Ninji
A Ninji is a black, blue, or purple, star-shaped ninja creature that first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 2. In this game, Ninjis served Wart, the tyrannical ruler of the dream world known as Subcon. Apparently, Ninjis come from the dreams of NES players (according to the game's instruction 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. Giant Ninjis also appeared in this adventure.
Ninjis also appear in Super Mario World. In this game, they serve King Bowser during his rule of Dinosaur Land. 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 activated). 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. It is unknown if these Ninjis are still manifested from dreams like their SMB2 counterparts, or if they are a naturally occuring species in Mario's world.
The Ninjis in Hotel Mario were called Mini-Ninjis, but there is no difference between regular ones and minis, as in Super Mario World.
In Paper Mario, the Ninji act as the protectors of the Star Kids in Starborn Valley and are friendly, non-enemy characters.
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).
