Boat: Yukie's Room
Sumaru looked at Yukie sadly before turning his attention to the Hex Crystal. "10 years. Back when it all happened, I was a mere Genin and out of my element." He tightly gripped the crystal. "Now, I'm a Jonin and next in line to lead my people after Akahoshi."
Sandayu opened the door. "Sumaru, we have pulled into port."
Sumaru took a deep breath before setting the crystal on the dresser and walking out of the room.
Meeting Room
Team Sasuke had been patient in waiting for answers. With Sandayu, Sumaru, the director, and writer in the room, they finally had the chance to learn what this mission truly was.
"So, Yukie Fujikaze was actually Koyuki Kazahana the whole time?" Sasuke shook his head before looking to Sumaru and Sandayu. "Didn't either of you consider the risk bringing her here posed?"
"You're right of course, but this was the only way I could think of to get the princess home." Sandayu replied.
"Come on Sandayu." Naruto laughed. "You don't have to keep calling her that. It's not like she's a princess anywhere but the big screen."
"That's where you're wrong." Sumaru sighed. "It was for her protection. You three weren't informed because we honestly thought the Leaf would have sent Jonin. We wanted to see more of what you could do before telling you the truth."
"I first met Princess Koyuki Kazahana long ago." Sandayu stated wistfully. "I was her aid when she was just a little girl. I don't blame her for not remembering. It was years ago."
"Does that mean you're from the Land of Snow like Sumaru and Koyuki?" Hinata asked.
"That's right." Sandayu smiled. "I served the princess' father, the former Daimyo, Lord Sosetsu Kazahana. The Land of Snow was not a large nation, but it was one of peace. Lord Sosetsu adored his daughter. Those were idyllic times."
"Ten years ago, Lord Sosetsu's younger brother, Doto, made his move." Sumaru continued. "He had been working to turn the noble Shinobi of Yukigakure against the Daimyo. Once he had enough under his command, he had the leader of our village killed.
My parents followed not to long after covering the escape of those loyal to Sosetsu and the young princess Koyuki. I eventually left her in safety before leaving with my people to join Hoshigakure. It would be years later that I learned Sandayu was alive and her manager."
"I was beside myself the day I discovered our beloved princess was alive." Sandayu was on the verge of tears. "To later learn that those who were loyal to his highness and princess had survived as well gave me hope."
He cried.
Koyuki entered the room. "I should have just died back then."
"You must not say that princess." Sandayu begged. "When we thought you were gone, the loyal aids of this land were lost. We stopped praying for your life."
"Not to mention us loyal Shinobi who had to let you go." Sumaru spoke up. "We worked ourselves every day for this. I trained night and day mastering everything my fellow Shinobi could teach me while proving they could trust me.
Once they did, we worked together in hopes of securing the Land of Snow. To hear that you, the one who should want it most, want to die hurts." Sumaru looked at the ground. "What does that make everything we've gone through?"
"The fact is, I should have died that day." Koyuki stated. "Now, I'm still here while my heart is dead. After that day, any tears I had dried up. You want to know what all that work and planning was for? Absolutely nothing."
Naruto grit his teeth angrily.
"So, what are you saying then?" The writer spoke up. "Have you two been using us?"
"I apologize for deceiving you." Sandayu stood. "It was all for the sake of the people." He came over and got on his hands and knees before Koyuki. "I implore princess. Please, confront your uncle and claim what is yours."
"Come on Koyuki." Sumaru approached. "Your father had just as much heart as my old leader. Together, they did great things for this land, and we can do the same while making sure what happened to us, never happens again."
"I don't think so." Koyuki crossed her arms. "You two have got to be kidding me."
"What about the people?" Sandayu questioned.
"I could care less about them." Koyuki declared. "Just forget it."
"Koyuki, please…" Sumaru implored.
"Don't be dumb." Koyuki stated. "You can try everything you can think of, but you'll never be rid of Doto. I don't know why you two are so insistent on trying."
"So, what do they do? Give up? Is that it?" Naruto stood and slammed his hand on the table. "If you ask me, you need to quit being so heartless. Can't you see that these two have committed everything to the realization of their dreams. If you keep insulting them, you'll be deal with me."
