Ninja way of life * 1 Ninja Eating customs To succeed in their missions, ninja had to take eating customs into

account. Tobacco was not smoked since its odor could easliy be detected by an enemy. Ninja also refrained from eating leeks, spring onions, and garlic. Nor did ninja eat animal meat since it polluted the blood, making it easier to fall ill. Moreover, eating meat could impair intuition. Staples were millet, other cereals, and potatoes. Ninja also ate pigeon wheat, brown rice, vegetables, pickled plums, tofu, and miso. Such foods were low in calories, low in fat, and abundant in protein. Ninja tried to keep their weight below 60 kilograms so that they could move lightly and quickly. Highly nutritious pine nuts were said to sharpen the five senses and rejuvenate the body. Black-colored foods, such as black rice, black soybeans, and black sesame, were among ninja favorites. Ninja way of life * 2 Emergency rations Occasionally, in able to accomplish his mission, a ninja would not drink or eat for long periods of time. However, ninja did prepare emergency rations to stem their thirst or hunger. Hyorogan Hyorogan was made of ground sesame, brown rice, buckwheat, and dried bonito. Sugar and honey were added and the mixture was kneaded into small balls with sake, steamed, and the dried in the sun. Hyorogan was very high in nutrition, and eating several of these balls would be enough to sustain the body. Kikatsugari

Carrots, buckwheat flour, yams, pigeon wheat, glutinous rice, and flour were soaked in sake for three years. This mixture was then dried and made into small pieces. This food could temporarily alleviate hunger, and only three pieces a day could relieve tiredness. Suikatsugan Suikatsugan was a fine mixture of pickled plum, crystal sugar, and dried fungus. It was said that when a ninja ate some of this, he would not be thirsty for several days. Polly seed Polly seed was highly nutritional food that consisted of organic linoleic and amino acids. It was small, easy to carry and maintained a ninja's physical strength. Pickled plum Pickled plums or umeboshi are presently a very popular salty food. Pickled plums were indispensable and helped support the harsh life led by ninja with their powers of detoxification, sterilization, and the prevention of tiredness. Ninja way of life * 3 Sake and Drinking Ninja did not enjoy drinking. They undertook special training in how not to get drunk on sake. They used medicine that prevented them from getting drunk. The sober ninja then carried out his mission after the enemy was dead drunk. However, there were times when ninja drank sake to warm a cold body or to overcome fear. Sake could also be used as a disinfectant on an injury. Ninja way of life * 4 Bathing

Ninja always washed their clothes and bathed to keep their body clean as enemies could detect body odors. Herbal baths eliminated body smells, helped heal wounds, dissolved tiredness, and purified the spirit. The kakidoushi bath was effective in curing inflammation. Mint and ginger baths improved circulation of blood and were effective in addressing fatigue. The yomogi bath was good for wounds, insect bites, stiff shoulders, and neuralgia. Ninja way of life * 5 Pharmacology Iga and Koka ninja were well versed in pharmacology since they were friendly with yamabushi, the ascetics who trained in the mountains where many different types of medicinal herbs could be found. Koka in particular has been a famous center for the production of medicinal herbs ever since olden times. Ninja collected medicinal herbs in the hills and fields, dried them, and then converted them into powder. Other plants provided chemicals for poison, hallucinogens, dyes, and gunpowder. Senburi was a well-known medicine for stomach-aches. Aconite was a poison that caused paralysis in the limbs and hindered consciousness. Ninja applied this poison to the sharp tips of their shuriken. Hemp leaves were used as an anesthetic, and the secretions of toads could be used as an antidote for paralysis. Many pharmaceutical companies are now found in Koka and Iga.
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Ninja Mission Equipment

secret ninja information #6

Mission equipment * 1 Weapons (Ningu)

