Samurai V. Ninja

There is a major difference between a Samurai and a Ninja. The ideal Samurai is an honorable warrior, strictly follows the Bushido code, and defending his honor through battle and death. A Ninja is deceitful, hiding in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

This is what I think. No doubt about it the Ninja would win. They may not be as driven as the Samurai but they are trained in the arts of silent death. This is how the scenarios would play out.

1.) Ninja is sent on an assignment to kill Samurai. He will attack at his weakest hour, in the dark of the night while Samurai sleeps. Done, no hesitation, the Samurai's death comes easily

2.) Samurai is ordered by his superior to kill Ninja. Supposing he were to attempt the same kill, at Ninja's weakest hour Samurai attempts to kill him. But the subtle sounds of his armor clanking would immediately alert the Ninja. Therefore, he would hide and again wait for the appropriate moment to strike.

Now I understand that there might be the slightest chance that the Samurai can come face to face with the Ninja. If that were to occur, the Samurai would defeat him. No questions asked. To the Samurai, defeat is unacceptable, it is dishonorable and can only be resolved by death. To the Samurai, battle is everything they are, it is their world. So they train furiously because triumph in battle is equivalent to their honor.