<P> Along with common weapons, a large assortment of miscellaneous arms were associated with the ninja . Some examples include poison, makibishi (caltrops), cane swords (shikomizue), land mines, fukiya (blowguns), poisoned darts, acid - spurting tubes, and firearms . The happō, a small eggshell filled with blinding powder (metsubushi), was also used to facilitate escape . </P> <P> Superhuman or supernatural powers were often associated with the ninja . Some legends include flight, invisibility, shapeshifting, the ability to "split" into multiple bodies, the summoning of animals, and control over the five classical elements . These fabulous notions have stemmed from popular imagination regarding the ninja's mysterious status, as well as romantic ideas found in later Japanese art of the Edo period . Magical powers were sometimes rooted in the ninja's own efforts to disseminate fanciful information . For example, Nakagawa Shoshujin, the 17th century founder of Nakagawa - ryū, claimed in his own writings (Okufuji Monogatari) that he had the ability to transform into birds and animals . </P> <P> Perceived control over the elements may be grounded in real tactics, which were categorized by association with forces of nature . For example, the practice of starting fires in order to cover a ninja's trail falls under katon - no - jutsu ("fire techniques"). </P> <P> The ninja's adaption of kites in espionage and warfare is another subject of legends . Accounts exist of ninja being lifted into the air by kites, where they flew over hostile terrain and descended into, or dropped bombs on enemy territory . Kites were indeed used in Japanese warfare, but mostly for the purpose of sending messages and relaying signals . Turnbull suggests that kites lifting a man into midair might have been technically feasible, but states that the use of kites to form a human "hang glider" falls squarely in the realm of fantasy . </P>

Who lead the first company in the ninja war