The ninja mastered many tools and weapons. Each of these implements had various applications. Shuriken : Thorwing star or ninja star A shuriken is a typical weapon made from wrought iron and has hardened, sharp-tipped blades. The forms of shuriken are 40 to 50 that are reflected various different schools of ninja. The shuriken alone does not have the power to kill, but if poison, such as that from monkshood was applied, even a mere scratch could surely put an enemy down. If an enemy had been wounded, a ninja would smear mud or horse manure in his wounds, leading to incapacitation or possible death from tetanus or other diseases. Throwing a burning shuriken was occasionally used for lighting or arson. Shinobi-gatana: Ninja sword The swords used by ninja were called ninja-gatana or ninto, and were shorter than samurai swords, which were about one meter in length. The cord attached to the square-shaped sheath, the saego, or "sword knot", was especially long. The shinobi-gatana were used not only as weapons, but also as footholds when climbing a wall (and later pulled up using the sageo); inserted into the mouth, the sheath could also be used to breathe underwater. It could also be used as kikizutsu, or listening device. Blowgun and darts Blowguns with long shafts could hit targets more accurately and shoot greater distances, but they were inconvenient and conspicuous to carry, so ninja used a shakuhachi or bamboo flute as blowgun at times. Poison darts had fletchings to give them accuracy. Messages could also be rolled up and sent this way. Ninja could gain information concerning the layout of a room by firing darts into it. Darts were often convenient because they were small, easy to hide, and could be used in many ways. Ninja sometimes kept a few darts in their mouth, using them to attack an enemy who was close by. When the eyes

grew tired, or a shoulder grew stiff, a dart could be used as an acupuncture needle, and help a ninja regain his energy. Shikomizue : Sword cane Shikomizue were swords, spears, or sickles that were hidden in a length of bamboo or wooden stick. Ninja always hid their weapons, even if they were iron balls with chains, sharp iron sticks, or a mixture to blind enemy eyes. When fighting, the shikomizue was used as a bamboo sword. Furthermore, at checkpoints, a ninja could pretend to be an elderly person using the shikomizue as a cane. Kusarigama Kusarigama was a heavy weight connected to a sickle, a common farming tool, by a lenght of a chain. To use it, one threw it at an enemy, and the weight would wrap around the enemy's body, striking him down. The sickle was then used to kill him. This weapon could also aid a ninja scaling an earthen wall by using it as a grappling hook. Makibishi Makibishi were small three-pointed pyramids that were scattered on the ground to injure the feet of a pursuer. They were made of bamboo, wood, iron, or water chestnuts. Kurumabishi were a type of makibishi used against horses. Bow and arrow Besides the standard bow, ninja developed and used half-bows, short bows, and a specialized bow. Though not good for long distance, the velocity of a short bow was strong, so it had power over short distances, and was easy to carry. Short bows could be made half their size by using a hinge. Sometimes bows were hidden outside, ready to fire if tripped, these were called tabiyumi. Arrows could be arranged radially inside a sugegasa or amigasa (sedge hat or braided hat). Ninja utilized bows and arrows in a variety of ways; they were not simply weapons for shooting enemies.

Hiya-no-ho (fire arrow): A method for arson or special communication using a burning arrow and gunpowder. Itoya-no-ho (string arrow): A method to measure distance, to find out the width of a castle moat or river, by typing a length of string to the arrow beforehand. Yabumi: A special arrow that carried communiques when shot. Ningu - tools for climbing the touki was used to get over the high walls of castles or residences in enemy territory. Ninja used a great variety of ladders: musubibashigo, tobibashigo, kumobashigo, makibashigo, kagibashigo, and takabashigo. All of them could be easily be assembled on the spot. Other climbing equipment employed kasugai, uchikagi, and kaginawa (grappling hooks). When climbing stonewalls and the like, thick nails were also used. Ningu for infiltration A kunai was a tool for making a hole in a wall, but if a rope was attached to it then it could be used for climbing. The tsubokiri was indispensable for infltrating an enemy castle, fort, or residence, for it was used to poke peepholes in walls, allowing ninja to get a good look into interior spaces. Shikoro was a double-edged saw, one side was used to cut bamboo, the other to cut trees. Tataminomi was a foldable file that was used to cut through doorposts and door locks. Ningu to pass over water (suiki) Moats surrended castles as a defensive measure against enemy invasion. Suiki reffered to equipent that was used by ninja to cross moats, marshes, and ponds.

