"Do you know Kazahana Dotō, the younger brother of the Land of Snow's Daimyo?"
Takuno finally steered the conversation to the main topic. The three of them could be replaced easily, but Kazahana Dotō was not an option that could be changed so readily.
Because of his identity as the Daimyo's younger brother, he could indeed accomplish many things in the Land of Snow without alerting the Daimyo.
"To answer you, Lord, Kazahana Dotō was our previous leader." Roga Nadare, extremely perceptive, no longer called Kazahana Dotō "Lord."
"Oh, then are you able to summon Kazahana Dotō to the Hidden Snow Village?" Takuno inquired.
Instantly, the Snow Ninja Trio's expressions turned slightly strange. Then, Roga Nadare replied, "Lord, Kazahana Dotō is currently in the Hidden Snow Village."
Takuno was momentarily stunned upon hearing this. He had originally thought he would have to wait a few days; he hadn't expected the target to be right there in the Hidden Snow Village, which saved a lot of time.
"In that case, take me to him. He will also be one of you," Takuno immediately stated.
"Yes!" The Snow Ninja Trio immediately responded, without any hesitation.
What was Kazahana Dotō worth? His strength, if truly compared, was inferior to Roga Nadare's. It was only his previous status that qualified him to be their leader.
Now that Takuno had arrived, and held their lives in his hands, Kazahana Dotō, in their eyes, ought to step down.
Following this, the Snow Ninja Trio smoothly led Takuno into the Hidden Snow Village. No Snow Ninja dared to stop them, as the three of them held the highest status within the Hidden Snow Village... Kazahana Dotō was currently standing by a window, quietly awaiting the triumphant return of the Snow Ninja Trio.
He had also witnessed the commotion caused by the battle nearby.
Especially the Ninjutsu, Ice Release: One-Horned White Whale, which was far too recognizable.
Moreover, its size was enormous, allowing him to barely see it even from the Hidden Snow Village.
What puzzled him was why there were two One-Horned White Whales, and that size... Had Roga Nadare grown stronger again?
Kazahana Dotō smiled; truly worthy of being his capable subordinate. Getting stronger was a good thing.
However, the opponent being able to force Roga Nadare to use Ice Release: One-Horned White Whale to this extent also indicated that the opponent's strength was extraordinary.
Who exactly was targeting the Hidden Snow Village?
Kazahana Dotō frowned, pondering the potential enemies in the Land of Snow.
Honestly, he felt that the Land of Snow, this barren place, wasn't worth anyone's attention at all.
Soon, the battle fluctuations over there ceased.
"Is it over?" Kazahana Dotō looked in that direction. They should be returning soon.
Just as he thought, the Snow Ninja Trio quickly returned, but there were not three people, but four.
"So that's it, did you capture him alive?" Kazahana Dotō felt slightly strange about why Takuno was still wearing a mask, but he still spoke.
"Oh? So you thought I was captured alive by the three of them?" Takuno's slightly mocking voice sounded next to Kazahana Dotō's ear, causing his expression to change drastically.
"What is the meaning of this?! You all!!" Kazahana Dotō widened his eyes, staring at the Snow Ninja Trio.
"It is exactly as you suspect, Kazahana Dotō. Now, my only Lord is him!" Roga Nadare said with a look of reverence, expressing his loyalty.
"I feel the same!" Fuyukuma Mizore and Fubuki Kakuyoku declared simultaneously.
"Y-you all!!" Kazahana Dotō yelled furiously. "I have supported the Hidden Snow Village for so many years! My efforts contributed to you becoming as strong as you are today! Are you betraying me now?!"
"No, how can you say we betrayed you? Kazahana Dotō, you are the Daimyo's younger brother, but you are not a Snow Ninja, and the things we Snow Ninja do do not require your permission," Roga Nadare continued.
"You!" Kazahana Dotō's eyes widened. He tore open the clothing on his body, revealing the exquisite Chakra Armor underneath.
Aided by the armor, his Chakra rapidly transformed.
"In that case, all of you die!"
Takuno looked at Kazahana Dotō, who had lost his composure due to anger. To be honest, Kazahana Dotō's strength was indeed inferior to Roga Nadare's; without that armor, he might not even be a match for Fuyukuma Mizore and Fubuki Kakuyoku.
"So, is that armor what gives you the confidence to fight me?" Takuno chuckled, and the materialized Chakra erupted from his back once more.
When Fubuki Kakuyoku saw this sight, her pupils contracted, clearly recalling her previous miserable state of being frightened unconscious. She then looked at Kazahana Dotō with a hint of pity.
Mortal, tremble before the boundless might of the Lord!
"Ice Release: Black Dragon Blizzard!"
Aided by the Chakra Armor, Kazahana Dotō's Chakra transformed into a pitch-black ice dragon, roaring and charging towards Takuno, shrouded in a black whirlwind.
"Kujaku Myōhō: Dragon Snake." The materialized Chakra behind Takuno formed a terrifying giant snake. Its glowing eyes fixed upon the tiny black ice dragon, and it opened its massive maw, letting out a roar.
In an instant, the ice dragon was shattered by what sounded like a dragon's roar, failing even to get close to Takuno.
Following that, the giant snake surrounding Takuno slowly slithered toward Kazahana Dotō.
"How is that possible!"
Kazahana Dotō watched his attack instantly shatter from the opponent's roar, causing his eyes to widen. Then, seeing the giant snake, large enough to swallow him whole, slithering toward him, he couldn't help but continuously retreat.
As he backed away, he yelled in fear.
"No, stay away!"
Kazahana Dotō's reaction was worse than that of the Snow Ninja Trio. Even if their strength wasn't overwhelming, they had gone through the Ninja examinations, a stark contrast to Kazahana Dotō, who relied solely on the Chakra Armor.
Kazahana Dotō retreated, then turned to try and break through the wall to escape, but unfortunately, his movements were nowhere near as fast as the giant snake's.
In an instant, the giant snake reached Kazahana Dotō. Instead of swallowing him whole, it used its massive body to coil around him, hoisting him into the air, unable to move.
At this moment, the snake's head appeared before Kazahana Dotō's already shattered expression, flicking its tongue out, seemingly contemplating how to devour him.
"Don't kill me! I surrender! I surrender!" Kazahana Dotō shouted at this point. He realized that since the Snow Ninja Trio were still alive and had defected to the opponent, surely he would accept his surrender too?
"Tch, he surrendered that easily?" Takuno felt slightly bored. He had originally wanted to ask, 'Do you want to surrender or die?'
Unfortunately, the opponent collapsed and surrendered without even giving him a chance to ask.
Sure enough, those who usually hold high positions value their own lives more, which means... they are easier to control!