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Ninja

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Ninja
KRtDLD Ninja.png
Artwork of Ninja Kirby from Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
Details
First game Kirby Super Star (1996)
Latest game Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe (2023)
Other game(s) Kirby: Squeak Squad
Kirby Super Star Ultra
Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Kirby Fighters Deluxe
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Kirby Battle Royale
Kirby Star Allies
Kirby Fighters 2
Kirby's Dream Buffet (reference)
Usage type Unlimited use
Obtained from Bio Spark, Moonja
amiibo (Kirby: Planet Robobot): Sheik, Greninja
Obtained by projectiles from Spinni
Power(s) Wall Climbing, Throws, Attacks with Ninja weaponry
Helper Bio Spark
Similar to Sword, Cutter;
Suplex, Throw, Backdrop, Fighter (throws);
Smash Bros., Beetle (Air Drop)
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Ninja is a Copy Ability characterized by its large array of weapons and techniques inspired by the stereotypical Japanese ninja warrior. Kirby can gain this ability primarily by inhaling either Bio Spark or Moonja, and gains access to a wide array of attacks, such as slashing foes with a katana, throwing knives, using a vanishing act to retaliate against attackers, or using various martial-arts strikes, like the lightning-fast Ninja Kick or the devastating Air Drop attack. Ninja Kirby also typically has the ability to cling to walls or, in Kirby: Squeak Squad, walk on the surface of water.

The Ninja ability first appeared in Kirby Super Star, and gave Kirby a distinctive red cap with a large ponytail attached. From Kirby's Return to Dream Land and onward, the Ninja hat would resemble a purple cowl with a studded headband. Many earlier games would cause Kirby to take on a purple hue when using this ability.

Overview[edit]

Ninja Kirby making use of the Air Drop technique on a Dropped Star to toss it at a Security Force in Kirby: Planet Robobot

The Ninja ability is among the most elaborate and complex in Kirby's arsenal, rivaling abilities like Fighter and Sword in that regard. Unlike many other abilities, Ninja Kirby is very versatile, having many different options for both close-quarters and distant combat, as well as being able to solve any puzzles that have to do with slicing things. In later games, Ninja Kirby is ideal for solving highly specific puzzles, such as throwing a knife though a small gap high above the floor (assisted by a Wall Cling) or putting out fire blocks above the surface of the water (using Ninja's special "Stealth Water Gun" technique).

Ninja Kirby's most basic techniques revolve around the use of his throwing knives and his sword, both of which he can employ very rapidly. Most of his other techniques are arguably more situational, and it can often be difficult for Ninja Kirby to rack up large amounts of damage on stronger opponents as quickly as Fighter or Hammer Kirby can. Despite this, Ninja Kirby's versatility and varied moves allow for a very diverse playstyle if the player is willing to experiment with his other attacks.

Game appearances[edit]

Ninja Kirby's video game appearances  
Game Role Notes
Kirby series
Kirby Super Star Copy Ability Obtainable from Bio Spark.
Can be used to create a Bio Spark helper.
Kirby: Squeak Squad Copy Ability Obtainable from Bio Spark and Spinni's dropped shurikens.
Can be upgraded using an Ability Scroll.
Kirby Super Star Ultra Copy Ability Obtainable from Bio Spark.
Can be used to create a Bio Spark helper.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Copy Ability Obtainable from Moonja.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Copy Ability Obtainable from Moonja.
Also available in Kirby Fighters.
Kirby Fighters Deluxe Playable characters Selectable in all game modes.
Has an unlockable alternate costume.
Kirby: Planet Robobot Copy Ability Obtainable from Moonja.
Kirby Battle Royale Playable character Available from the start, but needs to be unlocked separately for use in Dedede's Cake Royale.
Has three unlockable alternate costumes.
Kirby Star Allies Copy Ability Obtainable from Bio Spark.
Can be used to create a Bio Spark ally.
Can be infused with an elemental Power Effect.
Kirby Fighters 2 Playable characters Selectable in all game modes after reaching Fighters Rank 33.
Has two unlockable alternate costumes.
Kirby's Dream Buffet Reference Appears on a Character Treat.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Copy Ability Has the same properties and sources as in the original Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Reference Ninja Kirby appears as a trophy.

Kirby Super Star / Kirby Super Star Ultra[edit]

Kirby using the Ninja ability to defeat Bio Spark in Kirby Super Star.