Ukibashi was like a ladder made from cut bamboo and two ropes; it could float on water and ninja could walk across it. Kame-ikada was a kind a raft that was constructed by placing a water jar between eight bamboo poles or spears. The jar could be substituted by a pot, tub, or other vessel. Tsuzura-ikada was a raft that was essentially an emptied tsuzura, a storage box for kimono made from bamboo. Mizugumo was equipment that enabled ninja to walk onn water, but there have been various opinions disputing its existence since it seems so impossible. Reliable sources indicate that the mizugumo were perhaps small round floats that were strapped to the feet and with the aid of a pole enabled the user to "walk" accross a marsh. Mission equipment * 2 The Six Tools (Shinobi Rokugu) Ninja used many kinds of equipment, but when traveling they took as little as possible so as not to raise suspicion at borders and checkpoints. The necessities that ninja are said to have taken with them are called shinobi rokugu or the "six tools". Kaginawa - a tool to scale heights; a grappling hook Uchitake - items for survival, for making fires Medicine - salves, insect repellents, and hypnoticor poison potions Amigasa - an umbrella for rain. It was also useful to hide the face. Sekihitsu - writing materials made of clay. Used to record information. Tenugui - a cotton towel for hiding the face, as a headband, or belt. Muddy water could be filtered through a tenugui and drunk. Mission equipment * 3

Kajutsu - The Art of Fire Ninja were skilled at kajutsu, the art of fire. In Iga and Koka, plants were used as an ingredient for making gunpowder, and this technology was highly developed. Gunpowder was made of moxa(a caustic burning herb), champhor, and horse manure. The ingredients were made into a fine powder using a grinder or yakugen and then preserved. The weapons and equipment ninja used for kajutsu were called kaki, and included teppo (guns), hiya (burning arrows that were fired into enemy camps to create commotion), uzumebi (bombs similar to land mines), taimatsu (torches for lighting), noroshi (for the transmission of intelligence), and so on. Two hundred different kinds of kajutsu could be drawn upon depending on the situation.
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Ninja Mind Control

secret ninja information #5

Ninja control of mind * 1 Kuji-Goshinho When cornered by an enemy, a ninja would out both hands together in front of his or her face, a pose that if often repeated in movies or novels. This was called kuji-goshinho, and it originated from a Chinese Taoist magic spell. After being imported to Japan, the kuji-goshinho became part of esoteric Buddhist and Shugendo training. Therefore it was only natural for ninja also to study it. This kind of mental concentration moderated temper, improved willpower, and captured the energies of nature.

The Iga school of ninjutsu practiced kuji-goshinho twice every day and night. Ninja also practiced mental concentration before a fight or mission.

(rin) - The hands are clasped together, fingers interlinked with the two forefingers touching and raised straight outwards. (byo) - The hands are clasped together, but with the thumbs hooked under the two touching and raised forefingers. (to) - The hands are clasped together; the fingers are interlocked, but not tucked in. However the thumbs are tucked in and the two little fingers are touching and raised. (sha) - The hands are clasped together and all fingers are interlocked and tucked in except for the two forefingers, which are raised and touching. (kai) - All ten fingers are interlocked on the outside. (Jin) - All ten fingers are interlocked on the inside. (retsu) - Thumbs are tucked in, and the hands are made into fists with the right hand above the left, but touching. (zai) - The hands are open with palms exposed; the two forefingers and the two thumbs touch. (zen) - The left hand rests in the right hand easily; the thumb on the left hand touches its forefinger. Ninja control of mind * 2 Satsujinjutsu Ninja were skilled at observing people. They could infer economic conditions by the appearance of a house or by the fragrance a kimono gave off, as well as the looks, language, and gestures of a person. Moreover, ninja used gojo goyoku-no-kotowari - the ptinciple of the five emotions and five desires - to manipulate a person. The Five Emotions

