Hello, Drinor here. I'm happy to publish a new Chapter of The Purple Flash of Kumo.
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The following 12 chapters are already available to Patrons.
Chapter 46, Chapter 47, Chapter 48, Chapter 49, Chapter 50, Chapter 51, Chapter 52, Chapter 53, Chapter 54, Chapter 55, Chapter 56, and Chapter 57 are already available for Patrons.
The morning air was crisp as they made their way toward the bridge, their footsteps echoing against the packed dirt road. Naruto walked slightly ahead of the group, his purple-trimmed white jacket catching the early sunlight. He could feel Sai's eyes on him – had been feeling them for the past ten minutes.
"Take a picture," Naruto finally said without turning around. "It'll last longer. Though I should warn you, I don't swing that way."
Behind him, Sakura made a choking sound, while Darui let out a quiet "Dull..."
Sai's response came with that infuriating fake smile that made Naruto's teeth itch. "I was just thinking how peculiar it is. You don't look like someone from Kumo at all."
The group's casual pace faltered slightly. Even Sasuke, who had been deliberately ignoring everyone, turned his head slightly.
"Not everyone in Kumo has dark skin," Naruto replied dismissively, though his fingers twitched slightly. "We're not a monolith."
"Of course," Sai continued, as if discussing the weather. "But based on the descriptions of Lord A and Lord Ay... well, it's rather strange that their son and grandson shows no family resemblance at all. Spiky blonde hair are quite rare in the Land of Lightning, aren't they?"
Naruto's steps didn't falter, but purple sparks danced briefly between his fingers. "You know what else is rare? Someone who looks like they've never seen the sun. Maybe you should worry less about my appearance and more about your own, Corpse-san."
"Sai," Kakashi's voice carried a warning tone. "That's enough."
But Sai, either missing or ignoring the warning, pressed on. "I've seen pictures of the Raikage's family going back three generations. The genetic markers are quite consistent – dark skin, muscular build, brown eyes. You, however—"
"Guys!" Sakura's shout cut through the tension. "The fog... it's getting thick!"
She was right. In the space of their conversation, a dense mist had begun rolling in, obscuring the road ahead. It wasn't natural – the way it moved, how quickly it had appeared.
"Zabuza," Kakashi said, pushing up his headband to reveal his Sharingan. "He must be nearby."
A deep, mocking laugh echoed through the mist. "Well done, Kakashi. Your reputation as a genius is well-earned." The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. "Though I must say, I'm more interested in the little family drama unfolding. Please, don't let me interrupt."
The mist parted slightly, revealing three figures. Zabuza stood in the center, his massive sword resting casually on his shoulder. To his right was the masked hunter-nin the Konoha team had encountered before – Haku, Naruto remembered. But it was the third figure that drew everyone's attention.
"Let me introduce you to an old friend," Zabuza said, gesturing to the man on his left. "Raiga Kurosuki, former member of the Seven Swordsmen, just like me."
Raiga was shorter than Zabuza and unlike Zabuza, this one held a strange smile, and there was a big bag on his back. Twin sword handles protruded over his shoulders, and electricity crackled around him in a way that made even Naruto take notice.
"Lightning Release," Darui muttered, his usual lazy demeanor sharpening. "This complicates things."
"Oh?" Raiga's grin was visible even through the mist. "A Kumo shinobi? This should be interesting. I've always wanted to test my lightning against yours."
"Darui-sensei," Naruto said quietly, "what about Yugito and Omoi?"
"They'll complete their mission," Darui replied. "We need to complete ours."
The mist swirled around them as Naruto studied Raiga, his eyes fixed on the unsettling bag strapped to the man's back. Something about it felt wrong, like a shadow at the corner of your eye that disappears when you turn to look at it.
"Your funerals will be beautiful," Raiga said, his smile growing wider with each word. "I'll cry such wonderful tears for all of you. Especially you, young lightning user. Your funeral will be the most spectacular."
Naruto's face twisted in disgust. "What's wrong with this guy?" He shifted his gaze to Haku and Zabuza, hoping they might be more reasonable.
Darui stepped forward, his usually lazy posture straightening slightly. "Zabuza Momochi, this doesn't have to end in bloodshed. Kumo would welcome both you and your student. We have a history of accepting talented missing-nin."
