"Nobunaga no Shinobi" is a comedic historical anime that reimagines the Sengoku period of Japan through a lighthearted lens, blending historical events with exaggerated humor and slapstick comedy. The series centers on Chidori, a young ninja girl who becomes a loyal retainer to Oda Nobunaga, the ambitious and powerful daimyo aiming to unify Japan. Chidori, despite her small stature and often clumsy demeanor, is highly skilled in ninjutsu and serves as a key operative in Nobunaga's campaigns. Her missions frequently involve espionage, sabotage, and assassination, though these tasks are portrayed in a comedic and exaggerated manner, often leading to absurd and humorous outcomes.

The narrative progresses through episodic adventures, with each episode focusing on a specific historical event or battle from the Sengoku period, reinterpreted with a comedic twist. Nobunaga's rise to power is depicted through these vignettes, showcasing his strategic brilliance and unyielding ambition, while also highlighting the quirky dynamics between him and his retainers. Alongside Chidori, other notable characters include Nobunaga's loyal vassals, such as the stoic Hideyoshi Toyotomi and the fierce Mitsuhide Akechi, who are also portrayed with exaggerated traits for comedic effect. The interactions between these characters often drive the humor, with their personalities clashing in over-the-top and absurd ways.

The series maintains a balance between historical accuracy and comedic fiction, often incorporating real events and figures from the Sengoku period but presenting them in a way that prioritizes entertainment over realism. The tone is consistently lighthearted, with a focus on slapstick comedy, visual gags, and witty dialogue. Despite its comedic approach, the anime occasionally touches on the darker aspects of the Sengoku period, such as the brutality of war and the political intrigue of the time, though these elements are always framed within the context of humor.

Chidori's growth as a ninja and her unwavering loyalty to Nobunaga serve as the emotional core of the series, providing a sense of continuity and character development amidst the episodic structure. Her interactions with Nobunaga and other historical figures are central to the narrative, offering a unique perspective on well-known events and personalities from Japanese history. The anime's blend of historical context, exaggerated humor, and endearing characters makes it an accessible and entertaining take on the Sengoku period, appealing to both fans of history and comedy.