Naruto: Escape From Konoha

Chapter 204: 200: Kazahana Koyuki

The Land of Snow.

Among the castles in the Land of Snow, the capital city stood at the highest place. A Yuki ninja, clad in blue and white chakra armor, knelt on the cold floor, bowing his head to the man seated on the throne, showing regret as if they had made a grave mistake.

Wearing a luxurious and heavy coat, tall and imposing, with an impassive expression that exuded a coldness without anger.

"I'm sorry, Doto-sama. Because of interference from the Konoha ninja Hatake Kakashi, we lost our target." The Yuki ninja with long ice-blue hair explained, conveying his shame to Doto.

"Why would a Konoha ninja appear in the Land of Snow? The Land of Snow and the Land of Fire have never shared any relationship." Doto asked quite confused.

"Perhaps Sesotsu hired them."

"Will that man continue to cause trouble for me even in death? If they handed over the hexagonal crystal earlier, everything would had been fine." Doto supported his forehead, and seemed distressed, not at all like the ruthless villain who had killed his brother recently with his own hands.

"Doto-sama, what should we do next?" Roga asked His status and strength among the Yuki nins ranked second only to Doto. While others trembled at Doto's cruelty, he remained composed.

"Since Konoha has intervened now, hunting down Koyuki in a short time is impossible. However, the hexagonal crystal needs be secured. I don't believe Konoha will protect her for the rest of her life." A cold glint flashed through Doto's eyes and he was determined to obtain the hexagonal crystal on his niece's person.

This crystal held the key to unlocking the treasure buried by his elder brother for so years. Only with it could the Land Of Snow gather enough power to develop, mass-produce chakra armor, expand their weapons, annex the surrounding countries, and increase their status like the five major nations. He was dissatisfied with his brother's peaceful nature, Doto believed his brother unworthy of the Land Of Snow's fame. For this reason the hidden treasure which needed the crystal and the Land Of Snow must be his.

"Yes." Roga nodded. He knew that Doto wouldn't stop there. He was one step away from realizing his ambition to expand their territory, and he was unwilling to give up no matter what.

However the current power of the Land Of Fire and Konoha wasn't power they wanted to provoke. Especially Hatake Kakashi, whose exceptional strength, his kenjutsu could cut through even their chakra armor. A direct confrontation would prove difficult, they needed a meticulous long-term plan.

The opportune moment would arrive when Konoha's contract to protect Koyuki expired. Until then, their focus would be on locating her.

....

"Koyuki-sama, please have meal."

"Thank you."

Koyuki had no idea where she was at the moment, but she found peace in the maid's gentle demeanor as she brought breakfast. After spending a few days in fear she couldn't help but remember her kind maids who served her in the castle, but they died defending themselves during a rebellion.

Thoughts of Doto's cold and vicious face, Koyuki couldn't help but cast a shadow over her eyes, and lost the mood for breakfast.

"Excuse me... where's this place?"

Wearing twelve layers of luxurious attire, symbolic of her status as a princess. But before having her breakfast she needed answers.

"In the Land of Demons." The maid answered with a gentle voice.

"The Land of Demons?"

"Yes."

"I've heard about the beautiful dances in this country from my books."

Koyuki's innocent words elicited a smile from the maid. Yet, she seemed to be trapped on some kind of memory, she gently stroked the crystal jewelry on her neck. Soon, Koyuki returned from her daze, she decided to eat before asking about anything else. She had visited the Land of Demons before, she, as the Snow Daimyo's daughter, who would eventually inherit the country in the future.

She just didnt expect after leaving the Land Of Snow she would land in the adjacent Land Of Demons.

While both are small countries, the Land Of Snow and Land Of Demons were essentially different. Yet, as a troubled princess, Koyuki deemed it unsuitable for a long stay, fearing it might attract trouble from Doto's subordinates, given its proximity to the Land Of Snow.

After her meal, Koyuki asked of the maid standing respectfully beside her, "Where did Kakashi-san go?"

"He'll be back soon."

