Natural Energy Absorption.
Just seeing the name of the newly acquired skill made Shigure's heart race.
It had been a long time since he'd felt this kind of excitement. Not even the development of Fusion Release with a unique kekkei genkai had stirred him this much.
"Sage Mode… it's finally within reach."
Until now, Shigure had been wondering how to even begin learning Senjutsu. If there was no other way, he would've been forced to seek out Ryūchi Cave or Mount Myōboku and make a summoning contract.
But with this skill—Natural Energy Absorption—that no longer seemed necessary.
"Shigure! Hey—Shigure, are you okay?"
Kakashi's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. The jonin had rushed over in concern, wondering if Guren had hurt him when she fled.
But upon closer inspection, Kakashi saw no injuries. Shigure looked completely unharmed.
Shigure turned and smiled slightly. "I'm fine, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi frowned and glanced in the direction Guren and Jūgo had escaped. "That kunoichi was strong… and they seemed to be after you."
Shigure nodded. "Yeah."
"You know who they are?" Kakashi asked.
Shigure shook his head. "No idea."
Of course, he already knew Orochimaru was behind it, but explaining why Orochimaru was targeting him would take far too long—and this wasn't the time or place for that.
BOOM!
A fierce wind howled behind them.
Shigure and Kakashi immediately turned toward the direction of the explosion and rushed over.
Dotō Kazahana had just charged that way. He was likely engaging Naruto and Sasuke.
By the time they arrived, the forest had been nearly leveled by the storm.
Nutao's chakra armor glowed with overclocked energy, fueling his Ice Release techniques. He clashed violently against Naruto's Rasengan and Sasuke's Chidori.
Despite the chaos, it was clear Naruto and Sasuke had the upper hand.
Nutao was covered in wounds, blood trailing from the corner of his mouth, his face bruised and swollen.
"Two Genin from Konoha think they can stop me? Pathetic…"
"Out of my way!"
"Ice Release: Twin Dragon Blizzard!"
Enraged, Dotō Kazahana unleashed his strongest jutsu.
Though named Ice Release, it was really Wind Release drawing from the natural snow of the region—whipping it into a brutal, freezing storm.
Had they not been in the Snow Country, the move would've been nothing more than Twin Dragon Gale.
But here—amid endless frost—it became truly devastating.
Naruto and Sasuke were beginning to falter.
Shigure didn't hesitate.
Body Flicker Technique!
A stream of flowing wind burst from above, and Shigure appeared behind Dotō Kazahana in an instant.
Naruto and Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief.
Naruto blinked. "What the—? The flow turned into Shigure?!"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "That's no Transformation Technique… It's a more advanced ninjutsu."
If that were just henge, every shinobi would be using it.
Dotō Kazahana hadn't even noticed Shigure's arrival. He was like a silent phantom.
Flowing chakra condensed into the shape of his sword—Zangetsu.
One clean stroke—across the throat.
The flow didn't stop. It ran down the blade, empowering it further.
"Ninjutsu: Flowing Blade!"
A scarlet flash burst from Nutao's chest as his chakra armor cracked and exploded.
Shigure stepped past Nutao's collapsing body, sheathing his sword in a single, smooth motion.
Nutao stared at him wide-eyed.
Plop.
He hit the ground—dead.
The snowstorm eased. Silence fell.
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged looks, stunned.
Shigure calmly approached Koyuki Kazahana.
"You alright?"
Koyuki nodded but turned to look at Nutao's body. Her expression was complicated—torn between sorrow and relief.
Kakashi arrived a moment later and quietly observed the fallen tyrant.
He exhaled deeply.
The Snow Country mission was finished—ahead of schedule.
Dotō Kazahana was dead.
And with his death… what now?
"Your Highness... this… this is wonderful!" the Third Minister exclaimed, joy and disbelief written across his face. "Dotō Kazahana is gone… The Snow Country finally has a future again!"
After years of planning, he never imagined their tyrant would be defeated by just a few Konoha shinobi.
Such was the world of the ninja.
Where power ruled all.
Kakashi looked over. "Mr. Minister… I believe our mission is complete."
The minister nodded with teary eyes. "Yes. There's no more danger. The Snow Country is finally free."
Kakashi turned to his team. "Then we'll begin preparations to return—"
"Wait… can you stay one more day?"
Koyuki looked directly at Shigure.
Kakashi raised a brow, then glanced at Shigure.
The choice was his.
Just one day wouldn't hurt.
Shigure gave a faint smile. "Alright."
Koyuki had invited them to stay not for formalities—but to show them something: the legendary treasure of the Snow Country.
But in truth, there was no treasure.
The real gift… was a father's wish to fulfill his child's dream.
...
The Snow Country saw a fleeting glimpse of spring.
And then—just one day later.
As Shigure and the others sailed across the vast ocean on their journey home, a ship appeared on the horizon, drawing closer.
Kakashi narrowed his eyes, sensing something unusual.
"There's chakra coming from that ship… Shinobi."
It seemed another group of ninja were heading toward the Land of Snow.
But before Kakashi could act, Shigure calmly stood up—and threw a scroll toward the approaching vessel.
On the other ship, a familiar figure stepped out onto the deck.
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly in recognition.
"That's the ninja who was with Zabuza…"
Haku.
Haku caught the scroll midair and nodded toward Shigure.
"Thank you."
Shigure returned the nod with a faint smile. "It's a fair trade. Protect her."
Without hesitation, Haku bowed deeply to Shigure—completely ignoring the surprised gazes from Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke.
Below deck, Zabuza took the scroll from Haku's hands. As he unfurled it, he found himself face to face with something unexpected:
The Executioner's Blade.
His sword.
Returned to him.
Along with it, coordinates to a secluded place—far from war, from pursuit, from the shinobi world.
Of course, it came at a price.
He would have to protect one person.
But in this remote land, Zabuza's strength was unrivaled. There would be no threat he couldn't handle.
Back on their own ship, Shigure turned and glanced in the direction of the receding Snow Country.
"I can't give you a kekkei genkai just yet…"
His voice was low, almost carried away by the sea wind.
"…But wait for me. When I have the strength to solve everything on my own…"
His gaze lingered.
"…I'll return."
...
TN:
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