それ忍とは、御大将の御指図により、日頃より何時か敵になる国及び所に忍ぶ者にして、その国の全般を監視し、我が方の不利なることを発券せば、逐次そのことを御大将に早く御知らせ申すべく、全力を尽くすによってとす。
A Shinobi, as ordered by his General, in non-wartimes will act as a spy in domains that may someday become an enemy. The shinobi observes the general situation of the domain and if he or she finds something that is disadvantageous to their side they will do their utmost to report it to their General as soon as possible.
また、ひとたび敵にあいなれば、敵本陣、馬陣、我が国を攻撃の道筋。（このさい、新しく道を作り進み来る時あり。用心のこと）。持ち行く食糧は、出来れば鉄砲数、薬玉の数、人数、本陣、留守隊、国境より4里の所。（行軍里数は一日四里を目安とすること）。その大将の前々よりの戦の仕用。または敵の利用する設備を忍が攻撃（奇襲）敵軍をえて恐怖の心をいだかすごとく動き、または色々と攪乱さする事を併用する等、敵後方を恐怖霍乱さす事、よいな。されど御大将の命により、その地内にて敵をして全力をあげ、わが国を攻撃のおり、その国または小荷駄道の不安を生じるごとく動くべしとの御命令があれば、忍本来の主要なれば、よいな。うれしや、うれしや。
また本隊の動きを容易ならしめば、我ら忍組の動きはよしとす。
Also, if you come upon the enemy, their main troops or cavalry, it is the path they plan to use to attack our domain. (At this time, there are occasions when you can make a new path and advance. Be cautious.) If possible, when it came to what was to be carried such as food, the number of guns, grenades, people, main troops, reserve corps, etc. it should be enough to go four “Ri” from the border. (As a rule of thumb, a traveling army should travel four “Ri” in one day). Their purpose is to be in use long before their General arrives to the battle. Also, the Shinobi surprise attacks the enemy’s positions and takes actions to strike fear into the heart of the enemy. They make use of causing various disturbances, etc. to push the enemy back in fear. Understood? By the commandment of the General, the shinobi will enter the enemy’s territory and do their best against the enemy. When our lands are in danger of attack and they feel the need to change course because they feel an uneasiness about the road, if this is due to primarily the shinobi that were sent, Good right? Happy, happy.
Also, if the movements of our own troops are made easier, our Shinobi units did well.
敵も味方を攻撃する前には国内の我ら忍の者を狩出すものなれば、よいな。ぬかるなよ。
As long as the enemy is busy hunting down our shinobi before attacking our ally, that is good. Do not let your guard down.
忍の者は、君に忠にして、国を愛しての忍にして、この事を忘れれば、それ盗賊と同じなり。忘れるなよ。よいか。
A shinobi is loyal to his lord. To be a shinobi you must love your country, if you forget this you are no different than a thief. Don’t forget this. Understood?
忍の行来には特に敵の住民を色々なものになり、我に組みまたは利用せば、その力第一と思う事。我が手足のごとく活用する事、よいな。
Behind the scenes the shinobi especially makes use of the residents of the enemy’s territory. To get them to join our side or to make use of them is considered the shinobi’s greatest strength. We are to make use of them like our hands and feet. Understood?
されど、気はゆるすべからず。物、金で動く者は我が物、金。より多数の時は、その物の方に廻る恐れあり。忘るるべからず。よいな。誠これのみにて物、金の事とは思うこと。よいな。
However, don’t forget, those who are motivated by material things and money are our assets. On many occasions there is a danger of betrayal by people motivated by things and money. Do not forget this. Understood? Sincerely keep this one thing in mind regarding material wealth as a motivator. Understood?