Ninja debuted as a Copy Ability in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra. Here, Kirby can obtain the ability from Bio Spark, who also serves as the ability's helper. With Ninja equipped, Kirby's visual appearance changes by him turning a darker shade, and wearing a hat similar to that of the Stone ability.

Ninja moveset in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra  
Skill Button Execution Skill Button Execution
Knife Throw
KSSU Ninja Kirby Knife Throw Sprite.png
B
Quad Shock
KSSU Ninja Kirby Quad Shock Sprite.png
Hold B
Dash Attack
KSSU Ninja Kirby Dash Attack Sprite.png
Dash + B
Ninja Kick
KSSU Ninja Kirby Kick Sprite.png
↓ + B in air
Air Drop
KSSU Ninja Kirby Air Drop Sprite.png
(any direction) + B near foe
Hide Guard
Take damage + B
Wall Cling
KSSU Ninja Kirby Wall Cling Sprite.png
Push on wall in air
Wall Jump
KSSU Ninja Kirby Wall Jump Sprite.png
Wall Cling + A/Y

Kirby: Squeak Squad[edit]

In Kirby: Squeak Squad, Ninja is obtainable from Bio Spark and Spinni's throwing stars. The moveset is very different from its previous appearance and even future appearances, in that Kirby notably throws shurikens instead of kunai and the gimmick of holding the attack button rather than tapping to use certain moves is completely missing. In addition to this, Kirby does not have a counter move, but he can charge energy and release it in a big wave if he has the Ability Scroll for Ninja. He is also able to walk on the surface of water.

When Kirby has the Ninja ability in this game, he takes on a unique idle stance where he has a dour look and a battle-ready stance. This stance is not seen in any other Kirby game.

Ninja's moveset in Kirby: Squeak Squad  
Skill Button Execution Description Skill Button Execution Description
手裏剣投げ
Throw Shuriken
B
Kirby throws a single shuriken forward. はたき斬り
Slicing Strike
Shock
→ + B
Kirby dashes forward attacking with a knife.
ニンジャキック
Ninja Kick
↓ + B in the air
Kirby rapidly drops diagonally while in a kicking position. いずなおとし
Izuna Drop
Air Drop
→ + B near an enemy
Kirby grabs a foe, jumps with it, and comes down crashing.
Wall Shuriken*
B cling to walls
Kirby throws a single shuriken forward while clung to a wall. 爆炎/爆水の術
Flame / Water Burst Technique
Pyrotechnics
Press and hold B then release
Kirby charges then releases many fire waves around him. Notably, if used while standing on water, the waves will instead be water waves. Requires the Ninja Ability Scroll.
Facing right. Attack names are taken from the Kirby: Squeak Squad Nintendo Official Guidebook; those marked with * are conjectural. Applicable equivalent adapted English names from other games are listed in bold.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land / Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

Ninja returns as an ability in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and its remake, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, acquirable by swallowing a Moonja. Many new techniques are available in this iteration, as well as a new hat. This appearance of Ninja would set the standard for the remainder of Ninja's appearances in the main series, adding moves such as "Stealth Slash", "Smoke Screen", "Blossom Storm", and the "Stealth Water Gun".

Both games also feature a Sub-Game known as Ninja Dojo, which is centered around Ninja Kirby and his friends (also dressed up as ninjas) throwing ninja stars at moving targets.

