Tossup

These people allegedly carried portable meals made of crystallized sugar known as “thirst balls” to combat dehydration. A possibly fictional one of these people amputated his ankle after being caught in a bear trap and led the “Ten Braves.” These people invented a method of communication using rice grains dyed five different colors. These people learned how to create explosions as diversions as part of their “fire techniques.” (10[1])These people formed the armies of the Iga–Kōka alliance. (10[1])A manual on the Legends of [these people’s] Secrets was written by a man who led a military unit of these people, Hattori Hanzō. These people used iron (10[1])caltrops (10[1]-5[1])called makibishi, (10[1])which could be thrown similar to their shuriken. (10[1])For 10 points, name these Japanese assassins (10[1])often depicted in all-black. ■END■ (10[1])

ANSWER: ninjas [or shinobi; accept Legends of Ninja Secrets; prompt on warriors or assassins until read] (The second line refers to Sarutobi Sasuke.)
<AK, World History>
= Average correct buzz position

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