Much mystery surrounds the history of ninja warriors, Japan's highly trained group of spies and secret assassins. Unlike the noble samurai warriors, ninjas, who were active primarily between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, had no code of honor and often worked as mercenaries for the wealthy and powerful of feudal Japan. Because their loyalties could be bought, they rarely spoke about their methods or secrets, which is why their history still remains a blend of fact and fiction. This volume in the History's Fearless Fighters series details what is known about ninja training, disguises, weapons, and reputation. Despite the secrecy, this book finds much to discuss, even providing a time-line overview of the rise and fall of ninjas. Though they aren't the secret society they once were, there are still schools that teach the martial-arts techniques and skills of the ninja, and interest in these ancient warriors is unwavering.