Kirigakure is one of the five big ninja villages, alongside the Leaf, Sand, Stone, and Cloud villages. The Mist Village has produced some of the strongest ninja and is known for its expertise in Water-style jutsu. It’s also famous for the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a group of elite fighters who each wield a legendary weapon with unique powers. But despite its strength, the Mist Village has a troubled history, with lots of internal conflicts and a reputation for bloodshed.
Why is it Called the “Blood Mist” Village?
The Mist Village got the nickname “Blood Mist” during the rule of its Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Under Yagura’s leadership, the village had a horrifying tradition: new ninja had to fight and kill their own classmates to graduate. This brutal system was meant to create tough, fearless fighters but left the village’s people living in constant fear. Many villagers hated this practice, but they were too afraid to speak out.
Fortunately, this era didn’t last forever. After Yagura died, later Mizukages worked to erase the “Blood Mist” reputation and bring peace to the village, but the memories of that dark time stayed with the people for a long time.
History of the Mizukages
First Mizukage
Byakuren, the First Mizukage, was the one who got the Hidden Mist Village, or Kirigakure, up and running back in the Warring States Period. He’s the guy who pulled together all the clans from the Land of Water, uniting them to form the village we know today.
As its first leader, Byakuren was pretty serious and careful in how he led, which influenced how the Mist Village operated in those early days. He kept things strict and didn’t open up much to the other villages.
People saw Byakuren as wise. He understood that keeping peace with other ninja nations was important, even if he didn’t fully trust them. He actually attended the very first Five Kage Summit, where leaders of the big ninja villages, including Hashirama himself, met up. During the summit, Byakuren voiced his concerns, saying he didn’t totally trust the intentions of the other Kage and thought some might have hidden agendas.
Second Mizukage (Gengetsu Hōzuki)
Gengetsu Hōzuki, the Second Mizukage, was clever, powerful, and had a bit of a sarcastic personality. He had a special technique called the Hydrification Technique, which let him turn his body into liquid and reform.
He also had a giant clam that he could summon, which could create illusions to confuse his enemies. Gengetsu had a long-standing rivalry with the Second Tsuchikage, Mū, from the Hidden Stone Village. This rivalry was intense, they even kept fighting when they were brought back to life during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Third Mizukage
The Third Mizukage is one of the least-known leaders of the Mist Village. There’s barely any information on him, but it seems like his rule was a time of growing tension within the village. These early problems eventually led to a stricter and more brutal atmosphere, especially under the next Mizukage. The Third Mizukage’s era was a transition period, setting the stage for some pretty dark times ahead.
Fourth Mizukage (Yagura Karatachi)
Yagura Karatachi, the Fourth Mizukage, was both the village leader and the host of the Three-Tails beast. This gave him huge chakra reserves and a lot of power. But his time as Mizukage is remembered as one of the most violent periods in the village’s history.
During his rule, the village earned the nickname “Blood Mist” because ninja academy students had to fight each other to the death to graduate. This led to a brutal, survival-of-the-fittest mindset. Many people believe Yagura’s cruelty wasn’t entirely his own choice. There are theories that he was being manipulated by someone, possibly Madara Uchiha or another member of the Akatsuki. Whatever the case, his rule left the village traumatized and feared. When Yagura finally died, the village could start to move past this dark era.
Fifth Mizukage (Mei Terumī)
Mei Terumī, the Fifth Mizukage, worked hard to turn things around for the Mist Village. She was determined to leave the “Blood Mist” days behind and change the village’s violent reputation.
Mei aimed to make peace with other villages and show that the Mist could be trusted. She had two powerful abilities, or kekkei genkai: Lava Release, which let her create molten lava, and Boil Release, which produced an acidic mist that could melt almost anything. Mei was warm and determined, and her positive attitude helped bring new life to the village. Under her leadership, the Mist Village took its first real steps toward a more peaceful and cooperative future.
Sixth Mizukage (Chōjūrō)
Chōjūrō, the Sixth Mizukage, was one of the last remaining members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, a group known for their incredible sword skills. At first, he was pretty shy and unsure of himself, but he grew into a capable and balanced leader.
Chōjūrō continued Mei’s work to modernize the village and strengthen ties with other lands. He wielded a special sword called Hiramekarei, which could store chakra and unleash it in powerful attacks. Chōjūrō’s calm approach helped the village keep growing and evolving, honoring its traditions while moving toward a more peaceful era.
What is the “Village Hidden in the Mist” Arc?
The Village Hidden in the Mist arc, also known as the Land of Waves arc, is one of the first storylines in Naruto. In this arc, Team 7, Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and their teacher Kakashi, take on a mission to escort Tazuna, a bridge builder, to the Land of Waves. Along the way, they encounter Zabuza Momochi and Haku, rogue ninjas from the Mist Village. Zabuza was a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen who tried to overthrow the Fourth Mizukage.
This arc gives us a first look at the Mist Village’s tough, violent traditions and shows the hardships faced by those who grew up in the “Blood Mist” era, like Zabuza and Haku.
Is the Mist Village the Most Feared Village in Naruto?
During the “Blood Mist” period, Kirigakure was definitely one of the most feared villages. Its ninjas were known for their ruthlessness, and the deadly graduation system created fighters who could kill without hesitation. While every village had its dark moments, the Mist Village’s bloody practices made it especially notorious.
Over time, though, the Mist Village worked to move away from that reputation. By the time of the Fifth and Sixth Mizukages, it had become a more peaceful and open place. Even in Boruto, though, some people still remember the village’s violent past and treat it with caution.
