After Asama Sandayu and Yukie Fujikaze were invited into the conference room, Sasuke silently took up guard at the door.
"Based on that battle, I'm fairly certain the attackers were subordinates of Kazahana Dōtō, the daimyo of the Land of Snow."
Kakashi's gaze shifted between the two of them.
"Ten years ago, I came to the Land of Snow on a mission. While being hunted by the Snow Ninja under Kazahana Dōtō, I managed to get Kazahana Koyuki, the former daimyo Kazahana Sōsetsu's daughter, out of the country."
"You must be their target-the princess of the Land of Snow, Kazahana Koyuki."
Yukie Fujikaze-or rather, Kazahana Koyuki-nodded gently, her voice trembling slightly. "Yes."
"Then..."
Kakashi uncovered the Sharingan in his left eye, its three tomoe swirling within the scarlet iris.
"Mr. Sandayu, you've been so insistent on bringing Princess Kazahana Koyuki home. Whose side are you really on?"
Sakura took Kazahana Koyuki by the arm and drew her back, putting some distance between them and Sandayu.
The air in the conference room instantly froze. Every gaze settled on the old retainer.
Faced with their questioning stares, Sandayu showed none of the panic of someone whose secret had been exposed. Instead, profound grief and remembrance surfaced on his face.
He tilted his head slightly, as though recalling that painful past, and began in a sorrowful voice. "I was Lord Sōsetsu's retainer. I once had the honor of serving at his side."
His voice carried boundless longing and reverence for his former lord. "The Land of Snow was a small country, but a very peaceful and tranquil one.
"Lord Sōsetsu was a kind and wise ruler. He... loved Koyuki dearly, so very dearly. She was the apple of his eye."
But his tone abruptly grew heated and furious, hatred blazing in his eyes.