Ninja (3)

Most ninjutsu techniques recorded in scrolls and manuals revolve around ways to avoid detection, and methods of escape.^[8] These techniques were loosely grouped under corresponding natural elements. Some examples are:

• Hitsuke – The practice of distracting guards by starting a fire away from the ninja's planned point of entry. Falls under "fire techniques" (katon-no-jutsu).^[68]
• Tanuki-gakure – The practice of climbing a tree and camouflaging oneself within the foliage. Falls under "wood techniques" (mokuton-no-jutsu).^[68]
• Ukigusa-gakure – The practice of throwing duckweed over water in order to conceal underwater movement. Falls under "water techniques" (suiton-no-jutsu).^[68]
• Uzura-gakure – The practice of curling into a ball and remaining motionless in order to appear like a stone. Falls under "earth techniques" (doton-no-jutsu).^[68]