Katō Danzō

Template:Japanese name Katō Danzō (加藤段蔵) a noted ninja master during the time of the Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. Danzō had also regularly been known as Flying Katō (飛び加藤, Tobi Katō). Danzō's first known genjutsu performance was when he had performed the trick of swallowing a cow in front of a rather large crowd of people. When a certain man amongst the crowd had seen through Danzō's genjutsu trick, Danzō compensated for this by sowing many moonflower seeds within the ground. After the seeds had hit the ground, they had immediately began to sprout, in which vines and buds grew out of the flower, leading to its bloom. It is said that the flowers were over seventy centimeters in width, which had led to the crowd's astonishment. For unknown reasons, the certain man who had seen through Danzō's trick ended up having his body split into two sections after falling to the ground which made a large noise. The famed Uesugi Kenshin had heard of Danzō's reputation, which had led for him to invite Danzō to his prime castle. Danzō had claimed to Kenshin that his genjutsu abilities had known no bounds and that he could accomplish anything with his powers. Kenshin then tested Danzō's abilities by challenging him to sneak into a certain castle and to retrieve one of his vassal's prized long sword. Guards were employed within every post, along with lights to eliminate the darkness, and to even let loose dogs. However, Danzō had performed don kenjutsu and donjinjutsu to appear before Lord Kenshin with the long sword.

Kenshin then had believed that Danzō would be a very useful ally if he were to become one of his vassals. Kenshin soon realized that Danzō would be no more than a beast who was useful when chains were attached, but would become as ferocious as a freed beast if the chains were to be broken. Kenshin had then ordered for Danzō's execution. After Danzō had been completely surrounded by Kenshin's soldiers, he said, "Now, everyone, I would like to show you something amazing". Danzō produced a large gourd and appeared to pour sake into a cup. Twenty dolls came out of the gourd and began to dance. The amusing dancing of the dolls captivated the vassal's attention, and Danzō seized the chance to escape. After this, Danzō decided to visit the famed Takeda Shingen, the nemesis of Kenshin. Just like Kenshin however, Shingen had declared Danzō as a very dangerous illusionist, and he was to be executed. Many believe that Danzō was either shot repeatedly or decapitated.

References

Essence of Ninjutsu

1. In the manga series, "Hanzo no Mon," or "Path of the Assassin" as it's known in the west, by Kazuo Koike/Goseki Kojima, Katō Danzō makes a prominent appearance. He is known as "Kite Katō," a fearsome shugenja and nearly unrivaled shinobi.
2. http://www2.kanawa.com/japan/figure7.html#Danzō