The+ninja

=**__The Ninja__**=

= = The ninja, or shinobi, was a covert agent or mercenary of feudal Japan specializing in the arts of spying, sabotage, assassinations, and infiltrating enemy bases. In certain conditions they could also be involved in open combat. Many ninjas were contrasted with the samurai who had strict virtues about honor and combat. Ninjas were mainly spies or did mercenary work. They first appeared in the 15th century and possibly existed in the 14th century. They also appeared in warring states or Sengoku. Japanese folklore states that the ninja is descended from a demon that was half man and half crow.

The katana was most likely the ninja's weapon of choice. The katana had further uses beyond it's combat potential, like using larger ones as containers to hold smaller ones for surprise attacks. For example, the sword could be laid against a wall where the ninja may use the sword guard to gain a higher foothold. It could even be used as a device to stun enemies before attacking them. This could be accomplished by putting a combination of red pepper, dust, and iron fillings, into the area near the scabbard.

Ninjas were known to have control over the five elements; air, fire, earth, water, and metal. The founder of Nakagawa-ryū, claimed in his writing that he had the ability to shape shift into animals such as birds, another common myth for ninjas. Ninjas were first found to be popular in the early 12th century, otherwise known as the Heian or early Kamakura Era. Hattori Hanzo is known as the most famous ninja that led the Iga ninjas work through strict orders to plot against the Tokugawa family, leading him to become a feudel lord.