Modification: Koden History.

I have mentioned multiple times that I was unhappy with the Koden History how it is. I have made it more detailed, and also incorporated the overall Samurai History into it. I hope it works a lot better than before, so here it is.

History:

In the years that followed the Fourth Shinobi War, the land slowly became poisoned with the evil chakra that came from Madara's death. Kaminari no Kuno, which served as the site for the final battle with Madara, became the epicenter of the epidemic which plagued the lands. As the poison spread, the ecosystem began to die. While nearly all of the Shinobi left for lands anew, the Samurai remained behind. Instead, they locked themselves within the Sanro Mountains. For centuries, this isolation remained strong. The outside world had changed, and very few dared to venture outside of the protection of the mountains.

Centuries passed, and the Samurai were slowly returning to their former numbers. There was, however, disputes between the warriors over who would take charge to lead the Land of Iron to its former glory. As the arguments grew, the battles began. Allies turned enemy, groups of warriors broke away to begin on their own. Although weaker than the main force, it didn't take long before the territory wars began.

No one is sure of the number of casualties that existed in these times, as it was difficult to show kindness. When news of a village being wiped out spread, all that could be heard was the sighing relief that it had happened to another. Comradry and Honor, the two driving principles behind the Samurai, were thought to have gone extinct.

There were, however, murmurs of a certain group which defied the odds. Much like in the early days of the Shinobi, the groups who were considered to be strong were often the talk of the towns. Elite groups of samurai who not only held on to their styles from old, but also accepted the ways of the Shinobi. Indeed, they spoke of Samurai with elemental affinities. The battles were changing, and growing more intense.

Although rare, the groups with these elemental affinities seemed to dominate the rest. The use of Ninjutsu was slowly returning, even as the lands expanded. It did not last, however. One by one, the families that were known for elemental chakra were being wiped out. Warring between one another for dominance. As years turned to decades, and then to centuries, the battles continued to grow more and more intense.

Soon, before they even realized it, seven-hundred years had passed. The Fourth Shinobi War was but a distant memory, and the term 'Shinobi' used only in tales of fiction. Although the people lived in fear, the number of rival clans had been reduced to a handful. One clan, however, became known as the strongest.

Knowing only about them through rumors, the group of Samurai called themselves Koden. The Koden Clan, said to be the last clan capable of Elemental Kenjutsu, declared themselves a testament to the traditions of olde. Although abandoned, the Koden Clan set up shop in the ruins of the old Sanro Mountains. While the other groups remained hidden, the Koden seemed to be interested in starting society anew. They began to establish villages, and offered their protection to those who resided in their borders.

Peace, however, only exists for so long. It only took a few decades before the Koden were thrown once more into war. Although outnumbered, the Koden were able to hold their own against the onslaught. They did not praise their elemental abilities, however. They claimed that their victories were due to a special ability that was passed down through their bloodline. The ability to see an opponents Kenjutsu and to shut it down completely. They dubbed this technique the Heroic Eye, or the Kenagegan, for granting them the ability to face their foes head on.

Although their numbers were beginning to dwindle, so were their enemies. Until finally, there were only two remaining clans who fought for control of the land. Through mercy, the Koden's were able to draw others to their groups. Although their bloodline was diluting, Tetsu no Kuni was beginning to shape back into how it once was.

Even after the Koden chose a general to lead their people into battle, the hatred for them continues to exist. Slowly, however, the battles came to a stop and the Samurai were finally ready to return to their ways of training. The traditions that the Koden spoke about were accepted once again. No one knew when the fighting would break out. Little skirmishes were heard of now and again, but the wars were on the back of everyone's mind. The sooner they worked towards their future, the sooner they could get back on track.