Pleasure - The other party is easily manipulated by pleasure. Anger - The other party is made angry and controlled through their upset mood. Sorrow - The other party's sympathy is invited. Enjoyment - Give enjoyment and the fighting spirit is lost. Fear - Take advantage of and control through the sense of fear. Five Desires Food - The other party is manipulated through their favorite foods. Sex - Manipulation by using the opposite sex. Fame - Manipulation through the promise of promotion or becoming famous. Property - Manipulation with money. Elegance - Manipulation by appealing to a hobby or telling an interesting story.
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09.05.09
Ninja Knowledge
secret ninja information #4

Ninja knowledge * 1 Study of Sleep Since ninja often carried out missions in the middle of the night, they had to be well informed about sleeping habits.

The Bansenshukai deatiled the different states of sleep in each season, methods for determining the depth of a sleep by the age, character, and physique of a person, and how to distinguish a deep sleep from sham sleep by the quality of snoring. To analyze a person's snoring, ninja used a kikizutsu, a special device for listening. This was used behind walls, from the floor above a ceiling, or below the floorboards of a house. It is said that ninja sometimes inserted the kikizutsu through a window. Ninja tried to perceive wether a person was sleeping well by such methods. When it was not possible to determine if a person was asleep or not, a powdered ash was blown over the face of the sleeping person with a blowgun. If the person were in a deep sleep the ash would not affect him. A feigned sleep could be detected if the ninja became still and listened to the snoring. An unnatural high accent, the separation of breathing between snores, the swallowing of saliva, and snores mixed with sighing all indicate a feign sleep. It is also doubtful if a person is asleep if his joints make sounds when he tosses and turns. Ninja knowledge * 2 Orienteering - Sattenjutsu Ninja often worked outdoors, and so were intimately familiar with the movements of the moon and constellations. This useful outdoor knowledge was called sattenjutsu. 1.Telling time In an age with no clocks, ninja confirmed the time by the positions of the sun or the Big Dipper. Ninja could also tell time by the pupils in the eye of a cat, because their size changed with brightness. 2. Knowing the weather

Ninja forecast the weather by observing clouds, mountains, the moon, and the color of the sky, When setting fire to an enemy castle, a day with strong wind is good. Such knowledge could be very valuable, for example, a rainy day would be good for infiltration since the rain would help cover up any sound. 3. Telling directions Ninja were able to judge directions from the Polestar and the Big Dipper. On a dark night when they lost their way, ninja could find the direction by using magnetic needles, which already excisted in Japan at the time. Ninja knowledge * 3 Information Processing In olden times, information was transmitted directly from person to person. Nninja used various methods of transmission that only their contacts would understand, Information flowed quickly and secretly. Cipher text Shinobi-iroha were characters that contained a cipher and could only be read following special rules. Jindamoji were characters that had been used in Japan before the importation of Chinese characters. Signs Ishioki was leaving a stone in a certain location as a signal to meet a contact. Goshikimai was a mehod of passing information to a contact by using a certain number and combination of dryed rice grains - red, blue, yellow, purple, and black. Yuinawa was a knotted rope that was hung under the eaves as a signal. The shape of the knots indicated messages, such as "go ahead" or "I will go to the west". Secret jargon

