After all, they were still children — their sense of caution wasn't that strong.
Before long, they were chatting away with Hyūga Shigeo as if they'd known him for years, especially Naruto, who was talkative and endlessly funny.
Sasuke, after finishing his food, perched silently on the ship's railing, unmoving and unreadable.
Kakashi looked at Shigeo and sighed inwardly.
So many years had passed, yet he was still the same — calm, unreadable, and composed.
The ship continued forward, slicing through the waves.
Two days later, after finishing the filming aboard, they finally reached the borders of the Land of Snow.
Towering snow-covered mountains loomed ahead; the air was filled with swirling wind and frost. The journey was peaceful and uneventful.
Although to everyone aboard, Shigeo was supposed to be the bodyguard assigned to Fujikaze Yukie, in truth, it seemed that she was the one protecting him.
Right now, Miss Yukie was holding up a fur coat against the icy wind, wrapping it carefully around Shigeo's shoulders.
"I know, I know — you ninjas have chakra to protect yourselves from the cold," she said, voice warm with concern, "but still, you have to take care. You might catch a cold!"
The film crew watching nearby were practically crying inside.
"What is he even doing here? Is he really a ninja? He's been eating, drinking, relaxing, and getting doted on the entire way — living better than the celebrity herself!"
Others muttered in agreement, rolling their eyes in disdain. But Yukie didn't care about any of that — she only looked at Shigeo with genuine admiration and tenderness.
Shigeo smiled faintly and said politely, "It's fine. This coat is a bit thick — it'll make movement harder if something happens."
"It's fine," she said cheerfully. "You've got them, haven't you?"
She pointed at Kakashi and Team 7 with an innocent smile.
For the first time, Shigeo found himself standing on the "spoiled star" side of things, watching Kakashi's group running around on errands while he was pampered.
He had to admit — it felt strangely satisfying.
The next few days passed, and filming resumed.
Then, just like in the original movie's plot, Kazahana Dotō appeared with his three subordinates, clashing fiercely with Kakashi's team — an earthshaking battle that became perfect footage for the crew.
The shinobi of the Land of Snow specialized in using chakra armor, greatly enhancing the power of their ninjutsu.
Dotō demanded that Yukie hand over the Hexagonal Crystal, claiming it was the key to unlocking the hidden treasure of the Snow Country.
When she refused, he tried to seize it by force.
Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura rushed to her defense, and another fierce battle broke out.
The film crew didn't waste the opportunity — every explosion, every clash of chakra, was caught perfectly on camera.
From the icy shores to the mountain peaks, from narrow passes to ravines — the fighting went on and on.
With Kakashi's intervention, the enemy forces, though aggressive, were ultimately defeated.
That night, as everyone gathered to rest, Naruto and the others finally learned the truth:
Miss Fujikaze Yukie was actually the Princess of the Land of Snow.
Years ago, after parting ways with Hyūga Shigeo in the northern mining region of the Kurozuchi clan, she had been rescued and brought back to the Land of Fire by Kakashi, where she started her acting career and rose to fame.
And now, having returned to her homeland, her past — and her enemies — had caught up to her.
"But it's fine," Yukie said with quiet conviction, looking at Shigeo beside her.
"With A-Mo here, I'm not afraid at all. He saved me back then, and I believe he'll save me again."
Naruto immediately jumped up, indignant.
"What?! He hasn't even done anything! He's just been standing there watching the whole time! We're the ones who saved you!"
Sasuke frowned, his Sharingan eyes flashing briefly.
He had already analyzed this "A-Mo" — his chakra levels weren't extraordinary at all.
So why did Yukie see him as a hero? Could he be bluffing?
Others in the crew muttered among themselves, their gazes filled with scorn.
To them, Shigeo had done absolutely nothing, yet somehow he'd become the princess's "hero."
It was shameless — utterly shameless.
Only Yukie still looked at him like he was the sun itself.
"Enough, Naruto," Kakashi said sharply.
"It doesn't matter what you think. Our job is to complete the mission."
"But he's taking credit for our work!" Naruto protested, waving his arms.
"Quiet!" Kakashi snapped.
The others didn't know, but Kakashi had already reported Shigeo's presence to the Third Hokage as soon as the film crew set out for the Land of Snow.
He was certain that soon, Konoha would send someone to act.
Kakashi knew that Shigeo had been wrongly accused during the Sky Country incident — but as a loyal Konoha ninja, he had to prioritize the village first.
As for Shigeo's innocence… that was for the Hokage to decide.
The group then discussed their plans for the next few days — filming schedules, defense formations, and contingencies.
Fujikaze Yukie's goal was simple:
To finish the movie, reclaim her homeland, and prove to Shigeo that she was no longer the helpless girl he once saved — but a princess determined to protect her country with her own strength.
Over the following days, the battles grew fiercer.
Kazahana Dotō launched one assault after another on Kakashi's team, even resorting to manipulating local civilians to achieve his goals.
Several times, he nearly captured Yukie — but each time, he was sent flying by a single, swift kick from the quiet man at her side.
Only then did Dotō finally pay attention to Hyūga Shigeo.
"Who the hell are you?!" Dotō roared, furious. "I'll kill you myself!"
He charged in atop his armored train, his three henchmen flanking him.
Meanwhile, Yukie's agent Sandayū led the local rebels into battle, firing volleys of mechanical arrow launchers across the field.
A storm of kunai erupted from the devices, raining down on the battlefield like a deadly steel storm.
"Ah—no!" Yukie screamed.
From afar, Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura could only watch helplessly — there were too many projectiles to block.
Boom!
With a thunderous crash, a massive Ice Release wall rose up from the ground, larger than the train itself.
Countless kunai struck the frozen barrier and bounced harmlessly to the ground.
The people were saved.
"Who did that?!" someone shouted in disbelief.
"I thought we were finished!"
The rescued villagers were trembling with relief.
Yukie's eyes filled with tears.
Hidden in the distance, the director and film crew were wide-eyed — this was no ordinary ninjutsu. The power was overwhelming.
Even Naruto was astonished.
"Kakashi-sensei! That was your jutsu, right? That was awesome!"
Kakashi didn't answer.
He simply turned his head to glance at Shigeo.
Ice Release… a kekkei genkai. Among everyone present, there was only one possible user.
Sasuke followed Kakashi's gaze, his eyes narrowing. He understood.
The battle continued.
Dotō and his men retreated aboard the armored train, but Kakashi detonated the suspension bridge. Half the train plunged into the ravine below.
Shigeo turned toward Yukie, bent down, and gently lifted her onto his back.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
Yukie smiled and nodded firmly. "I'm ready. Let's go."
Sandayū and the others rushed forward to block them.
"What are you doing?! Where are you taking the princess?"
"You'll know soon enough," Shigeo said coolly, his expression unreadable.
(End of Chapter)
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