"As long as there is hope, you may dream, and with those dreams, the future comes." The director spoke up. "It's the perfect theme for our new Princess Gale movie."
"You're not really going to continue filming with everything that's happened, are you?" The writer asked shocked.
"I just told you that the movie is evolving." The director declared. "Just think about it. How often do you get to make a movie with an actual princess? This is the chance of a lifetime."
The writer was coming around. "You're right. Just think of the buzz. The making of alone will be a hit. We're sitting on a surefire blockbuster."
"Unfortunately, there's a bit of a problem." Sasuke crossed his arms. "The fact remains that the Leaf was lied to about this mission. That's grounds for calling it off and returning to the Leaf if we so choose."
"Sasuke!" Naruto shouted. "We can't just leave them like this."
"We very well could, but I will not disregard your opinions." Sasuke crossed his arms. "Naruto is in, and I am as well even though lied to us. That leaves you Hinata. What do you think?"
"I want to help these people." Hinata nodded. "They may have lied to us, but they had a good reason in my opinion."
"That settles it." Sasuke stated. "With Doto now aware of our group, we can't keep running." He looked at Sumaru and Sandayu. "Tell me, what was your plan? If you have an entire village, even if it is small, backing you, why call in any extra help?"
"Those are apt questions." Sumaru nodded. "All of Hoshigakure and 49 men loyal to Koyuki have been preparing to take back Yukigakure and Kazahana Castle. I'm one of our best, so I was sent to take down the stronger enemies with help Konohagakure.
As I said, we were hoping for Jonin, but you three are capable. To make sure everything is successful, we four are the ones that must defeat Doto and those Shinobi we fought on the iceberg. With them out of the way, the rest will fall to our combine forces."
"Is that all?" Sasuke questioned. "Here I thought we'd have to do something a bit more challenging. Those three Shinobi are a joke, so this mission will be over soon."
"Yeah, that's the spirit Sasuke!" Naruto declared.
"Just stop joking around already!" Koyuki declared angrily. "Real life isn't like the movies. There are no happy endings in this world."
"There is if you are willing to fight for it!" the director shot back.
Outside the Ship
The crew and Sandayu were to take a set of vehicles to the base where the Shinobi and men were preparing for the assaults. Team Sasuke and Koyuki were at a separate vehicle waiting for Sumaru. He didn't want to put Koyuki in danger, but they were supposed to draw Doto out.
Sumaru had stopped Sandayu. "I suppose this is where we part for now." He held out a hand. "Give my regards to Hoshikage Akahoshi and tell him we'll be drawing Doto out soon."
"Will do Sumaru." Sandayu shook the hand. "Soon, Kazahana Castle and Yukigakure will be where they belong once more."
Sumaru smiled confidently. "We will see that it happens."
Sandayu walked over to the crew while Sumaru moved over to Team Sasuke. Soon, they would be on their way to the Rainbow Glaciers. The Star Shinobi couldn't wait for Doto to see the truth behind the Hex Crystal before finally defeating him.
Team Sasuke: On the Road
Team Sasuke and Koyuki road in a vehicle driven by Sumaru as they made their way to the Rainbow Glaciers. Koyuki was situated between Sasuke and Naruto since Sumaru had informed them her tendency to run.
"I don't know why I didn't run when I had the chance." Koyuki was clearly upset. "You all will achieve nothing for there is no spring in the Land of Snow."
Naruto glared at her. "What are you talking about now?"
"My father died, and I fled from the Land of Snow." Koyuki stated. "Why believe in anything when it's easier to cut ties, run, and lie? We should just give up."
"I bet it is easier just to give up." Naruto sighed. "No one ever cared about me before, and I just tried to blow it off, you know? Still, it was rough. I once thought there was no place in this world for me, but I still found friends.
I kept at it and never gave up. That caused good things to happen. When you give up, all your dreams and everything you hold close vanishes. Your father, Sandayu, and Sumaru are not wrong to believe."
"He's right Koyuki." Sumaru spoke up. "I know life has beaten you down from a young age, but please put faith in us just this once. Do that, and I will show you the spring your father talked about."
Koyuki was wavering. "Why should I place trust in any of you?"
