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Yes! That was the way to rid yourself of this shameful fear that now embarrassed you. Already your confidence is returning...

CHAPTER 1

History and Organization

Some of the basic ideas behind the development of ninjutsu came to Japan from China, but like much else in Japanese culture which stems from foreign sources of influence, ninjutsu quickly became Japanized. In Chinese military classics such as the Sonshi (Sun-Tzu in Chinese) can be found descriptions of methods of espionage. The Sun-Tzu was known in Japan as early as the sixth century A.D.

In the seventh century a considerable number of persons wanted for various reasons by the Imperial Court had taken refuge in the mountainous wilds near Kyoto. They were greatly outnumbered by the government warriors sent out to disperse them, and therefore it became necessary for them to develop clever tactics and strategy to guarantee their survival.

The yamabushi (mountain ascetics) were one such group that had invoked the wrath of the aristocratic court by founding a religion the court believed to be contrary to its best interests.