The city was restless as night settled in again. Neon lights flickered across puddled streets, casting long, distorted reflections. The air smelled of rain-soaked asphalt, smoke, and the faint tang of something foul lurking in the alleyways. Naruto moved with quiet purpose, trench coat swaying slightly, eyes scanning every shadow. Purgatory was strapped securely to his back, its jagged edges a familiar weight and hum behind him.
He had spent the last few days piecing together the leads from Susan-the female contractor. Missing trainees, sightings of lower-level demons, and rumors of strange gatherings all pointed to a location deeper in the city's industrial sector. The trail wasn't obvious, but it was there, and Naruto knew that careful observation and patience were as important as any sword strike.
"Somewhere in these streets," he muttered, "is a pattern. A plan. And I intend to find it."
He paused outside a warehouse district, rooftops looming like jagged teeth against the dark sky. A faint orange glow flickered from one building, and the stench of sulfur and decay wafted through the alley. Naruto crouched low, eyes narrowing. The building ahead wasn't abandoned; it was active. Something—or someone—was organizing.
Kurama's voice whispered in his mind, calm but serious:
Kurama: "I can feel it too. Stronger presence than last time. Don't get sloppy."
Naruto: "I know, I've got it handled. Just keep your claws to yourself… for now."
The warehouse doors were slightly ajar. Naruto slipped inside, moving like a shadow. The interior was dimly lit by scattered torches, the floor littered with crates, barrels, and broken equipment. Faint whispers and guttural growls echoed from the far corner. Lower-level demons shuffled and prowled, and in the center of the room, a figure moved with authority, orchestrating them.
Naruto's golden eyes narrowed. The figure wasn't just a demon; it was intelligent, commanding, and dangerous. He kept to the shadows, observing patterns, noting which demons responded to commands and which moved independently.
Kurama: "You're walking into a nest. Don't let curiosity get the better of you."
Naruto: "Relax. Observation first. Action second. You know the drill."
A low growl made him flinch just slightly. A demon lunged from the shadows—a wiry, clawed creature intent on surprise. Naruto stepped forward, letting it overcommit. Purgatory rose from his back in a single fluid motion, jagged edges cutting through the demon's torso. Black smoke hissed as the creature dissolved.
The commanding demon froze for a moment, eyes narrowing. Naruto moved deliberately, stepping into the faint light, Purgatory gleaming on his back. He didn't attack recklessly; every movement was measured, every strike precise.
Two more demons charged at him simultaneously. He pivoted, swinging the sword in a horizontal arc that sent them scattering into smoke. Another came from behind. Naruto ducked, rolling forward and driving Purgatory upward in a rising slash. Sparks flew as the creature evaporated.
Kurama's voice sounded slightly amused:
Kurama: "I see why they call you a hunter. Careful, though. The one in the center is no joke."
Naruto: "I've got a good angle. Watch and learn, big guy."
The central demon finally moved, long limbs swinging with unnatural speed. Naruto's golden eyes tracked it carefully. He stepped back, letting the demon overextend its attack. When the creature's momentum carried it forward, he struck. Purgatory cut in a downward arc, slicing through its side. Smoke hissed as the demon roared, staggering but still alive.
Naruto pressed forward, stepping lightly, pivoting with smooth precision. Each strike of Purgatory was deliberate, calculated to weaken without unnecessary risk. Sparks flared, claws met jagged edges, and the warehouse filled with the sound of disintegrating demons.
The commanding demon, realizing its minions were falling, lunged at Naruto directly. Its speed was alarming, but Naruto's reflexes were sharper. He sidestepped, ducked, and countered with a series of clean, precise slashes. The creature staggered, leaving trails of dark smoke in its wake.
Kurama: "Careful, Naruto… it's testing you."
Naruto: "I'm aware. Testing, taunting… doesn't matter. It'll fall like the rest."
Finally, with a swift combination of lateral and vertical strikes, Purgatory cut cleanly through the demon's torso. The creature shuddered, letting out a guttural wail before disintegrating into thick black smoke. The warehouse fell silent.
Naruto lowered Purgatory from his back, breathing evenly. Dust hung in the air, settling slowly over crates and broken equipment. He scanned the room carefully. No more immediate threats. The central demon was gone, but the traces it left behind—residues, claw marks, magical energy—were clues enough for the next step.
Kurama's voice softened, almost approving:
Kurama: "Not bad. You handled that well. I'd say… textbook execution."
Naruto: "Thanks, but don't get comfortable. The night's far from over. This was just a warm-up."
He moved among the debris, inspecting patterns and residues. The demons had been coordinated, organized, and the central figure had clearly been directing them. Whoever—or whatever—was behind this was planning something larger.
Exiting the warehouse, Naruto adjusted the strap of Purgatory across his back, golden eyes sweeping the empty streets. The city was quiet, but he knew it was only a temporary calm. Shadows would stir again, and when they did, he would be ready.
Kurama: "You really do enjoy this, don't you?"
Naruto: "Of course. Hunting, investigating… it's all part of the same game. But hey, don't worry. I'll keep you entertained if things get interesting."
Kurama: "Just remember… next time, I expect you to push a little harder. You're going to need it."
Naruto: "Noted, buddy. Don't blink."
He vanished into the neon-lit streets, calm, alert, and ready. Each investigation, each encounter with the shadows, brought him closer to uncovering the truth. And the next step promised to be more dangerous than anything he had faced so far.
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