Passing through the city gate.
Under the lead of Jouichi, Tenya and his team entered the inner city, preparing to meet the real client, Kazahana Sousetsu, the ruler of the Land of Snow, to discuss the mission details.
Upon arriving at the palace, Tenya finally met the ruler of the Land of Snow.
The ruler before them was a kind-looking middle-aged man, utterly different from his sinister younger brother, Kazahana Dotou.
They were truly two extremes.
Those unaware of the internal affairs would never imagine that these two were actually brothers.
Beside Kazahana Sousetsu stood a young girl in a white dress.
She was likely the escort target for this mission, Kazahana Koyuki.
"Honored guests from Konoha, I've been expecting you. Please take a seat!"
Kazahana Sousetsu smiled as he invited Tenya and his team in.
Tenya and his team didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly.
"Let me introduce you, this is my daughter Kazahana Koyuki. I entrust her safety to you, and I toast to you all."
Saying this, Kazahana Sousetsu raised his glass and drank it all.
Tenya and his team exchanged glances, raised their glasses, and drank.
"Father, where are you planning to let them take me to play?"
Kazahana Koyuki, seemingly unaware of her father's plan, looked curiously at him.
Kazahana Sousetsu patted his daughter's head and smiled, "Haven't you always wanted to see blooming flowers, smell the fragrance of flowers, and see lively little animals? This time, I will fulfill your wishes. Just follow these three Konoha ninjas, and you'll experience sights that can't be seen in the Land of Snow. How does that sound? Excited?"
"Yes, yes!" Kazahana Koyuki nodded, her face full of anticipation.
"Father, when will we depart?"
Kazahana Sousetsu patted his daughter's head again and smiled, "Tomorrow. It's getting late today. Tomorrow morning, you will leave the Land of Snow with these three Konoha ninjas. How does that sound?"
"Great!" Kazahana Koyuki was so happy that she almost jumped up.
"Jouichi, take the princess back." Kazahana Sousetsu turned to Jouichi, specially instructing, "Keep a good watch on the princess tonight, and don't let her run around."
"Father, what are you saying? Koyuki won't run around!"
Kazahana Koyuki, seeing her father's concern, immediately pouted and looked at him with dissatisfaction.
"Alright, alright, my mistake. You go rest now!"
Kazahana Sousetsu smiled and patted his daughter's head, gently soothing her.
Only when a bright smile reappeared on the little princess's face did Kazahana Sousetsu stop.
Watching this warm scene, Tenya and his team couldn't bear to interrupt.
They just watched quietly.
The expressions on their faces softened a bit.
After the little princess left, Kazahana Sousetsu turned to Tenya and his team, speaking sincerely, "I entrust my daughter's safety to you."
"Ruler, you are too kind. Since we accepted the mission to escort the princess, it's naturally our responsibility to protect her." At this point, Tenya's tone changed, "If you have any other instructions, you can tell us now. Even if it's dealing with those Snow Ninjas blocking the gate, we can handle it."
Hearing Tenya's words, Kazahana Sousetsu's body trembled slightly, but he quickly recovered.
Currently, his younger brother Kazahana Dotou had recruited many elite Snow Ninjas, and he didn't know if they had any nefarious plans.
He was eager to send his daughter out of the country to ensure her safety.
As for himself, he was already at a disadvantage, and whether he could survive was uncertain.
He undoubtedly chose the latter between his life and his daughter's safety.
His death didn't matter, but he couldn't let his daughter get hurt.
That was his responsibility as a father.
If he kept Tenya and his team here, his daughter's safety would be compromised.
He couldn't take that risk!
After a moment of silence, Kazahana Sousetsu shook his head.
"No need, just ensure Koyuki's safety."
Saying this, Kazahana Sousetsu sighed deeply, his face full of fatigue.
"In that case, we'll follow your orders. We will ensure the princess leaves the Land of Snow safely."
Seeing his suggestion rejected, Tenya regretfully shook his head.
Then, Tenya and his team discussed some details with Kazahana Sousetsu.
On the other side.
After escorting the princess back to her quarters, Jouichi turned to leave.
Halfway, Kazahana Dotou and his men blocked his way.
"Prince Dotou?"
Seeing Kazahana Dotou's malicious face, Jouichi was almost scared out of his wits.
"Chief Steward, I have something to discuss with you. Come with me."
Saying this, Kazahana Dotou turned and left.
Jouichi's fat body trembled slightly, wanting to escape but his legs wouldn't move.
Several Snow Ninjas nearby were watching him.
Their expressionless eyes looked as if they were staring at a dead man.
Jouichi was even more terrified!
"What are you standing there for? Follow me!"
Kazahana Dotou stopped, turned his head to look at Jouichi, his tone full of impatience.
"Yes... Yes, coming!"
The two of them entered a room.
Kazahana Dotou looked at Jouichi and found that the Chief Steward's condition was not good.
His whole fat body seemed to be trembling with fear.
Kazahana Dotou grinned, "Chief Steward, I have a task for you."
"I don't know what you need, but as long as I can do it, I will do it well!"
Seeing Kazahana Dotou in a good mood, Jouichi boldly patted his chest and promised.
"Good!" Kazahana Dotou nodded satisfactorily, "As long as you follow my instructions, you will still be the Chief Steward of the Land of Snow, and I will not treat you poorly!"
"This box of treasures is your reward for this task."
Saying this, Kazahana Dotou pushed an open wooden box in front of Jouichi.
The box was filled with rare gold and silver jewelry.
Jouichi was dazzled, his face showing a greedy expression.
"Thank... Thank you, Prince!" Jouichi swallowed hard and asked respectfully, "What do you need me to do?"
"It's simple!" Kazahana Dotou said indifferently, "Just bring the princess to the ruler."
"Huh?"
Jouichi was incredulous.
He didn't expect Kazahana Dotou's request to be so simple.
"Stop dawdling and get it done!"
Kazahana Dotou scolded as he saw Jouichi standing dumbfounded.
"Yes, I'll get it done right away!"
Jouichi didn't dare delay and hurried back to the princess's quarters.
Watching Jouichi leave, Kazahana Dotou retracted his gaze.
"We should go too!" Kazahana Dotou instructed the elite Snow Ninjas behind him, "It's your turn now, don't disappoint me!"
"Don't worry, Prince. We won't disappoint you. Watch us!"
The leader of the Snow Ninjas, Fuyutani, promised confidently.
The remaining Snow Ninjas were equally confident.
Their eyes gleamed coldly, their faces showing bloodthirsty smiles.
The recent deaths had greatly agitated these Snow Ninjas.
Besides completing Kazahana Dotou's task, they had another important mission.
Revenge!
They wouldn't rest until they dealt with the three Konoha ninjas.
"Let's go see my dear brother now and see if he'll hand over the hidden treasures."
Kazahana Dotou looked towards the palace, his heart uneasy.
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.