The Crystal Serpent [Naruto X Oc] |Book 1

Chapter 93: Echoes of the Wild

As Kei, Kaito, Akira, and Kenji pressed onward toward their destination Kurokiri. The air was cool, filled with the scent of damp earth and pine as they exited the forest and headed uphill. Kaito adjusted his grip on Akira who was slumped against his back as his sword was secured into a scroll. Akira's facial expression betrayed the pain she was in from her injury. Kei's eyes narrowed as she led the way scanning the area for any more potential threats as Kenji stayed close beside Kei and Kaito.

"Are you sure you're okay to keep going?" Kaito asked, glancing at her with concern etched on his face. He looked at her shoulder, which had been bandaged up thanks to Kenji but was soaked through with crimson from the blood since it wasn't fully healed yet but wasn't bleeding as bad.

"I'll be fine," Akira replied through gritted teeth, her voice strained but laced with determination. I'm just a little sore. Focus on the ' mission I will be fine. We need to keep moving."

"She's right. We lost time-fighting those three; it took longer than we thought, " Kei said. It was already going to take two days to get to Kurokiri, but it might take longer now that we had to spend a good portion of the morning fighting that trio," she said.

Kenji who walked beside them, his knitted in worry."What if those rouge siblings come after us again? With Akira's injury and the two of you already using a good amount of energy to fight them off alone don't think you can afford another fight anytime soon."

"From Sora's words they probably will try again or Daijiro you mentioned who runs the trade route hired another ninja who plans to stop us, either way we must keep on guard and try to find a safe place to rest and regain some of or strength," Kei sated.

As they continued to ascend the hill the path became more uneven, littered with rocks and roots that twisted through the ground like serpents. The sound of rustling leaves and distant bird calls filled the air, but beneath it all lay an unsettling quiet as if the forest was holding its breath.

Kaito shifted Akira slightly on his back, ensuring she was secure."Hang in there, Akira," He said softly flashing a charming smile keeping her spirits high."We'll get to a place to rest safely soon. You're tougher than you think so don't let being sideline for now make you think otherwise."

Akira smiled, though it was laced with pain."Thanks, Kaito. Just keep moving that is all I need right no not your flirtatious charm."

'That Kaito he always flirting with every pretty girl, but it is different when he flirts with a girl he truly has feelings for. I admit I thought he loved Ino at first by how he always got jealous when she was close to Sasuke, but he stopped acting like that after the Forest of Death during the Chunin exams so he must have moved on.' Akira thought as she gazed at Kaito briefly before focusing on the view ahead.

Kei glanced over at Kaito and Akira.'That Akira won't admit but I know she has feelings for the flirt Kaito, but stubborn like me not admitting I have feelings for Naruto. Though I wonder if Kaito feels the same way now since he hasn't reacted about Ino's obsession with Sasuke anymore so he moved on.' Kei thought as she watched the way he carefully carried Akira on his back.

As the group continued to trudge forward, the hill began to steepen, and the sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating patches of light and shadow on the forest floor.

Suddenly, Kenji's voice broke the tension."Do you think we'll reach Kurokiri before nightfall?"

"I believe we can if we travel reasonably but still fast pace," Kei stated."We need to at least try and get as close to Kurokiri as possible to make up for lost time, it be dangerous if were caught out here in the dark without healing from that fight."

Kaito nodded in agreement."The last thing we need is to deal with any more surprises after what we just faced."

The group continued onward, each footstep echoing in the stillness of the forest. Akira closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on her breathing."I can't believe we had to fight such opponents soon even if it's been some time now since we graduated from the academy. It feels like we've been thrown into the deep end of the pool just after learning to swim."

"Well that's the life of shinobi," Kei replied."It's not all missions and training sometimes you have to deal with unexpected enemies, especially with the military staff of the village being low ninja or force handle missions they might not be ready for, but that's what makes us stronger."

As if to punctuate her statement, the ground shook slightly beneath them and a distant rumble echoed through the trees. The four of them halted, exchanging worried glances.

"What was that?" Kenji asked, eyes wide.

"Just the wind probably," Kaito said, though his voice lacked conviction."Right?"

Kei furrowed her brow, sensing an impending threat."We need to keep moving, we don't want to stick around to find out who is what out there. Kaito stay on guard and keep Akira safe and Kenji stay close to us," She commanded.

"Got it," Kaito replied with a nod as he adjusted Akir's position on his back.

As they resumed their journey with Kenji stay close to Kei and Kaito. A soft whimper echoed from underbrush nearby. The group paused again, and Akira perked up her eyes alert."Did you hear that?"

"I did," Kei replied scanning the underbrush."It could be a trap. We should keep moving."

"Wait, it might be an injured animal. We can't leave it especially if someone or something dangerous is lurking around here," Kaito said, his eyes lighting up with concern.

Akira, feeling emboldened despite her injury nodded."Let's check it out. It could be someone or something that needs our help."

"Hey don't be reckless," Kei groaned as he grabbed Kenji's hand as she followed her teammates toward the source of the sound."Those two can't be serious," She muttered.

As they drew closer, the whimpering grew louder and Kei's heart raced hoping this wasn't a trap. Pushing aside a thick branch Kaito's eyes widened in surprise, "It's a kitten!" He exclaimed as he kneeled studying the small shivering kitten with matted silver fur with black patches and stripes.

"Aw, poor thing," Akira said, her heart softening at the sight. She gingerly reached out a hand, ignoring the pain in her shoulder."Hey there, little buddy. You're safe now, can we take it with us?"

Kei sighed looking at the kitten and her teammates, before walking forward and crouching in front of the kitten."Fine we can take the kitten with us for now, but we need to stay focused on our mission," She stated picking up the kitten.

However, the moment was interrupted by a menacing howling sound drawing everyone's attention.

"Uh-oh," Kaito murmured, his cheerful demeanor replaced with concern as the howling echoed ominously through the trees."What do you think that was wasn't wind that for sure."

"Whatever it is it's not good," Kei said her voice low, and glanced at the kitten that was shivering like crazy in her arms."However, it seems to have the kitten scared more than before, we need to be ready because I sense something coming and it's moving fast."

Hey, lovely reader here we have chapter 93 of The Crystal Serpent. In this chapter, Kei and her team continue their journey toward Kurokiri, navigating through challenges both physical and emotional. Akira's injury weighs heavily on the group, but they work together to push through showcasing their camaraderie and determination. They come across an injured kitten demonstrating their compassion, but a looming threat is on the horizon. I hope you enjoy this chapter and the final mission arc soon this arc will come to a close after a few more chapters, and soon we be at the end of this book.

Thanks for reading!

Question of the chapter: What do you think is out there heading their way?

word count: 1,349