Context: Shōen holders had access to manpower and, as they obtained improved military technology (such as new training methods, more powerful bows, armor, horses, and superior swords) and faced worsening local conditions in the ninth century, military service became part of shōen life. Not only the shōen but also civil and religious institutions formed private guard units to protect themselves. Gradually, the provincial upper class was transformed into a new military elite based on the ideals of the bushi (warrior) or samurai (literally, one who serves).

Question: Who had increased access to better military technology?
Answer: Shōen holders

Question: Which institutions also hired private guards for protection?
Answer: civil and religious

Question: Which class became a new military elite?
Answer: provincial upper class

Question: What does the word "bushi" mean?
Answer: warrior

Question: What did Shoen lack access to?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: What deprived the Shoen of manpower?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: What was nolonger part of the Shoen life after the ninth century?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: What institutions were forbidden to form private guards?
Answer: Unanswerable

Question: Whom comprised most of the ordinary military?
Answer: Unanswerable