Ninja's moveset in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe  
Skill Button Execution (KRtDL) Button Execution (KRtDLD, facing right) Description Skill Button Execution (KRtDL) Button Execution (KRtDLD, facing right) Description
Knife Throw
1
B/Y
Kirby throws a small yet fast kunai. Air Drop
↑ or → next to foe + 1
(if facing right)
Either ↑→ + B/Y near an enemy
Kirby does a flying suplex after grabbing a foe, sending them flying on impact.
Shock
Hold 1
Press and hold B/Y
Kirby does a short range slash with a katana. Wall Cling
Hold ← or → against wall in midair
Hold ← or → against a wall in midair
Kirby grabs on to a wall.
Stealth Slash
Dash + 1
Dash + B/Y
Kirby dashes through enemies with a katana. Any enemies in Kirby's way are struck with a multi-hit slash. Wall Strike
1 during Wall Cling
B/Y during Wall Cling
Kirby throws a kunai away from the wall.
Ninja Kick
↓ + 1 in midair
↓ + B/Y in midair
Much like Fighter's "Sky Kick" attack, Kirby rapidly drops while doing a single kick. Wall Jump
2 during Wall Cling
A/B during Wall Cling
Kirby jumps from the wall at a diagonal trajectory.
Smoke Screen
↓ + 1
↓ + B/Y
Kirby throws a smoke bomb on the ground damaging enemies around him. Hide Guard
1 right after being attacked
B/Y right after being attacked
Kirby vanishes leaving a log in his place.
Blossom Storm
↑, then ↓ + 1
↑, then ↓ + B/Y
Kirby holds a bunch of cherry blossoms over his head and slams them into the ground. Smoke Counter
1 right after being attacked while guarding
B/Y right after being attacked while guarding
Kirby counters by attacking while reappearing.
Quad Shock
Hold 1 next to foe
Press and hold B/Y near an enemy
Continuing "Shock" - Kirby does an underhand slash making a short range energy wave. Stealth Water Gun
1 on surface of water
B/Y while floating on the water's surface
Kirby blasts enemies from below with a short range spray of water.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]

Ninja Kirby using the Stealth Water Gun technique to solve a puzzle in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

Ninja returns as an ability in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, mostly unchanged from its appearance in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, with the exception of Smoke Counter being removed, Hide Guard being reworked into a new move called Clone Technique, and Quad Shock no longer being able to be used in the air, and still obtained from Moonja. It is also one of the abilities available in Kirby Fighters.

Ninja moveset in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, and Kirby Star Allies  
While facing right
Skill Image Button Execution Description
Knife Throw
KPR Knife Throw clip.png
Press and release B
Kirby throws a small yet fast kunai.
Shock
KPR Shock clip.png
Press and hold B
Kirby does a short range slash with a katana.
Stealth Slash
KPR Stealth Slash clip.png
Dash + B
Kirby dashes through enemies with a katana. Any enemies in Kirby's way are struck with a multi-hit slash.
Ninja Kick
KPR Ninja Kick clip.png
Press ↓ + B in midair
Much like Fighter's "Sky Kick" attack, Kirby rapidly drops while doing a single kick.
Smoke Screen
KPR Smoke Screen clip.png
↓ + B
Kirby throws a smoke bomb on the ground damaging enemies around him.
Blossom Storm
KPR Blossom Storm clip.png
↑, and then ↓ + B
Kirby holds a bunch of cherry blossoms over his head and slams them into the ground.
Quad Shock
KPR Quad Shock clip.png
Press and hold B near an enemy
Continuing "Shock" - Kirby does a underhand slash making a short range energy wave.
Air Drop
KPR Air Drop clip.png
Either of ↑→ + B near an enemy
Kirby does a flying suplex after grabbing a foe, sending them flying on impact.
Wall Cling
KPR Wall Cling clip.png
Hold ←→ against a wall in midair
Kirby grabs on to a wall.
Wall Strike
KPR Wall Strike clip.png
B during Wall Cling
Kirby throws a kunai away from the wall.
Wall Jump
KPR Wall Jump clip.png
A during Wall Cling
Clone Technique
KPR Clone Technique clip.png
L/R right before being attacked
Kirby vanishes leaving a log in his place.
Stealth Water Gun
KPR Stealth Water Gun clip.png
B while floating on water's surface
Kirby blasts enemies from above with a short range spray of water.
This move is not available in Kirby Fighters Deluxe.

Kirby Fighters Deluxe[edit]

Ninja returns as one of the selectable abilities in Kirby Fighters Deluxe, retaining its look and properties from Fighters. Ninja also has a Rare Outfit in this game, which gives Kirby a white hood with a different-style headband.

Kirby: Planet Robobot[edit]

Ninja returns, along with Moonja, in Kirby: Planet Robobot. It is still unchanged from its previous appearance in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

Kirby Battle Royale[edit]

When you use your Ninja ability, you'll have lots of fierce moves! With those, you can unleash quick attacks for a decisive win.
— Knuckle Joe's comment in Kirby Battle Royale

Ninja is one of the abilities on offer in Kirby Battle Royale. In this title, Ninja Kirby is able to create a decoy of himself, which will explode on contact with a foe, and he can also create a huge fiery explosion using a stealth bomb. Unlike other abilities, Ninja has a total of three charge-up moves.

