Land of Snow.
In the castle of Kazahana City, located at the highest point.
A group of Snow Ninja wearing Chakra Armor, with blue and white as the main color scheme, kneeled on the cold floor, as if having committed a mistake, bowing their heads to the man sitting on the throne.
Wearing a luxurious and heavy coat, his body was tall and formidable, expressionless face exuding a naturally commanding presence.
"Apologies, Lord Doto, due to the interference of Konoha Ninja Hatake Kakashi, we lost track of the target."
The Snow Ninja with ice blue hair, Roga Nadare, expressed his regret to Kazahana Doto on the throne.
"Why would Konoha Ninja appear in the Land of Snow? We have no ties with the Land of Fire."
Kazahana Doto was puzzled by this.
"Perhaps it's hired by Kazahana Sosetsu."
Roga Nadare could only conjecture this way.
"Is that guy creating trouble for me even after his death? If he handed over the Hexagonal Crystal earlier, nothing would have happened."
Kazahana Doto held his forehead, appearing troubled, not at all like the ruthless villain who had personally killed his brother a few days ago.
"Lord Doto, what should we do next?"
Roga Nadare asked.
Among the Snow Ninja, his status and strength were second only to Kazahana Doto. While others trembled due to Kazahana Doto's cold demeanor, he was the most composed.
"Since Konoha has intervened, we can't capture Kazahana Koyuki for the time being. Nonetheless, the Hexagonal Crystal must be obtained regardless. I don't believe Konoha would protect her forever."
Kazahana Doto's eyes flashed with a chilling gleam; he was determined to obtain the Hexagonal Crystal held by his niece, Kazahana Koyuki.
Only by acquiring the Hexagonal Crystal could he access the treasures buried by his brother, Kazahana Sosetsu.
And only then could the Land of Snow have enough power to develop, mass-produce Chakra Armor, expand military equipment, annex nearby small nations, and make the Land of Snow a superpower like the Five Great Nations.
He resented his brother Kazahana Sosetsu's weakness and pacifism, believing such unambitious persons were unworthy of being the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, and thus took his place.
Therefore, he had to control the treasure of the Land of Snow hidden by his brother Kazahana Sosetsu, linked to the Hexagonal Crystal.
"Yes."
Roga Nadare knew Kazahana Doto wouldn't give up, having come this far, they were only one step away from fulfilling their ambitions to expand their territory; they wouldn't abandon it for anything.
Currently, however, the strength of the Land of Fire and Konoha isn't something they could provoke.
Especially Hatake Kakashi, whose unparalleled strength allowed his White Fang Swordsmanship to easily cut through Chakra Armor; facing such an opponent head-on would be tricky and require careful planning.
Their best time to act would be when Konoha's protection contract for Kazahana Koyuki ended; without Konoha's protection, Kazahana Koyuki would be easily obtainable.
Before that, they only needed to find Kazahana Koyuki's whereabouts.
◎
"Princess, please have your meal."
"Thank you."
Kazahana Koyuki did not know where she was located, but the maid delivering breakfast was polite and courteous, reminding her of the maids who served her in the castle during her troubled days and felt a sense of comfort.
However, those maids died protecting her during Kazahana Doto's rebellion.
Thinking of Kazahana Doto's cruel and fearsome face, a shadow covered Koyuki's eyes, taking away her appetite for breakfast.
"Excuse me... can you tell me where this place is?"
Wearing a luxurious twelve-layered robe, symbolizing her noble status as a princess of one country.
Before enjoying breakfast formally, Koyuki wanted to clarify this matter.
"Your Highness, this is the Land of Demons."
The maid standing respectfully by, answered with a gentle voice.
"Land of Demons?"
"Yes."
"I know. The dance in this country is beautiful; I read it in books."
Princess Koyuki's innocent words brought a subtle smile to the maid's face.
Koyuki seemed to be lost in some memory, gently stroking the crystal ornament hanging in front of her.
Soon, she snapped out of her memory, knowing her location, Koyuki decided to fill her stomach first before dealing with other matters.
She had visited the Land of Demons once before, and as the daughter of the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, destined to inherit the title, she had received a higher education, making her quite knowledgeable compared to most children.
However, she hadn't expected that she would end up in the neighboring Land of Demons after leaving the Land of Snow.
This is a Neutral Country with a distinctive Witch culture in the Ninja Realm.
Though belonging to the ranks of small countries like the Land of Snow, its nature is different.
However, such a country would not be suitable for long-term residence; considering her status as a fallen princess, leaving quickly would be wise.
Because being so close to the Land of Snow, Kazahana Doto's men could easily find her, potentially bringing unnecessary trouble to this country.
After eating, Koyuki asked the maid standing respectfully beside her, "Where did Mr. Kakashi go?"
"He'll be back soon."
The maid answered one by one.
Koyuki nodded slightly, not asking further.
Sitting in the corridor of the residence, admiring the scenery in the courtyard, while waiting for Kakashi to return.
Not long after, Kakashi returned from outside, the maid retreated, leaving the space for the two of them.