Because the former samurai could not legally take up a new trade, or
because of pride were loath to do so, many rōnin looked for other ways
to make a living with their swords.
Those rōnin who desired steady,
legal employment became mercenaries
that guarded trade caravans, or bodyguards for wealthy merchants.
Many
other rōnin became criminals, operating as bandits and highwaymen, or
joining organized crime in towns and cities. Rōnin were known to
operate, or serve as hired muscle for, gangs that ran gambling rings,
brothels, protection rackets, and other similar activities. Many were
petty thieves and muggers. The criminal segment gave the rōnin of the
Edo period a persistent reputation of disgrace, with the image of thugs,
bullies, cutthroats, and wandering vagrants.
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