All Ninja Ranks & Major Groups in Naruto, Explained

Download Article

Anime expert Ed Erskine explains the importance & responsibilities of each ninja rank in the Naruto universe

Co-authored by Ed Erskine and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: July 15, 2026 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Main Ninja Ranks
|
• Other Ninja Ranks
|
• Major Ninja Groups
|
• Mission Ranks
|
• Jutsu Ranks
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

The world of Naruto is full of exciting elements that really immerse you in the world of ninja, with the ninja ranking system being one of the most interesting. The ninja ranks in Naruto often represent strength, village status, and character, but what do they actually mean? In this article, we partnered with an anime expert to explain each of the main ninja ranks in Naruto, as well as the specialized ranks, popular groups in the series, and more!

Naruto Shinobi Ranks

Download Image

Download Image

Anime expert Ed Erskine says the main shinobi ranks in Naruto are Genin, Chunin, Jonin, and Kage. There are also academy ninja, or shinobi in training, as well as special ranks, like Anbu. These ranks each have specific responsibilities and duties to their village:

• Academy ninja: Shinobi in training. Learning the basics of being a ninja at their respective village academies.
• Genin: Lowest shinobi rank. Sent out on basic, safe D and C-rank missions.
• Chunin: Second highest shinobi rank. Sent out on more dangerous C and B-rank missions.
• Jonin: Highest shinobi rank. Often sent out on A and S-rank missions. Leaders of small teams of lower-ranked ninja.
• Kage: Leader of all shinobi in their village.

Steps

Section 1 of 5:

Main Ninja Ranks in Naruto

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Academy Ninja Academy ninja aren’t technically ninja yet; rather, they’re young students preparing to become shinobi at their village’s respective training academies. They learn the fundamental aspects of what it means to become a ninja, from training with kunai and shuriken to taking practical tests on ninja skills.

   • Examples: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno at the beginning of Naruto.
   • Academy ninja also learn basic jutsu, like clone jutsu and transformation jutsu, though they vary from village to village.
   • After building their skillset, academy ninja are allowed to graduate. This requires passing a written exam and mastering the Clone Technique, explains Erskine. Once they do this, they become a Genin.

   Meet the wikiHow Expert

   Ed Erskine is an anime expert and podcaster. He founded the Suuuper Anime Podcast, where he and his co-host break down anime series, episodes, and character profiles.
2. 
   2
   Genin Every ninja starts as a Genin, Erskine says, as the Genin rank serves as the entry level for every aspiring ninja in the shinobi world. As such, most Genin are in their early teens. Once academy ninja advance to the rank of Genin, they’re given headbands associated with their village to show that they’ve become official ninja for their homes. They’re also put into three-person teams with a Jonin sensei as their leader. In these teams, they’re sent off on D-rank missions primarily made up of risk-free, manual labor jobs.

   • Examples: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno after graduating the academy towards the beginning of Naruto.
   • The three-person teams are composed of ninja who complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Experienced Genin are often sent on C-rank missions, which are higher stakes, but still pose a low risk.
   • At this level, Genin are also paid a small amount for the missions they complete.
   • Some Genin may have skills that are at Jonin level without ever being promoted, as they haven’t passed the Chunin exams. Naruto Uzumaki is one example.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Chunin Chunin are the second level of ninja. They are leaders and gain the responsibility of guiding younger Genin in their growth, says Erskine. To become a Chunin, a ninja must complete a number of missions that prove their capabilities, and then be recommended for the Chunin exams. In the Chunin Exams, ninja engage in a series of fights that test their knowledge, information-gathering, tactical, leadership, and survival skills.

   • Examples: Shikamaru Nara after the Chunin Exams in Naruto, Choji Akimichi during the timeskip between Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.
   • Once Genin achieve the rank of Chunin, they are given a tactical vest that holds scrolls, tools, and other relevant ninja items.
   • Genin don’t have to win their fights to pass the Chunin Exams and advance to the Chunin rank. As long as they display their tact and skillset, they have the chance of passing.
   • Chunin are usually sent to C and B-rank missions, notes Erskine. These missions have a high likelihood of combat with enemy ninja.
4. 
   4
   Special Jonin Special Jonin are a specialized rank of Jonin that is given to ninja who have Jonin-level abilities, rather than those who have completed the requirements to become a standard Jonin. Special Jonin are specialists who tend to work under Jonin when their skills are required, though they are often viewed as lesser because they aren’t well-rounded.

   • Examples: Ibiki Morino and Ebisu.
   • For example, a Special Jonin may be extremely gifted in performing the Flying Raijin teleportation jutsu, but underdeveloped when it comes to taijutsu (hand-to-hand combat).
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Ed Erskine

   Anime Expert

   Ed Erskine is an anime expert and podcaster based in London, UK. Ed has been watching anime for over 20 years and founded the Suuuper Anime Podcast in 2020. The Suuuper Anime Podcast is the #1 anime podcast in the UK, and has been listened to in over 190 countries. In the podcast, Ed and his co-host Solo break down specific anime series, episodes, and character profiles, as well as discuss a variety of anime industry topics. They have had guests such as Jason Page (the original singer of the Pokémon theme song), the directors from the Amazon show Invincible, the directors from the Netflix show Love, Death & Robots, and many more notable industry contributors. Ed’s favorite anime are One Piece and Dragon Ball Z, and his favorite character is Ippo, from Hajime No Ippo.

