Mikimoto Clan

A Kirigakure clan who make their living by diving in search of treasure (namely pearls) and hunting for fish and sea plants.

Early History

The Mikimoto pearl diving tradition has existed for as long as the clan itself. Their ancestors were a small community of ama divers living among the many islands of the Land of Water. They spend generations free-diving for pearls, abalone, shellfish, and aquatic vegetation, surviving off resources found along the seabed. During the early days of the clan, their traditional diving methods relied entirely on breath control and physical conditioning until they realized they could use chakra to remain underwater for much longer.

This served them well during the Warring States period. The Mikimoto would attack from beneath the waves and drag rival shinobi down with them where they'd inevitably drown. Rumors were born of the clan being sea people, sirens, and some avoided territories known to be inhabited by Mikimoto divers.

Founders Era

Within a decade of Kirigakure's founding the Mikimoto clan would find themselves settling down and allying themselves with the village.

Bloody Mist

The reign of the fourth Mizukage nearly destroyed the Mikimoto clan from the inside out. There was a violent schism as some defected from the village, some eagerly agreed to use their clan's skills to act as "frogmen" during conflicts, and others expressed disgust at how quick their fellow clansmen were to abandon tradition.

Modern Day

Thanks to the fifth Mizukage's tireless efforts, Kirigakure began to slowly repair itself and heal from its cruel, violent history. As did the Mikimoto clan, though not before those who allied themselves with the Bloody Mist were punished and had to regain the clan's trust. Even so, there is still disapproval among older clan members towards those who choose to become shinobi.