The Birds of Prey

This is the eighth episode of the first season of The Ninja, made in 2007.

Synopsis
A trio of mysterious ninja arrive in the Paper Country and declare aloud their intention to kill "The Ninja". elsewhere in the Paper Country, it's still Autumn and Dyne is still excited about it. When the group find and confront him under a large tree they introduce themselves collectively as The Birds of Prey, then individually as The Owl, The Falcon and The Woodpecker. They announce their intention to kill Dyne on the orders of "Lord Gunn".

The three ninja attack Dyne all at once and, after fending off their initial assault, he flees into the woods. The Birds give chase, splitting up to corner Dyne but getting themselves lost in the process. By a stroke of luck, once they manage to regroup the trio cross paths with Dyne again who summons his pole to fend them of. Moments later their chase leads them back to the tree where they first encountered Dyne.

Realising escape is fruitless and how exhausted the Birds are from the pursuit, Dyne decides to bite the bullet and simply fight them as a group. After an ill co-ordinated opening attack, the group begin showcasing more refined combos, gaining the upper hand on Dyne and leaving him beaten and defeated on the ground. Satisfied that their job is done, the Birds begin to depart.

Lying in the dirt, Dyne begins to question his prowess as a ninja and his perseverance. Straightening up, Dyne pulls from his pocket the mysterious amulet, gifted to him by Angus McGruff and puts it around his neck. He immediately begins absorbing massive amounts of energy from the Kaiser Ankh and as his chakra grows, his clothes begin transforming to match his more powerful state. When the transformation is complete Dyne stands rejuvenated, ready to continue the battle.

Trivia

 * Of the three members of the Birds of Prey, the Wood Pecker is played by Andrew Clark, making him the second cast member after Michael Page to play multiple roles.