それ忍の行来とは奇襲にあり。されば予め綿密なる計画の下準備を周到にし、一度敵地に忍び入れば、我が企図及び動きを隠し、敵をえて対応の策無きごとくするを第一の策とす。よいな、忍術の組の者は少人数にて敵中深く忍ぶ者にして集合散散開等の事ままあれば、特に特に忍の長は連絡に注意を与え、味方の動きを知る事に務め、またその時味方へ連絡の折り、ややもすれば、我が方の動きを敵にさとられぬごとく時機及び方法に、特に特に気を付ける事。よいな。
When shinobi arrive, it is a surprise attack. Our main plan, once you have a thorough schedule, made preparations, and have infiltrated the enemy’s territory, is to conceal your intentions and movements so you can take the enemy where he has no countermeasure plan. Understood?, If a person of a ninjutsu group must infiltrate the enemy’s territory in small numbers, collecting and disseminating information, especially, especially, the shinobi leader must pay special attention to communications, work towards knowing the movements of the allies, or when communicating with the allies, if you get frustrated, be very, very, careful with the timing and method so as not to give away our position and movements. Understood?
忍の行来の組の者は其の動き上、道具及び食糧は本隊よりこれを送れず、またこれを望むべからず。食糧は敵地にて入手するを本とすれど、敵に我が人員及び動きを知られぬごとく特に特に気を付くる事。よいな。
A person active in shinobi activities, when on the move, will not be able to have supplies and food sent from the main units, nor should one desire this. Food should be obtained within the enemy’s territory. Be particularly very careful not to let the enemy know our numbers and position. Understood?
忍の行来前の心の事
Things to keep in mind before undertaking Shinobi activities
ー、それ忍の行来には予め準備は周到にしあるものなれば、準備を疎かになぜば忍行来は不可能と思う事。よいな。
In the event of shinobi activities, be thoroughly prepared in advance. If you are not prepared you should consider shinobi activities impossible. Understood?
ー、敵地に忍の行来、それより終了後、帰陣に至るまでの全経過に入用なる連体物にして敵の動きをもって行来X味方の動き等なれば、抜かるなよ。いな必要な事Xのごとき物。
When conducting shinobi activities in the enemy’s territory, make sure to consolidate everything you will need until your return after its finished. Return knowing the enemy’s movements, or the movements of our allies, etc., make no mistake. Things like the following are necessary to know.
ー、敵の動き。後。今。これから。
ー、我が組者及び組で入用な品、物。
ー、攻撃または動き（我が）はよいか。
ー、本陣との連絡はよいか。
- The enemy’s movements. Past. Current. Planned.
- Items and equipment that our members and unit will need.
- Are our attacks and movements successful?
- Is there good communication with the main troops?
それ忍の行来に春夏秋はよけれども、冬は無利の時ままあり。よいな。また夏は汗が出て、身が衰弱するものなれば、特に特に食物に気を付けて動く事。よいな。また忍の行来前に、その土地土地の病あれば、対策の事。よいな。しかれど此の弱点を利用するもよし。よいな。
Spring, summer and autumn are good for shinobi activities but there are times when winter makes it not possible. Understood? Also, the body can become weakened by sweating in the summer so be very, very, careful of the things you eat. Understood? Also, before undertaking shinobi activities, if the regions and territories have a disease plaguing them, measures should be taken. Understood? However, you may even make use of this weak point.
冬に動く時も、汗の出る物なれば（たくさん物を着ているので）休めば出た汗のために身冷え、動けぬごとくなる。また寝る時は炭、たきぎ等を使用するため、小荷駄組は余分な荷物を持って行き来る事になる。それを利用。また先手組にはあまり焚火を使用せず、場所または動く範囲が狭められ、動きは鈍し。考え動く事よいな。しかれど、篝火は焚く物なり。篝火の所を見よ。
When moving in the winter, if you get sweaty (because you are wearing many things), if you rest, your sweat will make you cold and it will become difficult to get moving. Also, when you go to sleep you will use charcoal, kindling, etc. This will be extra baggage for the “Konidagumi” (supply squadron) when going and returning. Use it. Also, the advance team generally does not make fires, the movement range and location are narrowed, movement is slow. Think before moving understood? After all, fires burn. Keep an eye on where the fires are.
