Due to the secretive nature of ninjutsu, specific historical ninja identities are challenging to pinpoint. However, some notable figures and clans associated with ninjutsu include:

1. Hattori Hanzo (服部半蔵):
   • A legendary figure associated with the Iga region, Hattori Hanzo served Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Sengoku period. His skills in espionage and military strategy contributed to Tokugawa’s success.
   • Hattori Hanzo is renowned for his role as a strategist and leader of Iga ninja in service to Tokugawa Ieyasu. His expertise in espionage, intelligence gathering, and swift, decisive actions played a crucial role in Tokugawa’s military successes during the Sengoku period.
2. Fuma Kotaro (風魔小太郎):
   • The Fuma clan, led by Kotaro, is often linked to ninja activities. They were known for their skills in guerrilla warfare and served various warlords during the Sengoku period.
   • Fuma Kotaro and the Fuma clan were skilled in guerrilla warfare and unconventional tactics. They served various warlords and were known for their ability to create chaos on the battlefield, using stealth, ambushes, and surprise attacks.
3. Ishikawa Goemon (石川 五右衛門):
   • While not a conventional ninja, Goemon is a historical figure associated with stealth and unconventional tactics. He became a folk hero known for robbing the rich and aiding the poor.
   • While not a conventional ninja, Goemon is associated with stealth and unconventional tactics. He became a folk hero known for his acts of defiance against oppressive rulers. His story contributed to the romanticized image of ninja in Japanese folklore.
4. Momochi Sandayu (百地 三太夫):
   • Leader of the Iga-ryu ninjutsu school, Momochi Sandayu is said to have played a significant role during the 16th century. However, historical details are often mixed with legend.
   • As the leader of the Iga-ryu ninjutsu school, Momochi Sandayu is linked to the development and dissemination of ninjutsu techniques. The Iga-ryu school was known for its training in espionage, covert operations, and unconventional warfare.

It’s important to note that much of the information surrounding these figures is a blend of historical fact and folklore, making it challenging to precisely determine their individual contributions. Ninja operated in secrecy, and their true identities were often obscured to protect their methods and maintain an element of surprise. However, their roles in strategic warfare, intelligence, and unconventional tactics have left a lasting legacy associated with the ninja tradition. Modern ninja studied these aforementioned historical legends to develop their own art.