   

   Ed Erskine
   Anime Expert

   Jutsu are techniques that are manifested with hand patterns. When ninjas perform a jutsu, it brings forth a power element based on the ninja, the hand signs they weaved, and the elemental chakra nature associated with them.
5. 
   5
   Jonin Jonin is the highest rank of ninja (save for kage). They’re the elite and most experienced ninja, and there only a few of them due to their high status and notoriety, says Erskine. They’re known for their intelligence, leadership capabilities, and ability to make quick, high-stakes decisions when under pressure. Due to these skills, Jonin often lead three-person squads of ninja on lower rank missions, as well as go on A and S-rank missions alongside other Jonin.

   • Examples: Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, and Might Guy.
   • Jonin typically get assigned A and S-ranked missions, Erskine says. Their missions are critical to the survival and well-being of their respective villages, often involving spying, murder of enemy forces, and protection of high-status individuals.
   • The Jonin rank holds significant weight within the village hierarchy, and their contributions are very important in maintaining peace and security, Erskine adds.
   • Most Jonin know how to use multiple chakra types.
   • The entire process to becoming a Jonin is unknown, but shinobi can be recommended by a kage and other notable villagers.
6. 
   6
   Jonin Commander A Jonin Commander is a specialized rank of Jonin that is reserved for the strongest Jonin in the village. Although their day-to-day responsibilities don’t vary much from other Jonin, they do have the capability to represent all other shinobi in the case that a new kage must be chosen.

   • Examples: Shikaku Nara served as the Jonin Commander of the Hidden Leaf Village during the events of Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden.
   • Take our quiz "Which Naruto Character Am I?" to discover which character lines up the most with your personality!
7. 
   7
   Kage Kage is the highest rank a ninja can achieve. A Kage serves as the leader of their village, explains Erskine, and represents strength, wisdom, and responsibility. Each of the 5 great ninja villages has its own Kage, and they’re crucial for maintaining peace and prosperity. For example, anime and manga enthusiast Brandon Riley says hokage is the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village, and the highest rank for a hidden leaf ninja.

   • There are five different kage in Naruto:
     • Hokage: Leader of the Hidden Leaf Village; currently Naruto Uzumaki.
     • Kazekage: Leader of the Hidden Sand Village; currently Gaara.
     • Mizukage: Leader of the Hidden Mist Village; currently Chojuro (successor of Mei Terumi).
     • Raikage: Leader of the Hidden Cloud Village; currently A.
     • Tsuchikage: Leader of the Hidden Stone Village; currently Onoki.
   • Kage are chosen by the daimyo with the guidance of the village elders, Jonin commander, and a representative from the Anbu, notes Erskine.
   • A Kage can retire, but that doesn’t mean they lose their title. Even when they appoint their successor, they still hold the title of kage for life.
   • Kage tend to be the strongest ninja in their village, but this isn’t always true. A Kage may enter office as the strongest, but as they age and grow weaker, they may be surpassed by a younger ninja.
   • Many Kage choose family members or close students and friends as their successors.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 5:

Other Ninja Ranks in Naruto

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Anbu Anbu are a village’s secret agents—they are an elite force assigned with covert missions and protecting the village from internal and external threats, Erskine explains. Their missions typically involve assassinations and espionage. They wear porcelain animal masks to conceal their identity and tend to be some of the most skilled shinobi in their respective villages, though they aren’t limited to Jonin, with the ranks ranging between all ninja levels.

   • Examples: Kakashi Hatake and Itachi Uchiha after the Third Great Ninja War.
   • Anbu play a vital role in safeguarding the village, notes Erskine, and usually operate in the shadows to neutralize high-value targets and handle delicate situations.
   • It’s often a ninja’s skill level and personality that determines whether or not they’re brought into the Anbu, as they must be able to handle the dangerous, traumatic nature of important missions.
   • Erskine adds that Anbu have no hierarchy, so promising ninja can be recruited and trained at an early age.
2. 
   2
   Medical Ninja Medical Ninja is a special type of ninja assigned as the healer to three-man teams. Their job is to use medical ninjutsu to heal injured ninja during dangerous missions, a reform instated by Fifth Hokage Lady Tsunade. Becoming a Medical Ninja requires incredible chakra control, as chakra is used to heal injuries.

   • Examples: Sakura Haruno, Tsunade, and Shizune.
   • Medical Ninja are also trained in the art of taijutsu, with some ninja like Sakura Harune and Lady Tsunade, excelling in this regard.
   • Medical Ninja are often the most protected in their group, as their death could result in the death of the entire squad.
3. 
   3
   Rogue Ninja Rogue ninja are ninja who have defected from their village. They have typically committed crimes, hold village secrets, and are considered enemies of the state. They’re typically designated as kill-on-sight ninja, as they tend to hold valuable information that can jeopardize the safety of the village.

