ninja vs pirate

"It's a great conversation starter," I told him, and I was right. Every person he asked that night waxed philosophic about it for at least a few minutes, asking questions and throwing out hypothesis before turning to their friend or date and passing the question on. "A crew of pirates versus one ninja, or a one-on-one match? Would the pirate peg leg be a problem, 'cause it's easily cut off, or a help, since he can't feel pain on a wooden leg?" And so the discussion continued.

The question isn't entirely silly, or even hypothetical. Like the years-long debate on monkeys versus robots, it taps into something basic and primal and specific about the human experience. They are unlikely archetypes, yes, but archetypes nonetheless. Do you choose camaraderie over isolation? Force over finesse? Control over abandon? Order over chaos?

I used to believe in ninjas because I used to believe in that order. I used to believe in the perfectly laid out plan and the triumph of the individual and the sleek black jumpsuit. But a series of somethings happened over years and places and people, and the high seas called. I now know there's only chaos and the moment and the ragtag crew you assemble to see you through. I know it's always pirates. Always.

Put down your throwing stars. Pick up your sabers.

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