The Crystal Serpent [Naruto X Oc] |Book 1

Chapter 95: Thunderstorms of Shadows

The air crackled with tension as Kei's warning hung in the dim light of the den. Kaito, Akira, and Kenji exchanged anxious glances, their bodies poised for action. The deep inhuman voice resonated through the trees, sending a shiver down their spines.

"Lightning Style: Thunderstorm Paws!"

Suddenly, an explosion of electric energy surged through the air, illuminating the darkness on the other side of the mud wall blocking the den entrance. The ground trembled beneath them as arcs of lighting. Kei quickly reinforced her mud wall, her fingers moving swiftly as she made hand signs to create a second layer of defense.

"Stay back!" Kei commanded, focusing her charka on maintaining the second layer of defense while Kaito stepped back, standing protectively in front of Kenji and Akira.

"What in the world is on the other side?" Kaito questioned, his heart racing at the intensity of the lighting-style jutsu.

"It sounds like a monster with that growl in its voice," Kenji commented, his eyes wide with fear."If it knows justu, it has to be a summoning or an animal trained to be a ninja. Either way, it's strong."

"Whatever it is, we need to be ready," Kei replied, her brow furrowing as she felt the ground vibrations."Stay close and follow my lead. We can't let our guard down, Kaito not with Akira still recovering." She glanced back at Akira, who was pale but determined.

"I'm fine," Akira insisted, though her voice trembled slightly."I can still fight. Just tell me what to do."

Kei glanced at Akira's pale face, her expression softening momentarily."Akira, you're tough, but right now, your task is to rest and just focus on staying alert. I'll let you know when we need your help only if it is necessary."

Akira clenched her fist, frustration flickering in her eyes."I'm not a burden I've gotten strong since training with Takeru-sensei for the final rounds of the Chunin exams," she said through gritted teeth."Just give me a chance."

However before kei could respond, a deafening crash reverberated through the den. The mud wall shook violently, cracks forming on its surface. The force behind the attack was immense, and even with the added layer of defense, it wouldn't hold for long.

"Kei!" Kaito shouted, his eyes wide."It's going to break!"

He raised his kunai, as he stood in front of Akira and Kenji, preparing himself as the last defense against whatever lay beyond the crumbling wall. His body was tense, ready to act at a moment's notice.

"We need to be ready," Kei said through gritted teeth. Her chakra flared, pushing harder to reinforce the wall, but even she could sense its limits ."Kenji, stay behind Kaito. Kaito, be ready there, more than just the beast outside. Someone's with it, but the charka not anyone from the rouge trio..." Kei's voice was grim, her eyes flicking to the entrance. The  Charka she sensed wasn't familiar, and that made it all the more dangerous.

As if in response to her words, the deep, guttural growl from outside echoed through the air again, sending chills down their spines. The sound of claws scraping against the earth was followed by a low, menacing laugh that reverberated through the trees.

"Your barrier won't hold for long. So come out and face me, make this easy for yourself before my partner here breaks through," A deep voice commanded.

"Who are you?" Kei shouted back, her voice steady."What do you want with us?"

The laugh grew louder, a chilling sound that sent shivers down their spines."A curious little ninja aren't you? We're here for a little fun. I heard that the daughter of Orochimaru,  the Snake Sannin, was around here."

Kei's heart skipped a beat at the mention of her father."Oh yeah? Who told you that and what do you plan to  do knowing that?" She asked.

"Ah, I'm sure you probably figured that part out. Those three siblings you beat shared the information, of course, to Daijiro, who was hired to teach the people of Kurokiri not to get in the way of his trade route busy," The person stated."Sure I was working for him for a while but soon my use for no longer need got rid of the guy like I had been planning to once I got the money for the damage would have stood if he had given me extra payment for eliminating you and your friends after hearing about you, but even if I'm not working  for him anymore can't resist the thought of facing the child of a Sannin." 

Kei's jaw clenched as she felt the full weight of the situation settle on her shoulders."So you're a mercenary. What do you expect to gain from this now?" She shot back her voice icy.

"Mercenary, well, I won't say that one hundred percent true as for what I gain," The voice sai,d, dripping with amusement."Let's say I enjoy the thrill of a good fight. Taking down the offspring will make a greater name for me, especially with those who hold hatred for Orochimaru."

The revelation sent a rush of anger through Kei. She stood taller, her determination solidifying. "You think you can intimidate me? I won't let you harm my friends or disrespect my father's name. No matter what crimes he committed, he is still my father!" she declared, her voice firm and unwavering.

"Such spirit I admire that kid," the voice responded, a dark chuckle escaping its lips. "But spirit won't save you from the storm that's coming."

With that, the growling intensified, and a new surge of electrical energy filled the air. The ground shook violently as the creature outside launched itself against the mud wall, shattering the weakened barrier. Kei felt the vibrations pulse through her, and she quickly prepared for the onslaught.

"Kaito, get ready! Akira and Kenji, stay behind us!" Kei shouted as she summoned her chakra, readying her next move.

As the dust settled from the collapsing wall, a massive pale creamy fur color canine with brown eyes locked onto the group with arcs of lightning jolting slightly from the paws.

"Now let's see what you remade of," The voice said as a figure began stepping out of the shadows. Out of the shadows came a fair-skinned skin tone man with a slim yet toned build. He had a red-tied ponytail touching his left shoulder.  He was wearing a red and brown robe over a black along with red pants and black ninja sandals. Strapped on the back was a black sheath carrying a sword. 

Hey, lovely reader here we have chapter 95 of  The Crystal Serpent. In this chapter, Kei and her team find themselves cornered in a rock den as they face an unknown enemy with the ability to summon powerful lightning-based creatures. Kei displays her resolve to protect her friends and her father's legacy, while Akira's frustration at being sidelined highlights her growth. The chapter ends with the threat of a mercenary seeking to make a name for himself by attacking Kei, setting the stage for an intense confrontation. I hope you enjoy this chapter and the final mission arc for this book.

Thanks for reading!

Question of the chapter: How much stronger do you think this enemy will be compared to the rouge trio? 

word count: 1,188