   • Examples: Hidan, Kakuzu, and Kisame Hoshigaki.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 5:

Major Ninja Groups in Naruto

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Akatsuki The Akatsuki are the primary antagonist group in Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, consisting of several powerful S-rank rogue ninja. They sport black cloaks with red clouds and headbands with their respective villages slashed out. Their goal is to capture the tailed beasts, explains Erskine.

   • Members: Pain (Nagato Uzumaki), Konan, Tobi (Obito Uchiha), Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Deidara, Sasori, Hidan, Kakuzu, and Zetsu.
   • Although the group was initially founded by Nagato Uzumaki, Konan, and Yahiko with the goal of peace, it eventually devolved into a criminal organization devoted to trapping the world under a genjutsu (reality-warping jutsu).
2. 
   2
   The Legendary Sannin The Legendary Sannin are a group of three powerful Leaf Village ninja who were hailed as the greatest ninja of their time. The group consists of Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade, who were all trained by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, says Erskine. They’ve all been considered for the position of Hokage in the past, with Tsunade going on to take the role.

   • The Legendary Sannin are incredibly powerful, having been the only ninja to survive a deadly attack from Hanzo of the Hidden Rain Village, who was kage level.
   • They have access to a great range of techniques, such as Summoning Jutsu, Rasengan, and Strength of 100 (a technique that regenerates the user in exchange for their chakra).
3. 
   3
   The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist is an organization comprised of the best swordsmen from the Village Hidden by Mist (Kirigakure). Erskine notes that each member has their own unique sword. The strongest generation of swordsmen were reincarnated to fight in the Fourth Shinobi War against the Akatsuki.
4. 
   4
   Sasuke Recovery Team The Sasuke Recovery Team was an emergency-response team formed after Sasuke Uchiha defected from the Hidden Leaf Village. The team was led by Shikamaru Nara and consisted of Naruto Uzumaki, Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuga, and Kiba Inuzuka, operating with the goal of stopping Sasuke from joining Orochimaru and bringing him back to the village.
5. 
   5
   Allied Shinobi Forces The Allied Shinobi Forces were a group of allied shinobi from across the Five Great Nations. They were 80,000 members strong and active during the Fourth Great Ninja War. They consisted of shinobi from the Lands of Lightning, Water, Earth, Wind, and Fire, as well as a samurai from the Land of Iron, and unified to take on the threat of the remaining Akatsuki.
6. 
   6
   The Konoha Military Police Force The Konoha Military Police Force was a police force responsible for protecting and maintaining the law in the Hidden Leaf Village. Founded by the Second Hokage, this group consisted of members of the Uchiha clan as a sign of good faith between their clan and the Senju clan. However, they were forcefully disbanded, as the clan was murdered by Itachi Uchiha.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 5:

Mission Ranks in Naruto

Download Article

1. 
   The mission ranks in Naruto range from D to S-rank. D-rank missions are the lowest rank, and are typically assigned to Genin who have just graduated the academy. C-rank missions are the next rank, and have little to no chance of combat with other ninja. B-rank, A-rank, and S-rank missions are the next levels, with each increasing in danger and difficulty. Check out our thorough breakdown:

   • D-rank: Missions that pose zero risk to life safety. Typically consist of farming, babysitting, and manual labor, with a payout of 5,000 to 50,000 ryo.
   • C-rank: Missions with a very small chance of ninja combat. Typically consist of guarding against bandits, investigating, and capturing or eliminating thieves and wild animals, with a payout of 30,000 to 100,000 ryo.
     • These missions are often assigned to experienced Genin and Chunin.
   • B-rank: Missions that involve combat with other ninja. Typically assigned to experienced Chunin and consist of guarding people, spying, or killing other ninja, with a payout of 80,000 to 200,000 ryo.
   • A-rank: Missions that involve village-or-state-level matters, such as guarding VIPs, suppressing other ninja forces, and taking out enemies. Typically assigned to Jonin with a payout of 150,000 to 1,000,000 ryo.
   • S-rank: Missions that involve confidential state-level matters, such as assassinating VIPs and transporting classified documents. Typically assigned to Jonin and Anbu with a minimum payout of 1,000,000 ryo.

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Do You Agree with These Naruto Hot Takes?

We found 5 of the spiciest Naruto hot takes out there—vote now and see how your opinions compare to the rest of the internet's!

1 of 5

Hot take: The "child of prophecy" twist ruined the show's theme of hard work being more important than pure talent.

100% agree. The story was best before the twist.

No way. Naruto still had to <i>choose</i> to work hard, so it's fine.

Next

Section 5 of 5:

Jutsu Ranks in Naruto

Download Article

1. 
   Jutsu ranks are based on difficulty and power, ranging from E to S-rank. The lowest rank of jutsu is E-rank, which is reserved for basic techniques like clone technique. The next rank is D-rank, which all Genin can perform. C-rank jutsu are Chunin-level techniques, such as Leaf Rising Wind. B-rank jutsu are Jonin-level techniques that require lots of chakra. A-rank jutsu are Jonin and kage-level. S-rank jutsu are secret, extremely powerful techniques that tend to be exclusive to certain users.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!