The shinobi crawled over the rooftops of the Imperial palace. He was a shadow in the night, invisible against the moonless sky. His clothing was loose and black, draped over light armour for stealthy movement, and a cloth mask was pulled over his face. His footing was sure on the tiles of the roof. I am one with the night. No eye can see me. A servant passed below, dressed in rich robes of silk, and