Chapter 81: Past Events of the Land of Snow
After Asama Sandayū and Yukie Fujikaze were invited into the conference room, Sasuke soundlessly stationed himself in front of the door.
"Based on the fight just now, I'm almost certain the attackers were subordinates of the Land of Snow's daimyō, Kazahana Dotō."
Kakashi's gaze drifted between the two of them.
"Ten years ago I accepted a mission that brought me here. Back then, surrounded by Snow Ninja sent by Kazahana Dotō, I spirited the former daimyō's daughter—Koyuki Kazahana—out of the Land of Snow."
"Their target must be you, Princess of the Land of Snow—Koyuki Kazahana."
Yukie Fujikaze—or rather, Koyuki Kazahana—gave a slight nod, her voice trembling: "It's me."
"Then…"
Kakashi uncovered his left Sharingan; three tomoe spun within the crimson pupil.
"And you, Mister Sandaifu, who's so desperate to bring Princess Yukiyuki home—whose side are you really on?"
Sakura pulled Koyuki Kazahana back, putting distance between them and Sandaifu.
The air in the room froze; every eye fixed on the old retainer.
Under their questioning stares, Sandaifu showed no panic of exposure; instead, grief and recollection flooded his face.
He lifted his head slightly, as though summoning painful memories, and spoke in a heavy voice: "I was a vassal of His Highness Hayayuki, honored to serve at his side."
His tone carried boundless longing and reverence for his late lord: "The Land of Snow is small, yet it was peaceful and serene.
Hayayuki was a benevolent sovereign; he adored Princess Yukiyuki, treasured her like the jewel of his eye."
Then his voice flared with fury: "But—ten years ago—Hayayuki's own younger brother, that bastard Kazahana Dotō!
He hired brutal Snow Ninja, launched a bloody coup, usurped the throne, and seized the entire nation by force!"
His voice shook with grief: "Our capital, beautiful Fūka Castle… was swallowed by the inferno of that rebellion and reduced to scorched earth!"
He turned to Yukiyuki, eyes brimming with grateful relief: "I… I thought you had perished in the chaos. When I finally found you on that film set, you can't imagine my joy!"
He was almost sobbing: "Thank heavens… thank heavens you're alive!"
"For me, it would've been better to have died in those flames."
Yet, hearing Sandaifu's blood-and-tears account, Koyuki Kazahana showed no spark of vengeance—only listlessness, even self-mockery and despair, as though past and future alike had lost all meaning.
"Your Highness! You mustn't speak like that!"
Sandaifu dropped to his knees before her, pleading with unshakable resolve.
"To us retainers still loyal to Hayayuki, the very fact that you live is the brightest hope in our hearts!"
He tried to rally her with their present strength: "You saw it yourself! Konoha's Ninja easily slew Kazahana Dotō's three strongest warriors!
With them, we can surely overthrow Kazahana Dotō and restore our kingdom!"
"Um… let me butt in."
Naruto raised a hand, cutting short Sandaifu's impassioned speech.
He scratched his head and said seriously:
"The mission we accepted is an A-rank escort: keep you safe until filming finishes.
But assassinating a daimyō is clearly top-tier S-rank, and the pay has to match."
His meaning was clear: they'd fight Kazahana Dotō if need be, yet an A-rank fee for an S-rank battle was a losing bargain.
"Rest assured!"
Sandaifu instantly understood; he lifted his head, eyes blazing with a willingness to pay any price.
"If you Konoha Ninja can slay that usurper Kazahana Dotō, we will somehow gather whatever sum you demand!
This isn't my wish alone—it's the decade-long yearning of every citizen who still reveres Hayayuki!"
Naruto looked at Kakashi; Kakashi merely shrugged.
This A-rank escort had only come their way because he'd once been to the Land of Snow; Genin weren't supposed to touch anything above B-rank. Still, if killing Kazahana Dotō guaranteed safety, a new mission was feasible.
Even without a formal commission they'd end up facing Kazahana Dotō anyway.
"The kid learned fast after the Land of Waves," Kakashi mused.
"Only by clinging to belief in despair can one glimpse hope; only by embracing hope can we greet a brighter future."
The director, hands tucked into winter-coat sleeves, spoke like a sage who had seen the world.
"Isn't that precisely the theme of Princess Fuun's Finale? Struggle in adversity, hope within despair! If Sandaifu and Yukiyuki lack funds, I can cover part. And if you Ninja appear in the film, I'll pay performance fees."
"A-At a time like this you still want to keep shooting?"
The assistant gaped at the director.
"Of course we shoot!"
The director's answer was absolute.
"Remember: Yukiyuki is a pro who finishes what she starts. I believe she'll bounce back. With these Ninja guarding us, safety is assured.
Besides, didn't I say it? I'm giving this film a complete makeover!"
His eyes burned with creative fervor: "Imagine—a real princess playing a princess… the drama is irresistible! That alone is the ultimate selling point!"
The assistant blinked, then caught the excitement: "Y-yeah!"
"So…"
The director pressed on, eager to persuade Yukiyuki.
"Enough!"
Koyuki Kazahana cut him off, voice shaking with dread and irritation.
"We only fluked past three of Kazahana Dotō's men! Who knows how many Snow Ninja he still commands? How can we possibly stand against him?"
"Turning back is no longer an option."
Kakashi's calm, unbending voice broke through her retreat.
"Our mission is to escort the crew to the Land of Snow and ensure filming is completed. New commission or not, I will protect you."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room.
"Before the battle began, the man Naruto ambushed and eliminated was Kazahana Dotō's strongest Snow Ninja—Roga Nadare."
With the confidence of an Elite Jonin he added: "As long as the enemy doesn't arrive in army numbers, for us there's little difference between facing a handful of Snow Ninja or several dozen."
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