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You begin each level of Ninja Kid on an overworld map. The map will contain a number of stage entrances, in addition to a shrine and a temple. You may enter any stage entrance at any time, but you may not enter the temple until you bring the scroll (or crystal ball) to the shrine. When you bring the scroll (or crystal ball) to the shrine, a figure will appear next to the shrine, signifying that you may enter the temple to challenge the boss.

When you enter a level for the first time, the stage entrances will be positioned around the map randomly. Therefore, the images of the levels presented below are only examples of what the levels will look like. What will be the same, are the environments and the number of stage entrances, but their positions may be entirely different. Once you locate the stage which contains the scroll or crystal ball and collect it, you are not obligated to enter any of the other stages unless a stage blocks your access to the temple. You may enter more stages if you like, particularly if you are seeking summon flutes.

The appearance of the stage entrance will give you some clue as to what type of stage you are about to enter. consult the following table for more information. Note that the entrances to all completed stages are replaced with a field of flowers that you may safely pass through.

	Guerrilla Warfare stage		Random stage: any one of the four stage types may be presented.
	Poison Field stage		A former entrance to a completed stage.
	Blazing Inferno stage		The shrine where you must deposit the scroll or crystal ball.
	Dog Fight stage		The temple where the level boss must be fought.

[edit] Example maps

Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Level 5	Level 6	Level 7	Level 8