Is 'Warring State Period Becoming First Mizukage' Based On Real History?

I've read 'Warring State Period Becoming First Mizukage' and dug into its historical roots. The story borrows heavily from Japan's actual Warring States period (Sengoku Jidai), blending real chaos with ninja fantasy. While the Mizukage title and Hidden Village concept are pure 'Naruto' lore, the political backstabbing, clan wars, and power struggles mirror real feudal Japan. Key figures resemble historical daimyos like Oda Nobunaga in their ruthlessness. The author clearly did homework—scenes of peasant suffering, samurai codes twisted for survival, and unstable alliances feel authentic. But it's not a documentary; the ninja magic and exaggerated battles push it into alt-history territory. For similar vibes, check 'Sengoku Basara'—wild action with a historical skeleton.

As someone obsessed with historical-fantasy blends, this novel's approach fascinates me. The Warring States period backdrop isn't just set dressing; it drives the plot. The constant warfare, resource scarcity, and social upheaval directly impact character motivations. The protagonist's rise from peasant to Mizukage parallels how real-life warlords like Toyotomi Hideyoshi climbed from obscurity.

The ninja clans function like actual Sengoku-era factions, competing for land and influence. The Kirigakure village's isolationist policies reflect how some real domains closed borders to retain power. Even the 'Bloody Mist' era has echoes of historical events like the Iga-ryu ninja persecutions.

Where it diverges is the supernatural elements. Real shinobi were spies, not chakra-wizards. But the emotional truths hold—the desperation of foot soldiers, the weight of leadership during famine, the moral compromises for survival. The author balances spectacle with psychological depth. If you enjoy this mix, 'The Samurai's Heart' by Eiji Yoshikawa offers a grittier take on similar themes, minus the jutsu.

Let's slice this question like a katana through myth. The novel takes massive creative liberties—no historical Mizukage existed, and the real Warring States period had zero tailed beasts roaming around. But the cultural details? Surprisingly accurate. The hierarchy of lords and retainers, the importance of tea ceremonies in diplomacy, even the ashigaru (foot soldiers) being treated as disposable—all ripped from history books.

The genius is how it reimagines famous battles. A siege scene clearly nods to Nagashino's gunpowder tactics, but with water jutsu instead of rifles. The protagonist's rival mirrors Date Masamune's iconic crescent helmet and brutal pragmatism.

What sells it is the atmosphere. The constant dampness of the Water Country, the way characters speak in elliptical courtly language—it feels like reading a scroll from the era. For a non-fantasy counterpart, try 'Taiko' by Eiji Yoshikawa. Same cutthroat politics, no hand signs required.