Ninji
A Ninji is a black, blue, or purple, star-shaped ninja creature that first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 2; Ninjis apparently come from the dreams of NES players (or so says Super Mario Bros. 2's manual). There are two types of Ninji: the first type charges at Mario, suddenly jumping as they approach; the second type remains in one place and jumps up and down. There is also another type, the Giant Ninji.
The Ninji also appear in Super Mario World. They make their appearance in only one level, the final level, in fact. These Ninjis are black, making them difficult to see in the darkness of Bowser's Castle (unless the searchlight is turned on). The Mario Mania Player's Guide (1991) describes Ninjis as "Mini-Ninjas," stating that they have been driven insane by their long isolation in Bowser's Castle.
Ninjis in Hotel Mario were called Mini-Ninjis, but there is no difference between regular ones and minis.
In Paper Mario, the Ninji act as the protectors of the Star Kids in Starborn Valley and are friendly, non-enemy characters. In an odd sort of way, the Ninjis in Paper Mario also resemble black pigs standing on their heads.
Appearances In Other Media
In The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! episode "Karate Koopa", the Ninjis helped King Koopa attempt to defeat Mario and the gang. In the show, they were called Blackbelt Ninjis (since they wore black clothes).
