Reaction: Why Ninja and Pirates are both OK (even if ninjas are better)

My source is Wikipedia (scorn me if you wish).

"Ninja (忍者) were said to be agents of espionage and assassination in feudal Japan in legend and popular fiction. Some modern practitioners of budo ninjutsu argue that ninja were used primarily as spies, not assassins; and this appears to be borne out by some historical records. It is popularly believed that the ancient ninja were peasants, forbidden under law from studying the samurai swordplay techniques because of feudal Japan's caste structure; but more likely they originated from a variety of castes. The majority appear to have come from the "untouchables", the lowest caste in Japanese culture, and over time picked up a number of others, mostly criminals and outcasts from various levels of Japanese society. "

So much for ninja as violent elitists - apparently, ninjas were veritable populists.

"Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that the ninjas dressed in all black suits . . . these spies and assassins were far more likely to be disguised as samurai, priests, or peasants or when situation dictates, dark green, blue or dark red outfit which offers better camouflage to its surroundings.

Some ninjas were said to have disguised themselves as Fuke monks and used the traditional flute of the zen sect, the Shakuhachi, as a powerful blunt weapon. Many government agents and ninja disguised themselves as komusō, since one could travel about in complete anonymity and gather information. There were even short pieces that were supposed to be played by one komusō greeting another. These suizen melodies tended to be very difficult to outsiders of the sect. If the second komusō did not respond, the first would know that the other was probably a spy."

So it gets better - ninjas do have fashion sense (how many pirates get to dress up as monks?) and they (drumroll) musick. Sea chanties are fine and dandy of course, but melody-codes on weaponized flutes? This is pretty chill stuff we're talking about.

In bleak contrast:
"In the popular modern imagination, pirates of the classical period were rebellious, clever teams who operated outside the restricting bureaucracy of modern life. In reality, many pirates ate poorly, did not become fabulously wealthy, and died young."

But come, let's not turn this into a petty squabble - ninjas and pirates are actually brothers in arms! Compare the below passage with the first excerpt on ninja:
"Pirates readily accepted outcasts from traditional societies, perhaps easily recognizing kindred spirits, and they were known to free slaves from slave ships and welcome them into the pirate fold."

i.e. a lonely pirate washed up on the shores of feudal Japan would have been heartily welcomed by the local ninja cell, and a bedraggled ninja marooned in the briny deep would have been happily received by a passing pirate ship. Just warms the cockles of your heart, doesn't it?

Contemplatively yours,

Sam