[quote=@LordVoldemort]
As a side-note, do we have to start as Chunin?
[/quote]

No. But it would help if your character is somewhat on the same wavelength as the other characters. Most will be around chuunin level (it is a very rough estimate), so going full Madara or retard-Naruto could be frowned upon. As per the canon, one can be a genin and still be on the level of chuunin. The rank of jounin is off-limits however as it could create a power-struggle in the village that we don't want.