Ninja Kirby has three different costumes in this game, those being the Bio Spark Helmet, the Topknot (a reference to Samurai Kirby), and the Samurai Helmet.

Ninja moveset in Kirby Battle Royale  
Skill Button Execution Skill Button Execution
Shock
B
Pyrotechnics
Hold/release B
Flurry Swipe
BB
Knife Throw
Y
Stealth Slash
BBB
Wind-Up Trick
Hold/release Y
Ninja Kick
B during jump
Ninja Jump
Jump while holding B/Y

Kirby Star Allies[edit]

Kirby using a Splash version of "Stealth Slash" in Kirby Star Allies

Ninja returns in Kirby Star Allies, though this time it is once more provided by Bio Spark, who also represents the ability as a Friend. Ninja can be augmented by Power Effects such as Blizzard, Bluster, and Zap. In particular, this results in Blossom Storm showing different types of flowers and accompanying leaves.

Blossom Storm flowers seen in Kirby Star Allies  
Element Image Internal name Description
Normal
KSA Blossom Storm Sakura.png
sakura
The standard cherry blossom.
Blizzard
KSA Blossom Storm Tubaki.png
tubaki
A cultivar of Camellia japonica, specifically of the Kamo-honnami variety.
Bluster
KSA Blossom Storm Clover.png
cloverflower
A cultivar of white clover, notably of the four-leaf type.
Sizzle
KSA Blossom Storm Botan.png
botan
One of the tree peony cultivars in the group Paeonia × suffruticosa. Cultivars in this group are fairly common in East Asia, called ボタン (botan) in Japanese, 牡丹 in Chinese (mǔdān in Standard Mandarin), and 모란 (moran) in Korean.
Splash
KSA Blossom Storm Ajisai.png
ajisai
A purple cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla. Native to Japan, H. macrophylla is the most representative species of hydrangea or hortensia in East Asia.
Zap
KSA Blossom Storm Ran.png
ran
An orchid species bearing many uncanny similarities with the cattleya porphyroglossa variety.

Aside from this, its moveset is identical to that of its previous appearances.

Kirby Fighters 2[edit]

Ninja appears in Kirby Fighters 2 as a selectable ability for Kirby. Its moveset is largely the same as in Kirby Star Allies, but the Stealth Water Gun move is omitted due to the lack of bodies of water in all the game's Battle Stages. It is unlocked after attaining a Fighters Rank of 33. Ninja comes with two unlockable Rare Hats: the first is the Shinobi Hood from Kirby Fighters Deluxe, and the second is the Samurai Helmet from Kirby Battle Royale.

For more precise competitive-oriented information on the Ninja ability in Kirby Fighters 2, see Mizuumi Wiki's page.

Moveset[edit]

Ninja moveset in Kirby Fighters 2  
Skill Button Execution Description Damage (unmodified)
Knife Throw
Press and release B
Kirby tosses a small throwing knife horizontally forward. These knives do not cause enemies to flinch. 3
Shock
Press and hold B
Kirby pulls out his katana and slices his opponent. 25
Quad Shock
Press and hold B near an enemy
Kirby pulls out his katana and slices his opponent, then follows up with a shockwave. 39 (if both hits connect)
Stealth Slash
Dash + B
Kirby pulls out his katana and dashes quickly forward, leaving a delayed series of slashes behind him. This move is best used to cross up an opponent, as there is no forward attack. 24 (if all hits connect)
Ninja Kick
↓ + B in midair
Kirby performs a diving kick diagonally downward, bouncing off his enemy upon collision. 20
Smoke Screen
↓ + B
Kirby throws a smoke bomb at his feet, knocking away nearby foes. 16
Blossom Storm
↑, then ↓ + B
Kirby jumps up and releases a large blossom field around himself, damaging enemies in a wide radius. 30 (if both hits connect)
Air Drop
Either ↑/→ + B near an enemy
Kirby grabs his opponent, then leaps up into the air with them before crashing down and launching the foe away. 20
14 (to different foe hit by launched foe)
Wall Cling
Hold ↔ against a wall in midair
Kirby holds on to a wall and can stay there as long as the direction against the wall is held. N/A
Wall Strike
B during Wall Cling
Kirby uses Knife Throw while hanging onto a wall. 3
Wall Jump
A during Wall Cling
Kirby jumps from the wall he is hanging from, gaining additional height. N/A
Clone Technique
↓ + L/R right before getting hit
Kirby holds a special stance. If an enemy hits him during this stance, he will take no damage and vanish in a cloud of smoke, then retaliate with a swift strike. 26

