13. Ninjutsu Allowed For Social Mobility
Feudal civilizations have little to no room for social mobility, as peasants are bound to the land that they work, which is owned by the nobility, whose families have been steeped in money for generations. The Samurai were from a distinct social class and were often relatives of the nobility for whom they fought, and they were well-compensated for their mercenary-type work. Ninjas often came from lower social levels; they were frequently commoners or even peasants. This social status may have served in their favor, as they knew how to fight and even kill – by any means necessary – as a means of self-preservation.
The ninja order itself had a social order, through which commands could be given, much as in a spy network. The jonin, or “high man,” would receive orders from whoever had hired the ninja clan, which he would pass on to the chunin, or “middle man.” From there, it would be assigned to the genin, the ordinary ninja. Usually, the genin came from the lower social classes, and the chunin and jonin came from higher ranks. However, the skilled genin had the opportunity to ascend the social ladder and become a chunin or even a jonin.