Kumo Ninja

Yemo vaulted down from the cliff, delighted. This medicinal herb was precious, worth even more than the basket of herbs on his back, and it would fetch a good price.

"It's already noon. Time for lunch." Looking up at the sun overhead, Yemo decided to eat by the pool.

He gathered a few sturdy branches and built a fire frame, along with some dry grass that would catch easily. A spark flew into the grass, setting it alight instantly, and the blazing fire soon caught the sturdy branches as well.

Yemo put down his herb basket, took off his shirt, and leaped into the icy pool. The water was so clear that, beneath the surface, he could see fish swimming with his naked eyes.

After catching two big fish, Yemo stopped. Two were enough for lunch. He burst out of the water and flipped onto the shore, then shook himself, sending water streaming off his body.

After cleaning the fish, Yemo found two clean branches, skewered them, and planted them beside the fire to let the flames slowly roast the meat.

Yemo sat beside the fire as well. Its heat washed over him, and before long, wisps of steam rose from the pool water evaporating off his body. His soaked clothes slowly dried in the blaze.

Yemo poked at the fire with a branch, bored as he waited. During that dull stretch, he also thought a little about the future.

What should he do in this ninja world? Become a ninja and strive to become Hokage, or take on those people hiding in the shadows?

Yemo did not know what the future held, but one thing was certain: he had to stay alive. If he remembered correctly, the Third Shinobi World War would probably break out before long.

A delicious aroma reached Yemo's nose, interrupting his thoughts. The fish were cooked, and he quickly picked one up.

Yemo carefully peeled away the charred skin, releasing a rush of fragrance. He gently pinched off a piece of fish and put it in his mouth. It was delicious.

The already succulent fish had been roasted over the flames. Though it had no seasoning, its flavor was entirely natural, and Yemo's face was full of enjoyment. In a few bites, he devoured the whole fish, leaving only a pile of bones.

The fish was large, but it was not enough to fill Yemo's stomach. He picked up the other roasted fish and was about to take a bite.

Suddenly, a faint rustling reached his ears. Yemo froze, his expression changing slightly, but he quickly regained his composure and continued to bite into the fish as if nothing had happened.

The next second, a black Kunai gleaming with cold light suddenly whistled through the air. It flew at tremendous speed, straight for Yemo's head.

Yemo was not frightened. With a flick of his hand, he sent a Kunai flying back. The two Kunai collided in midair with a sharp clang, sparks flying. Both spun backward through the air more than ten times before falling to the ground.

Yemo's eyes narrowed as he saw the fallen Kunai. He had thought it was a bandit or a wild beast, but his attacker had thrown a Kunai, which meant the attacker was a ninja too.

That raised another question: was the attacker a Konoha Ninja, or a ninja from another faction?

As Yemo stared intently ahead, footsteps sounded from the forest, and a dark figure gradually emerged from the shadows. When he saw the newcomer clearly, his face filled with shock, and his heart sank.

He cried out instinctively, "A Kumo Ninja!"

That was right. The ninja who had just ambushed Yemo wore a Kumo Ninja Forehead Protector, and his outfit left no doubt that he was a Kumo Ninja.

But the mountains where Yemo now stood were near Konoha, in the heart of the Land of Fire. Yet a Kumo Ninja had appeared in a place so close to Konoha. It was easy to imagine Yemo's shock.

Though he did not know why a Kumo Ninja had appeared here, Yemo could sense a vast conspiracy looming over Konoha.

The Kumo Ninja spoke. "You actually know I'm a Kumo Ninja. Looks like you're no ordinary kid. You must be a little brat from Konoha. But that makes sense. How could an ordinary kid turn up in a forest this dense, let alone block my attack with a Kunai?"

With that, the Kumo Ninja produced a Kunai and held it in front of his mouth. He ran his tongue lightly along its sharp edge and smiled cruelly. "Kid, you've got rotten luck running into me."

Yemo said nothing, but his entire body was taut. He drew a Kunai with his right hand, held it in a reverse grip, and raised it across his chest. In this situation, he had no choice but to fight.

Since this Kumo Ninja was hiding near Konoha, he had to be on some kind of mission. Now that Yemo had stumbled upon him, he certainly would not let Yemo leave.

Yemo was not afraid to fight. What truly worried him was the Kumo Ninja's strength. Anyone sent by the Kumo Ninja to lurk near Konoha had to be strong. If he was a Chunin, Yemo could still exchange a few moves with him. If he was a Jonin, Yemo was certain to die.

I can only fight to the death! At that moment, Yemo was filled with resolve.

In an instant!

The Kumo Ninja moved. His figure flickered, and the next second he appeared right in front of Yemo, within arm's reach.

So fast! Yemo thought.

A murderous look flashed across the Kumo Ninja's face as he raised his sharp Kunai and stabbed at Yemo's head. Yemo reacted quickly too, instinctively raising his own Kunai to defend himself.

The two Kunai clanged together, their edges screeching as they scraped. Yemo felt an irresistible force surge against him. His whole body shuddered, and he was sent flying backward, unable to control himself.

Bang... bang...

Yemo had been knocked flying with a single move. He rolled several times across the grass, every part of his body striking the ground. When he finally stopped, unbearable pain came from all over him.

One move. In just one move, he had been sent flying like an ant, utterly powerless to fight back. From that tremendous strength, Yemo could be certain that the Kumo Ninja before him was a Jonin.

Yemo had just raised his head from the grass when the Kumo Ninja closed in and kicked him squarely in the head. Blood flew, and his face twisted.

Bang...

Yemo was sent flying backward again. His head felt as though it had been struck by a giant hammer. His mind went blank and he lost consciousness, not even feeling himself fly through the air.

Fortunately, that state lasted only a few seconds. When Yemo came to, he was still flying backward, with the crystal-clear pool beneath him.

Yemo quickly channeled the Chakra in his body. He rolled several times just above the water before slowly coming to a stop on its surface.

The Kumo Ninja had kicked the brat in the head, yet he had regained consciousness in time and maintained his Chakra to stand on the water. Even the Jonin was slightly surprised.

Yemo stood on the water, pain racking his whole body. Even so, he had to grit his teeth and endure it, keeping all his attention on the Kumo Ninja before him, because his opponent's next move could very well be the last.

The Kumo Ninja said, "Kid, I have to admit, you surprised me. You're still standing after taking two of my blows. You're even stronger than an ordinary Genin. But you're unlucky today. You ran into me, and that means death."

"That's not certain!" The corner of Yemo's mouth lifted slightly in a look of disdain.

Seeing the brat's disdain, the Kumo Ninja flew into a rage. He was a Jonin, yet a brat had looked down on him.

At that moment, Yemo's hands moved rapidly through Hand Seals. "Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger." This was the only Ninjutsu Yemo currently knew with the greatest offensive power.

Yemo pressed two fingers together beside his lips, drew a deep breath, and shouted, "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"