Avalanche

"Are you an idiot? No matter how hard you try, it is impossible to defeat Kazahana Dōtō."

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

At this moment, Naruto Uzumaki stepped forward, mostly because he didn't want to watch this pathetic drama any longer.

It was just a tiny country, yet they were acting as if they were heading to their deaths.

"Naruto Uzumaki, be quiet."

Kakashi hurriedly intervened. There was a consensus in the Ninja World: do not interfere in political struggles, and do not engage in mass slaughter of ordinary people, as that would incite collective fear among the Daimyos.

Once the Daimyos applied pressure, there would be no place left in the Ninja World for such a person to stand.

Therefore, Kakashi did not want Naruto Uzumaki to make any rash promises; their mission was merely to ensure the safety of Kazahana Koyuki.

Everyone's gaze turned toward Kakashi.

"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei."

Naruto Uzumaki naturally knew his limits, and he wasn't the type of person to be ostentatiously contemptuous.

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

Naruto Uzumaki turned his head to look at Kazahana Koyuki.

Looking into Naruto Uzumaki's calm and confident eyes, Kazahana Koyuki's nervous heart inexplicably relaxed.

For some reason, this boy always gave people a sense of security.

"Hmph, if you die, don't drag me down with you." Kazahana Koyuki snorted coldly and turned to walk away.

But everyone understood that she had agreed.

The following period was calm and peaceful; the group traveled while filming.

Kazahana Koyuki was puzzled; when did her uncle become so easy to talk to that he wouldn't send people to intercept and kill her?

Could it be that he no longer wanted this thing?

As she spoke, she subconsciously touched the pendant she was wearing.

For the past few days, Kakashi had also been on high alert. Having executed a mission like this once before, Kakashi was the most aware of the strength of the Land of Snow.

At the same time, he was also confused as to why it was so peaceful.

Only Naruto Uzumaki continued to live his life as usual, fishing and training.

No one knew that Naruto Uzumaki had already taken care of a group of people.

It's been so long, surely that guy has received the news. I wonder when the next group will attack?

Naruto Uzumaki was even looking forward to it. Since the three of them had been missing for so long, Kazahana Dōtō must have guessed the situation here; he just didn't know when the next attack would come.

However, to Naruto Uzumaki's disappointment, they were not attacked again until they reached the shore.

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

The rest of the group had to follow the main force.

When Naruto Uzumaki saw the trucks, his mouth dropped open in shock.

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

The old director walked over and explained to Naruto Uzumaki with a chuckle.

"I am indeed a bit surprised."

Naruto Uzumaki felt a sense of wonder; over there, people were still using ninja speed to travel, yet in this remote region, they were already driving trucks—and luxury RVs at that.

"Country bumpkin," Kazahana Koyuki mocked.

Naruto Uzumaki was speechless and couldn't be bothered to explain himself to her.

The Land of Snow had begun developing technology a long time ago; if not for its geographical location, it might have already become famous throughout the Ninja World.

The group boarded the vehicle and began heading toward the capital of the Land of Snow. Of course, the so-called Land of Snow was just a slightly larger city.

Its population might not even be as large as that of Konoha.

The speed of the vehicle also exceeded Naruto Uzumaki's expectations; it could reach nearly sixty, and that was on snow.

It was truly unreasonable black technology.

I wonder if it can be recycled.

The system only recycled things of value.

I'll have to try it if I get the chance.

In this carriage sat five people: Team Kakashi and Kazahana Koyuki.

Kazahana Koyuki sat there, looking out through the window, her eyes revealing a complex expression.

Is she feeling emotional looking at her homeland?

Naruto Uzumaki thought to himself, and at the same time, his own memories were involuntarily stirred. Although that world was very oppressive and lacked supernatural powers, having truly been away for so long, he still wanted to take one more look at it.

I wonder if there is any hope in this life.

Sighing inwardly, he was just about to turn his head when his brows furrowed.

BOOM!!!

Before Naruto Uzumaki could speak, a thunderous roar echoed through the surroundings.

Massive explosions erupted on the snow-capped mountains on both sides, and a terrifying avalanche blotted out the sky.

"Ah, look outside!"

"It's an avalanche!"

"Run!"

"There's nowhere to run!"

The terrifying sound quickly drew the attention of everyone inside the carriage.

Instantly, everyone's eyes widened, their faces filled with horror.

Naruto Uzumaki also frowned as he watched, his mind racing with thoughts.

The power of heaven and earth was beyond human imagination.

Kakashi flashed outside and quickly formed hand seals.

[Earth Style: Earth Wall.]

Even though he had used his strongest Earth Style, Kakashi still felt a sense of powerlessness in the face of the avalanche that blotted out the sky.

Gritting his teeth, he could only focus on protecting the client.

At the same time, Naruto Uzumaki's body appeared atop the earthen wall. Watching the avalanche, several plans in his mind were quickly discarded.

Finally, he settled on the most reliable method.

Extending both hands, ten kunai flew out in an instant.

Kakashi's gaze sharpened.

[Flying Thunder God: Stage Three]

As he rapidly formed hand seals, dense arrays of runes appeared in the void.

The massive avalanche crashed into them, seemingly dissolving into the void and vanishing.

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

Inside the carriage, Sasuke slammed his fist onto the table, his eyes glaring angrily at the outside.

"How is it possible that he can even do something like this?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, his face twisted in frustration.

Naruto Uzumaki breathed a sigh of relief, his gaze sharpening as he looked toward a figure on the distant mountain peak.

Atop the summit, a middle-aged man wore a ferocious expression.

"Damn brat."

Kazahana Dōtō stood clad in armor, his face twisted; he only cared about the key Koyuki possessed and cared nothing for her life.

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

He had assumed an avalanche would be enough to wipe them out, but he hadn't expected that brat's ninjutsu to be so bizarre.

"Since that's the case, I'll have to take action myself."

He dove directly downward.

"He's coming."

Kakashi became instantly alert.

"Naruto Uzumaki, protect the client."

With that, Kakashi charged forward.

[Ice Style: Black Dragon Blizzard]

Kazahana Dōtō quickly formed hand seals, and a black ice dragon swooped down.

[Lightning Style: Lightning Blade]

Kakashi formed hand seals, his right hand flashing with light as he soared upward to meet the ice dragon.

Naruto Uzumaki flickered, hesitated for a moment, and then turned back.

Inside the camper, the group watched the outside in astonishment.

Suddenly, Naruto Uzumaki appeared among them.

The way they looked at him had changed.

"Why aren't you fighting?"

"I am responsible for protecting you."

"Let's go, we're heading back to the capital first."

As the order was given.

The convoy set into motion once more.

Kazahana Dōtō, still locked in combat with Kakashi, watched the convoy pull away and grew anxious.

"Damn you, Kakashi, it's you again! You aren't leaving this place today."

Kazahana Dōtō flew into a rage, his hands weaving seals in a blur. A terrifying Ice Style jutsu erupted; bolstered by his Chakra Armor, his combat power was now on par with Kakashi.

Conversely, Kakashi was burdened by his Sharingan, unable to use high-chakra-cost ninjutsu too frequently.

He was being steadily pushed back by his opponent.