The History behind the Ninja. (Shinobi)

INTRODUCTION

The ninja, or � shadow warriors, � are well-known legend in the Oriental lands. They are well versed in the arts of concealment, stealth, and trickery. Clad in their infamous black uniforms and armed with a deadly arsenal of weapons and gadgets, ninja are the master assassins and spies for those who can or will hire them. Terror usually accompanies the mere mention of their name, even among the stoutest samurai, and many common people ascribe supernatural powers to the ninja, who do nothing to discourage these stories. The abilities of the ninja are clouded in mystery. Despite their infamy, they are very secretive and unseen. Living out their days as common townsfolk or farmers, their nights are spent performing their missions of spying and assassination. Every ninja has an everyday identity that must be maintained. Every ninja belongs to a clan, or organization of assassins. The head of the clan assigns various missions to the lesser ninja. These missions must be completed, or the ninja is expected to die trying. Defiance of the clan head means an all-out attempt on the life of the offender, ending only with his death or the far less likely success of the offender in taking the clan head�s place.Back to top.

ORIGIN

The exact origin of the Ninja is shrouded in mystery. Many legends speak of them being descended from the Tengu, the bird-spirits of the mountains. The true origin of their kind is much more mundane though. Many hundreds of years ago a Samurai by the name of Daisuke of the Togakure Clan was defeated in battle, but escaped death and fled deep into the mountains. Whilst there he discovered, hidden in an old ruin, a number of scrolls explaining the teachings of Kain Doshi, an ancient and revered warrior priest. Using these teachings, Daiske began to develop his own form of martial technique, now known as Ninjutsu-the way of invisibility. He realized that the samurai codes of combat were too restrictive, and decided to create his own to eventually defeat his enemies.After many years, he returned form the mountains and gathered together the surviving members of his clan. He taught each of them the way of ninjutsu. Once all were adept in the ways of this new art, he explained his plans to them. He intended to create a clan of his own, dedicated to the arts of stealth and subterfuge, instead of honor and glory. This clan would not concern itself with the petty intrigue of the other clans, but would use this for its own gain, by hiring its services to the other clans. This clan would swear allegiance to none but its own members. With this, the Ninja were born.Back to top.

HIERARCHY

The clan is led by a Jonin (High Man), who is typically the oldest member of the clan. It is he who decides upon who they should aid and for what price. He is the most experienced member of the clan, and often takes part in important missions himself. It is often the case among the clans that the Jonin will remain anonymous to all but his most trusted friends, to avoid being revealed should an operative be captured.Beneath the Jonin are the Chunin (Middle Man) and are responsible for training and assigning operatives. It is their job to carry out the day-to-day running of the clan. The operatives themselves are the Genin (Low Man) and are responsible for carrying out the missions required of the clan by clients. In many cases, two Genin are sent out independently, and without knowledge of the other. This is done to ensure the job is completed and that a double-cross does not occur, either on the part of the Genin or the client.Back to top.

Ninja Training

Usually, only the children of Ninja may become Ninja, due to the secrecy surrounding their organization. Occasionally a ninja clan adopts or simply agrees to train a gaijin (an outsider or foreigner). Training normally begins when the child reaches the age of five, and involves the practice of physical movement, followed by development of unarmed techniques as well as use of the sword and staff. Upon reaching the teenage years, the trainee is taught the disciplines of blade throwing, weapon concealment and the use of the rope and chain weapon.Back to top.

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