[Trix]

No notable nation is without its army. Gakaiyo is no exception either. The Ashigaru has been the only military force since Xuefeng's inception.  An army of diligently trained warriors that follow the Fourfold Path more strictly than most others.  Be it land or naval forces, or even specialized military, the Ashigaru has it all. Hence they are an autarky, an entity with technical and administrative autonomy. As such, they harbour a hierarchy of their own and operate entirely with a level of freedom. However, despite this independence, they still have their loyalties sworn to the acting Shogun.

To swear one's self into the Ashigaru is an oath that is taken for life. While failure on missions is to be expected at times, albeit frowned upon, betrayal is not. Execution, or the ritual act of Seppuku is reserved for defaulters, with imprisonment rarely being an alternative option. Leniency may vary, depending upon the acting Hatamoto at said time. However, as of the current regime? Mercy is but an illusion for traitors.

After taking the reigns as acting Hatamoto in the year 2133AC, the young Prince Mifune has long since began work on restructuring and directing all funds available towards the improvement of the Ashigaru.

HIERARCHY

Hatamoto

The commander of the Ashigaru, who is responsible for delegating tasks to the various officers and handling military matters at the top of the ladder. Expectations are great for those who take up this role. Not only are they required to be a great combatant, but being a strategic mind is also a strong requirement.  The Hatamoto answers to only the Shogun, being the only hierarchal rank that surpasses them. The Hatamoto's word is law when it comes to affairs of the military.

Gunbatsu

The warlords of Gakaiyo. The highest possible ranking a soldier of the Ashigaru can attain. Only the best of the best are chosen to be candidates, and even then out of that select few?, only two are chosen and are made to go through a careful vetting stage by high ranking officials of Xuefeng.

While at most times, they can act independently due to the freedoms they possess, they still answer directly to the Hatamoto and the Shogun.

At this stage, a warrior of this calibre is allowed to recruit and fund his or her war host if they wish and pursue their own ambitions so long as they align with the Shogun's.

Samurai

Fully fledged warriors of the Ashigaru and a main pillar in the army's strength. They answer directly to the Gunbatsu, accepting their tasks from them, however in their absence or in serious cases? The Hatamoto himself shall attend to these warriors. They serve as an intermediary leader that handles day-to-day tasks of law enforcement, as well as military management, usually involving training and leading teams of those  below them.

Goshi

Matured magi, or non-magi with moderate combat experience, showing themselves useful to the proper body of the military.  In times of war, where the empire sees itself threatened, enlistment is compulsory and all citizens not of the military, who are capable of combat and are above the age of fifteen, are pushed to the rank of Goshi.

Gokenin

Fresh, untrained recruits in the military, typically teenagers below the age of fifteen. These recruits resort to the Ashigaru for better learning and the chance at a better life. While the old regime might have resorted to nurturing these youths to properly flourish before putting them on the battlefield, the current commander encourages these youths to seek out battle to sharpen their skills. Of course, medical expenses will be completely covered by the army during this period, but they should do so at their own risk.  

[Trix]

Atop the snow-capped peaks to the east of Meranthe, a budding empire enjoys the fruits of perseverance. After a decade-long war that ravaged the entire continent, in addition to the treachery of Mementos, a time of relative peace has fallen upon Gakaio. Efforts are constantly being made to continue the growth of the Ruby Empire. One such can be found within the capital of Xuefeng, amongst its military.  While no reforms have been made in the Ashigaru, some promotions are in order as the focus shifts towards the younger generation.

• Soma Kazana, Midas Shigenobu, and Brynjar Folhammer have all been promoted to the rank of Samurai. Their duties remain the same for the most part, save the additional responsibility of preparing the generations after them.
  
• With Mozzie's retirement being official, both seats of the Warlord ranks now remain vacant for now.
  

• Princes Mitsunobu and Miharu have been granted the temporal rank of Bugyō. Interim positions meant to manage the affairs of the Ashigaru while the commander is occupied, preparing both for whomever is deemed capable enough to take up the mantle of Hatamoto after their uncle. Of course a seat as a Gunbatsu, a Warlord, is  reserved for whomever comes up short in this competition of brothers.
  
• It is well known  amongst the Ashigaru, and the people of Xuefeng , that the acting Hatamoto is not fond of ceremonies or public gatherings. Hence these promotions were done behind closed doors.