1. Daimyō (大名) –
Supreme ruler of a province or land (e.g. Daimyō of the Land of Tea).
Holds all political power, commands samurai and shinobi forces, and collects taxes from vassals.
2. Hatamoto / Shugo (旗本 / 守護) –
High nobles directly serving under the Daimyō.
Control multiple towns or cities, lead armies, and act as governors or military lords.
3. Jitō (地頭) –
Local noble administrator or estate lord.
Appointed by the Daimyō to manage a village, farming district, or estate.
Collects taxes, enforces law, and maintains peace — often using personal shinobi or samurai.
A Jitō doesn't need to be a born noble — one can buy the title with enough money or service.
Makoto's current goal is to purchase this position to gain legal protection, a base, and a reason to have armed retainers.
4. Samurai / Shinobi Retainers (侍 / 忍) –
Serve under nobles.
Can be hired as guards, scouts, or assassins.
Makoto will start building his private force once he gains the Jitō title.
5. Commoners / Merchants / Farmers (百姓 / 商人) –
Laborers and producers.
Pay taxes to the Jitō, who reports to higher nobles.
Often suffer under corrupt lords, giving Makoto an opening to earn local support.