Jinchuriki of the Seven Tails, Fu.
8Otogakure
Not all villages have tales of heroism and culture, and the Village Hidden in Sound, Otogakure, has rather a dark past in contrast to some of the other villages.
Otogakure’s origin first came to light when it was developed by one of the Legendary Sanin, Orochimaru, once he left Konohagakure. The village itself was home to mostly Orochimaru’s test subjects and the Sound Four. Being situated amid many mountains, the Village Hidden in Sound truly lives up to its name of being ominous and mysterious as it wasn’t the easiest to locate.
7Uzushiogakure
The homeland of one of the most respected and powerful clans known for their impressive sealing techniques and large chakra reserves. Uzushiogakure was the birthplace of the Uzumaki Clan, and the village itself was a force to reckon with in its time.
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The Village Hidden by Whirling Tides, Uzushiogakure had many powerful shinobi residing in it with impressive ninjutsu. Though Uzushiogakure preferred remaining isolated and away from other villages, in the end, they were annihilated by some of the other villages due to their strength and presence. Still, their legacy lives on till this day as their famed clan, the Uzumaki, have found homes in other villages after the destruction of their homeland.
6Amegakure
The birthplace of Akatsuki, Amegakure has played a big role in the Naruto universe — whether for good or bad. Village in the Rain was first found by the infamous Salamander Hanzo, who was later killed by the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain.
The village is known for its signature rain, which blends in well with its troubled history before and after the Akatsuki. Being small in size and giving ussome of the strongest villainsin the series, Amegakure has surely made quite an impact on the shinobi world.
5Kirigakure
Home to the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, Kirigakure has seen many ups and downs in the series under the rule of its Mizukages. The village is also known for its dark history — especially under the rule of the Fourth Mizukage, as he introduced the Bloody Mist regime that forced a battle to the death between young ninjas.
Aside from this, Kirigukare has given the shinobi world many strong ninjas, such as Zabuza and Kisame, and though the village has seen some pretty dark days, the village started seeing the light since the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumī, took control. It drastically improved once Chojuro came into power.
4Iwagakure
Known for its sturdiness and a heart of stone, Iwagakure has been a top contender for one of the strongest villages in the shinobi world. While not necessarily evil at its core, the Village Hidden in the Stones has caused a bit of a stir in the ninja world since Iwagakure played a big role in the Second as well as the Third Shinobi World War.
Along with being an old-time rival of Konohagakure and battling them in the third war, the village has made many fearsome ninjas such as Mu and Ohnoki, who went on to become the Third Tsuchokage and were recognized by Madara himself.
3Sunagakure
Being one of the top villages, Sunagakure has quite the history in the series and has proven to be influential when it comes to the balance of power in the shinobi world. One of the most prominent characters from the Village Hidden in the Sand, Gaara, has been with Naruto since the early days of the series.
Gaara’s journey portrays the development of the village itself with having ups and downs in life. Sunagakure shares the Will of Fire with Konohagakure, as both have seen helping out each other in matters of political and personal importance. Sunagakure, situated in a deserted area, is also deeply rooted in cultures such as Sand Burial, Puppetry, Wind Festivals, and the Wind Temple.
2Kumogakure
A village that symbolizes strength and resilience, Kumogakure is without a doubt one of the most dominant villages due to its deeply rooted lightning style and perfect Jinchuriki.
The likes of Killer Bee, Darui, C, and especially the Third Raikage originate from Kumogakure. The village itself is situated in the mountains and is quite advanced in swordsmanship and many lightning-style techniques. The village (mainly Killer Bee) played a vital role in helping Naruto master the power of his Jinchuriki, Kurama.
1Konohagakure
The place where it all started, Konohagakure, has been the highlight of the series since the beginning and is without a doubt the strongest village present in the shinobi world to date. Konohagakure was founded by the Hashirama Senju, along with Madara Uchiha, and is located in the Land of Fire. The village has made its mark in history by providing someinsanely strong shinobi, such as the Legendary Sanin, Minato Namikaze, Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke Uchiha, and the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki.
Konohagakure also played its part in developing some of the strongest ninjutsu in the series, such as the Rasengam, Chidori, Flying Raijin, and much more. The village prioritizes honor, loyalty, and above all, the Will of Fire, which is instilled in all previous future generations of shinobi.
