"Chief Jouichi, why are you back again?"
Seeing Jouichi panting in front of her, Kazahana Koyuki asked curiously.
Jouichi took several deep breaths before he could finally straighten up.
"Princess, His Majesty requests your presence. Please come with me!"
To complete the task Kazahana Dotou gave, Jouichi was willing to risk everything, lying without blinking an eye.
"Father is really something. I just got back, and now I have to go again," Kazahana Koyuki murmured softly, then looked at Jouichi, "Lead the way. I want to know what my father wants this time."
"Alright, please follow me!"
Seeing the princess had no doubts, Jouichi finally relaxed.
At this time, Kazahana Sousetsu and Tenya's conversation was wrapping up in the reception hall.
Before everyone could disperse, Kazahana Koyuki reappeared in their sight.
Why was the little princess here again?
Kazahana Sousetsu naturally noticed his daughter, frowning imperceptibly.
However, he did not overthink it and immediately smiled, "Koyuki, why are you here again?"
"Father, Chief Jouichi said you called for me, so I came!"
Koyuki's face still had a smile, not realizing anything was amiss.
Hearing Koyuki's words, Kazahana Sousetsu and Tenya's team realized something was wrong.
The four turned their sharp gazes to Jouichi, expecting an explanation.
Under their stern looks, Jouichi's body stiffened, and his face changed color. He did not know what to say.
Falsifying orders, especially those of Kazahana Sousetsu, was no small matter.
"Who told you to do this?"
Kazahana Sousetsu stared at Jouichi, asking word by word.
Standing aside, Kazahana Koyuki also sensed something wrong, looking at her father with a worried expression.
Jouichi stood frozen, head bowed, not uttering a word.
"Hahahaha, big brother, no need to be so harsh on your subordinate. Jouichi did this on my orders!"
At this moment, loud laughter came from outside the door.
Immediately, Kazahana Dotou led five elite Snow Ninjas into the hall.
Upon entering, Kazahana Dotou glanced at Tenya's team, then focused on Kazahana Sousetsu.
"Dotou, what are you trying to do?"
Seeing Kazahana Dotou's group brazenly intruding, Kazahana Sousetsu was furious.
Although he had always feared his younger brother, he never expected this.
Kazahana Dotou dared to break in directly.
He had long accepted his possible death, but he could not watch his daughter lose her life.
Kazahana Dotou grinned, "Dear brother, my purpose is simple. I want the Land of Snow's treasure, the one you personally hid. If you hand it over, I can give you a dignified death."
"Treasures?" Kazahana Sousetsu looked at his brother with confusion, "What hidden treasures? Dotou, who told you that?"
"Hmph, still pretending not to know. I knew you wouldn't admit it easily!" Kazahana Dotou shifted his gaze to his niece, Kazahana Koyuki, "Is the treasure more important or your daughter?"
Seeing Dotou's attention shift to his daughter, Kazahana Sousetsu's face changed dramatically. He sternly shouted, "Dotou, whatever our issues, let's settle them between us brothers. Don't hurt Koyuki, or I'll never forgive you!"
"Heh, at this point, you still try to threaten me?" Kazahana Dotou sneered at his brother, "What can you threaten me with?"
"You..."
Kazahana Sousetsu was furious, his hand trembling with rage as he pointed at Dotou.
Clearly, he was furious.
"Father, I'm scared!"
Kazahana Koyuki clutched her father's clothes tightly, her face full of fear.
She didn't understand why her uncle was treating them this way.
"Go, capture my niece!"
Kazahana Dotou ordered the five elite Snow Ninjas.
Soon, a female ninja named Mizurei stepped out from the group.
Ignoring Tenya's team, she rushed directly at Kazahana Koyuki, intending to capture her.
Bang!
Before she could touch Kazahana Koyuki, she was hit by a tremendous force, her body uncontrollably flying backward.
Barely landing, she slid a long distance before stopping.
When she looked at Kazahana Koyuki, she saw a young man standing beside her.
That person was none other than Tenya.
Tenya had been observing the situation quietly.
Seeing Kazahana Dotou making his move, Tenya stepped forward.
Simultaneously, Tenya's mission changed.
[Rescue Mission]: Save the Land of Snow (Incomplete)
[Mission Requirement]: Completely thwart Kazahana Dotou's plot and ensure the safety of Kazahana Sousetsu and Kazahana Koyuki.
[Activation Condition]: 3-man team (fulfilled)
[Mission Reward]: (5%-10%) Role Progress
With the mission change, the original A-rank escort mission became a rescue mission.
This mission's difficulty undoubtedly reached S-rank.
Of course, the mission rewards also increased significantly.
"Ruler, given the current situation, our A-rank escort mission has clearly encountered an unforeseen event. The mission difficulty has exceeded A-rank, reaching S-rank." Tenya turned to Kazahana Sousetsu, "If you continue to hire us, the price will be according to S-rank mission standards. What do you think?"
Kazahana Sousetsu looked deeply at Tenya and nodded, "I agree, but I have one more request!"
"Please tell us!"
"Please ensure my daughter's safety!" Kazahana Sousetsu looked at his daughter with guilt.
He felt he was not a good father, unable to protect his daughter.
Making her face such dangers at a young age.
"Father..."
At this moment, the little girl nestled in her father's arms, her eyes full of worry.
"Big brother, please protect my father!"
Kazahana Koyuki looked at Tenya, her eyes full of pleading and hope.
Tenya nodded and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll protect both you and your father. No one can harm you!"
"Arrogant words!"
The previously repelled Mizurei stepped forward again, her face full of icy killing intent.
The remaining four Snow Ninjas looked at Tenya's team like dead bodies, their eyes cold and indifferent.
"Attack, eliminate them all!"
The leading Snow Ninja, Fuyutani, charged at Tenya.
The others quickly followed.
"Kakashi, Dai-senpai, each of you take on one enemy, I'll handle the remaining three Snow Ninjas!"
Saying this, without waiting for Kakashi and Might Duy's response, Tenya charged forward.
Drawing his sword, the blade's light filled the hall.
Simultaneously, countless afterimages appeared, blocking Fuyutani, Mizurei, and Ankou, the three Snow Ninjas.
Winterma faced Might Duy, and Wolf Fang Avalanche's opponent was Kakashi.
Winterma and Might Duy clashed, Winterma gaining the upper hand.
"Heh, so these are Konoha ninjas? Pathetic!"
Winterma looked at Might Duy with disdain, not hiding his contempt.
"Don't underestimate me, Snow Ninja!"
Roar!
Might Duy roared, his body emanating green steam.
"Fifth Gate, Duy Gate, open!"
Might Duy's aura soared to a terrifying level.
The surrounding air seemed to be affected, stirring up powerful waves.
"Strong Whirlwind!"
In an instant, Might Duy appeared before Winterma, delivering a powerful kick.
Bang!
Winterma's shadow clone was instantly destroyed.
"Interesting!"
Winterma's disdainful expression vanished, replaced by seriousness and caution.
Meanwhile, Kakashi and Wolf Fang Avalanche's battle was intense.
The two were evenly matched.
As for the remaining battlefield, Tenya held the advantage.
Fuyutani, Mizurei, and Ankou could break through Tenya's defenses to threaten Kazahana Sousetsu and Koyuki.
Standing nearby, Kazahana Dotou felt a growing sense of unease watching the battle.