"You should place trust in us because everyone here is a prime example of not giving up." Sasuke stated. "Sumaru clearly hasn't given up since he planned this all out. As for myself, I could have given up on my own village in a desperate bid of power, yet I'm here now."
"I was once the heiress to my clan." Hinata stated. "I lost that tittle, but it's not the dream I strive for now. What I'm saying is, losing that tittle hasn't made me any less determined to strive for my own dream alongside my team. Strong like my father but kind like my mother."
Koyuki sighed and stared out the window as the car drove on.
Rainbow Glaciers, Later…
The team had arrived on a hill overlooking the glaciers.
"This is your battle Sumaru." Sasuke stated. "How do you want to handle it."
"I would say I want to face Nadare since we have history; however, the history we have has nothing on the history Doto has with my people." Sumaru nodded. "As long as you do not impede Doto coming here to face me, you three can take on whomever you want."
"Hinata, use your Byakugan to scan in the direction of Kazahana Castle." Sasuke ordered. "Inform me if anything is coming."
"Byakugan." Hinata cast her gaze to the forest. "I got a read on those three Shinobi we faced on the iceberg. They're snowboarding down the hill as we speak. Nadare is far to the left while the remaining two are together. There's also a rather large man flying through the skies."
"That has to be Doto." Sumaru declared.
"I'll head to the one by himself. Naruto take Hinata and deal with the remaining Shinobi." Sasuke looked to Sumaru. "You can have your battle with Doto."
Once the Leaf shinobi were gone, Sumaru looked to Koyuki. "May I have the Hex Crystal?" Koyuki who was caught off guard. "I promise, this will show you the spring your father wanted."
Koyuki took off the crystal and looked at it. "I hope you know what you're doing." She gave it to him. "Don't… Don't disappoint me Sumaru."
"I wasn't planning on it." Sumaru tightly gripped the crystal before looking into the sky to see Doto flying to their location in a suit of black Chakra Armor with blue trim and a livid expression. "Come and get it Doto."
The Star Shinobi held up the crystal so that it would gleam for Doto to see before booking it over to the shrine. The false Daimyo predictably changed course since he was intent on getting that crystal.
Sumaru made it the shrine in the center of the glaciers, inserted the crystal, and activated the shrine casting everything in a blue light.
Naruto and Hinata vs Mizore and Fubuki
Mizore and Fubuki were snowboarding down, heading for the shrine, when they heard Hinata's voice. "Earth Style: Flying Thrown Stones!"
Stones shot up from the ground forcing both Snow Ninja to jump off their boards with Fubuki getting more air and launching off to the right. Naruto jumped up to meet her wielding a sphere of Chakra with Ultra Instinct activated.
Fubuki was shocked. "He's emitting large levels of Chakra and his speed is unreal."
"Rasengan!" Naruto shouted.
He shoved the sphere into the Snow Shinobi's side. Unlike lower level Jutsu, this was not dissipating. Far from it as the Jutsu tore into her sending Fubuki spiraling into the ground. She was unconscious.
"Fubuki!" Mizore glared at Naruto. "You may have taken her down, but it's useless kid. This is the end of the line!"
He started to charge the Leaf Genin, but Hinata got in his path taking up the stance of the Hyuga with her Byakugan active. "8 Trigrams 64 Palms!" She started hitting him and having an actual impact. "2 palms. 4 palms. 8 palms. 16 palms. 32 palms. 64 palms."
Since the Hyuga exceled at attacking the Chakra Network, and disrupting chakra in general, a major weakness of the chakra armor was shining through as each strike devastated the larger opponent before the final set of 64 saw Mizore knocked to the ground unconscious.
Sasuke vs Nadare
Sasuke was currently confronting Nadare on a cliff.
"I knew Sumaru was pathetic." Nadare declared. "He sent a mere Chunin to face me instead of coming himself."
"Sharingan." Sasuke declared. "It doesn't take these eyes of mine to see who's truly the pathetic Shinobi. Your reliance on that armor will be your downfall."
Nadare wove hand signs. "Snow Style: Wolf Fang Avalanche."
The snow from higher up the mountain flowed downward heading for Sasuke while forming into wolfs. The Uchiha just surged forward effortlessly avoiding the snow.
