Traditionally, ninjas trained in improv from birth. They learned to be preternaturally vigilant for comedic possibilities around them. By five or six, children's play took the form of scenes about office politics and airports. They learned how to walk without making a noise, to assume disguises that allowed them to blend in with a crowd, to scamper across trees and to do voices of celebrities. As they grew older, these future ninjas began hand-to-hand combat, weapons training and other physical comedy.

Even today, ninjas are spoke of with awe and admiration, but these people were assassins of the highest order, killing for a price and turning audience suggestions to their own twisted comedic ends.