Departure

Fortunately, the Third Hokage had already talked his big sister around. When Yemo got home, she only gave him a scolding, then went over a long list of things he needed to watch out for.

Although Kushina was deeply unwilling to let her little brother go to the battlefield at such a young age, she had already given the Third her agreement. Besides, Orochimaru had said he would keep Yemo safe and not let him go onto the battlefield.

That evening, after packing his things, Yemo went to bed full of anticipation. The night passed peacefully, and he slept soundly. At five in the morning, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, his alarm clock urged him out of bed.

Still bleary-eyed, Yemo yawned as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. The cold water against his skin drove away every trace of sleepiness in an instant.

By the time Yemo had finished washing up and come downstairs, Kushina was almost done in the kitchen. This was Yemo's last breakfast before leaving, and she might not see him for a whole month, so she had made an especially lavish meal.

Kushina came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of steaming fried eggs. Breakfast was exceptionally generous: hot milk, fried eggs, slices of bread, sushi, and fresh fruit...

Looking at the spread, Yemo dug in. He didn't know if it was because he was about to leave, but he thought this morning's meal was the best his big sister had ever made him.

At the table, his big sister continued to nag him like a mother about the things he needed to watch out for on the battlefield.

"Yemo, you're going to a real battlefield this time, not playing house. Remember, you have to stay alert at all times, because the enemy could attack you at any moment. And whatever you do, don't be impulsive. Impulsive people die the fastest on the battlefield. Whatever happens, stay calm and analyze the situation. And never take risks. You're only a Genin. If you run into danger, never act alone. Make sure you stay with your teammates..."

Kushina talked on and on for several minutes without showing any sign of stopping. Yemo finally couldn't listen anymore. He raised his hands in surrender and said, "Sis, please stop. You told me all this countless times yesterday. My ears are about to throw up from listening."

Kushina glared fiercely at her ungrateful little brother and scolded him. "What do you know, kid? I'm sharing my experience with you. Once you actually get to the battlefield, you'll know whether what I'm saying is useful."

"But Teacher Orochimaru said he wouldn't let me go onto the battlefield," Yemo said, spreading his hands. He thought his sister was worrying too much. Although he was only a Genin, he wasn't weak. Even if he did go onto the battlefield, he wouldn't necessarily die.

Kushina rolled her eyes at Yemo, then pointed at him and warned, "I'm telling you, don't trust Orochimaru too much. He may be a good teacher, but he's also the kind of person who'll stop at nothing for anything. You'd better be careful, or he might sell you out and you'd still be singing his praises."

"Okay, I know, Sis!"

Yemo thought, You don't need to tell me that, Sis. I know Orochimaru much better than you do. I know exactly what kind of person he is.

"Oh, right, I prepared all these things for you too. Take them all with you!" Kushina suddenly pointed to the large pile of things beside the table.

"Sis, seriously? Those are for me? I thought they were trash you'd gathered up." Yemo pointed at the pile, then at himself, disbelief written all over his face.

"What trash? Those are daily necessities I packed for you, some clothes and toiletries, plus other things..."

As she spoke, Kushina lifted the large bundle and set it on the table, making the whole table tremble. It was easy to imagine how heavy the bundle was.

Looking at the enormous bundle, Yemo quickly shook his head. "No, I don't want it. Come on, Sis, I'm going to a battlefield, not on a picnic. What use would this huge bundle be to me? I've already packed my things."

With that, Yemo picked up a small backpack from the corner of the table. "I've packed a change of clothes, Military Rations Pills, and ninja tools. You don't need to prepare anything for me."

Perhaps realizing that the things she had prepared didn't seem useful, Kushina took the bundle off the table, looking embarrassed.

"Don't worry, Sis. I'll be careful when I get to the battlefield. You have to trust your little brother. A little war like this can't kill me. I still have to see you marry Minato and become an uncle," Yemo said softly, comforting her. How could he not sense the worry in his sister's heart?

At the mention of marrying Minato, Kushina immediately grew shy. "What marriage? Why are you sticking your nose into this, you little brat? You're so young, and you already want to be an uncle?"

Yemo's words immediately lightened the mood at the table.

After breakfast, Yemo checked the things he needed to bring once more. Once he was sure nothing was missing, he put on his backpack and prepared to leave.

Under his big sister's worried gaze, Yemo fled with his backpack on. He could hardly bear her concern; it felt as though he was leaving and would never return.

Yemo had arranged to meet Teacher Orochimaru at the village entrance. By the time Yemo arrived, Orochimaru was already there. Today, Orochimaru wore a dark-purple ninja outfit, with a small backpack on his back just like Yemo's.

"Teacher Orochimaru, sorry I'm late!" Yemo apologized as he walked up to him.

"Let's go!"

Orochimaru said nothing more, uttering only those two words.

With Orochimaru there, Yemo naturally didn't need to register as usual before leaving Konoha. He simply followed Orochimaru and swaggered out of the village.

The members of the Uchiha Clan from the Konoha Military Police Force guarding the Konoha Gate did not stop them. Although the Uchiha were known as Konoha's number one clan, even the arrogant Uchiha Clan didn't want to provoke Orochimaru of the Sannin.

Dawn quietly passed, and the first ray of sunlight pierced the dark curtain covering the sky. A new day came to the world, and all things began to awaken from their slumber. Birds flew overhead, chirping, while droplets resting on the leaves of the trees to either side shone like jewels in the sunlight.

Following Orochimaru along the broad road, Yemo slowly departed under the gaze of the trees on either side, until his receding figure vanished completely from the Konoha Gate.

Yemo looked curiously at both sides of the road. This was the farthest he had been from Konoha since entering the village. In the past, when he went out to gather herbs, he had only ventured into the woods not far from Konoha.

Orochimaru moved quickly along the way, and Yemo had to circulate the Chakra in his body just to keep up. In silence, Yemo and Orochimaru traveled swiftly toward the border of the Land of Fire.