LogFAQs > #980176693

This was settled in 1881 when ninja's attacked Long John Silver on the Hispaniola when it was cutting through the Asian Minor, and the 13 Ninja's lost to Long John Silver himself.
Yes, their master didn't participate, still being in Japan - but I think it settles the argument.
Also, while many scholars argue that they were weakened by their fight of the Hashshashins who had time traveled into the future, in my opinion this shouldn't be factored in, because as everyone knows Long John Silver himself and his crew had just fought off the White Whale, and taken casualties.