Zabuza tilted his head, considering the offer. The massive sword on his shoulder shifted slightly as he thought. "That's... quite an enticing proposition. Kumo's reputation for treating its shinobi well is well-known, even among missing-nin."
"Are you serious?" Sasuke burst out, his Sharingan blazing. "He tried to kill us last week! He almost succeeded!"
Kakashi placed a steadying hand on his student's shoulder. "Sasuke, in our world, yesterday's enemy can be tomorrow's ally. What happened last week was business, not personal." He looked at his three genin. "This is an important lesson for all of you. Missions are just that – missions. Personal feelings rarely have a place in them."
"But Zabuza-san!" Raiga whined, clutching his hands together. "You promised me funerals! Beautiful, tearful funerals! The kind where everyone cries and-"
"Be quiet, Raiga," Zabuza cut him off without even looking at him. He focused on Darui instead. "We can discuss the details of this arrangement after I complete my current contract. Nothing personal, but I need to kill the bridge builder and deal with your Konoha friends first."
The tension in the air thickened. Team 7 shifted into defensive positions around Tazuna, but before anyone could move, a kunai embedded itself in the ground at Zabuza's feet. Everyone's eyes tracked to Naruto, who was slowly shaking his head.
"That's not happening," Naruto said firmly. "Part of our mission parameters is keeping the bridge builder alive. At least until we're done here in Wave."
Zabuza's bandaged face twisted in what might have been amusement. "Heh, you've got guts, kid. But a contract is a contract. I have to complete my agreement with Gato before I can consider any new arrangements."
"Really?" Naruto's purple lightning crackled softly around his hands. "You're that committed to a contract with someone like Gato? A man who bleeds his own people dry? Who starves children?"
"Listen, kid," Zabuza's voice hardened. "I don't like Gato. He's a worm who deserves to die screaming. But in our world, your word is all you have. I don't break contracts – not for anyone, not even for a better offer."
"Even when the contract itself is dishonorable?" Naruto pressed.
"Honor isn't about picking and choosing which promises to keep," Zabuza replied. "It's about keeping your word, period. The moment you start making exceptions is the moment your word becomes worthless."
Darui sighed heavily. "This is getting so dull. Are you sure we can't negotiate this? It would save everyone a lot of trouble."
"I respect your position," Zabuza said, lifting his sword from his shoulder. "But my answer is no. Haku!"
The masked ninja stepped forward. "Yes, Zabuza-sama?"
"Take care of the Konoha genin. I'll handle Kakashi and the bridge builder." He glanced at Raiga. "Keep the Kumo team busy. Try not to die too quickly."
Raiga's unsettling smile returned. "Oh, I won't die, Zabuza. But they will. And their funerals will be magnificent!"
"This is your last chance," Naruto warned, purple lightning now fully coating his arms. "Walk away from this contract. Join Kumo. Live to fight another day."
"Sorry, kid," Zabuza's killing intent began to leak out. "But this is how it has to be. Though I have to admit, I'm curious to see this purple lightning of yours in action. I've heard rumors about it in Kiri."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Yoruichi-sensei taught me that purple lightning isn't just about power – it's about precision. About knowing exactly how much force to use." His gaze flickered to Raiga. "And when to use it."
"Enough talk," Zabuza said, raising his hand in a seal. "Let's make this interesting." The mist began to thicken dramatically. "Hidden Mist Jutsu!"
"Everyone, formation now!" Kakashi barked. "Protect Tazuna!"
Sakura and Sai moved to flank the bridge builder while Sasuke stepped forward, his Sharingan scanning the thickening mist. Darui moved to Naruto's left, his black lightning beginning to crackle.
"Naruto," Darui said quietly. "Remember what Lord A taught you about fighting in the mist?"
"Yeah," Naruto replied, his purple lightning casting an eerie glow through the fog. "Don't rely on your eyes. Feel the electricity in the air. Every living thing gives off a subtle charge."
"Good," Darui nodded. "And what did Yoruichi-sama add to that?"
A small smile crossed Naruto's face. "That purple lightning can pierce any darkness, cut through any deception. That it reveals truth."
Raiga's laugh echoed through the mist. "Such pretty words! They'll make wonderful epitaphs for your graves!"
