The Crystal Serpent [Naruto X Oc] |Book 1

Chapter 97: The Return to the Hidden Leaf

The forest air was cool and fresh, a serene contrast to the turmoil Kei and her team had endured. The early morning mist clung to the leaves, casting a gentle haze around them. It was the day after they safety delivered Kenji to Kurokiri, and Kei felt the weight of the mission aftermath as they prepared to leave Kurokiri.

"Lady Kei," Yumi hissed gently her long white scale body glimmering in the sunlight as she balanced and injured Kaito and Akira on her head. "We should keep an steady pace, but be mindful of the wounds of your friends. Their spirits are strong but their bodies need rest and healing."

Kei nodded, her gaze shifting to Kaito and Akira. Kaito was barely conscious, his face pale, while Akira held her injured shoulder with a grimace, fighting to stay alert. Kei could see their exhaustion and felt a pang of guilt, this was her first mission as Chunin and she had failed to protect her teammates.

"Yumi, thank you," Kei murmured softly. "Without you, I don't know how I would have managed, and keeping them safe from that jackal, "Her voice wavered with emotion for a moment, but she steadied herself, knowing she needed to be strong.

Yumi's red eyes softened as she gazed down at Kei."You are my summoner, Lady Kei, but more importantly your my friend and unlike Manda I protect my friends through he doesn't act like it I'm sure he cares deeply about Lord Orochimaru."

'Manda if I recall that the giant purple snake my father summon when he fought with Tsunade and Jiriaya when Tsunade refused to heal her his arms.' Kei thought as she recalled that day.

As they moved through the dense forest, Kei eyes scanned the area for any signs of danger. The trees whispered in the breeze, their leaves rustling gently, but Kei's mind couldn't settle. She replayed, the events of the fight with Junichiro, his words about her weakness echoing in her mind. She clenched her fist tightly, a mixture of frustration and determination burning within her.

Akira's voice broke her thoughts. "Kei..." She said weakly, her voice barely a whisper. "Are we close to the Hidden Leaf?"

Kei's expression softened. "We're making good progress, Akira," She assured, giving a comforting smile to her friend. "Yumi's doing her best as possible. Just a bit longer, okay? When we get back, you'll both get proper treatment Kenji patched you up as best as he could."

Akira gave an small nod, as she drifted off to sleep the pain and exhaustion taking over. Kaito, too closed his eyes his breathing shallow. Kei's resolve hardened. She wasn't going to let Junichiro's words get to her she was going to get stronger and surpass the Sannin

As they continued, Yumi adjusted her pace to ensure a gentle ride for the injured. "Lady Kei," she said her tone thoughtful, "May I ask what troubles you? I sense an unease in your chakra, like the calm before a storm."

Kei looked down, hesitant, but then she took a deep breath and spoke. "Its Junichiro's words. He made me feel like i wasn't strong enough. I barely held my own and foolishly let my guard down when Kaito with down if I haven't summon you that Jackal would of taken them down and it because of my father's cruse mark I got an up head on Junichiro for an moment."

Yumi let out a reassuring hiss."Kei, even the strongest of shinobi face moments of doubt. That man was a seasoned warrior, with more experienced then you. You held your ground as best as you could what matters is your teammates are safe, don't let his words break your willpower."

Kei nodded, though her heart was heavy. "Thank you, Yumi. I just want to be stronger not only to surpass the Sannin especially my father, but protect those important to me and save my father from the darkness not just for the sake of my deceased mother, but because he my father and despite him not being the kind of person I dream of he still important to me."