An: Thank you for all the reviews everyone. Also, due to the end of the semester coming up for me, I won't be able to keep to my normal chapter a week schedule. So expect the next chapter to come out in about a month's time, but after that things should be back to normal. Again, thanks for the reviews they mean a lot. Your humble author S. o. t. A.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit

Chapter 25: Thaw

Doto had been less than pleased by Nadare's failure to secure the Hex crystal at the iceberg ambush he had set up. He was especially displeased to know that despite his forces holding an almost three to one advantage in numbers they had been forced to retreat with almost half of the men who had accompanied him not returning. The only thing that had saved Nadare from Doto's wrath had been the fact that apparently their failure hadn't scared them off and it appeared that they were still heading to Snow Country.

"This time there will be no mistakes," Nadare thought as he watched the ship approaching the port town of Snow Crab Bay.

"I can't believe they are just sailing into port like they own the place knowing Doto is after the princess," Fubuki stated.

"Be thankful for their over-confidence. It is probably the only thing that saved us from spending the rest of our lives in prison," Nadare said angrily.

"In any case how do you want to handle this?" Fubuki asked.

"As soon as the ship docks we'll board her," Nadare answered, "Give no quarter, remember the only thing we need is the crystal."

As Fubuki left to spread his orders Nadare thought, "You and your fellow Leaf fought well against thirty-six Shinobi of the snow Kakashi. Let's see how well you do against a hundred and fifty."

When the ship docked the Snow Shinobi attacked with blazing ferocity to avenge their dead comrades. However, all they found was a single blonde boy in the wheelhouse who quickly surrendered. Bound they took him to the three head ninja of Snow. Fubuki approaching the Blonde saying, "You're that boy who made all those Shadow clones. What's a matter; you draw the short straw to pilot the boat here while your teammates got off at another point."

Smirking beneath his wraps Naruto said, "Not exactly, I'm a shadow clone."

"Then why not dispel yourself?" Nadare asked stepping up to the blonde as well. As Nadare walked toward the blonde he noticed that something appeared out of the corner of his eye. Looking at it he saw that it was a paper bomb. For a moment he wondered how he could have missed it. Till he realized that the chakra barrier that surrounded his armor had passed close enough to the bomb to dispel the genjutsu over it. Coming to the conclusion that the ship was probably covered in them he called out while jumping over the railing of the ship, "It's a trap."

No sooner had the words left his mouth then the ship exploded into a giant fireball. Pulling himself to his feet, Nadare cursed at the wreckage he saw. He could see a few of his men scattered around the dock some appeared to be alive although the ones that had been searching the ship were almost certainly dead. Looking to the sky he could see Fubuki circling overhead and he assumed that Mizore's armor would have protected him from the worst of the blast.

Fubuki landed near him saying, "I'm beginning to really detest these bastards from Konoha."

"Indeed," Nadare agreed. "See if you can find Mizore and then get the train ready to move. There are only a select number of places they could have gotten off and still have arrived at the port about when we expected them to." Looking at the carnage he added, "Also we're going to need more men."

When the Leaf shinobi heard the explosion Zabuza turned to Naruto saying, "Well?"

"I'd say the trap was seventy percent effective," Naruto said remembering his clone's final moments. "They noticed the bombs because one of the bigwigs' armor released the genjutsu but the trap still took out a majority of the people on the deck as well as in the ship."

The director's assistant said addressing his boss, "I still can't believe you let them blow up the ship sir."

"Relax," the director said, "It was a necessary sacrifice. It may force Doto to give up if it begins to cost him too many lives."

"Not likely," Kakashi corrected, "however if we amp up the carnage each time they face us. It will dishearten his men enough that they will begin to hesitate when facing us. Anyhow we better get a move on, I doubt Nadare will stay behind to deal with the clean-up. He may already be in pursuit."

Getting the convoy of oxen and wagons they had managed to secure moving again, Kakashi motioned for his fellow jounin to walk with him and asked, "What do you think our next move should be?"

"I think we should link up with the rebels," Kurenai stated, "according to Sandayu their base is in these mountains."

"What about Koyuki?" Zabuza asked, "She was quite adamant about not getting any further involved."

"She clearly isn't thinking logically on the matter," Kurenai replied, "Otherwise she would recognize she just can't ignore this problem and her only recourse is to fight."

"True," Kakashi said, "But don't forget our mission is solely to protect her. Not to force her into decisions she isn't ready for. Speaking of our wayward princess, where is she?"

"She's in her wagon," Kurenai answered, "I have her under the rotating watch of Ami, Hinata, Sakura, and myself so she can't give us the slip."