Zabuza's voice seemed to come from everywhere at once. "Eight points: larynx, spine, lungs, liver, jugular vein, collarbone, kidney, heart. Which should I go for first?"
"Stay focused," Kakashi warned.
Naruto felt the air change a fraction of a second before the attack came. "Above!" he shouted, as Haku descended from the mist with a rain of senbon.
Purple lightning exploded outward, creating a dome that deflected the needles. In the same instant, Raiga burst through the mist, his twin swords crackling with blue lightning.
"Let me hear your death screams!" Raiga howled. "Let me cry for your passing!"
"There will be no one left to mourn you," Naruto's voice emerged cold as winter frost. "Lightning answers to no master."
His eyes gleamed like arctic steel as chakra crackled around him. "Let's see whose scream echoes last."
Purple met blue in a clash, illuminating the mist like a miniature sun.
✇
Through the thick mist, Darui's languid form materialized near Sakura and Tazuna, his hands casually stuffed in his pockets despite the tense atmosphere.
"Yo," he drawled, scanning the area with his characteristically bored expression. "Where'd those two troublesome brats run off to?"
Sakura pointed at the massive dome of ice mirrors where flashes of fire and the sound of clashing weapons could be seen. "Sasuke-kun and Sai are fighting that masked ninja in there!"
"How dull..." Darui sighed, leaning against the bridge railing. "At least they're keeping busy."
"What are you doing here?" Sakura demanded, her hand clutching a kunai. "Shouldn't you be helping Naruto?"
Darui waved his hand dismissively. "Nah, the kid's got it handled. That purple lightning of his might be unrefined, but it's got some kick to it. I'm here to protect."
"Protect?" Sakura's eyes lit up hopefully. "You mean you're here to help guard us?"
"Not quite," Darui corrected with another lazy sigh. "I'm here to protect the bridge builder." He jerked his thumb toward Tazuna. "You just happen to be standing next to him."
Sakura's jaw dropped. "W-what? But I'm a Konoha ninja!"
"And I'm a Kumo ninja with a mission to protect the bridge builder," Darui yawned. "You're just... what's the word... surplus to requirements? Yeah, that sounds about right. How dull explaining all this is..."
Tazuna couldn't help but chuckle nervously as Sakura's face turned as pink as her hair with indignation.
"Besides," Darui added, "shouldn't you be more worried about your teammates in that ice cube over there? Though I guess standing around looking worried is also a valid ninja technique... somehow."
Sakura's spluttering response was drowned out by another explosion from the ice dome, causing Darui to mutter his favorite word once again: "Dull..."
✇
Through the dense fog, purple electricity crackled and danced, illuminating the misty battlefield in eerie flashes. Naruto stood facing Raiga Kurosuki, whose twin Kiba blades hummed with blue lightning. The sound of waves crashing against the bridge's supports could be heard.
"A child wielding purple lightning?" Raiga's voice carried a mix of surprise and disdain. "How interesting. I'll give you a proper funeral after this."
Naruto's eyes narrowed, noting how Raiga kept adjusting his stance to protect the large bag on his back. "You're the one who's going to need a funeral, old man."
Purple lightning sparked around Naruto's hands as he formed hand seals. "Purple Lightning Style: Thunder Lance!"
A javelin of violet electricity materialized in his grip. He hurled it at Raiga, who crossed his Kiba blades, catching the attack. Blue lightning met purple, sending sparks cascading across the misty bridge.
"Impressive power," Raiga acknowledged, spinning his blades. "But raw strength isn't everything. Lightning Ball!"
Spheres of blue lightning shot toward Naruto, who weaved between them with practiced agility. Each orb that missed crashed into the bridge or disappeared into the water below, creating small explosions.
Naruto countered with his own technique. "Purple Lightning Style: Thunder Web!"
A network of violet electricity spread across the bridge's surface, forcing Raiga to leap high. But that's exactly what Naruto wanted. "Got you! Purple Lightning Style: Rising Dragon!"
A serpentine dragon of purple lightning surged upward, jaws open to engulf Raiga. But the experienced swordsman wasn't so easily caught. "Lightning Release: Thunder Gate!"
