Ninji

A Ninji is a black, blue, or purple, star-shaped ninja creature that first appeared in Super Mario Bros. 2. There are two types of Ninji: the first type charges at Mario, suddenly jumping as they approach; the second type remains in one place and jumps up and down.

The Ninji also appear in Super Mario World. They make their appearance in only one level, the final level, in fact. These Ninji are black, making them difficult to see in the darkness of Bowserâ€™s Castle (unless the searchlight is turned on).

In Paper Mario, the Ninji act as the protectors of the Star Kids in Starborn Valley.