Ninja who infiltrated enemy territory used secret jargon with contacts so that their true colors would not be discovered. Passwords Ninja employed many kinds of passwords. Simple passwords could be "moon and sun", "valley and water", "sea and salt", "fire and smoke", and "mountain and forest". Passwords could also be literary, such as "flower and Yoshino", "snow and Fuji", and "smoke and Asama". Passwords were changed daily. Another kind of password was called warifu. It consisted of a wooden board upon which pictures and characters were written. The board was split into two pieces. Noroshi (Signal fire) The dry droppings of Japanese wolves were mixed with gunpowder to make thick smoke what was used to impart information from mountain to mountain. When droppings were mixed with the gunpowder, smoke would become easier to manipulate and thus avoid sending hard-to-read signals. Flags were also used as a method for signaling during the Edo period. Secret letters It was often necessary for a person to show documents and have their belongings searched at checkpoints in enemy territory, so many methods were invented for these situations. A letter was rolled into a paper string, which then could be carried by tucking it into straw sandals, a braided hat, or sewing it into the collar of the kimono. Insho hitoku-no-ho was a method of writing characters on a thin strip of Japanese paper after it had been rolled around a stick. The paper was then taken off the stick, rendering it unreadable unless the party it had been passed to had a stick of the same size. The message could then be easily read once the other party wrapped it around the second stick.

When a stricter check was expected, scars made from cuts on a shaved head with a dagger could serve as a secret message. After the characters had been carved on a clean-shaved head, the hair was allowed to grow back. When the ninja reached his destination, his hair was cut, thus revealed the message. Fubo-no-jutsu The safest and surest way to carry top-secret information was to memorize it all and transmit the message directly. Ninja developed many ways to use the art of the associatice memory, in which ine remembered something by associating them with body parts or foods. To never forget something of utmost importance the ninja relied on the secret art fubo-no-jutsu. In this art, information was cut directly on to the body, leaving scar tissue that could be later read. It was painful and required a string will, but ninja lived in times when death was only a moment away.
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04.04.09
The Birth of Ninja
secret ninja information #1

The Appearance of Shoen and Samurai Powerful clans or gozoku held power in each province in old Japan, and they ruled over land and vassals in accordance to the regulations of their province. This was the age when large kofun (tomb mounds) were made for clan leaders. In the late seventh century, seven years after the Taika-no-Kaishin (the Taikia Revolution of 645) all land and vassals were put under the rule of the chotei (central government). Farmers worked on personal field allotments or kubunden, and when they died, the farmland was returned to the government. This law was called handenshuju-no-ho. However, many farmers abandoned their kubunden and fled because of heavy tax burdens, hard labor, and military service required by law.

Because of this central government enacted a new law that allowed farmers to reclaim uncultivated rice fields and use them for three generations. Later, the government enacted an even more progressive law in which cultivated land could become privately owned on a permanent basis. At that time the large Buddhist temple, Shinto shrines, and aristocrats in Kyoto and Nara had the financial power to employ farmers who lived nearby and who had reclaimed uncultivated fields. These landed estates were called "shoen". Amidst this background, powerful owners emerged who believed that they could not rely solely upon the central government for protection, and therefore took it upon themselves to defend their estates. This led to the creation of specialized groups for defense, in essence the very beginnings of the bushi class. As the lord and retainer relationship evolved, bushi groups naturally emerged to serve their aristocratic lords. Before long, larger groups of bushi were created. Two of the largest of these groups, the Heike and Genji clans, eventually clashed a large battle with the Heike clan losing out. Moreover, the story of one great swordsman who participated in this war, Minamotono Yoshitsune, has been handed down to us today. Book of Strategy, Sonshi, and the Birth of Ninja It is commonly held that Buddhism was introduced to Japan around 538, and at this time, a Chinese book of military strategy entitled Sonshi, written by Sonbu around 400BC during the Sei dynasty of China, was introduced as well. Many strategies are outlined in this book. For example, when generally engaging in war, one should first assess the potential of both sides and try to foresee victory or defeat; and when it is apparent that the enemy has the potential to win, the war has to be avoided and the conflict resolved by diplomacy. One should aim at the improvement of one's military potential, continue maneuvers that are destructive to the enemy, and fight only after the enemy's capabilities to wage war have been weakened. Therefore, the method of using spies to collect information on an enemy's military potential or using spies to destroy that military potential is one strategy that is outlined in this book. Sonshi says to give priority to victory with wisdom, and using wisdom, not military power, is the preferred way to achieve victory. The Soga Clan first attained and used the Sonshi along with its adoption of Buddhism. There is evidence that Sogano Umako of the Soga family assassinated his enemies by using kan (a spy, the predecessors of ninja), thus helping to usher in the golden era of the Soga Clan. Around this time, Shotoku Taishi, a regent to the Imperial Court, created a vast network to collect intelligence, especially relying on Hatano Kawakatsu, who presided over the guilds of entertainers and street vendors who traveled around the country to work local festivals. In addition, the Hata Clan, which was granted the office of overseeing the temples and shrines of Ise and Iga, reported all useful information they came across. Their descendants, the Hattori Clan,

