Land of Fire, Konoha.
In a forest tucked away in a remote corner of Konoha.
Whoosh!
A black shadow swept past atop the tree trunks. After it vanished, several leaves suddenly broke free from the branches and slowly drifted down.
Tap!
The moment the figure landed on a tree trunk, his eyes suddenly narrowed, and he sharply turned his head to dodge!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Several dark shapes, glinting with cold light, shot past his side and embedded themselves heavily in the thick tree trunk behind him!
Seeing this, the figure's expression tightened as he called out in a low voice.
"Who's there!?"
Sunlight filtering through gaps in the leaves fell upon him. Dressed in orange, with soft golden hair gently swaying in the sunlight, he revealed the still somewhat youthful face of a boy.
However, the blond boy was currently staring coldly into the dark forest, a Kunai already in his hand as he remained on guard.
From the shadowy forest before him came no reply, as though the previous attack had never occurred.
Just then, within the blond boy's sight, the leaves in the forest's darkness suddenly rustled violently.
The sight instantly made his expression tense. The Kunai in his hand flew free, shooting toward that spot.
Not only that, he leaped toward it. While suspended in midair, he crossed his fingers into a seal and shouted in a low voice.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Poof! Poof! Poof!...
In an instant, dozens of blond boys filled the air, charging toward that spot together.
Just then, a ninja wearing a black mask leaped out from the darkness. Facing the group of blond boys, he showed no panic whatsoever. His hands swiftly formed seals as he said in a low voice.
"Fire Style: Flame Jiu Curtain!"
In an instant, dozens of