Reader’s Question:
I’ve seen a lot of scenes in anime and manga where ninjas use a technique called “suiton” to hide in water. But doesn’t that seem unrealistic? Water is transparent, so if someone looks from above, they can see everything, right?
Water and Ninjas: A Deep Dive into Suiton
You know,
I’ve been thinking about that whole “suiton” thing in anime and manga—especially how ninjas use it to hide in water. At first glance, it does seem a bit unrealistic, right? I mean, water is transparent, so if someone looks from above, you’d think they’d spot a ninja just chilling beneath the surface. But then I had a conversation with a friend who really opened my eyes to the practicality of it all. My buddy, let’s call him Takashi, is an avid fisherman. He spends countless weekends sitting by the edge of a murky pond, waiting for the fish to bite. One day, while we were chatting about our favorite anime moments, he mentioned how the pond he frequents is so muddy that you can’t see a thing below the surface. “If someone fell in, you wouldn’t know until they surfaced!” he joked, and that got me thinking.
Real-Life Visibility and Anime Logic
This idea of visibility really struck a chord with me. In some places, like clear rivers or lakes—think the beautiful waters of Okinawa—you could easily spot someone below the surface. But in areas where the water is cloudy, like Takashi’s fishing spot, it’s a different story. It’s like trying to catch a glimpse of a ninja in a foggy room—you might be looking right at them and not even know it! Plus, it makes sense that ninjas would operate in places like moats around castles. If the water is dark and murky, it’s the perfect cover for sneaky moves. Imagine a ninja quietly slipping beneath the water, waiting for the right moment to strike, all while I’m there at the edge, munching on way too many snacks, completely unaware of the action unfolding just beneath my feet.
Nighttime Operations
I also found it intriguing how this technique is often depicted as a nighttime tactic. It’s like those late-night adventures when you’re sneaking out to grab some snacks from the kitchen, trying not to wake anyone up. The shadows and the cover of darkness give you an advantage—just like a ninja hiding in the suiton technique. It made me reflect on my own experiences, like when I used to go camping with friends. We’d tell ghost stories by the fire, but the real thrill was sneaking off to explore the woods. Those moments of adrenaline, where you feel like a ninja in your own right, are truly unforgettable. So, what do you think? Is the suiton technique in anime just a fun exaggeration, or could it have some basis in reality? I’d love to hear your thoughts or any funny stories you have about sneaking around in the dark. Share your experiences in the comments!
