Victor!

The impact resonated like a true thunderclap, sending Zabuza hurtling once again. But this time, Zabuza wasn't getting up easily.

Zabuza coughed, blood staining his lips, but his pride still intact. "You... you're impressive. But remember, kid, the world isn't black and white."

Ryomaru simply said, "It is red." With a swift, horizontal motion of his hand, a streak of lightning surged forth, skimming close to Zabuza's neck. As his hand passed, the glint of that lightning left a shimmering line against the pale skin of the rogue ninja's throat. The scene that followed was both haunting and beautiful - a mix of the horror of battle and the serene beauty of nature. The trees, previously a dull green, took on a shade tinted with a shade of red, reflecting the act that had just been executed.

The crimson from Zabuza's wound spattered onto the white petals of the flowers around them, painting a picture reminiscent of the dawn of spring, where fresh blooms get their first blush of red. It was a paradox, contrasting the violence of their clash and the tranquillity of nature.

Zabuza, the 'Demon of the Hidden Mist', known for his ruthlessness, met his fate with a surprising calm. His eyes, still open, stared defiantly back at Ryomaru. Even in death, there was a certain mischief, an unwavering challenge that spoke volumes of his spirit.

Ryomaru's deep blue and purple aura, the signature of his Thunderpulse Chakra Cloak, began to fade slowly. His breathing grew heavy, the exertion of battle evident. The image of his mother, Miori, flashed before his eyes, fueling his resolve even in this draining moment.

Hanabi quickly approached, her Byakugan eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "Ryomaru," she whispered, her hand reaching out to touch his shoulder.

He turned to her, offering a weary but reassuring smile. "I'm okay," he replied, the weight of his emotions evident in his voice.

Others soon gathered around the aftermath of the intense face-off. Samui and Mabui rushed forward, their faces etched with a mixture of pride and concern. Temari, who usually maintained a tough exterior, displayed a noticeable sigh of relief upon seeing Ryomaru, though she didn't let it show too openly. It was a well-known fact that she harbored feelings for the young shinobi, but her stoic nature never allowed it to surface overtly.

Hinata, a teammate and close friend to Ryomaru, had her Byakugan deactivated. Her pale eyes, however, were filled with a whirlwind of emotions - relief, pride, and a hint of sadness. She gently approached Ryomaru, her soft voice trembling slightly. "You... you were incredible, Ryomaru. But... don't push yourself so hard."

Ryomaru offered a smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Hinata."

Mabui gently patted Ryomaru's shoulder, her eyes kind but stern. "You did well, Ryomaru. But remember, recklessness can come at a cost. We're here to guard you, after all."

Ryomaru nodded, recognizing the weight of her words. "I understand, Mabui-nee. I won't let my emotions get the best of me next time."

Tazuna, who was still trying to wrap his head around the events, was in a state of shock. A mere day ago, he had seen these young individuals as children, perhaps even underestimated them. But today, the raw power and determination exhibited by Ryomaru had shifted his perspective entirely. The 'child' he'd casually dismissed was, in fact, a formidable force.

"You... you kids are something else," Tazuna managed to say, his voice shaking.

Ryomaru, despite the fatigue evident in his posture, straightened up and looked determinedly down the path ahead. "Let's continue," he announced, his voice even. A fleeting shadow passed over his ice-blue eyes, hinting at thoughts only he was privy to. When his hand had moved to strike down Zabuza, a flood of unfamiliar images had rushed through his mind. They weren't memories of his own, but rather of someone else, or so it felt. Those images held an importance he couldn't comprehend, but he felt an inexplicable urgency to unravel their meaning before they ate away at his spirit.

Tazuna hesitated, clearly still processing the intensity of what he had just witnessed. "Are you sure you're alright to move on so soon?"

Ryomaru offered a reassuring nod, though his expression remained guarded. "We have a mission to complete. We'll ensure your safety to Wave Country."

Samui and Mabui exchanged a concerned glance. It wasn't the physical toll of the battle they worried about; it was the psychological aftermath. Mabui approached Ryomaru, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay to take a moment, Ryomaru. We're here for you."

"I know, Mabui-nee," he responded softly, his gaze distant, clearly lost in his own thoughts. He was grateful for their unwavering support, but he couldn't shake off the disquiet that Zabuza's words and those peculiar memories had stirred within him.

Ryomaru walked ahead, the weight of the battle still evident in his posture. The winding path to Wave Country was surrounded by thick trees, casting a light dappled shade on the path. His stride was confident, but those who knew him could sense the emotional weight he carried.

Mabui and Samui followed closely behind, exchanging glances every now and then, sharing unspoken concerns about the young shinobi's mental state. They had seen him grow up, watched him evolve into the fierce protector he had become. His bond with his mother, Miori, was evident to everyone, and any slight against her was a slight against him. But what had just transpired went beyond defending honor; it delved into a realm of deep, seething emotions.

Temari, a bit distant, walked with a certain stiffness in her posture, occasionally glancing Ryomaru's way. She tried to mask her worry with her usual stoic demeanor, but anyone with an observant eye could see through it. She had seen many battles in her time, but the fury and raw power that Ryomaru had just displayed was unlike anything she had seen before, especially from someone his age.

Hinata and Hanabi, members of the prestigious Hyuga Clan, chatted softly as they made their way. Hinata, always the more reserved of the two, kept glancing at Ryomaru with a look of concern. "He's changed, hasn't he, Hanabi?" she whispered.

Hanabi nodded, her gaze focused ahead. "He has. But he's still the same Ryo we know. He just needs some time."

Ryomaru, overhearing their conversation, turned around with a gentle smile. "I'm okay," he reassured, though his eyes revealed an underlying pain.

Hanabi nudged him lightly. "You better be, or I'll kick your butt myself," she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

As the group continued on, the atmosphere started to lighten a bit. The shade provided by the trees made the journey comfortable, and the chirping of the birds served as a calming background melody.

----

Read 45(15 chapters for each novel) advanced chapters in my Patreon!

patreon.com/IWriteFanfic2