Ultimately, Koyuki resisted returning to the Land of Snow because she didn't understand Shinobi strength.
Witnessing her father's murder as a child, her impression made her think her uncle, Kazahana Doto was the strongest in the world.
But actually, it was just her limited experience.
There's always someone stronger.
Doto couldn't possibly be a match for this team of cheat characters, right?
"Fine, seems you have more conviction than me."
"Then I'll gamble once, see whether fate is stronger or you are stronger."
The commotion settled, and the crew continued forward.
This time, Koyuki behaved and didn't run away again.
However,
Unnoticed, behind the carriages, two figures in crimson cloud cloaks were secretly following.
"That's the assassination target? Seems quite righteous."
Kisame placed one hand on Samehada, his face full of eagerness.
While Takumi was lecturing earlier, Kisame and Itachi had been silently watching from hiding.
They never expected him to dare hit a woman and be so good at lecturing!
The key point is, besides lecturing, he's also good at killing the spirit!
That 'life's winner' line truly pierced the heart.
"Wait a moment."
Itachi reached out to stop Kisame. "Takumi and the others are on a mission. We might as well observe his strength."
"Don't forget his previous record. Those people couldn't handle him. We absolutely cannot act rashly."
That's what he said, but actually Itachi was thinking of other matters.
His dear younger brother is here.
If this guy accidentally kill him, wouldn't everything he had done be in vain?
So, they should just stay put.
"Itachi-san, you're as cautious as ever. But alright, I also want to see how strong he really is."
Kisame released his hand, a smile appearing on his shark-like face.
...
As the group gradually approached the Land of Snow, Koyuki's anxiety grew stronger.
Soon, the merchant ship sailed on the icy sea, about to reach near the Land of Snow's border for filming when a sudden situation arose.
"It seems... something's off!"
Hinata's Byakugan saw several unusual Chakra signatures in the distance.
"Enemies incoming, everyone get ready!"
Takumi, using Observation Haki, detected the approaching enemies first.
He immediately called out. Sasuke and Naruto and the others quickly moved to Koyuki's side.
"Three enemies total, be careful!"
Kakashi also immediately noticed the enemies' approach.
Hinata quickly used her Byakugan, swiftly locating the attacking Shinobi. "Two above, one underground!"
Naruto and Sasuke immediately looked up, seeing a figure flying in the air.
Without any greeting, the opponent immediately began attacking!
"Ice Release: Swallow Snowstorm!"
Countless ice-made shuriken flew towards them. Everyone quickly used their abilities to block them.
"Don't worry, I'm here. You'll be fine."
Takumi said softly, effortlessly blocking all the enemy's attacks.
Koyuki averted her gaze, not speaking further.
"Never expected Princess Koyuki to appear here. We've been searching for you with great difficulty!"
Roga Nadare stood on the mountainside, hands gripping his elbows, smiling at Koyuki.
Upon spotting the target, he didn't pay much attention to the others.
This showed his confidence in his strength, not becoming cautious due to the Ninjutsu disparity.
"Princess Koyuki?"
Kakashi looked surprised, turning to Koyuki.
He finally understood Koyuki's identity and why he felt things were complicated.
And this Nadare guy, he'd met him before.
When he was young, he did an escort mission:
Escorting this Koyuki out of the Land of Snow.
'No wonder she resisted so much now.'
"I understand. You plan to kidnap the Land of Snow's princess!"
Kakashi immediately took a stance.
Just as everyone's attention was drawn to Nadare, someone swiftly approached from underground.
"Careful! There's another enemy underground!"
Hinata quickly warned.
Naruto and Sasuke immediately looked behind.
Fuyukuma Mizore, realizing he couldn't get closer, hurriedly emerged from underground.
"Ice Release: Ice Pillars!"
Numerous ice pillars erupted from the ground, sharp tips with strong piercing power.
Naruto and Sasuke swiftly dodged.
Sasuke, while mid-air, immediately formed hand seals.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Fierce flames instantly burned the ice pillars and attacked Mizore.
Mizore quickly formed hand seals, an ice wall blocking Sasuke's attack.
Meanwhile, Kakuyoku Fubuki in the air dropped several grenade-like objects.
Upon hitting the ground, they exploded, forming countless sharp ice spikes rapidly spreading.
Sasuke and Naruto were forced back again.
"Well done!"
Mizore, seeing only one Shinobi between him and Koyuki, immediately shouted and charged forward.
Takumi's eyes narrowed.
Two figures flew past from behind, blocking in front of him.
"Leave this one to me, Takumi-kun. Protect Fujikaze-san!"
Sakura said without looking back, her face showing a seriousness Takumi rarely saw.
Although she and Ino often acted like fangirls around Takumi, they were still Shinobi. In battle, they knew priorities.
"Ino-pig! I'll cover you!"
Ino nodded slightly.
Sakura and Ino most likely were not the opponent's match, as the enemy, though seemingly obese, was not lacking in mobility. Ino's secret technique was difficult to land on him.
So Sakura had to go in first to create an opening, to create an opportunity for her.
"Two brats, get lost!"
Mizore punched the ground, and countless ice spikes emerged.
Sakura and Ino quickly jumped away. Ino swiftly formed hand seals mid-air.
"Clone Technique!"
Several clones appeared, while her real body quickly retreated, searching for a suitable opportunity.
Sakura, meanwhile, pulled out a kunai and charged from the other side.
Ino's secret technique was too slow, and they had to restrain the enemy's movements!
Sakura quickly thought of ways to keep the enemy in place.
"Hmph! Pathetic tricks!"
Mizore looked disdainful.
He punched the ground again, and the emerging ice spikes immediately pierced through Ino's clones.
Poof! Poof! Poof!
Three sounds.
Ino's clones all vanished into white smoke.
Seizing this opportunity, Sakura quickly closed in on Mizore.
The kunai in her hand moved swiftly.
But Mizore, though burly, was agile.
He sidestepped Sakura's attack, then grabbed her and threw her far away.
Boom!!!
Thrown over ten meters and landing heavily, Sakura couldn't get up for a moment.
After all, Sakura was just an ordinary Genin. Having not yet become Tsunade's apprentice to learn her monstrous strength and Medical Ninjutsu, her strength was indeed no match.
"Sakura!"
Ino shouted anxiously but failed to notice Mizore's attack.
Mizore's left palm produced several white ropes that quickly wrapped around Ino, yanking her back and slamming her hard onto the ground.
Ino immediately lost consciousness.
"I told you, no matter how hard you try, you can't win."
Koyuki turned her head away, her eyes filled with fear.