Just then!
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Several figures darted like phantoms out of the shadows of the blasted tunnel ruins behind Kazahana Dōtō.
They wore standard-issue Snow Ninja Chakra Armor, though their models looked somewhat plain. Clearly, they were Kazahana Dōtō's elite personal guards.
Their cold armor reflected the dim light inside the tunnel, radiating a murderous chill.
Seeing reinforcements arrive, Kazahana Dōtō seemed to find an outlet for the shock and fury of having Naruto expose his secret. His voice beneath his helmet brimmed with ruthless killing intent as he jabbed a finger at Kakashi and Naruto.
"Good timing! Get them! Kill them!"
"Naruto."
Kakashi's voice was decisive, carrying absolute trust.
"Leave Kazahana Dōtō to me."
He raised the Kubikiribōchō slightly, pointing its tip at the armored figure atop the rubble as his fighting spirit surged.
Then, without looking back, he gave a swift but clear order. "The rest of these Snow Ninja are yours!"
Kakashi's trust was not blind.
He knew Naruto had mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
Against enemies with superior numbers, Naruto's flood of clones was the perfect way to sweep aside the rank and file, divide the battlefield, and create localized advantages.
Sending Naruto against these Snow Ninja put him squarely in his comfort zone.
The answer to human-wave tactics was an even bigger human wave.
Elsewhere.
Sakura and Sasuke had just joined forces with Sandayu and the rebels he had gathered to wipe out a small group of pursuing Snow Ninja.
The smoke and chill of battle still lingered in the air, and several Snow Ninja corpses lay on the ground.
Only now did they truly learn that Sandayu, the loyal old retainer, had secretly organized quite a few people in the Land of Snow, ready to follow Princess Kazahana Koyuki in resisting Kazahana