Nadare was shocked. "How are you…"
One of the wolfs got in between Sasuke and the Snow Shinobi, so he performed the Dancing Leaf Shadow with some hi-speed Taijutsu. This resulted in him completely circumnavigating the threat and ending up below Nadare before kicking him into the air.
"Your fancy armor may protect against Ninjutsu and Genjutsu…" Sasuke jumped after the shinobi coming up behind him. "…but let's see how well you can handle some Taijutsu." Sasuke caught Nadare in the neck with his arm, spun and kicked him in the side, and spun back around before axe kicking him in the stomach. "Lion's Barrage!"
Nadare was forced into unconsciousness while Sasuke landed on his feet.
Rainbow Glaciers
The Land of Snow was steaming as the snow melted.
Doto landed before Sumaru. "What is this?" The false Daimyo stepped forward. "What have you done with the treasure?"
"You've been a fool all this time Doto." Sumaru declared. "The treasure Lord Sosetsu valued more than anything were his people. He would have done anything for them including bringing about spring. This 'treasure' you were after is nothing more than a heat generator."
"You're nothing but a filthy liar! Once I kill you, I'll force Koyuki to tell me where the real treasure is." Doto wove hand signs. "Snow Style: Black Dragon Blizzard!"
"Your Chakra Armor may be impressive, but I worked my ass off to become stronger. I won't fall to you, and I will protect the true Daimyo!" Sumaru had mimicked his hand sign perfectly. "Snow Style: Black Dragon Blizzard!"
They both punched out a fist generating a black dragon made of snow. The two Jutsus collided in an impressive display before canceling each other out.
"Sumaru actually matched Doto…" Koyuki stated shocked.
"What?" Doto questioned.
Sumaru approached him. "Kujaku!" The purple chakra appeared behind him. "This is my power Doto. The power of the next Hoshikage, and that which can restore Lady Koyuki's hope!"
"I refuse… I refuse to lose to some pathetic Shinobi!" Doto shouted angrily before charging Sumaru. "Die!"
"Kujaku: Armor!" Sumaru was covered in purple chakra before he met Doto head on. "The only one who will fall today is you!"
Their fists collided, and the pair were dead even. Doto began trying to strike Sumaru, but he was far more agile than the more muscular Daimyo. Even the armor couldn't change that. This resulted in the Star shinobi hammering in blows in between counters.
"I think it's time I wrapped this up." Sumaru jumped back. "Kujaku: Wings!"
The chakra around his body became wings which he used to fly into the air.
"Bring it on you weakling!" Doto wove more hand signs before holding out his hands. "Snow Style: Twin Dragon Blizzard!"
Two, black dragon made of snow launched at Sumaru.
"With the powers of Yukigakure and Hoshigakure, I will free this land from your grasp." Sumaru wove his own hand signs. "Snow Style: Lance!"
A lance of snow formed over Sumaru's right arm just as the shinned on the glaciers. This caused them to glow the colors of the rainbow. That same effect was mimicked over Sumaru's lance. Koyuki finally felt hope as she observed Sumaru fighting and beating Doto.
"Sumaru!" Koyuki shouted. "I believe it you! You're one of the strongest Shinobi I've ever known!"
"Now I can't fail!" Sumaru flew at the dragons. "Kujaku: Reinforce!" The purple Chakra from his wings moved onto the lance strengthening it, and when he came to the dragons, as he fell, he effortlessly cut through them dispelling the Jutsu. "Take this Doto!"
The Leaf Shinobi came to the battlefield and observed Sumaru's ending attack.
"It's Rainbow Chakra." Hinata stated amazed. "Just like in the movie."
Naruto smiled. "How about that."
Doto punched his fist forward confident his armor could take the strain only to be proven wrong moments later as the lance tore through his arm like butter moving straight for the false Daimyo's chest. Doto screamed through pain the entire time
Sumaru then withdrew his lance before dispelling it. "You're finished!"
He punched Doto with all his might launching the false Daimyo into one of the glaciers. The adrenaline of the battle prevented him from seeing that there was no blood from Doto. With Doto now defeated, true spring washed over the land.
