Under Ninja

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Japanese: アンダーニンジャ

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Information

Type: Manga

Volumes: Unknown

Chapters: Unknown

Status: Publishing

Published: Jul 23, 2018 to ?

Genres: Action, Comedy

Demographic: Seinen

Serialization: Young Magazine (Weekly)

Authors: Hanazawa, Kengo (Story & Art)

Statistics

Score: 7.17¹ (scored by 1,406 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #6942²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #2844

Members: 9,136

Favorites: 62

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7.17

Ranked #6942Popularity #2844Members 9,136

MangaYoung Magazine (Weekly)Hanazawa, Kengo (Story & Art)

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Synopsis

After World War II, Allied Command in Japan developed a new agency to help manage terrorism and violence within the Pacific region. The agency was staffed with ninja and they were initially tasked to handle domestic affairs. Eventually that program grew to its current form, managing 20,000 ninja across a range of domestic and international affairs. One of those ninja happens to be Kudo. The seventeen-year-old high school loser is now poised to be the next line of defense against a potential surge in foreign assassins invading Tokyo.

(Source: Denpa)

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Background

Under Ninja has been published in English by Denpa since January 10, 2023. It has also been released in Italian by J-POP since February 23, 2022; in German by Carlsen Verlag since January 31, 2023, and in French by Pika Édition since March 1, 2023.

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Reviews

Dec 9, 2023

Bruh_Ok

Recommended

Preliminary (105/? eps)

I came into this manga expecting crazy and my expectations still got blown away.

Under Ninja shows a very comedic wacky world that can instantly go from 0-100. The series provides a vibrant cast of characters which it isn't afraid to cut down on at times providing real tension for every confrontation. You get to see multiple gadgets be used for dumb combat ranging from invisible clothes that only make your torso invisible all the way to talking motorcycles and special cardboard boxes.

The interactions with Kuro and other characters are funny but also sometimes drop hints of worldbuilding which you can't always be sure of their ...

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Sep 8, 2020

taroyanaka

Recommended

Funny

Preliminary (40/? eps)

(this review wrote by Japanese who don't speak English)

My first MAL review.

Almost Japanese think best Ninja comic is Naruto.
I think, Naruto is very good until the Ninja test(Chuunin Shiken).

these days, Japanese Otaku thinks best ninja fiction is Ninja Slayer.
novel is great, comic is not bad, but, the anime is shit.

...

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Jun 16, 2024

kerushiiin

Recommended

Preliminary (120/? eps)

Spoiler

I'd like to say few words about my reading of "Under Ninja." Currently ongoing with 120 chapters, serialized by Young Magazine, and published in Italy by JPOP.

The plot is simple. It revolves around Kudo, a hikikomori who belongs to a ninja organization formed after World War II, dealing with violent and terrorist acts in the country. Initially, this organization, called 「NIN」, handled only domestic affairs, but over time it developed and expanded internationally, boasting a military force of at least 20,000 operational ninjas.

The covers of the tankobon are very beautiful and meaningful from a graphic perspective. With the first printing of “I am a Hero,” ... Kengo Hanazawa made quite an impression, and here he does no less.

One thing I really like about Kengo Hanazawa's narrative style is that the story is told from all angles. The reader gets to see both points of view of the different factions in the series, whether it's 「UN」 (Under Ninja) or 「NIN」(National Intelligence of NINJA). What's intriguing is that there's no clear “good” or “bad” side; we just see two factions with different ideals in conflict. Sure, the reading will lead you to think that the 「NIN」 are in the right, being the main faction for which our protagonist works, but as you continue reading, you start to question and doubt this conviction more and more.

The description of ninja techniques and strategies is nothing short of genius. Techniques that at first seem outlandish and nonsensical, but after a detailed explanation, acquire unimaginable utility. Take, for example, the "Water technique," used multiple times in the series, which, depending on the context, can prove to be the only means of salvation. Hanazawa has a style as bizarre as his characters, but of incomparable brilliance.

One thing I appreciate and am positively crazy about in the manga is the constantly present sense of humor. Interactions with Kuro are often hilarious but also provide very important information for the reader to understand the overall situation. Then there are times when it seems like he's making a stupid and senseless comment when he's actually already applying a ninja technique to confuse those around him. Again, the genius of Kengo Hanazawa in this manga is palpable.

SPOILERS

Up to chapter 67, the sensei spoiled us with Kuro's presence, only to completely turn everything around with his death. Of course, not everything is lost because he left behind his legacy, his family, who will now take the lead of the story. It was truly interesting and bold of him to take this direction. It was definitely something the reader would not have expected. I would dare say it was more shocking than seeing Gojo die (and resurrect in all forms by now) at Sukuna's hand. I’ve read many negative reviews saying this was a wrong decision that ruined the manga, but I found it an added incentive to continue reading and to delve deeper into all the other characters surrounding our protagonist. By the way, I wanted to mention the brilliance of the tankobon covers where this event occurs and how there’s a clear reference to it. Kuro high-fives his brother, symbolizing the changing of the guard. (Check out manga cover no. 8 & 9)

Having reached chapter 120, the mysteries deepen even more, but you can definitely feel a change in the author's pace. Yes, it’s still relatively slow, but each faction is moving towards something big. The tension and carefreeness present in the first 50 chapters are gone. I wouldn't be surprised if everything exploded in a few chapters, as happened with the high school incident/mission.

From an artistic standpoint, not much has changed from his previous works. The double spread panels are always beautiful to look at, and the details are never lacking. His drawing style is clearly unique, and it’s really hard not to recognize his touch. I think the artwork is another main reason why I decided to dive into this reading.

I can’t say if it’s underrated or not because, to be honest, it seems more like a manga for a niche audience. But one thing is certain: after watching "Ninja Kamui" this was exactly what I needed to forget that poorly executed ninja story. And if I’m honest, this work seems better executed than “I am a Hero,” so if you didn’t enjoy that read, I’d still give Hanazawa a chance with this series.

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Poll: Under Ninja Chapter 82 Discussion Dickegrobe - Aug 1, 2023	4 replies	by otakuweek »» Aug 2, 6:42 PM
Poll: Under Ninja Chapter 81 Discussion Dickegrobe - Jul 31, 2023	1 replies	by otakuweek »» Oct 6, 2025 8:59 AM
Poll: Under Ninja Chapter 80 Discussion UnoPuntoCinco - Jul 30, 2023	2 replies	by otakuweek »» Sep 30, 2025 8:00 AM
Poll: Under Ninja Chapter 79 Discussion otakuweek - Sep 12, 2025	0 replies	by otakuweek »» Sep 12, 2025 10:13 AM
Poll: Under Ninja Chapter 78 Discussion UnoPuntoCinco - Jul 27, 2023	1 replies	by otakuweek »» Jun 30, 2025 3:59 PM

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