|
This article, Momochi Clan, is property of ShonenChicoBoy. |
| Momochi Clan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| (桃地一族, Momochi Ichizoku) | |
| Debut | |
| Appears in | Anime, Manga |
| Clan Data | |
| Affiliation |
|
The Momochi Clan (桃地一族, Momochi Ichizoku) is a family of shinobi from Kirigakure who are considered to be "low caste" compared to other clans such as the Hoshigaki and Hōzuki. Their most notorious member was Zabuza Momochi, a member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist who lived during the reign of the Fourth Mizukage.
Background[]
The members of the Momochi possess no known Hidan or Kekkei Genkai skills, and while this has caused them to be discriminated against by other clans, they were nonetheless able to escape the frequent purges of Kirigakure's bloody past. As such, the clan boasts a higher number of members compared to the other low-caste families, such as the Yuki Clan. The Momochi are also renowned for their predominance in Kenjutsu, as almost every member is skilled in swordsmanship and at least four have wielded one of the legendary Seven Swords of the Mist.
This has not always been the case, however, as traditionally only Kiri’s highest class clans, such as the Hōzuki and Hoshigaki, could become swordsmen, with rare exceptions. During the era of the Bloody Mist, the Momochi focused on producing kenjutsu experts who could survive the Kirigakure Academy's graduation exams and serve as assassins for the higher-ranking clans who wished to eliminate rivals. This did not stop Zabuza from aspiring to become one of the swordsmen, as he realized at an early-age that the prestige could elevate his family's status and alleviate their poverty. However, since he was one of the youngest of many sons in the Momochi at the time, his father had little hope for him and considered him worthless. As was the case for many shinobi families in Kiri, children who showed little potential for passing the exams were neglected so that the parents could focus on training those who were more likely to survive. With no parental support, Zabuza determined he would become the strongest out of any of the Momochi through his own efforts. He was perhaps a little too successful, as he proceeded to massacre an entire graduating class at the age of nine despite never being enrolled as an official student in the shinobi academy. This shocked the Momochi, who immediately disowned him from the family. Nonetheless, Zabuza's legacy continues to this day. Other clans typically fear the Momochi due to legends of the "Demon of the Hidden Mist," while the current generation seeks to either distance themselves from their blood-stained heritage or embrace it fully.
Notable Members[]
- Zabuza Momochi: A legendary swordsmen of the mist who wielded the Kubikiribōchō. During the era of the Bloody Mist, he single-handedly ended Kiri's homicidal exam practice by slaughtering an entire graduating class.
- Wakasa Momochi: Zabuza's son and current Jōnin Commander of Kirigakure. He currently wields the Kubikiribōchō.
- Yutaka Momochi: Zabuza's older brother and Ryōhei's father. He raised Wakasa at Zabuza's request. Yutaka is the current de-facto head of the family.
- Ryōhei Momochi: A former missing-nin who wielded the Nuibari ten years ago during the failed New Swordsmen Rebellion. He was recently released by the Sixth in order to reinstate the Seven Swordsmen. Ryōhei is Wakasa's adoptive younger brother.
- Aisaka Momochi: Zabuza's niece who wielded the Kubikiribōchō in the New Swordsmen Rebellion ten years ago. She is currently being held at Hōzuki Prison for her crimes.
Trivia[]
- The name "Momochi" means "peach soil" (桃地).
- The Momochi, being a low-caste clan, are not born with naturally pointed teeth such as members of the Hoshigaki. However, because Zabuza filed his teeth to emulate his fellow swordsmen, the practice has become common for some within the clan.