The Kiba blades created a barrier of blue lightning that clashed with Naruto's dragon. The resulting explosion temporarily cleared the mist around them, revealing glimpses of the other battles raging nearby - Haku's ice mirrors reflecting Sasuke's flames, Zabuza and Kakashi were fighting each other, and Darui was just watching.
Raiga landed gracefully, but Naruto noticed something - when dodging, Raiga moved stiffly, always keeping his back protected. The bag he carried wasn't just cargo; it was precious to him.
"You're holding back," Naruto taunted, gathering more purple lightning around his arms. "Afraid something might happen to whatever's in that bag?"
Raiga's expression darkened. "You focus on staying alive, brat!" He charged forward, Kiba blades crackling with intensified power. "Lightning Fang!"
The air filled with the sound of a thousand birds as Raiga unleashed a barrage of strikes. Naruto dodged and weaved, but one slash caught his shoulder, sending painful jolts through his body. Normal lightning might not be as powerful as purple, but in a master's hands, it was still lethal.
Gritting his teeth through the pain, Naruto formed more seals. "Purple Lightning Style: Thunder Armor!"
Violet electricity encased his body, creating a protective layer that would shock anyone who came too close. It was a technique Yoruichi had taught him, though he hadn't mastered it to her level yet.
"Clever," Raiga commented, maintaining his distance. "But can your armor handle this? Lightning Release: Storm Execution!"
The fog around them became charged with electricity. Blue lightning began striking randomly across the bridge, forcing Naruto to constantly move while maintaining his armor. One bolt struck his thunder armor, causing it to flicker dangerously.
"Your purple lightning might be stronger," Raiga called out, "but you lack experience. I've been wielding lightning since before you were born!"
Naruto knew he was right - his raw power was greater, but Raiga's mastery gave him an edge. He needed to be smarter about this.
Creating two shadow clones, Naruto began his counterattack. "Purple Lightning Style: Trinity Strike!"
The clones spread out, each generating purple lightning in different patterns. They attacked simultaneously from three directions, forcing Raiga to defend multiple angles while protecting his back.
"Lightning Release: Circular Defense!" Raiga spun his blades in a protective sphere of blue electricity, deflecting the triple attack. But the effort cost him - beads of sweat rolled down his face.
Naruto pressed his advantage. "You're strong, but you're handicapping yourself protecting that bag. What's so important that you'd risk your life for it?"
"Silence!" Raiga roared, his attacks becoming more aggressive but less controlled. "You know nothing! Lightning Release: Thunder Dragon Tornado!"
A massive vortex of blue lightning formed around Raiga, expanding outward with devastating force. Naruto's clones were instantly destroyed, and his thunder armor crackled under the strain.
But through the pain and pressure, Naruto saw his opportunity. Raiga's ultimate attack left him momentarily stationary. Focusing all his remaining chakra, Naruto prepared his own finishing move.
"Purple Lightning Style: Heaven's Judgment!"
Massive bolts of purple lightning struck down from above, piercing through Raiga's tornado. The swordsman managed to block most with his Kiba blades, but one bolt struck the bridge at his feet, shattering the concrete and throwing him off balance.
In that split second of vulnerability, Naruto closed the distance. Purple lightning concentrated around his fist as he aimed for Raiga's chest. "This ends now!"
But at the last moment, Raiga twisted, taking the hit to his shoulder rather than risk anything happening to his bag. The impact sent him skidding backward, his left arm now hanging useless at his side.
"Impressive," Raiga panted, still maintaining his protective stance despite his injury. "But as long as Ranmaru needs me, I cannot fall!"
"Ranmaru?" Naruto questioned, his own breathing heavy from chakra exhaustion.
Before either could continue, a chilling scream cut through the fog - Haku's voice, filled with pain and desperation.
A twisted grin spread across Raiga's face at the sound of Haku's agonized scream. "Ah, music to my ears. Seems like the bitch is getting a taste of true pain." His eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure. "You know what's beautiful about screams like that? They're pure, honest. I love hearing them."
Naruto's eyes hardened, purple lightning crackling more intensely around his arms. The casual mention of torturing someone made his blood boil.
"Enough talk," Naruto snarled, purple lightning crackling around his body. "Your funeral obsession ends here."