The lake thawed and the greenery underneath flourished. For a long while, everyone there, including the director and writer, who had arrived as the battle began, watched in stunned silence. Then, they saw the recording of one of Sosetsu's most cherished memories.
It was of him and a young Koyuki talking about her future. She wanted to be both a Daimyo and actor. For the first time in a long while, Koyuki found that she could cry and laugh. Sumaru turned towards her with a smile and his fist high in the air.
Kazahana Castle: Couple of Week Later…
After Doto was defeated, the director had explained how Akahoshi and Sandayu set out to claim Yukigakure and Kazahana Castle. Without Doto, and his Shinobi guards, it was easy pickings for people who trained to defeat them. Not everything was all sunshine and rainbows.
With the battles having been wrapped up, the bodies of the fallen were to be gathered. When they attempted to retrieve the bodies of Doto and his guards, they were simple puppets. The real bodies of Doto, Mizore, and Fubuki were found dead within Kazahana castle.
A search was launched for Nadare, who was the only one missing, but he wasn't found anywhere in the Land of Snow. Still, this was victory enough for Koyuki. In the end, Sumaru was dubbed the fourth Hoshikage while Yukigakure was disbanded.
Currently, Team Sasuke was in attendance, with the people of the land, as Koyuki was made the Daimyo. Once the ceremony was done, there was a festival where Koyuki, Sumaru, and Sandayu were meeting with the Leaf Shinobi.
"That generator hadn't been fully developed in the end." Koyuki declared.
"That's a shame." Hinata stated. "I guess it'll be back to winter soon enough then."
"Not really." Sandayu smiled. "Our new Daimyo is going to have us take what we know and continue her father's research. With people willing to work on this, I believe we can achieve it."
"My people will no longer belong to the Land of Winter." Koyuki stated. "Just as Yukigakure will be reborn as Hoshigakure, so too will the Land of Snow become the Land of Spring."
"Personally, I'm more invested in Hoshigakure." Sasuke stated. "Those Snow Shinobi were said to be the best they had, but I barely had to give anything to beat them. If you want to compete with the five great nations, you'll have to do better than them."
"I'm aware, but I made a promise to my people." Sumaru nodded. "One day, we'll be recognized as the 6th great nation. Before I pass on my tittle to the next Hoshikage, it will mean something."
"I like that spirit." Naruto stated. "With an attitude like that, I think you'll make a great Kage, and one day, I'll be on that level with you."
"I'll look forward to that day." Sumaru smiled. "I think you have the makings of a great Hokage."
Sandayu spoke up. "If you'll excuse us, I think there are some fans waiting to meet the princess."
Koyuki turned and smiled as a group of kids waiting for her. "They are." She looked at Sumaru. "What's say I do things right this time?" She grabbed his hand. "With you by my side."
Sumaru chuckled. "I would be honored Koyuki."
The three of them walked over to the kids as Koyuki began writing autographs.
"I'm so stupid!" Naruto realized something. "I should have asked for an autograph."
"Don't worry, I took care of it." Sasuke produced two, envelops. "I got one for each of you."
Hinata and Naruto happily opened them to see that they were identical pictures taken just a day before the coronation. It was a picture of the whole movie crew, Team Sasuke, Koyuki, Sandayu, and Koyuki at the Rainbow Glaciers. Each one had been personally autographed by the Daimyo.
"You know Sasuke, you lead us better than I thought you would." Naruto had put the autograph away. "I think they made the right choice promoting you with Daichi."
Hinata nodded. "Yeah, we'll be sure to let Lady Tsunade know, so you can keep the tittle."
Sasuke just scoffed, but he did give them a small smile. It was his own way of showing that he appreciated it. Just like that, there mission had wrapped up nicely.
Guest: I thank you for your review and compliment. It is nice to be recognized for my work, but I had made many grammar mistakes which I have now fixed. Honestly, I learned a lot after a year of not uploading this. Like take this two parter for instance. A year ago, I never would have thought to give Sasuke, Hinata, and Naruto any sort of mission, but now I saw it as a massive opportunity which I took advantage of. I guess what I'm saying is, that year long hiatus I took helped me improve.
Flame Wolfe: I'm glad to be back, and glad your still here.
Dragon Tuerto 15:I'm glad to be back
