Preparations That Need to Be Made in Advance (Third Update)

Yakumo's sudden remark didn't just leave Koyuki stunned. Even Naruto, after a brief moment of surprise, couldn't help but chuckle.

"It's not that extreme, Yakumo. It's perfectly normal for these Great Nations to have such thoughts. Anyone with a shred of ambition wants to acquire something, and we're no different. There's no reason to kill the Third Prince just because of that—even though I really dislike him. Precisely because of that, we can make full use of him! Isn't he trying to borrow our strength to complete his plans? Until he does, he has to rely on us, doesn't he? Besides, I'll make sure the Third Prince becomes a little more 'clear-headed.' The Land of Snow and the Snow Ninja Village aren't things he can just push around!"

Naruto raised his eyebrows slightly, speaking with an expression of extreme confidence.

Of course, there was another reason he hadn't mentioned. At this stage, the Land of Snow really shouldn't attract too much attention. A prince of one of the Five Great Nations dying on foreign soil would be a grave diplomatic incident. Even if the Daimyo and the high-ranking officials of the Land of Water were truly spineless, they wouldn't be able to swallow such an event; only war could resolve it. Therefore, even if they were to eliminate the Third Prince, it would only be appropriate to do so after returning to the Land of Water. Using someone else's blade to kill is one of the best ways to eliminate rivals!

In any case, Naruto had already made up his mind. He wouldn't take action until he had squeezed every bit of utility out of the Third Prince, and he would even go out of his way to ensure the prince's safety!

"Oh!" Yakumo's expression turned slightly unnatural; she smiled