Avalanche

"Are you idiots? No matter how hard you try, you'll never defeat Fenghua Dotō."

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

Naruto stepped forward at that moment, mainly because he did not want to keep watching this melodramatic scene.

It was just a small country. They were acting as if they were heading off to die.

"Naruto, stop."

Kakashi hurriedly stopped him. There was an unspoken rule in the Shinobi World: do not get involved in political struggles, and do not slaughter ordinary people on a large scale. That would provoke collective fear among the daimyo.

Once the daimyo applied pressure, that person would have no place left in the Shinobi World.

That was why Kakashi did not want Naruto making any promises. Their mission was only to ensure Koyuki Kazahana's safety.

Everyone turned their eyes toward Kakashi.

"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei."

Naruto naturally knew where to draw the line, and he was not the sort to arrogantly look down on others.

"How would we know if we don't try?"

Naruto turned to look at Koyuki Kazahana.

Seeing the calm confidence in Naruto's eyes, Koyuki Kazahana's tense mood inexplicably eased.

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

"Hmph. Don't drag me down with you if you die." Koyuki Kazahana snorted and turned away.

But everyone understood that she had agreed.

The following days passed peacefully. The group traveled while filming.

Koyuki Kazahana was puzzled. Since when had her uncle become so easygoing? He had not even sent anyone to ambush and kill her.

Could it be that he no longer wanted that thing?

As she spoke, she subconsciously touched the pendant she wore.

Kakashi had also grown wary 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 could not understand why things had remained so peaceful.

Only Naruto continued living as usual, fishing and training.

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

It's been so long. He must have received the news by now. I wonder when the next group will attack?

Naruto was even looking forward to it. With those three gone for so long, Fenghua Dotō had surely guessed what had happened here. The only question was when the next attack would come.

Yet Naruto was disappointed. They were not attacked again until they reached shore.

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

The rest had to follow the main group.

When Naruto saw the truck, his mouth fell 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 with a chuckle.

"I am pretty surprised."

Naruto could not help but marvel. Over there, people still relied on ninja running to travel, yet this remote region was already using trucks—and luxurious motorhomes, at that.

"Country bumpkin." Koyuki Kazahana mocked.

Naruto was speechless and could not be bothered to explain.

The Land of Snow had begun developing technology long ago. If not for its geographical location, it might have become famous throughout the Shinobi World already.

They boarded the vehicle and set off for the Land of Snow's royal capital. Of course, the so-called Land of Snow was merely a somewhat larger city.

Its population might not even match Konoha's.

The vehicle's speed also exceeded Naruto's expectations. It could reach nearly sixty, even on snow.

What unreasonable black technology.

I wonder if it can be recycled.

The system only recycled valuable items.

He could try it if he got the chance.

There were five people in this compartment: Kakashi's team and Koyuki Kazahana.

Koyuki Kazahana sat there, gazing out the window with a complicated look in her eyes.

Does seeing her homeland bring back memories?

The thought stirred Naruto's own memories as well. Though that world had been oppressive and possessed no extraordinary powers, after being away for so long, he still wanted to see it once more.

I wonder whether there's any hope in this life.

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

Rumble!!!

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

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

"Ah! Look outside!"

"An avalanche!"

"Run!"

"We can't escape!"

The terrifying commotion quickly drew the attention of everyone in the compartment.

Everyone's eyes widened, their faces filled with terror.

Naruto frowned as well, his mind racing.

The might of heaven and earth was beyond what human strength could imagine.

Kakashi rushed out and rapidly formed hand seals.

[Earth Style: Earth-Style Wall.]

Despite using Earth Style to its fullest extent, Kakashi still felt powerless before the sky-covering avalanche.

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

At the same time, Naruto appeared atop the earthen wall. Facing the avalanche that obscured the sky, several plans flashed through his mind before being quickly discarded.

In the end, he thought of the most reliable method.

He stretched out both hands, and ten kunai shot out in an instant.

Kakashi's gaze sharpened.

[Flying Thunder God: Three-Stage]

His hands rapidly formed seals, and dense runes immediately appeared in midair.

When the massive avalanche crashed down upon them, it seemed to merge into the void and vanish.

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

Inside the compartment, Sasuke slammed his fist onto the table, glaring furiously outside.

"How can he even do something like that?"

Sasuke gritted his teeth, his face filled with unwillingness.

Naruto sighed in relief, then narrowed his eyes at the figure atop a distant mountain peak.

On the mountaintop, the middle-aged man wore a savage expression.

"Damn brat."

Fenghua Dotō wore armor, his face twisted with fury. What he needed was the key on Koyuki Kazahana's body; he did not care in the slightest whether she lived or died.

When his three subordinates had failed to return, he had known they must have run into trouble.

He had thought an avalanche would be enough to wipe them out, but he had not expected that brat's ninjutsu to be so strange.

"If that's the case, I'll have to act personally."

He flew straight down.

"He's here."

Kakashi instantly went on guard.

"Naruto, protect the employer."

After saying that, Kakashi rushed forward.

[Ice Style: Black Dragon Break]

Fenghua Dotō rapidly formed hand seals, and a black ice dragon swooped down.

[Lightning Style: Lightning Cutter]

Kakashi formed seals with both hands. Light flashed from his right hand as he charged skyward against the ice dragon.

Naruto flashed away, then paused to think before turning around.

Inside the motorhome, the others stared outside in shock.

Then Naruto suddenly appeared before them.

The way they looked at him had changed.

"Why aren't you helping?"

"I'm responsible for protecting you."

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

With the order given,

the convoy began moving again.

Fenghua Dotō, still fighting Kakashi, saw the convoy leaving and immediately grew anxious.

"Damn you, Kakashi! It's you again! You must stay here today!"

Fenghua Dotō erupted in rage, his hands rapidly forming seals as terrifying Ice Style surged forth. Empowered by his chakra armor, his combat strength now rivaled Kakashi's.

On the other hand, Kakashi was burdened by the Sharingan. He did not dare use chakra-consuming ninjutsu too freely.

He was being suppressed by Fenghua Dotō the entire time.