Koyuki nodded, choosing not to ask any further questions. She sat down at the mansion's corridor. While admiring the courtyard's scenery as she patiently awaited Kakashi's return.

Shortly after, Kakashi returned from the outside, prompting the maid to withdraw, providing space for the two.

Seeing Kakashi's return, Koyuki felt a sense of relief. In this place filled with strangers, only Kakashi, a familiar face, offered her a sense of security.

"Koyuki-sama."

"Kakashi-san, where have you been?"

"I went to negotiate with the person in charge of this country. After all, Koyuki-sama, your identity's quite sensitive."

"When do we leave next?" Koyuki asked worriedly.

"Well, we'll stay here for now. Don't worry about syour afety; this country is safe, and those looking for trouble wouldn't be presumptuous here."

"But..."

"Actually, there's another reason. We have to wait for someone here, It's already arranged."

"Waiting for someone? Who?"

"Sandayu Asama. He's your father's confidant. He's currently in the Land Of Rainbow and will ve coming to the Land Of Demons soon."

'Sandayu Asama?' Koyuki tilted her head, recalling the name as a high-status official in the Land Of Snow.

"In that case, we'll stay for a while."

Koyuki decided, refraining from questioning why Kakashi didn't directly go to the Land Of Rainbows but waited for Asama to come to the Land Of Demons. She knew Kakashi likely wouldn't answer the question. She thought it would be good for her to know, but in her current state, as a dethroned princess who had lost her status and country, she didn't have the choice of choosing her destiny.

....

About three days passed, during which Koyuki had gotten used to the mansion. Having been accustomed to luxury since childhood, the maids here provided services of equal caliber.

The mansion, while not as large as her former castle, didn't concern her now.

Staying in this country made her feel uneasy, not out of hate but due to fear of that man causing trouble. The Land Of Demons was too close to the Land Of Snow, she dreamt of Doto'ss ferocious face killing her like he did to her father. Each night, she relived the nightmare.

In the hot afternoon, the sun emitted intense heat, making the air feel hot and dry.

Today's weather was extremely hot. A maid approached Koyuki with something, placing it in front of her.

"What's this?" f(r)eeweb(n)ovel

Koyuki asked pointing at the item in the transparent cup that appeared icy and cold.

"Koyuki-sama, this is ice cream. It's quite suitable for thr hot weather."

"Ice cream?" Koyuki was stunned for a while, she had never had of the food. In fact she had never experienced summer, given the snow falling all year in the Land of Snow.

Taking a light lick, Koyuki felt the cold dissipate the heat from her body, savoring the sweetness. Her eyes lit up, and she instantly fell in love with the food.

Halfway through her meal, another maid arrived, accompanied by a bespectacled man in his forties.

Seeing Koyuki enjoying her ice cream, the man hastened over, knelt on one knee, and saluted. "Koyuki-sama, I'm late; please forgive me."

Koyuki paused, wondering how to respond.

"Koyuki-sama, thank you for not giving up. You can call me Asama."

"Okay, you can get up first, Asama-san."

"Yes."

"Do you know about my father?"

"Yes." Asama nodded, his face showed pain. "For Doto's ambitions he will definitely be punished in the future. Koyuki-sama, please follow m bavke to the Land Of Rainbows. I've made arrangements there. As long as we're careful, you.will never be found by Doto."

Asama harbored little hope for revenge. Many loyal to Sosetsu may have been wiped out at the hands of Doto. Most Yuki nins were now obedient to the latter.

It will only be a metter of time before Doto controls the entire Land Of Snow. Without any forces, they could only watch as he controlled the entire country. Although unwilling, it's the only way to survive.

Asama prioritized Koyuki's safety over taking back power from Doto. Koyuki agreed, she also had the same idea. With Doto almost in control heading to the Land Of Snow was walking into a trap.

"I'll the planning to you then Asama-san, and remember to inform Kakashi-san too."

Accidents might occur on the journey, but having Kakashi along would increase their safety.

"Please leave it to me."