それ忍の行来に当たり、是非とも入手の物は次の事なり。よいな。
ー、忍の動きに関係ある敵の動き。地形。民情。天気。その地の生活程度（元気であるか、裕福であるか）
ー、忍の潜入地点の敵の動き。忍の潜入口。忍の潜入路及び忍の潜行道の付近の敵の動き。地形特に敵の状況。住宅地の動き及び地形による潜入具合。行けるか行けないか。
ー、攻撃目標の種類及び数。出来れば敵のこの目標の守りの状況。付近の地形等、細部に関する状況。
ー、攻撃をする時に利用する物及び地形。
ー、住民地。敵陣への食糧及び物、武器、使用人、負傷者はどうしてありや。
出来れば遠見画を利用すればよし。
(口伝有り)
In addition, regarding Shinobi activities, the things you must obtain, is as follows, understood?
- The movement of the enemy in relation to the movement of the shinobi. The terrain. The civil affairs. The climate. The level of life in the area (are they energetic, are they well off).
- The movement of the enemy at the point where the shinobi enters enemy territory. The entrance place of the shinobi. Movement of the enemy near the path or roads the shinobi will use. The terrain and especially the enemy’s position or conditions in it. Movements within the residential areas and conditions for infiltration based on topography. Able to go or not.
- The type and number of targets to attack. The status of the enemy’s defenses at these targets. The status regarding the details of the topography in the vicinity.
- What types of things will be used in the attack and the topography.
- Residential areas. How are the enemy’s main forces handling their food supplies, weapons and reinforcements, what do they do with the wounded?
If possible, it is best to have a far-seeing plan.
(Oral transmission here)
ー、忍の行来のおり、特に物は主にその動き。組人数。忍び入る方法を考え、不用の品は除け。
ー、軽き物、こまかくて落としそうな物、濡れるもの、温もる物、腐る物、目的の漏れる物、音の出る物、光る物、こまかき物は、忍びは時により無理な時あり。
ー、忍び入り。忍の行来。忍待ち。常に利用する品。深き山。深き谷。沼地。川。海。崖に続く道等の忍行来に必要なる品、またこれに及び雨具。持って行来物が敵地で利用出来なくなった時の代用はどうするか。
ー、敵を襲う時に理用する火薬（防水）。及び味方本隊に知らせる□□の品。（狼火、旗、または火、鏡）
ー、敵地の人を利用する時の金及び物。
ー、忍ぶ前に敵地によく似たる地形の所にて二度も三度も練習をし、抜かりの無きよう心掛ける事。よいな。（出来るだけ）
ー、忍長は全員また忍者は特有□の動きをよく見。最悪の時の用意を予定の事。
- When shinobi activities are undertaken, especially with things, the main concern is the movement of them. The number of people in the group. While thinking about methods of covert infiltration, eliminate unnecessary items.
- Depending on circumstances, there will be times when the shinobi may not be able to use light things, small things that may be dropped, things that get wet, things that get warm, things that rot, things that give away our goal, things that make noise, things that reflect light, fragile things.
- Items needed for Shinobi activities, Covert infiltration, Shinobi observation. Items that are always used. Deep mountains. Deep valleys. Marshlands. Rivers. Seas. Paths that continue along cliffs. Etc. As well as protection from the rain. What to use as replacements if the items brought were not able to be used in the enemy’s territory.
- Explosives (waterproof) to be used when attacking the enemy. Or items used for signaling the ally forces. (smoke signals, flags, flames, mirrors)
- Gold (money) or material goods to be used when utilizing the people of the enemy’s territory.
- Before infiltrating, practice two or three times at a place with similar terrain as the enemy’s territory taking care to leave no way out. Understood? (as much as possible)
- The shinobi leader and all member or shinobi, look closely at the characteristics of movements. Plan for the worst-case situation.
