What exactly is a shinobi in FX's Shōgun series and what is the meaning of the role? The castle where John Blackthorne, Lady Mariko and the rest of what's left with Lord Toranaga's colleagues reside was invaded. How does a shinobi come into play in this feud? Find out here.
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for Shōgun, so proceed with caution.
What is a Shinobi's Role in the Shōgun Series?
Told through the lens of feudal Japan, the Shōgun series proves just how much the Regents want to witness Lord Toranaga fail in his plans for once.
In this case, even though Lady Mariko had been granted permission to leave Osaka, Yabushige's betrayal caused her own downfall in episode 9 titled Crimson Sky.
As Yabu kept an eye on the gates, he ended up letting in shinobi warriors onto their land. What are they here for?
A shinobi is a type of ninja warrior specializing in stealth infiltration, sabotage, and assassination during the age of the samurai.
They are employed to take out their opponents and targets by surprise, which was exactly how they claimed victory. However, it is a bit too early to celebrate on their side.
Thanks to Yabu, shinobi warriors that were sent from Ishido himself raided John Blackthorne and Lady Mariko's castle in the middle of the night, slicing the necks of every samurai in their slumber, and of course, capturing the translator herself as a hostage.
READ MORE: Shōgun: What was Lady Mariko's Confession to Father Martin in Ep 9? Her Last Wishes Explored
The Shinobi Attack Rendered Prominent Character's Death
As much as Lady Mariko was permitted to leave Osaka, Ishido's sent shinobi attack was one of the few things she expected to happen.
So, while Yabushige and John Blackthorne were able to save Lord Toranaga's wife as well as his consort and her child and Lady Mariko, the latter still saw no success to the end of the attack unless she sacrificed herself.
While it remains to be seen whether or not Lady Mariko is actually dead, the shinobi have proven themselves worthy of their title, considering they took out half of Lord Toranaga's allies without sparing one life along the way.
Now, we'll have to wait until the finale episode arrives to see how things unfold next.
READ NEXT: Shōgun: Who Were the Ninja Assassins Who Killed Lady Mariko? Is She Really Dead?
In the meantime, Shōgun episode 10 titled A Dream of a Dream premieres on Hulu on April 23.
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