Asama stood up from the ground and was about to go make plans for their journey to the Land Of Rainbows when a male voice came from behind.

"Compared to escaping, I have a better idea here. Do you want to try it, you two?"

At some point, all the maids around had disappeared, and at the other end of the corridor, a man appeared, walking towards Koyuki and Asama with a smile.

It was Shiraishi.

"Who?" Asama pulled out a short sword from his sleeve, pointed at Shiraishi.

"Chiba Shiraishi, i have several other identities - Konoha S-rank rogue ninja and the Minister of Military Affairs of the Land Of Demons. I don't know which Asama-san prefers?" Shiraishi smiled harmlessly, not bothered by the sword in Asama's hand. Asama is just an ordinary samurai who has been trained a little, and his strength isn't yet enough to threaten him in the slightest.

After hearing Shiraishi's self-introduction and the fact that he was wanted by the international community, Asama's face turned pale, and cold sweat continued to flow. As a trusted samurai to the former Snow' diamyo, he was well-informed, especially about various famous figures in the ninja world.

Asama naturally was no stranger to a dangerous S-rank rogue ninja like Shiraishi.

"Don't be so nervous, i don't have any malice. Put down the sword first, Asama-san, such precautions are actually meaningless." Shiraishi said calmly.

Asama was tense and didn't put down the short blade in his hand.

"Rogue ninja...why are you here?"

'Why was a Konoha rogues ninja in the Land Of Demons?' Asama didn't understand

"Didn't you just hear me say I'm the Minister of Military Affairs for the Land Of Demons. I'm in charge of all military mobilization rights in this country."

Asama then recalled that Shiraishi did mention this in his self-introduction initially, but because his identity as a traitor was deeply rooted in the hearts of some people, he didn't notice it for a while. It's just that... Konoha's S-rank rogue ninja became the Minister of Military Affairs of the Land of Demons.. In charge of the country's military deployment. There was something certainly wrong.

'Knowing so much about himself and Koyuki-sama, they won't be silenced right?' Asama shuddered in her heart. The power of a ninja wasn't something ordinary samurais like him could resist.

"Don't worry, no matter how you see it, I won't kill you to silence you."

After speaking, Shiraishi appeared behind Asama, stroking Koyuki's hair.

Asama hurriedly turned around.

"You, what are you going to do? Let Koyuki-sama go!"

Asama's shouting made no sense. But Shiraishi obediently let go of Koyuki, taking his hands away from her hair.

Koyuki raised her head and looked at this strange man who suddenly appeared, touching her hair. She couldn't say she hated or liked it, but it was a bit hard to explain. In her impression, only her father touched her hair that way.

"How about listening to my proposal just now?" Shiraishi asked suddenly.

"What?"

"Instead of running away, I can help Koyuki regain her power and eliminate Doto." Shiraishi said lightly.

The ninjas in the Land Of Snow weren't that powerful. Even with their Chakra armor, there was still a upper limit.

'To regain the power of Land Of Snow? Eliminate Doto?' Hearing this, Koyuki couldn't help but feel moved. It wasn't that she didn't want to return to reclaim what was hers, or to avenge her dead father, but because she didn't have enough power in her hands. Trying to recklessly take revenge on Doto would only end in failure with her dead. Based on the power difference between the two sides, her survival was more important, regardless of her unwillingness.

Revenge, was a matter for the future or may be impossible in a lifetime. She had free herself from the shadows.

"Can you help me?" Koyuki reflexively asked, secretly passing her gaze to Asama to confirm if Shiraishi's words were true.

Asama was at a loss. Honestly, he only knew S-rank rogue ninjas were dangerous, but.... regarding their power he had no idea. Anyway to him all ninjas were unfathomable.

Whether Shiraishi could defeat Doto remained uncertain. Before Shiraishi implemented his plan, there were more pressing matters to pay attention to.

"Wait! The Land Of Demons is a neutral country, and you're a rogue ninja wanted by Konoha; how can you help Koyuki-sama?"

Asama asked after understanding the key problem. Shiraishi's proposal touched his heart, but there were too many problems that couldn't be solved.