それ忍長は本隊の眼。及び腕との心にて、協同または連絡は予め綿密に話し合いまた忍組の動きを見、話をきき、動く事。
よいな。忍組は少人数を忘るるなよ。
敵地に忍が潜入するには遠く敵地を廻り、後方の他国より潜入（時間がかかり、間に合ぬ時多し）海路。連絡等あり。その何れの場合においても、敵が我が動き、または予定を知られぬごとく（敵は我の動きを知るために全智全能の力を出しあり）
よいな。一名ずつか多数にて忍び入りすべきか。忍長さの力量にて動く。よいな。忍動きの者はその間々動くをよしとすれど、長は忍者の動きの故障なきように、その動きをよくよく見張る事を忘るるなよ。連絡を厳にして動かす事。よいか。
海路により忍び入るは、遠く敵の思いもよらない地点に多量の道具及び人数を送れる利あれど、目標及び行動に制限される恐れあり、またその船を攻撃されれば船の者。物。動きの取れぬ事ままあり、また其の船をまたは物を敵が利用出来る恐れあり。この事をよく考え、利用の事。よいな。敵も我々の思うほど甘くないぞ。
The shinobi leader is the eyes of the main forces. Cooperating and communicating closely in advance with its arms and heart. Watching the movements of the shinobi units, listening to their reports, following their movements.
Understood? Do not forget that shinobi forces are few in number.
A shinobi infiltrates the enemy’s territory by going far around the enemy’s territory and infiltrate from another land at the backside. (Because this takes time, often it is not in time). Use sea routes, liaisons, etc. In any case, the enemy cannot know our movements or plans. (For the enemy to know our movements we draw out the enemy’s total knowledge and ability)
Understood? Should we infiltrate with one person at a time or many. Move in accordance with the competence of the shinobi leader. Understood? Shinobi movements should be made in these moments, and so there is no breakdown in the movements the shinobi leader must not forget to watch over very carefully. Make your movements while keeping communications secure. Understood?
When infiltrating by sea there is the advantage of being able to send many tools, people, etc. to a distant area that the enemy does not even think of, but there is a fear that it may be restricted to certain goals and actions. There is also the fear that the boat or the sailors could be attacked and blocked in, that the supplies or the boat itself may be taken and used by the enemy. Think about the uses deeply. Understood? The enemy is not as soft as we think.
それ忍は、すわ御大将の命令あらば、前々より入手ありし様子、新しき敵の動きを綜合し、速かに忍び入るために準備計画をし、必要なる数の動きを入手し、漫然の策を立て、ぬかり無く、よいな。
ー、敵地に忍び入るには陣路及び海路有り。その際、敵に我が動きを知られぬが事。
ー、敵も我が動きを探るための忍び及び物見を出すものなれば、特に特に用心の事。また此の際、一人ずつ出るか組の者を一度に出すかは忍長の考えを第一とするをよしとす。その時の忍長は味方の者（忍者）の動きをよく聞きおく事。よいな。
ー、忍長は全忍行来を紙上に書き、敵の動きを色々と考え、其の対策及び味方の最悪の時の事を考慮し、全忍の者を動かす事。よいな。此の仕用の紙焼く事。忘るるなよ。
ー、陣地より忍び入るには我が動き。特に敵の動及び味方。敵地を考え、敵に我が動きを知られぬを第一とし。忍行来の安きようを考えるをよしとす。忍入口。忍入道等決める事。其のために敵の警戒網、忍網の透き間、または敵の防御無き地点に忍口を作り夜間、天気等を利用して忍入りをよしとする。忘るるなよ。
As for shinobi, if you get the command from the great general, with the previously obtained information, combined with the enemy’s latest movements, make plans and preparations for a speedy infiltration, obtain the numbers for needed things for the movement, make a long-term plan, without carelessness, understood?
- When infiltrating the enemy’s territory there are tactical roads or paths and sea routes available. At that time, do not let the enemy become aware of your movements.
- Be especially careful when the enemy has deployed shinobi or scouts to observe our movements. Also, at this time, it is the shinobi group leader’s first priority to consider if the units should be sent out one at a time or as a group. At that time, the shinobi leader should keep a close ear out for the ally ninja movements. Understood?