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

In Kirby's Dream Buffet, Ninja Kirby appears on one of the Character Treats, using his artwork from Kirby Super Star Ultra. Ninja is not an ability in the game proper.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]

Ninja
Anime Ninja Kirby Art.png
Details
First episode Ninja Binge
Obtained from Inhaling kunai
Power(s) Teleportation, Air Drop
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The Ninja Copy Ability makes only one appearance in the anime series Kirby: Right Back at Ya!; that being the episode Ninja Binge. Kirby gains this ability when he inhales one of Yamikage's knives after he throws it at Benikage. Using the Ninja ability, Kirby gains the power to instantly teleport to different locations, and then finishes Yamikage off with the Air Drop technique.

Based on the events of Ninja Binge, it is probable that Ninja Kirby was planned to make at least one more appearance in a future episode where Yamikage would return for his revenge, but this never came to pass.

Profiles[edit]

Flavor text[edit]

Image Game Flavor text
KSS Box NA.jpg Kirby Super Star Copy the famous Japanese Ninja to hide in shadows and vanish into the darkness!
USCover KSqS.jpg Kirby: Squeak Squad
KSS Ultra box art.png Kirby Super Star Ultra Hide in shadows and darkness. Use ninja skills on your mission. You're a ninja! A NINJA! Cool...
KRtDL Boxart L.jpg Kirby's Return to Dream Land Hide in shadows and fade into the darkness. Become a master Ninja and no one will expect your Blossom Storm!
KTD Boxart NA.jpg Kirby: Triple Deluxe Reinforcements have been called in from a nearby ninja village! Slide into the shadows, and vanish in the darkness. When the time is right, unleash the Blossom Storm technique!
KPR Box.png Kirby: Planet Robobot Excelling in the art of covert combat, this ability contains various moves found in ancient documents from foreign lands. Science cannot explain this ability.
KBR box art.jpg Kirby Battle Royale Use stealthy skills learned from secret techniques known from ancient times.
KSA Boxart NA.jpg Kirby Star Allies Some battle backup from the village of ninjas! Add a friend's power to the sword and knives to slash with wind, fire, and other attributes. Has a ninja ever been seen wielding such elemental blades? Impressive!
KRtDLD Boxart NA.jpg Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Hide in shadows and fade into the darkness. Become a master Ninja, and no one will expect your Blossom Storm!

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy[edit]

Image Description Appears In
Ninja Kirby Trophy Smash 4.png American English – "Making his debut in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, the Moonja enemy looks about as ninja as you can get. If you copy its ability, Kirby can become a master of the ninja arts! With a variety of useful skills like Knife Throw and Blossom Storm, you might want to remain a ninja forever!"

British English – "Making its debut in Kirby's Adventure Wii, the Moonja enemy looks about as ninja as you can get. Swallow one, and Kirby will become a master of the ninja arts too! Knife Throw, Wall Cling, Smoke Screen and Blossom Storm - with such a variety of useful skills, you might never want to let this Copy Ability go!"

Kirby Super Star
Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Trivia[edit]

  • In Kirby Super Star and its remake, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Ninja Kirby's 'Ninja Kick' can be canceled by hovering. By doing the loop of Ninja Kick-Hover-Air Bullet, Kirby can save his horizontal momentum from Ninja Kick and move very fast in the air, his action of continuously spitting Air Bullets somehow resembling the effect from the Mint Leaf. This game mechanic of saving momentum, while useful on TAS speedruns on those games, is not present in games following Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
  • The pause screen description of Ninja in Kirby: Squeak Squad is simply 忍, which is the first kanji of the word "ninja" in Japanese, 忍者.
  • Ninja is Shinya Kumazaki's favorite Copy Ability in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.[1]

Gallery[edit]

Main article: Ninja/gallery

Videos[edit]

Official Kirby Portal video showcasing Ninja

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese ニンジャ
Ninja
Ninja
Chinese 忍者
Rén zhě
Ninja
  • 忍者 is also how it's written in kanji.
Dutch Ninja -
French Ninja -
German Ninja -
Italian Ninja -
Korean 닌자
Ninja
Ninja
Polish Ninja[2] -
Portuguese Ninja -
Spanish Ninja -


References