Ranks
Hokage
Hokage is a title bestowed on the village's leader. The Hokage is generally regarded as the strongest shinobi in the village. The Leaf Village picks it's leaders from elected candidates during elections. Retirement: If a ninja is a Chunin before becoming Hokage, and serves as an active Hokage for atleast 6 months. He will be promoted to Jonin upon retirement.
Chunin & Jonin Path
Chunin and Jonin path is the traditional ranking system in all villages. Chunin
As a Chunin, you have reached a level of maturity and ability that primarily consists of leadership skills and tactical prowess and as such, are qualified to guide other ninja and lead missions. In a war, a Chunin would be a team leader. Requirement: Passing a Chunin Exam Jonin
Generally highly experienced and highly skilled shinobi who serve as military captains. In a war, the Jonin would be a commander, commanding teams as battalions. If enough villagers and the respective Kage deem the shinobi to be fitting to the rank, they will be promoted. Requirement: Send a team of Genin into a Chunin Exam, Complete numerous RP Missions with players with mostly good reviews.
Specialized Jonin Path
A Specialized Jonin, sometimes called an S-Jonin is a ranking granted to Ninja whom display "Jonin level abilities" in one area of the Ninja Arts (eg. Sensory, Medical Ninjutsu) but are not balanced in terms of skills, and hence would be unlikely to climb the normal Chunin and Jonin paths.
Specialized Jonin are normally tasked to lead missions that require a higher-than-usual level in a specific ability. Eg. Leading a team of Medical Ninja on a rescue mission. In a war, a Specialized Jonin will normally either lead a team tasked with his specialization, or fight as a Genin-level ninja.
A Specialized Jonin is comparable to a real world military specialist. A completely different path from the Officer rankings, and still under officers (in this case, Chunin and Jonin) in ranking. Requirement: Display extraordinary abilities in one area of the Ninja Arts, participate in a Chunin Exam.
Genin
Genin are the lowest level of ninja and also the ones that display the most difference in power. When they become genin, ninja start to do their bit for their village's economy – being sent on missions that the village gets paid for. Requirement: Pass the Genin Test in the Academy
Academy Student
Academy students are trained and prepared for life as a shinobi. They are not an actual part of the shinobi force, as they are still in the process of mastering the very basics of the ninja lifestyle. However, they can be conscripted as part of the war potential in times of emergency.
Titles
Council Member
Council Members are the leader's figures of the Leaf Village along with the Hokage, under the Leaf democratic system, they hold power above the Hokage if needed. The Council's duty consists of keeping the village in order and bring power balance within a magnanimous government. Requirement: Close companions of the current Hokage, and runner ups for elections.
ANBU Leader
The one in charge of the Anbu organization along with the Hokage and Council, a skilled strategist in charge of defending the village from the shadows.