- Kato Danzo
Kato Danzo(加藤段蔵) a noted ninja master during the time of the
Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. Danzo had also regularly been known as flying Kato. Danzo's first known genjutsu performance was when he had performed the trick of swallowing a cow in front of a rather large crowd of people. When a certain man amongst the crown had seen through Danzo's genjutsu trick, Danzo compensated for this by sowing many moonflower seeds within the ground. After the seeds had hit the ground, they had immediately began to sprout, in which vines and buds grew out of the flower, leading to its bloom. It is said that the flowers were over seventy centimeters in width, which had lead to the crowd's astonishment. For unknown reasons, the certain man who had seen through Danzo's trick ended up having his body split into two sections after falling to the ground which made a large noise. The famedUesugi Kenshin had heard of Danzo's reputation, which had led for him to invite Danzo to his prime castle. Danzo had claimed to Kenshin that his genjutsu abilities had known no bounds and that he could accomplish anything with his powers. Kenshin then tested Danzo's abilities by challenging him to sneak into a certain castle and to retrieve one of his vassal's prized long sword. Guards were employed within every post, along with lights to eliminate the darkness, and to even let loose dogs. However, Danzo had performed don kenjutsu and donjinjutsu to appear before Lord Kenshin with the long sword.Kenshin then had believed that Danzo would be a very useful ally if he were to become one of his vassals. Kenshin soon realized that Danzo would be no more than a beast who was useful when chains were attached, but would become as furocious as a freed beast if the chains were to be broken. Kenshin had then ordered for Danzo's execution. After Danzo had been completely surrounded by Kenshin's soldiers, he said, "Now, everyone, I would like to show you something amazing.". Danzo produced a large gourd and appeared to pour
sake into a cup. Twenty dolls came out of the gourd and began to dance. The amusing dancing of the dolls captivated the vassal's attention, and Danzo seized the chance to escape. After this, Danzo decided to visit the famedTakeda Shingen , the nemesis of Kenshin. Just like Kenshin however, Shingen had declared Danzo as a very dangerous illusionist, and he was to be executed. Many believe that Danzo was either shot repeatedly or decapitated.References
"Essence of Ninjutsu"
#In the manga series, "Hanzo no Mon," or "Path of the Assassin" as it's known in the west, by Kazuo Koike/Goseki Kojima, Kato Danzo makes a prominent appearance. He is known as "Kite Kato," a fearsome shugenja and nearly unrivaled shinobi. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Path_of_the_Assassin]
#http://www2.kanawa.com/japan/figure7.html#Danzo
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