Avalanche

"Are you an idiot? No matter how hard you try, you'll never be able to defeat Kazahana Dōtō."

"Don't give up so easily, you idiot."

Naruto stepped forward. Mainly, he didn't want to watch any more of this melodrama.

It was just some tiny country. Why were they acting like they were going to their deaths?

"Naruto, enough."

Kakashi hurriedly stopped him. In the Ninja World, there was an unspoken rule: don't get involved in political struggles, and don't massacre ordinary people. That would make the daimyō collectively fearful.

If the daimyō put on pressure, there would be no place for that person in the Ninja World.

So Kakashi didn't want Naruto making any promises. Their mission was only to ensure Kazahana Koyuki's safety.

Everyone looked toward Kakashi.

"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei."

Naruto knew where to draw the line. Besides, he wasn't the kind of person who acted arrogantly and looked down on others.

"How will you know if you don't try?"

Naruto turned to look at Kazahana Koyuki.

Seeing Naruto's calm, confident gaze, Kazahana Koyuki's nervousness inexplicably eased.

For some reason, this boy always made people feel at ease.

"Hmph. If you die, don't drag me down with you." Kazahana Koyuki gave a cold snort and turned to leave.

But everyone understood that she had agreed.

The days that followed were peaceful. The group filmed as they traveled.

Kazahana Koyuki couldn't understand it. Since when had her uncle become so easygoing? He hadn't even sent anyone to kill her.

Could it be that he no longer wanted the thing?

As she wondered, she instinctively touched the pendant she was wearing.

Kakashi had also grown more vigilant over the past few days. Having carried out a mission like this before, he knew the Land of Snow's strength better than anyone.

At the same time, he couldn't understand why things had been so peaceful.

Only Naruto continued living as usual, fishing and training.

No one knew that Naruto had already dealt with a group of people.

So much time has passed. That guy must have gotten the message by now. I wonder when the next group will attack.

Naruto was looking forward to it. The three men had been gone for so long that Kazahana Dōtō had probably figured out what was going on. He just didn't know when the next attack would come.

But to Naruto's disappointment, they weren't attacked again before reaching shore.

As soon as they landed, Sandayu left on his own.

The others, meanwhile, had to stay with the main group.

When Naruto saw the truck, his jaw dropped in shock.

"Surprised, aren't you? This is a specialty of the Land of Snow."

The old director came over and explained with a smile.

"I am a little surprised."

Naruto couldn't help marveling at it. Over there, people were still traveling by shinobi sprint, while here, even this remote region had trucks—and luxurious motorhomes, at that.

"Country bumpkin," Kazahana Koyuki sneered.

Naruto was speechless. He couldn't be bothered to explain.

The Land of Snow had started developing technology long ago. If not for its geography, it might have become famous throughout the Ninja World by now.

The group got into the vehicle and set off for the capital of the Land of Snow. Of course, what they called the Land of Snow was really just a somewhat large city.

Its population might not even match Konoha's.

The vehicle was faster than Naruto had expected. It could reach nearly sixty, even on snow.

What ridiculous black technology.

I wonder if I can recycle it.

The system only recycled things of value.

He could give it a try if he got the chance.

Five people sat in this car: Team Kakashi and Kazahana Koyuki.

Kazahana Koyuki sat by the window, gazing outside with a complicated look in her eyes.

Does seeing her hometown bring back memories?

Naruto wondered. At the same time, it stirred his own memories. Though that world had been oppressive and had no supernatural powers, he had been away for so long that he still wanted to see it again.

I wonder if I'll ever get the chance in this life.

He sighed inwardly. Just as he was about to turn away, his brow furrowed.

Rumble!!!

Before Naruto could say anything, a tremendous sound rang out all around them.

The snow-covered mountains on both sides exploded. A terrifying avalanche blotted out the sky.

"Ah! Look outside!"

"It's an avalanche!"

"Run!"

"There's nowhere to run!"

The terrifying noise quickly drew everyone's attention inside the vehicle.

Everyone's eyes widened in terror.

Naruto frowned as he watched, his mind racing.

The power of nature was beyond human imagination.

Kakashi leaped outside and rapidly formed Hand Seals.

Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall.

Though he used Earth Release to its utmost, Kakashi still felt helpless in the face of the avalanche blotting out the sky.

He gritted his teeth. All he could do was protect the client.

At the same time, Naruto appeared on top of the earthen wall. As he watched the avalanche blot out the sky, several plans flashed through his mind and were quickly discarded.

At last, he thought of the safest method.

He stretched out both hands, and ten Kunai flew out in an instant.

Kakashi's gaze sharpened.

Flying Thunder God: Stage Three.

He rapidly formed Hand Seals. Countless symbols appeared in midair.

The enormous avalanche crashed into them and vanished as if it had been absorbed into empty space.

"Flying Thunder God?" Kakashi's mouth fell open in surprise, though no one could see it behind his mask.

Inside the vehicle, Sasuke slammed his fist against the table, glaring furiously outside.

"How can he do something like that, too?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, his face full of unwillingness.

Naruto let out a sigh of relief, then narrowed his eyes and looked toward a man standing on a distant mountaintop.

On the summit, a middle-aged man's face twisted with fury.

"Damn brat."

Kazahana Dōtō wore armor, his expression twisted. What he needed was the key Kazahana Koyuki had. He didn't care whether she lived or died.

When his three subordinates failed to return, he knew they had probably run into trouble.

He had thought an avalanche would be enough to wipe them out. He hadn't expected that kid to have such a strange jutsu.

"If that's how it is, I'll have to deal with them myself."

He flew straight down.

"He's coming."

Kakashi immediately went on guard.

"Naruto, protect the client."

After saying that, Kakashi charged forward.

Ice Style: Black Dragon Blizzard.

Kazahana Dōtō rapidly formed Hand Seals, and a black ice dragon swooped down.

Lightning Release: Lightning Blade.

Kakashi formed Hand Seals. Light flashed in his right hand as he charged up toward the ice dragon.

Naruto flashed away, then turned around after a moment's thought.

Inside the motorhome, the others watched outside in amazement.

Suddenly, Naruto appeared among them.

Everyone looked at him differently now.

"Why aren't you fighting?"

"My job is to protect you."

"Let's go. We'll head back to the capital first."

At the command, the convoy set off again.

Kazahana Dōtō was still fighting Kakashi. When he saw the convoy moving away, he grew frantic.

"Damn Kakashi, you again! You're staying here today!"

Kazahana Dōtō roared furiously and rapidly formed Hand Seals. A terrifying Ice Style jutsu erupted. With the Chakra Armor boosting him, his combat strength was now on par with Kakashi's.

Kakashi, on the other hand, was held back by his Sharingan. He couldn't use jutsu that consumed too much chakra too often.

He was being kept on the back foot.