But when the Shogun heard of this craftsman, who was drawing more followers to him day by day, he erupted in a fit of rage. “This mere peasant has more Twitter followers and Facebook friends than people in my shogunate!” he roared. “He shall not survive the night – Ninjas, deal with this threat and you shall be rewarded with glory!”

The ninjas left to do their master’s bidding, but secretly planned to defy their ruler and help the craftsman to safety. They did this not just because they loved the taste of his masterpieces, but also because “glory” was not an accepted form of payment. So they smuggled the craftsman and his masterpieces aboard a merchant vessel which sailed the seas until the shogun passed away and an ex-food blogger took his place. That is why sushi – the masterpieces of the craftsman – are always laid out on boats today, and why ninjas have such an affinity with these small morsels of delight.