- The shinobi leader will write all the shinobi activities down on paper, consider various things about the enemy’s movements, consider the countermeasures and what to do if the allies meet the worst-case scenario, make use and use all the shinobi. Understood? Then burn this paper. Don’t forget!
- Our movements are to infiltrate from our positions. When considering the enemy’s territory especially consider the movements of the enemy and the allies. The first priority is to not allow the enemy to know our movements. It is good to consider the safety of the shinobi and their activities. Decide the infiltration point and the tools needed are to be decided. To that end, make infiltration points at gaps in the enemy’s shinobi and security network. Or at places where the enemy has no defenses in place. It is good to make use of the night and the weather. Don’t forget this!
忍行来に当たりては特に警戒。方向の維特組の掌握。忍行来に入用成る品の中持ち行来品と大型成る品とに分け、大型の品は逐次的の発見されぬ場所に置く事。地形地物の利用。また敵地の人及品物を掴まえ、または入手し、それを利用するに努め、早く早く危なげなき地点を通り抜けるをよしとし、その際、Xし。印。または我が動きの後、我の動きし時に利用せし道案内人など、我が動きを敵にさとられる恐れの有る物との際、敵の利用の犬に特に特に注意の事。忘るるなよ。また我より弱き敵に発見せられしと思う時は、これを襲い殺すこと。此の際、敵の罠の時ままあり。用心の事。
ー、敵に発見せられ、忍行来に無理と思えるときは、すみやかに其の発見せられし所より逃れ（全員）決められている第一の集合地及び第二の集合地に向うをよしとす。されど、この際あまり遠くの集合地は悪し。よいな。
敵は警戒を厳にし、我を捜すために追うて来ると対策の事。 よいな。
ー、忍行来にあたりての道を通るかを初めに決め、出来るかぎりのさぐりを入れ（敵にさとられぬごとく）警戒もつともゆるき所にして、忍目的地に早く取り付かれ忍道具の送り、受忍者の忍場所、先出の者の助けやすき所等を考えに入れ、きめる事。よいな。
ー、敵の警戒地をよけ、我が忍の動を敵にさとられぬように、高き深き山地。密林地帯、沼地帯等をよしとする事。
Vigilance is key in shinobi activities. Be a witty group with grasp and direction. Separate the items for shinobi activities into items that are to be carried and larger items, placing large items in sequential hidden places. Utilize the topographical features. Also, take local manpower and goods from the enemy’s areas. Obtain them and make use of them. It is best to quickly quickly get through the dangerous areas. At that time (part of scroll is missing here) Seal/Stamp. Also, after our movements, local people that were used as guides during our movements, etc. there is a fear of them revealing our movements to the enemy. Be especially especially careful of the dogs the enemy uses. Do not forget. When we think we may be discovered by an enemy that is weaker than we are, we attack and kill it. At times like this, also be aware that it may be a trap. Use caution.
- When discovered by the enemy, and it seems shinobi activities are impossible, promptly escape from the area (all members) It is good to head to the first or second, pre-decided, rendezvous points. However, the gathering place that is far away at a time like this is no good. Understood?
- For shinobi activities, first you must decide if the roads will be used. As much as possible, stay low and sneak in (without the enemy noticing) Be ever vigilant. Send the shinobi’s equipment to their destination as soon as possible. Consider the type of location where the shinobi will receive their equipment, so it will be easy to decide how to help them, etc. Understood?
- Avoid the lands the enemy is vigilant in. To not reveal our shinobi’s movements to the enemy, consider well the high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, marshlands, etc.