founded the Iga School of Ninjutsu. Finally, Taishi was close to Ohotomono Sahito, a shinobi, or a gatherer of intelligence. Since Sahito had many informants Taishi often consulted him about incidents, investigations, and trials. It is said that Sahito's activities became one of the cornerstones of the Koka School of Ninjutsu. Shugendo, Ninjutsu and the Martial Arts Buddhism belonged to the aristocrats at first, but the monk Gyoki propagated that Buddhism among the general populace with the simple idea that the native gods and the Buddha were one and the same, an idea referred to as honchisuijaku. Alarmed by this new development, the government suppressed Gyoki and his new followers. At this time, the founder of Shugendo, Ennogyoja, and the yamabushi defended Gyoki and his followers. These ascetics who trained in mountains were especially skilled in guerilla warfare. Yamabushi had acquired great spiritual strength through their strenuous mountain training, and they learned magic, fortune telling, the ability to see through objects, medicine, martial arts and so on. Yamabushi were also known as shigenja and those who finished mineiri training (special religious practice, literally to "enter the mountain") could walk on fire or blades and perform other esoteric skills. In a word, they supposedly were able to manipulate the powers of nature and transcend the limits of their own bodies. However, the natural forces they acquired by training were best applied in the martial arts. These men were able to shatter their opponent's composure by simply using a kiai or a forceful, blood-curdling yell. Yamabushi formed a formidable intelligence-gathering network because they were constantly traveling between regions on mountain trails. Thus they were able to obtain information about all kinds of things. Since Gyoki's sect of Buddhism continued to grow without abate among the populace, the government was finally forced to accept his activities. At the same time, the government also recognized the yamabushi as legitimate. In the Heian era, the yamabushi of the Kinki region belonged to the Tendai or Shingon sects of Buddhism, and as yamabushi temples were built, the yamabushi came to be seen as a force that could be used for protection. As previously mentioned, the defenders of the many estates around Kyoto and Nara were the early origins of the bushi. Moreover, by the middle of the Heina period, the yamabushi, armed with the Shugendo belief in sacred mountains, had now become completely adept in the martial arts and ninjutsu. They would eventually give birth to ninja, and also kengo-master swordsmen. Lagt inn av crom kl. 08.38 0 kommentarer Etiketter: Ninja

Ninja Transformation
secret ninja information #3

Ninja Transformation * 1 Clothing Ninja generally wore the same attire as bushi. However, when on a spy mission ninja wore dark,

close-fitting clothes, the ninja style of shinobi syozoku that is so commonly depicted on television period dramas and in movies. Shinobi syozoku don't interfere with the movement of the body, nor do they stand out. People usually think of the ninja costume as pitch-black with a typical ninja mask, but in reality ninja clothing was not black. Contrary to expectations, black clothing stands out in darkness. The color of ninja wear, mouse gray or navy blue, was made from tea and persimmon dyes, and colors were made to match the tones of the surroundings. The inside and outside of the costume were made with different colors and patterns, so it could be turned inside out and worn twice. A white costume was used in snow. The jacket had many pockets inside and in the collar. Long and slender objects, such as shikoro (a small double-edged saw) were hidden in pockets; a mirror, tanned paper, oiled paper, and Japanese paper were placed in the chest area for protection. The long and slender pockets in the leggings could obtain a cylinder-shaped shuriken. The ninja costume could also be transformed into a tool for defense or attack.

