Marine Calendar 1503.
September 15.
Tengen Uzui sat in the Sea Shadow's office, reading through a newly received command document.
A moment later.
He suddenly looked up, beaming at Fukurokuju across the desk.
The former First Sea Shadow and current elder advisor.
"Look, the World Government has decided to transfer our Sea Ninja Village from Cipher Pol to the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces. From now on, like the Three Armies Headquarters, we'll be under the High Command!"
As he spoke, Tengen Uzui handed over the thick command document in his hands.
This meant that the nature of being a ninja would no longer be that of an agent or spy, but of a military serviceman.
Fukurokuju read as he nodded along.
"Good news. This gives our Sea Ninja Village autonomy, but the Sea Shadow's rank has risen by quite a lot, hasn't it?"
Fukurokuju felt somewhat conflicted.
The document clearly stated it.
From now on, the Sea Shadow would hold the rank of Marshal, equal in standing to the Marshals of the Three Armies.
Furthermore, ninjas bearing the title of one of the Five Shadows would all hold the rank of Admiral.
However, if they lost their Shadow-level title, they would be demoted to General.
Below them, the Five Ministers of the Sea Ninja Village would hold the rank of General. If they were dismissed or removed from office midway through their terms, they would be demoted to Vice Admiral.
But if they served successfully until retirement, they could retain the rank of General and enjoy all corresponding benefits.
Next came the Jonin rank, which would be divided into Elite Jonin and Jonin. The former would hold the rank of Vice Admiral, while the latter would be Major General or Brigadier General.
Chunin would likewise be divided into