Meaning
They
say most ninjas find it hard to put away their headband after a
mission – that the mandatory rest period is hell.
And they're
right. A ninja isn't just anyone. You aren't just born a ninja. It's what the individual experiences
that makes one so, not the
other way around. So when you're forced to take off the symbol
that
represents your status… It's like leaving part of yourself
behind.
Being
a ninja means sacrifice, self-sacrifice. Without it there would be no
ninjas, for who else would willingly
put their lives on the line
every time they went to work? So when that headband comes off, you're
a normal
person again – a person who doesn't have to risk
everything for once.
But
being a ninja also means sacrificing innocence and honor.
As a ninja
you swear loyalty to your village, to your customers, but never,
never to yourself.
Ninjas must set aside the self-conscious else they
hesitate too long against a foe. Patience is a virtue, but so is
mercy.
And while a ninja must be patience, they cannot always be
merciful – especially not against former friends.
That
device… It's the barrier between the individual and his victims –
between oneself and a river of blood.
Death is the job of the ninja,
but it is not for the conscience of the average human to bear that
much pain.
As long as that headband stays on, as long as you can hide
behind your occupation, the guilt is not so horrible.
But once it
comes off… Once you are human again, there is nothing to hinder the
utter despair and loathing.
Yes, the ninja exists to protect and serve.
His life is that of self-sacrifice.
Self-sacrifice for Honor...
And as glorious as that life might seem, the agony of being justice is much more.
