Ninjas, also known as shinobi, are a type of covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. They were known for their stealth, secrecy and skills in espionage, sabotage and assassination. Their origins can be traced back to the 14th century in Japan, in the regions of Iga and Koga.The Iga and Koga regions, located in present-day central Japan, were known for their rugged terrain and dense forests, which provided the perfect training ground for the development of ninja skills. These regions were also known for their fierce warrior clans, who were skilled in the art of combat and survival.These warrior clans were often hired by feudal lords as spies and assassins, and over time, they developed the skills and techniques that would become associated with ninjas. These skills included stealth, disguise, and espionage, as well as the use of weapons such as shurikens (throwing stars) and kusarigama (a type of sickle-and-chain weapon).The role of the ninja in feudal Japan was to gather intelligence and carry out secret missions on behalf of their employers. They were also used as spies and assassins, and were often employed to infiltrate enemy territory and sabotage their operations. They were known for their ability to blend in with their surroundings and move undetected, and were also skilled in the art of disguise.In addition to their military and espionage roles, Ninjas were also known for their expertise in medicine, engineering, and even poetry. They were well-educated, often fluent in several languages and familiar with the customs and cultures of the regions they operated in.