忍行来の事
―、忍行来、及び□居りの道はとくに其れをきめる上にあたりては
一、敵の警戒最もゆるき所。
一、忍が目的地に早く取り付ける所。
一、忍人数により忍道はちがう事。
一、忍道見の(大型)送りに敵に発見のなき道。
- X居りに受忍組の忍びやすき所。
- 不詳の者の隠れやすき所及び送しやすき所。敵の警戒をさけ、我が動きを発見されぬごとく動くためには険相なる山、森の中湿地帯等をよしとす。敵は自分の土地なれば、まさかあのような所と思う所が、忍にはよし。
- 敵方より近道の無き道。
- 忍目標の付近に通ずる川、路を利用する事。されど、敵も我に対する防備をせる事大なれば、其の対策をなし、忍行来事よいか。
- 高き山地帯に流れる川はふつう断崖を作り流れ、此れまた□□低地を流るるものは反対に流れゆるく、おまけに湿地帯のこと、ままあり。また高き山地帯の山の中腹にはよく草原あり。利用の事。されど草原にては我が姿が発見されやすし。用心の事。
Regarding shinobi activities
With Shinobi activities, or the path of stealth, it is especially important in deciding
- Places where the enemy’s guard is loose
- Places where the shinobi can get to their destinations quickly from
- Depending on the number of shinobi the method of stealth will be different
- When sending the shinobi scout (when in a large unit) to check the path ahead, use a path that keeps them unseen by the enemy
- Places to rendezvous with the receiving party that are easily entered by stealth
- Places to hide or send unknown (unexpected) people. To avoid alarming the enemy and to make our movements as undiscoverable as possible we are happy to make use of the rugged mountain terrain and wetland forests. When the enemy is on his land, in a place unthinkable like this, is the good place for a shinobi.
- Roads without shortcuts coming from the enemy’s direction
- Make use of the rivers and roads that lead to shinobi’s target. However, if the enemy has made defenses, there is no countermeasure, consider if shinobi activities are feasible.
- A river flowing through a high mountain area usually creates a cliff, also things flowing in the XX lowlands flows in the opposite direction, additionally there are the wetlands, as they are. Also, there are plains half-way up mountain ranges. Make use of these. However, our shape can be easily made out in a grassy meadow. Use caution.
忍行来に御用御申し受けのみぎりは組出の者（先出組）は敵の城。動きにより我が組出の人数及び持ち行く品物は異なるも我が動き、敵の動き、地形。我は敵の兵力大小。我と敵の武器、食糧、(水)。火の受取り。 □□の場。人員。武具。味方より遠く御用のおり、また敵地深く動く時はつとめて集結し、敵に対し用心の時あれば、一時近くに忍をおくか、また少人数にて目的地に忍をよしとす。
敵地に忍行来には隠密に動きかつ機敏に行い、特に乗馬人、敵の忍の者、敵地の人に用心の事。よいな。とくにとくに敵にて病気に気を付け、困雑なる地形、及び天候中においても、申し受けて忍の御用をまっとうする事を第一と思い、動く事。よいな。またその際、行来□いりの地形、敵の動き、敵の住民の動き等を考え、其の対策をしおく事を忘るるなよ。またどのように我が身が瀬戸際になれど、敵地の者を利用すべからず。忘るるなよ。とくに道案内。よいな。
忍行来に道路上の警戒及び敵地の道路外の道をしらせのため先出の者を出す時もあり□□にこれを利用せば、よし。されど敵地の者、後より進む者をまちぶせをする時あり。用心の事。それ忍の者は少人数なれば、道無き所を忍行来にさほどの苦労は無けれども、よくよく方向、及び地型を考え迷わぬように動く事。よいな。
されど道無き所を動く時は、ある道を行き来るおりの時の三倍と思い動く事。よいな。
On the occasion for receiving a request for a shinobi activity mission, a member (*) from the organization will go to the castle. Depending on the tactics, the number of our members (*) will change, as well as the things that are brought, our movements, the enemy’s movements and the topography will vary. The military might of we and the enemy, big and small must be known. Both ours and their weapons, rations, (water). The distribution locations of black powder. The place of (text missing). Personnel. Military equipment. When an ally from afar welcomes you, or when you are moving deep within the enemy’s territory, strive for concentration, if there is a time when you must be careful of the enemy, leave a shinobi in the area or use stealth to advance to your target location with fewer people.
