Samurai

are the guardians of the Land of Iron. Not much is known about them except that they are very strong according to the current Tsuchikage, Ōnoki.

Appearance
All of the samurai shown thus far have been seen wearing heavy plate-armor akin to traditional samurai. They also wear helmets with face masks. Like real samurai, they are armed with katana. However, the number of blades worn by a single warrior is unusual, going as high as four. It is currently unknown how they individually utilize such an abnormal number of swords.

Abilities
Although little is known about the abilities of the samurai, even by shinobi, it has been revealed that they are capable of utilizing chakra, apparently by channeling it through their swords (similar to the technique used by Asuma). This allows them to extend the reach of their swords as well as attack at a distance by swinging them and releasing crescents of energy at their targets. The samurai has also shown form manipulation, as the chakra blades they form into many types, such as buzzsaws, broad swords, and axes.

Known Samurai

 * Mifune: General

Trivia

 * Madara Uchiha, Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju and many other shinobi of their time wore samurai like armor in the past, despite being ninja.
 * Despite being samurai, the warriors shown have worn their katana edge-down (like shinobi) instead of edge-up, as was customary for real samurai. Wearing katana with the edge up symbolized peaceful intentions, since the curve of the blade made it more difficult to draw with the edge facing up.
 * Earlier in the series, Gato had two Samurai bodyguards, Zori and Waraji, in his employ. Whether they were originally from the Land of Iron, or were taught by another organization, is debatable.
 * The helmets of the other two samurai are similar to the real world Stahlhelm helmets worn by German forces during WWI and WWII.
 * According to the Tsuchikage, no shinobi would attempt to challenge the military of the Land of Iron.