Raiga's eyes narrowed as he raised his Kiba blades defensively. The fog swirled around them, thick with the scent of ozone and blood.
"Purple Lightning Style: Thunderbolt Rain!" Naruto launched a barrage of violet lightning bolts, each one precisely aimed to force Raiga to choose between defending himself or protecting his precious cargo.
"Lightning Release: Storm Wall!" Blue electricity erupted from Raiga's blades, creating a protective barrier. But Naruto noticed how the swordsman twisted awkwardly, ensuring nothing got near the bag.
Blood dripped from Naruto's previous shoulder wound as he pressed his attack. "Purple Lightning Style: Ground Surge!" He slammed his palm onto the bridge, sending waves of violet electricity through the concrete.
Raiga leaped to avoid the attack, but his movements were becoming more predictable. Each dodge, every defensive maneuver - all centered around protecting that bag. Something moved inside it, catching Naruto's attention.
"Oh?" A cruel smile spread across Naruto's face. "Is something alive in there?"
Raiga's eyes widened fractionally. That was all the confirmation Naruto needed.
"Purple Lightning Clone Jutsu!" Three copies materialized, each crackling with energy. They attacked from different angles, forcing Raiga to constantly adjust his stance.
"Stay away!" Raiga roared. "Lightning Release: Circular Defense!" Blue electricity spun around him in a protective sphere, but maintaining it while guarding the bag was clearly taxing.
Naruto pressed his advantage. "Whatever's in that bag must be terrified right now," he taunted. "All this lightning, the killing intent... can it feel everything that's happening?"
"Silence!" Raiga's attacks became more desperate, less controlled.
"Is it a person?" Naruto pressed, launching more lightning spears. "Someone special? They must be so scared, feeling you get weaker with every exchange."
"I said SILENCE!" Raiga's voice cracked with emotion. "Lightning Release: Thunder God's Wrath!"
Blue lightning exploded outward in all directions, but the attack left him momentarily stationary. That's when Naruto struck.
"Purple Lightning Style: Chain Bind!" Violet electrical chains erupted from the bridge, wrapping around Raiga's legs. As he struggled to free himself, one chain snaked toward the bag.
"NO!" Raw fear filled Raiga's voice. He twisted desperately, taking a direct hit to his chest rather than let the chain touch his cargo.
Blood sprayed from his mouth as the lightning seared through him, but still he maintained his protective stance. "Please... not Ranmaru..."
"Ranmaru?" Naruto's eyes narrowed. "So that's who you're protecting. Well, don't worry, I won't touch him, but you on the other hand."
"Purple Lightning Style: Execution Spear!" Violet electricity condensed in Naruto's hand, forming a crackling lance of pure power.
Raiga tried to raise his Kiba blades, but his previous injury had slowed him. His eyes held a mixture of fear and desperate determination as Naruto closed in.
The lightning spear pierced through Raiga's stomach with a sickening crackle-thud. Blood and steam erupted from the wound as purple electricity coursed through his body, cooking him from the inside out.
"Ran...maru... I'm... sorry..." Raiga gasped, blood bubbling from his lips. His Kiba blades clattered to the ground as his arms went limp.
As Raiga lay there, blood pooling beneath him, movement came from the bag. Small hands pushed against the fabric until it fell away, revealing a frail-looking child with striking purple hair. Ranmaru stumbled forward, legs weak from being confined.
"Raiga-san!" The child's voice cracked with emotion as they took in the gruesome sight - the smoking hole in Raiga's stomach, the scattered Kiba blades, the purple lightning still crackling around Naruto's form.
"Ran...maru..." Raiga coughed, more blood spilling from his lips. "You shouldn't... see this..."
"No, no, no!" Ranmaru crawled toward the dying man, tears streaming down their face. "You promised! You promised you wouldn't leave me alone!"
Naruto watched silently, his expression hard as stone as Ranmaru reached Raiga's body. The child's small hands pressed against the wound, becoming stained with blood.
"You're all I have," Ranmaru sobbed. "Please... please don't go..."
Raiga's bloodied hand shakily rose to touch Ranmaru's face. "I kept you... in that bag... because I'm selfish..." His breathing grew more labored. "Wanted to keep you... all to myself..."
