The meeting ended on a sour note.
Kazahana Koyuki stormed out, leaving everyone exchanging bewildered looks.
Still, they could sense that although Kazahana Koyuki remained resistant, her attitude had softened compared with her initial numbness and utter despair.
The emotions she had forcibly frozen away seemed to have developed a tiny crack, stirred by memories of her homeland, Sandayu's loyalty, and the strength the Konoha ninja had displayed.
The convoy continued across the snowy plain, passing an enormous cavern that looked as though it had been carved out by hand.
Sandayu pointed at the deep, dark entrance and explained its history to everyone.
But as they listened to Sandayu's account, Naruto suddenly turned toward the rear of the convoy, his brow furrowing slightly.
His senses told him that Kazahana Koyuki, who should have been in her carriage, was moving away from the convoy.
"Kazahana Koyuki's run off."
Naruto spoke quietly to Kakashi beside him.
Kakashi sighed in understanding.
There was no helping it. Counting the years carefully, Kazahana Koyuki was only fifteen or sixteen.
When the rebellion broke out ten years ago, she had been a little girl of five or six.
She had watched her father die and her home burn, falling from a cherished princess to an orphan fleeing for her life. That unforgettable terror and trauma had long since become the darkest shadow in her heart.
Now she was being forced to confront the land that held those painful memories and would soon face the uncle who had usurped the throne. Being afraid and wanting to escape were perfectly natural reactions.
"I'll leave her to you, then. Bring her back, Naruto."
"Right."
Naruto nodded, then removed the weights from his shins and forearms and gently set them on the wagon.
Then he vanished like a gust of