The Crystal Serpent [Naruto X Oc] |Book 1

Chapter 96: The Unyielding Spirit

The atmosphere was tense as Kei and her team faced off against this mysterious mand and his formidable massive cannanie partner. The air crackled with electricity, the shadows around them trembling in anticipation of the impending battle. The man's piercing gaze was locked onto Kei with an intensity that sent chills down her spine.

"Now, before I take you down, kid, allow me to introduce myself. The name is Junichiro, and this here is my partner Kane, the oldest son of the leader of the Jackals."

Junichiro's words dripped with confidence, making Kei's heart pound with anticipation and dread. His partner, the massive jackal with creamy fur and fierce glowing eyes, stood silently by his side, its body charged with an electric aura that flickered in the shadows. Kane let out a low growl as if sensing the tension building in the air.

Kaito's grip tightened around his kunai, his stance solid as he stepped protectively in front of Kenji and Akira. "So if not one hundred percent a mere mercenary working Daijiro then who are especially with a powerful summoning like that?" He asked studying the jackal, wary of the lighting that flickered through the jackal's fur.

Kei's brows furrowed as she scanned Junichiro's outfit and demeanor. "A shinobi from the Hidden Cloud, right? Lighting affinity, an impressive summoning indeed, you got the aura of the Hidden Cloud written all over you."

Junichiro chuckled softly, the sound rich with amusement."Sharp guess, kid your mind is sharp. I was indeed once a proud shinboi of the Hidden Cloud but found a more suitable life to my liking hunting down any challenges that intreast me, and you have intreast me daughter of Orochimaru your mind is sharp but let's see if you're just as skilled as him."

Kei felt her heart race at the mention of her father. This was no ordinary battle; they were up against someone who had deliberately sought her out for a challenge.

Kane let out another deep, rumbling growl, his eyes never leaving Kei and her team. Kei felt herself tense further. This wasn't just a hired thing they were dealing with a more highly skilled rouge shinboi compared to the Rouge trio siblings they fought earlier.

"So what's it going to be then?" Junichiro said pulling out his sword and getting into a battle-ready stance."Face me here, or try to run and leave your team and client behind to face death."

Kei's jaw clenched."I'm not running anywhere I will protect my teammates and our client. If you want to fight, then let's fight!" Kei declared, her resolve solidifying as she unrolled a scroll.

A sleek, elegant katana appeared in a puff of smoke, its deep purple blade glimmering ominously in the dim light. She gripped it tightly, a sense of power flowing through her."This ends now," she said getting into a battle-ready position.

A wicked grin spread across Junichiro's face."That's what I like to hear. Kane," He commanded, "You deal with the others. This one is mine."

Kane's eyes narrowed on Kaito, Kenji, and Akira. The massive jackal released arcs of lighting with each step he took, its predatory gaze fixed on its prey. Kaito shifted his stance, gripping tightly on his kunai in his grip." Kenji, Akira stay behind me no matter what I will protect you both!" he shouted, determination fueling his voice.

Kenji gulped, eyes wide as he positioned himself behind Kaito, while Akira's face was tight with frustration. "I can fight, Kaito. You don't have to do this alone," Akira protested, even as her stance revealed her weakened state not fully recovered from her shoulder injury.

"Akira, please," Kaito said firmly."Stay back. You've done enough, because of you Kei wasn't hurt fighting the Rouge trio. Let me handle this," He said glaring at the massive jackal.