Rice Field country (info)

Guide to the Rice Field Country aka The Sound Country
Country Information

Country Background:

The Rice Field country is marked by forests and rice fields. The country had been marked by conflict in the past, with wars with neighboring countries taking a heavy toll on its clans like the Fuuma. It was this constant strife that provided the country with enough reason to welcome Orochimaru in the hopes he could make them powerful. The current proper name of the country is unknown, citizens refer to it as the "Rice Field Country" while Sound ninja refer to it as the "Sound Country." The difference arising because of "Rice Field's" filler origin, but inuniverse it could be because the Sound think of it as their country now. The country shares borders Fire and two as of yet unnamed countries.



Village Background:

Hidden Sound is a motley collection of ninja from various clans and nationalities, all brought under Orochimaru's direction. Orochimaru traveled the world gathering jutsu and ninja in his goal to gain power. Rice Field clans like the Fuuma, volunteered for Orochimaru's army. Some clan members became soldiers in Orochimaru's army, while others were made prisoners to be used for his experiments. The village itself is a lower shinobi country. Before Orochimaru's full plans to destroy Konoha were revealed, the village was allied with Grass, Leaf, Rain, Sand and Waterfall. It is unknown if Orochimaru has been able to create and maintain ties with any other Leaf adversarial villages like Stone and Mist.

Leadership

Country Leader:

The current leader of the Rice Field Country is a daimyo. Several years before the start of the series, he was approached by Orochimaru to allow the formation of a new ninja village in his country. The lord's leadership was lacking, and he saw Orochimaru as a means to increase his status and land. Orochimaru would give him the fighting power he needed to make his country strong.


Village Leader:

The current leader of Hidden Sound is Orochimaru. A former ninja from Hidden Leaf, he fled his home country to avoid punishment for his cruel and bizzare experiments.

The Sites

Post Town:

This post town is located near the border to the Fire Country, at the one "ri" marker (approximately 2.5 miles from the border). It is a small run down town, home of many miscreants.


Fuuma Alley:

The Fuuma clan moved to gang-like activities due to the hard times their people faced. Some Fuuma turned to Orochimaru, clan member Hanzaki lead a group which operated "adult" enterprises in this small village.


Club Lie-Down:

One of the primary businesses for the Fuuma clan bandits in Fuuma Alley, Club Lie-Down is a gentleman's club celebrating sake and women.


Temple:

This temple shrine is located near the base of a mountain range, northeast of Fuuma Alley. It was partially destroyed by Kagerou of the Fuuma Clan.


Otogakure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Sound):

Orochimaru's primary base of operations, Hidden Sound is an underground compound where Orochimaru can carry out his diabolical experiments. The pathways inside the compound are marked with varied booby traps, including spiked pits, water traps and passages leading to rooms housing his evil experiments. Portions of the village was destroyed by Uzumaki Naruto and Jiraiya, when they came to find Hidden Sound's location. At this point Orochimaru had abandoned the compound, it is unknown where he has since moved.


Shuumatsu no Tani (Valley of the End):

A vast statuary waterfall marking the border between the Fire Country and the Rice Field Country, the Valley marked a landmark where two shinobi fought great battle in the past. It is said the destruction was so great it tore the earth asunder, creating the very valley. The figure on the Fire Country side is the First Hokage, while the figure on the opposite side is Uchiha Madara.

Rice Field People and Items of Note

Manda:

The personal summon of Orochimaru, Manda is the king of all snakes. Orochimaru's uses his blood contract with snakes to full effect, summoning them in many of his battles.


Kabuto:

Second in command to Orochimaru is Kabuto, this skilled young man provides protection and guidance to Orochimaru. Kabuto's past is not currently known, while he was a spy for Orochimaru while in Hidden Leaf, he may also be a spy for other sinister forces.


Hanzaki:

Head of the Fuuma clan, Hanzaki lead the clan as thugs after Orochimaru's rise. After an encounter with Jiraiya, Hanzaki and the clan have made moves to combat Orochimaru's influence on their country.