Hakushi smiled harmlessly, completely unconcerned about the short blade in Sandayu's hand.
Asama Sandayu was just a slightly trained ordinary samurai, his strength couldn't threaten Hakushi in the slightest.
After hearing Hakushi's self-introduction, and seeing that internationally wanted face, Sandayu's complexion turned pale, cold sweat flowing continuously.
As a confidant samurai of the Land of Snow's Daimyo, Kazahana Sosetsu, Sandayu was well-versed, especially when it came to notable figures in the Ninja Realm, whom he paid attention to.
Naturally, Sandayu wasn't a stranger to dangerous like Hakushi, an S-Class Renegade Ninja.
"No need to be so tense, I mean no harm. Put the sword down, Asama Sandayu, such precautions are pointless."
Hakushi said in a calm voice.
Sandayu's nerves were taut, and he did not lower the short blade in his hand.
Hakushi didn't mind either. Asking Sandayu to put down his weapon was just a casual remark. Whether he did or not, it wouldn't change anything in the end.
"As a Renegade Ninja... why are you here?"
Why was a Konoha Renegade Ninja in the Land of Demons? This was what Sandayu couldn't understand.
"Didn't I just say, I am the Minister of Military Affairs of the Land of Demons, overseeing all military operations in this country."
Only then did Sandayu recall that Hakushi had indeed mentioned this in his initial introduction. But because of the entrenched understanding of Hakushi's identity as a Renegade Ninja, he'd overlooked these details for a moment.
But... could it be right for a Konoha S-Class Renegade Ninja to become the Minister of Military Affairs of the Land of Demons, in charge of the military operations of an entire country?
Knowing so much, would he and Princess Koyuki be silenced? Sandayu shivered at the thought.
The power of ninjas wasn't something an ordinary samurai like him could compete with.
"Relax, I'm not so cruel as to silence you."
Having said this, Hakushi already appeared behind Sandayu, touching Koyuki's hair.
Sandayu quickly turned around.
"You... what are you doing? Let go of the princess!"
His shout was pointless.
But Hakushi complied and released Koyuki, taking his hand off her hair.
Koyuki looked up at this strange uncle who suddenly appeared and touched her hair without saying a word, unable to decide if she disliked him or not, just finding the situation inexplicably odd.
In her memory, only her father, Kazahana Sosetsu, had touched her hair this way.
Huh? Why am I suddenly thinking about these things? Koyuki was puzzled.
"How about considering my proposal?"
Hakushi suddenly asked.
"What?"
"Instead of running away, I can help the princess regain the power of the Land of Snow, eliminate Kazahana Doto."
Hakushi casually mentioned such words.
The ninja power in the Land of Snow wasn't particularly strong, even with the Chakra Armor, its limits were clear. With the power of the Land of Demons, it could easily overthrow Kazahana Doto.
Regain power over the Land of Snow? Eliminate Kazahana Doto?
These words struck a chord in Koyuki, as her face couldn't help but show an expression of acknowledgement.
Koyuki didn't refuse reclaiming what was hers, avenging Kazahana Doto, and taking revenge for her deceased father, Kazahana Sosetsu. But lacking powerful strength, impulsively seeking revenge on Kazahana Doto could only end in failure and death.
Given the immense gap in power, no matter how unwilling she was to accept it, staying alive was the most important thing.
Revenge was something for the future, a wish that might never be fulfilled, allowing her to step out from the shadows.
"You can help me?"
Koyuki asked reflexively, while also secretly casting glances at Sandayu to verify Hakushi's words.
Sandayu was bewildered and at a loss. Honestly speaking, he only knew that S-Class Renegade Ninjas were dangerous, but as for their exact strength... anyway, to him, the power of ninjas was unfathomable.
Whether Hakushi could defeat Kazahana Doto was a question mark in his heart as well.
Let's put that aside for now; there was still a more important issue to address before Hakushi would implement his proposal.
"Wait, the Land of Demons is a neutral country, and you're a Renegade Ninja wanted by Konoha. How do you plan to help the princess?"
Sandayu pointed out the crux of the matter.
Hakushi's proposal was indeed enticing.
But, there were too many unresolved issues.
The Land of Demons being a neutral country was both a form of protection and a limitation.
That means the Land of Demons wouldn't face invasion from other countries, but it also couldn't attack other countries for any reason.
Once it did attack another country, the protection of neutrality would be lost.
Add to that, Hakushi being a Renegade Ninja from Konoha, he couldn't reveal his identity publicly. Doing so would only worsen the situation for the Land of Snow.
"As long as no one knows. To deal with Kazahana Doto, I won't need to expose my identity."
Hakushi replied.
"But, what benefit do you gain from this? Do you want to..."
"There's always give and take, isn't there?"
Hakushi said with a smile.
Sandayu fell silent.
He naturally understood this principle. Hakushi was assisting Koyuki to regain control of the Land of Snow, not without a trade-off.
On the contrary, if the assistance was not compensated, Sandayu felt he would firmly advise Koyuki to refuse the proposal.
Regaining control of the Land of Snow was something Sandayu had never considered, because the hope seemed slim.
Without sufficient powerful external interference, Koyuki's dream of reclaiming the Land of Snow was undoubtedly a fool's errand.
Before Hakushi proposed this idea, he was only focused on protecting Koyuki, letting her live a peaceful life; that would be the best way to repay his lord, Kazahana Sosetsu.