Ninjas!

Golden Age

The golden age of ninjas, spanning from 1336 to 1600, was marked by constant warfare among Japanese warlords, known as daimo, who frequently hired ninjas as mercenaries. This period produced legendary figures like Ishikawa Goemon, a notorious ninja thief, and Hattori Hanzo, a leader of the Iga clan whose name became synonymous with mystical powers. Despite their indispensable role in warfare, ninjas were often looked down upon by the samurai, who considered them dishonorable for their stealth tactics 1.

The samurais fought in the open and with honor, whereas the ninjas fought in the shadows and hid themselves from sight.

--- Gary Arndt

The decline of ninjas began in the late 16th century when Oda Nabunaga unified Japan, diminishing the need for guerrilla fighters 2.

   

Iga & Koga

The Iga and Koga clans were the most prominent ninja groups, known for their rigorous training and strategic locations that enhanced their secrecy. These clans produced highly skilled ninjas who were in great demand, offering a path for the poor to improve their status 2. Within these clans, a hierarchy existed with jonin at the top, followed by chunin and ginen, who managed missions and assignments.

The regions were hard to access, which increased the secrecy and legend of the ninjas.

--- Gary Arndt

The fall of the Iga clan came with Oda Nabunaga's six-pronged attack, leading surviving ninjas to adapt by becoming bodyguards and spies in the Tokugawa shogunate 1.