Ninja Transformation * 2 Art of Disguise To hide their identity, ninja used seven different disguises called shichihode. Ninja were able to gather information without suspicion by employing these disguises with flexibility. They also were adept at acqiring the tools, the vocabulary, and the gestures suitable for each disguised occupation. Moreover, to fool the other party, ninja applied smells suitable to their appearance. The seven disguises were: 1. Buddhist monk 2. Yamabushi (mountain ascetic) 3. Komuso (mendicant Zen priest) 4. Hokashi (street performer) 5. Sarugakushi (comedic actor) 6. Merchant 7. A common farmer or samurai It was not possible to cross a border during the Edo period unless one had a proper traveling pass. However, yamabushi, komuso, and merchants were exempt from this system and were able to move freely about the country. Pretending to be sick or handicapped In places where strict precautions were necessary and many acquaintances might be found, ninja used the arts of "henso (disguise)", hentai (abnormality)", and "hensei (altered voices)". Henso-no-jutsu Ninja altered the color of their face with special paints, and when they applied pigments made from a poisonous plant, their face would become swollen. Using fish scales as contact lenses,

they could feign an eye disease, or by fasting, growing long hair and long fingernails the ninja could appear to be sick or in a bad way. Hentai-no-jutsu Ninja also altered their physique, for example using a walking stick to feign a bad foot, or dislocating a shoulder to appear to be physically handicapped. The purpose of pretending to be sick or handicapped was to make the other party relax their guard. This is the essence of the art of ninjutsu - to take advantage of an enemy's inattention. Hensei-no-jutsu Ninja were able to use many kinds of voices and were skilled in ventriloquism. Imitating animals Ninja observed animals and employed their behavior to ninjutsu. Fox hiding When a fox flees from hounds he will enter water to erase the scent of his trail. When chased by an enemy, a ninja would sometimes hide underwater and use a bamboo pipe to breathe. Tanuki (asian raccoon-dog) hiding When hunted, a tanuki will climb a tree and hide himself in its leafy branches. Ninja could climb large trees quickly by using equipment like a kaginawa, a kind of grappling hook. Tanuki escaping A ninja will wait for a pursuer and then send him in the wrong direction, or leave som clue or object for the pursuer to find to misdirect him. Ninja applied the clever behavior of raccoon-dogs to their arts. Uzurakakure-no-jutsu (literally, "the art of quail hiding") Uzurakakure-no-jutsu is the art of making oneself invisible in full view. This simple skill, which may appear comical from the perspective of modern people, was used to deceive enemy eyes by burying the face in the sleeve, pulling the hands and feet into sleeves and pant legs, crouching and breathing quietly, becoming silent and perfectly still. But an excellent ninja, wo has "no sound, no smell, no name," was able to erase any sign of his existence completely. According to a famous tale, one ninja who had snuck into an enemy castle in Iga and encountered a guard, momentarily employed the uzurakakure-no-jutsu. When a guard came across this strange object, which was really the ninja, he bacame suspicious and poked it with his spear. However, the object didn't move at all and so the guard left. The ninja kept still, enduring the pain from the spear wound to his belly. After the guard left, the injured ninja still managed to set fire to the castle and succeed in what ha had set out to do. Lagt inn av crom kl. 08.23 0 kommentarer Etiketter: Ninja

02.04.09
Ancient Scroll
One of the forgotten arts of the human world is the Art of Summoning Evil Things. When I was a child, I found some sort of forgottten artifact. I was digging up bushes and a lot of dirt, removing old roots from fallen trees, I reached about 9 metres under the ground when I discovered this Ancient Scroll of Summoning.

I have to use more chemicals to interpret the signs in the background, but the image clearly illustrates its effects. In time, I hope to understand what sort of formula it takes to summon this sort of Evil.