When performing shinobi activities in the enemy’s territory move covertly and with agility, be especially aware of the Calvary (men on horses), the enemy’s shinobi and the local people. Understood? And be extra careful of getting sick in the enemy’s territory, difficult terrain, or even through bad weather, the mission that was given is the shinobi’s top priority, you must keep moving. Understood? In that case, take into consideration terrain that allows your planned activities, the enemy’s movements, the enemy’s residents movements, etc. and do not forget to prepare countermeasures against those. Also, even if your body is at the brink, do not use the people of the enemy’s territory. Do not forget this. Especially directions (asking for). Understood?
During shinobi activities, to know the level of the vigilance on the roads or to learn the back roads of the enemy’s territory, there are times when a member (*) is sent in and it is good to use this with (text missing). However, there are times when people of the enemy’s territory may topple up from behind. Be careful of this. If the number of Shinobinomono are few, use the way with no paths (or roads) for shinobi activities if it’s not too difficult, keep your (sense of) direction steady, and keeping in mind the type of terrain, make your movements without getting lost. Understood?
But, when taking the way with no roads or path, think of it as going to take three times longer than by going the way with roads and paths. Understood?
(*Note, the terms “Soshutsu no mono 組出の者” and “Senshutsugumi 先出組” is used here and for me it is untranslatable at this time. It appears to be a special word within the Yasuda Ryu (矢寿駄流) ninja that created this manuscript. From the nuance it gives, as it appears twice in this paragraph, it seems to mean the pre-advance units of shinobi. The first group sent out together initial intel.)
忍行来に先出の者は、後より陣を引く受忍者の長に、できれば其の所、及び高、中、下、の場所を知らせてもらうをよしとす。一人の時は前左右後上下全部。二人組先者前上下左右上下。後者、後上下、左右上下の事。三人組先者前上下。二番者左右上下。後者後左右上下。後事個の割り当てにて多人数にてもよし。されど敵の者に此の地を知られないようにする事。よいな。
In shinobi activities, the members of the infiltration unit form a line. If possible, it is good to have the head shinobi that is to receive your group to inform you of the place, is it on high, level or low ground? When you are alone you must cover the front, back, all sides, everywhere. When you are two, the lead covers the front, hi-low, left and right. The second covers the back, hi-low, left and right. When you are three, the lead covers the front high and low, the second covers the left and right high and low, the third covers the rear, left and right, high and low. Also, it is good to have several people covering each area when you have many. But do not let the enemy become aware of this location. Understood?
忍行来に進路を調べ、行来者の先出者のくばりは敵の動き、地形、明暗、天候。當により色々と変わる物なれど、後より忍来る本隊に連絡を早く確実を第一と思い、動く事。また近くに本隊の動きを知ると申しても、連絡を忘るるべからず。とくに見通しの悪き森、谷、物の裏、沼地等には先出の者。かたまるをよしとす。されど敵警戒X内にては用心を第一とす。敵もさぐりのため、忍をつかう時ままあり、これの対策をも立てておくことを忘るるなよ。また進路道を忍行来者は、其の道を本隊の者に知らせるために、決めた印を置き付ける事。よいな。また本隊の者の最後尾の者は後方上下左右を警戒することを、とくにとくに忘るるなよ。隊全部の総力Xがかかっている事を、（組中の年上者。または組長）また先出の者の置きし印を取りのけて進む事を忘るるなよ。
When performing shinobi activities, the advance units will check the route, looking into the movements of the enemy, the terrain, the brightness or darkness of the area, the climate. Depending on the location things will vary but it is most important to be sure to be in contact with your main forces following up from behind and be aware of their movements. Also, even if you are aware of your main forces’ movements, be sure not to forget to be in contact with them. Especially when visibility is very bad, such as forests, valleys, behind things, swamps. Etc., be sure to send out scouts or advance units. It is good to build up your position. However, whenever within the enemy’s area of vigilance, be extremely cautious. Because the enemy will also be sneaking around and used to using ninja themselves, be sure to not forget to take countermeasures against this. In addition, the advance scouts of the Shinobi forces will leave the pre-decided signals or signs to show the main forces the way. Understood? Also, it is especially important to not forget that the last member bringing up the tail of the group keeps vigilance to the rear of the team, high-low, left and right. Don’t forget that the whole force is at stake and either one of the group’s elders or even the group commander removes the signals and signs that the advance units left behind. (so as not to be discovered by the enemy).
