The Ever-Changing Snow Ninja Village (Third Update)

Setting aside Her Majesty the Queen, who remained in the palace with her "lingering grievances."

Elsewhere.

The journey was smooth and unimpeded.

As Naruto and his group traveled straight through Kazahana Castle, heading toward the location of the Snow Ninja Village, Utakata, who was following closely behind Naruto, could not help but recall the peculiar expression on the Queen's face earlier. At that moment, Utakata was almost one hundred percent certain that Kazahana Koyuki, the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, definitely harbored special feelings and thoughts for this leader of the Snow Ninja Village. Most importantly, this seemingly shrewd leader of the Snow Ninja Village appeared completely oblivious to it. In that instant, Utakata truly felt that Naruto finally resembled the thirteen-year-old boy he was supposed to be.

The Land of Snow and the Snow Ninja Village, huh? This is indeed a very good choice.

Thinking of this, the corners of Utakata's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile.

Naruto, who was speeding ahead, also noticed this subtle change in Utakata's expression and mood.

Although he did not know exactly what Utakata was thinking, ever since they entered the Land of Snow, Naruto could clearly perceive that this Jinchuriki of the Six-Tails was gradually integrating into their atmosphere. For Naruto, this was naturally a matter of great joy. As he had said before, he did not want to use interest-based binding or simple deceptive temptations to increase his so-called "partners." Partners gained in such a way were simply unreliable. Only those who shared common interests, common ideals, and could, to a certain extent, open their hearts to one another were true companions.

For Utakata to fully integrate into them and accept their group, a certain period of transition was inevitable.

But from Naruto's perspective, this was already a