"I don't care!" Ranmaru clutched Raiga's hand. "You saved me when everyone else abandoned me. You gave me a reason to live!"
A bitter laugh escaped Raiga's throat, followed by a wet cough. "Saved you? No... I imprisoned you... used your power... hurt you..." His eyes began to glaze over. "Maybe... this is better..."
"It's not better!" Ranmaru's purple eyes blazed with desperation. "You're cruel and twisted and terrible but you're mine! My precious person!"
Naruto's fingers tightened around his lightning spear, watching the scene unfold. The pure anguish in Ranmaru's voice contrasted sharply with Raiga's earlier sadistic behavior.
As Raiga lay dying, Ranmaru's purple eyes suddenly shifted, blazing crimson with a glow. "I can save you!" The child pressed their small hands against Raiga's wound, red energy beginning to flow between them.
"No..." Raiga coughed, blood spraying from his lips. "Stop... that technique will kill you..."
"I don't care!" Ranmaru's voice cracked as tears streamed down their face. "You're all I have! I can't lose you!"
The red energy intensified, and Naruto could see Ranmaru's skin growing paler, life force visibly draining away. Blood began trickling from the child's nose.
"Stupid brat," Raiga suddenly snarled, his voice turning cruel despite his weakened state. "You want to know the truth? I only kept you around because your eyes were useful."
Ranmaru flinched but didn't stop the technique. "You're lying... you're just trying to make me stop..."
"Every time I looked at you, it made me sick," Raiga continued, his words dripping with venom. "A weak, pathetic thing that couldn't even walk on its own. Do you know how tiresome it was, dragging you around in that bag?"
"Stop it..." Ranmaru's hands trembled, but the red energy continued flowing. More blood trickled from their nose and ears now.
"Those villagers were right to abandon you," Raiga twisted the knife deeper. "You're nothing but a burden. A tool. And not even a good one at that."
"I don't believe you!" Ranmaru screamed, tears mixing with blood. "You're my precious person! You gave me a reason to live!"
"Live?" Raiga laughed bitterly, then coughed up more blood. "You call that living? Trapped in a bag, used for my amusement? I enjoyed hearing you cry, enjoyed making you depend on me completely. You were just my favorite toy to break."
"No... no..." Ranmaru's body swayed as the technique drained more of their life force. The child's skin had turned almost translucent, veins visible beneath.
"Stop this stupid technique," Raiga growled. "Or are you too useless to even follow one last order?"
"I won't stop!" Ranmaru's crimson eyes blazed brighter. "Even if you hate me... even if you used me... you're still my everything!"
With the last of his strength, Raiga suddenly lurched forward, his fist connecting with Ranmaru's small chest. The impact sent the child sprawling backward, the red energy dissipating instantly. Color slowly returned to Ranmaru's pale skin as the life-draining technique was forcibly interrupted.
"Raiga-san, why—" Ranmaru struggled to get up, eyes wide with desperation.
"Because you're too stupid to save yourself," Raiga coughed, blood spraying from his lips. His hand trembled as he reached for one of the fallen Kiba blades beside him. Water from the mist had soaked into his clothes, pooled around his body.
Understanding dawned in Ranmaru's eyes. "No... NO! Don't—"
"Goodbye, Ranmaru." A bitter smile crossed Raiga's bloodied face as he gripped the blade. "Stay alive... and hate me properly..."
"RAIGA-SAN!"
Blue lightning erupted from the Kiba blade, coursing through Raiga's water-soaked body with devastating force. His back arched as electricity ravaged him, muscles spasming violently. The smell of burning flesh filled the air as he channeled every last bit of chakra into the blade, ensuring there would be nothing left for Ranmaru to save.
Ranmaru tried to crawl forward, but Naruto held him back, preventing him from touching the electrically charged body. They could only watch, screaming, as Raiga's self-inflicted execution continued until his hand finally went limp, the blade clattering to the bridge.
What remained was a smoking corpse, flesh charred beyond recognition. No amount of life force transfer could reverse such complete destruction. Raiga had made absolutely certain of that.
"You didn't have to..." Ranmaru sobbed, collapsing in Naruto's grip. "I could have saved you... I could have..."
Raiga's final act had been to ensure Ranmaru's survival - by making his own death irreversible.
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