敵の勢力内の人及び敵方に味方をすると思う土地の所は極力これをさけて動く事。よいな。されど此の所を通るより外に無き時は、敵の前にてとまり、本陣を敵より発見されぬごとく隠れ、敵より攻撃されし時の対策をたてて、その所を通る事。この時とくにとくに我の動きを敵にさとられぬ事。よいな。忘るるなよ。
道路及び足跡または防御物に出あう時は速かに其の道幅。其の利用かち。敵がいま利用の有る物が備えていないものか、此の道を利用しているかいないか。どこに此の道は通っているかを見る事。よいな。その所に足跡でも有れば、新しいのか古いのかを見、人数を知る事。よいか。また敵の動きをとくに見る事。前進方向。敵が□道を備えせしか無きてかをすばやく見きわめる事よいか。また敵が利用せし時は、どの付近にひそんでいるか等を考えて、動く事。よいな。とくに先出者は本隊との連絡を切るべからず。敵は先出の者を襲わずに、本隊を襲う時有り。気を付ける事。敵も我と同じ動きと思い、用心の事。
Move while avoiding, as much as possible, the people of the enemy forces and lands that you think will take sides with the enemy. Understood? But rather than passing here, when there is no way around, stop in front of the enemy, keep the troop’s camp hidden in such a way the enemy cannot discover it. Plan countermeasures for if you are attacked by the enemy, and then pass through it. At this time, be especially careful not to let the enemy become aware of our movements. Understood? Don’t forget!
When you come across a road or travelled path or objects set up for defensive purposes, immediately get the dimensions of its width. Know its value or usefulness. Know what the enemy currently has, that can be used and what cannot. Know if the path or road is being used or not. See where these roads and paths lead to. Understood? If there are footprints in those places, check to see if they are fresh or old, know their numbers. Got it? Also, watch the movements of the enemy. Know the direction they are moving in. It is good to find out quickly if the enemy has only this path or not. In addition, when the enemy uses it, make your movements in consideration of staying concealed, etc. Understood? In particular, the scouts or advance units should not break contact with the main troops. There are times when the enemy will (intentionally) attack the main troops without attacking the scouts. Be careful of this. Use caution to not consider making the same movements as the enemy.
とくに先出の者はそれ小人数なれば、四方に対して警戒の一点より一点へと進み、敵方の方位を考え、磁石を出来れば利用し、この地点を頭に入れ、動くこと。よいな。ときどき後を見、地形を頭におぼえ、本隊の場所を知り、今までいた自分の場所をおぼえ、予定の敵地点の進をよしとす。
その際、自分の進んだ歩数をおぼえると□居りに便利よし。点と点で進むをよしとせるも、あまり長く止まるべからず。それ忍とは闇夜なれば進道なき所を動くものなれば、方位にとくに気を付ける事。敵地点に着けば月が登るというように動きを組とよし。されど、敵もこの月の出を組みこんで対策を立てる時あり。其の所も組入れて動く事。よいか。
Especially, if the scouts are few in number, maintain vigilance in all directions while moving from one point to the next, consider the direction of the enemy, use a magnet (compass) if possible, keep these points in mind while moving. Got it? Every now and then take a look back, remember the terrain, know the location of the main forces, remember the places you have been, this is good (keeping these in mind) when making progress to the planned point in enemy territory.
At times like this, it is convenient for knowing where you are if you remember the number of steps you have taken. You should be able to proceed from point to point, but you shouldn’t stop too long. If the shinobi moves on a dark night and can move through places with no paths or roads, be especially careful of your direction. It is good to make your move so that the moon climbs when you reach your destination in the enemy’s land. However, there are times when the enemy will make countermeasures also at the time of the moon’s rising. Incorporate these things when on the move. Understood?
Sean Askew
Bujinkan Kokusai Renkoumyo
4/20/2020
