A shinobi, often referred to as a ninja, was a covert agent in feudal Japan. Their primary roles included espionage, sabotage, guerrilla warfare, and assassination. Unlike the samurai, who followed a strict code of honor, shinobi operated in secrecy and were skilled in stealth and deception. Shinobi were trained in various martial arts and tactics, including the use of weapons like shuriken and swords. They also employed techniques for disguise and escape, making them effective in gathering intelligence. The legacy of shinobi continues to influence popular culture, appearing in movies, books, and video games.