and now magistrate of their village. He has had a spiteful mutual enmity against Usagi since childhood which led to blows more than once. However, in the face of common enemies, the pair has gotten along well on a professional basis. Komori Ninjas - The Komori Ninjas are a clan of ninja bats in the Usagi Yojimbo comic book series. First appearing in Vol.1 #21, "Blood Wings," the clan is the foremost rising rival of the Neko Ninja clan, whose numbers were severely depleted in the climactic battle in "The Dragonbellow Conspiracy" story arch. They have an open rivalry with the Neko Ninja for Lord Hikiji's favour, which has often led to bloodshed. There is, however, a bit of respect and honour for each other shared by both the clan leaders. Unlike the Neko, who are largely humanoid in body type, the Komori have winged bodies which enable them to fly with ease. They typically arm themselves with long sword blades lining the edges of their wings to make for devastating attacks in flight. A favourite move is used when an opponent attempts to take shelter in a forested area; the ninja would slash at the foliage, creating a terrifying and blinding storm of debris that often disorients the victim while they are being exposed. At present, both clans are in the employ of Lord Hikiji as they vie to be the exclusive client for the daimyō. Kurokaze – The kashira (leader) of the Komori Ninja clan; his name means "black wind". He is occasionally mentioned, but so far, Kurokaze is only seen in the Grasscutter II saga; he considers the neko ninja as adversaries of the Komori ninja for Lord Hikiji's favor, although he respects Chizu for her skills. Kazehime - a female Komori Ninja ("wind princess") whom Usagi managed to befriend after he saved her life when she crashed in a storm. They later clashed when Usagi participated in escorting a merchant the Komori were assigned to assassinate. Kazehime was killed by one of the escorts when she hesitated in slaying her benefactor. Koroshi – A powerful and widespread guild of assassins. Usagi has encountered and foiled their agents multiple times, and has therefore been marked for assassination himself. Their agents often have an alternate persona, such as a peddlar or a priest, that allows them to travel undetected. Kotaro - The son of Lady Maple, a renowned