"Kage" Level

Base of Operations: Hidden Village
Classification: Highly skilled village ninja, Generally Jounin officially
Member Appearances: Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya

There exists a level of ninja who are of Kage level, but who are not presently a village Kage. This may be because of personal preference or the onset of aging. The three highly skilled Hidden Leaf ninja known as the Legendary "Sannin," or Legendary "Three Ninja" are such ninja. The members of Akatsuki are also generally at this level as well. Legendary Sand puppet master kunoichi Chiyo of Hidden Sand could be considered near this level. Ninja of this level usually leave their villages behind to seek their own ambitions.