The chapter opens with a quote from the ancient Chinese proverb, "shadows are the only things that walk beside it." This is a reference to the fact that the only thing that can stand in the way of a snake's path is a shadow. The chapter ends with a discussion of the importance of owning a ninja and the danger that comes with it. The boys discuss the possibility of Timmy getting a ninja, and the boys decide that it would be a good idea for them to do so. They decide that they would like to keep the ninja, but that they do not want the boy to get hurt. They ask their parents what they should do if Timmy does get a ninja. They agree that it is a bad idea, and they decide to take the ninja back from Timmy.