Kazahana Koyuki ran all the way out of town before stopping. Everyone she passed wondered what was wrong with her, but before they could ask, she had already raced away, leaving the bewildered passersby looking at one another.
Kazahana Koyuki gazed at the swirling snow. Her heart felt as cold as the Land of Snow itself. She had never imagined that the person she had trusted and depended on for ten years had merely been using her, exploiting her status as the Princess of the Land of Snow. Though she did not want to believe Naruto, deep down, she knew his words were very likely true.
Never had Kazahana Koyuki hated her status as Princess so much. She had rejected it before, but that had been out of fear of Kazahana Dōtō. After all, it was a status her father had given her. Though she had resisted it, she had neither denied nor hated it. Now, however, she truly despised it. Perhaps, without that title, Sandayu would still have been the man she had always relied on.
Tears slipped down Kazahana Koyuki's cheeks without her noticing. Just then, Naruto slowly approached her from behind and said, "You heard us. I'm sorry you had to hear something so upsetting."
Kazahana Koyuki wiped away her tears. "It's all right. This isn't your fault. I just can't accept it yet. Don't worry, I'll be fine." She even turned around and gave Naruto a smile.
The sight of her smile made Naruto's heart ache. He sighed. "You don't have to be so strong. If you want to cry, let it out. It might help."
Kazahana Koyuki shook her head. "Thank you, but I won't cry. I won't shed tears for someone who used me and betrayed my trust."
Naruto paused, then smiled, thinking, *Is