With the Land Of Demons as a neutral country, they were offered protection but the protection also restricted the country. Meaning, the Land Of Demons will not be attacked or invaded by other countries and vice versa.

So Shiraishi as a rogue ninja from Konoha, must keep his identity undisclosed. Because once it was revealed it could worsen the situation.

"As long as you don't let others know. Dealing with the turmoil will not expose my identity."

"But what benefits can you get this way? Could it be that you want to..."

"Everything you gain, you lose, don't you?" Shiraishi said with a smile.

Asama understood this truth. Shiraishi's assistance to Koyuki isn't free. On the contrary, if he had offered his assistance free of charge, Asama felt that he would firmly dissuade Koyuki and decline the other party's proposal.

Asama never had any ideas about retaking the Land of Snow, because of the slim hope. Without a strong enough external force to intervene, Koyuki's desire to regain power was undoubtedly a dream.

Before Shiraishi's suggestion, Asama only wanted yo protect Koyuki for a peaceful life. To him, it was the best way to repay Sosetsu-sama. But.... was the words of a rogue ninja credible?.

"How do you ensure you won't take adverse actions against Koyuki-sama afterward?"

Shiraishi's proposal touched his heart, but he still had concerns about the traitor's reputation.

"How about I accept this child as my daughter? I can guarantee she will be a famous name in the Land Of Snow afterward." Shiraishi expressed his opinion.

"This... this is so nonsense!" Asama was stunned, but he was reluctant to refuse the unexpected proposal. The princess of a country recognizing a traitor as her father, what sick joke. It was all nonsense.

As Asama was about to refuse, Koyuki spoke to Shiraishi: "Father."

Click!

There was a sound of cracking glasses, as Asama's glasses shattered on the ground.

'Koyuki-sama you have lost your integrity!' Asama lamented inward.

.....

"Koyuki-sama, why did you agree to hid request?"

After Shiraishi left, Asama looked at Koyuki helplessly and with a headache.

Koyuki glanced at Asama then looked toward the blue sky and responded:

"I'm sorry, Asama-san, but i can't forgive what uncle Doto has done."

"Even so, we can take the long road, it doesn't have to be..." Asama still couldn't agree with Koyuki's approach.

Too much involvement with a rogue was bad for the Land Of Snow. If exposed, it would cause unnecessary trouble, especially with the Konoha in the Land of Fire. If they were pursued, the Land of Snow will be powerless to resist.

"A long-term plan? Asama-san, how long will this take?" Koyuki looked at Asama.

Asama hesitated and couldn't speak. For long it would take, he wasn't even sure because they didn't have any force.

Although he has money, it was still far from enough to raise an army. What's more, Doto has ninja troops. An army of ordinary people doesn't pose a threat to ninjas.

Therefore, the so-called long-term plan, in Koyuki's view, was just finding a place for a peaceful and stable life. But if someone accidentally finds her, then her fate can be imagined.

"Moreover, things are not as simple as we thought."

"?"

Asama looked at the Princess, confused.

"Kakashi,-san who came from Konoha to protect me, may also be from this side."

"!?" Asama opened his mouth wide. At this time, under Koyuki's reminder, he finally reacted, and his body shivered.

Yes, one is a talented Konoha ninja with a bright future, and the other is a dangerous rogue ninja hiding behind the scenes of the Land Of Demons.

After his mission, Kakashi took Koyuki to the Land Of Demons to settle for a while, and there was no dispute with the rogue ninja, which had already explained some problems.

'Spy?' Asama was shocked. He couldn't help but lament about the courage of the rogues ninjas. Daring to place spies in a powerful village like Konoha.

If that was the case, then the other party may really be able to help Koyuki-sama regain power in the Land Of Snow.

Although she will certainly lose a certain amount of autonomy in the future, but if he and Koyuki-sama only relied on their power to go to the Land Of Snow for revenge, it was like a sheep entering a tiger's mouth.

"I understand. No matter what happens, i will stand by you." Asama promised.

----

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