Meanwhile, looking at three jounin from the flap of her wagon Koyuki was trying to think of a way to do just that. However, closing it she looked at the pink-haired girl who was currently watching her like a hawk. As if sensing her intentions Sakura said, "You know it's pointless to run don't you. Between my teammate Kiba's sense of smell, Hinata's eyes, or Naruto's Shadow Clones they'd track you down before you could make it any considerable distance."

Frustrated Koyuki said, "Why do you even care what I do?"

"To be honest I don't," Sakura said surprising the actress. "I think it's sad you would abandon your home and people but Naruto is right. If you aren't willing to fight for them, it's best if you just give up. In any case, our mission is to protect you during this journey and it would be extremely difficult to do so if we can't find you, now wouldn't it."

Koyuki was silent for a moment before bitterly saying, "You and that Blonde fool keep speaking about the people this and the people that. But where were they when Doto was killing my father, huh? Probably huddled together in their homes figuring one Kazahana was as good as another."

"I don't know about that," Sakura said, "But then there are people like Sandayu who are willing to fight for the memory of your father."

"Sandayu is a fool," Koyuki said, "Him and his little rebellion don't stand a chance against Doto. They are all going to die."

"Then at least they will die for something they believe in," Sakura said. "Will you be able to say the same when your time comes? But if you ask me you aren't even really alive right now anyways. You're just going through the motions. "

Getting fed up Koyuki stuck her head out the wagon saying, "Can you please send in one of your other little Kunoichi babysitters? This pink-haired one is getting on my nerves."

Sighing Kurenai pointed to Ami who was talking with Hinata. Getting the message Ami swapped places with Sakura. Exiting the wagon Sakura approached Hinata who asked, "What did you do?"

Shrugging her shoulders she said, "I told her what I think about the way she's acting."

Smiling Hinata said, "But how did you say it?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well I just would like to know how you went about it in case I want to get out of babysitting her," Hinata said causing both girls to giggle.

Sakura was about to respond when Naruto came running out towards them on his way to the head jounin yelling, "Kakashi-sensei."

"What is it Naruto," Kakashi asked concerned seeing the blonde's agitated state.

"Sandayu is missing," Naruto answered breathlessly. "I went to ask him some more about the Rainbow Glaciers, but he's nowhere to be seen."

Stifling a curse he had the convoy stop as he asked, "When's the last anyone has seen him?"

"When we took that break right after the tunnel through the mountain," Naruto answered already having asked the movie crew.

Hearing the commotion Koyuki exited her wagon saying, "What's the hold up?"

"Apparently, Sandayu has left your service Princess Koyuki," Kakashi answered.

"What!?" Koyuki exclaimed, "Sandayu wouldn't leave without saying anything to me."

"Why do you even care?" Naruto asked angry. "It's not like you care about the people of this country or their fate. Sandayu does, he probably realized he was wasting his time with you and returned to the rebels in these mountains."

Naruto looked like he was about say more but Hinata placed a hand on his shoulder calmly saying, "That's enough Naruto. Please don't make her feel worse."

"I'm sorry Hinata," Naruto said, "But I find it difficult she feels anything at all." He then walked away to cool off.

However, Hinata could see that, even though after her initial outburst Koyuki appeared calm, her manager's leaving had affected her greatly. Turning to Kakashi she asked, "Should we go after him?"

"No," Kakashi said, "Naruto, in all likely hood, is right and he took this opportunity to return to the rebels. He did say he was going to leave her service after filming the scene at the Rainbow Glaciers. Perhaps he just moved up his time table."

Koyuki although she didn't show it was devastated by the news. In truth, she had hated her previous managers before Sandayu had entered her service. But for some reason Sandayu had made her feel at ease, she supposed it had to do with his being in her father's service even if she hadn't remembered him. His just leaving made her feel horrible, but it further hardened her heart. In the end it proved that either due to death or abandonment, everyone she felt remotely anything for, would leave her in the end. Finally she said coldly, "Let's just get going then. He's made his choice and the sooner we film this final scene the sooner I can leave this god forsaken country."

But as she turned to walk away she almost tripped on a railing that had appeared from the melting ice. Looking down Hinata activated her Byakugan saying, "Chakra is running through it which is melting the ice."

"Looks like Nadare is on his way then," Kakashi said. Turning to the director he said, "Get your people out of sight."

Looking at his fellow Leaf shinobi he said, "We'll prepare an ambush of our own here. Kiba and Sasuke you two take Koyuki over to the tree line over there and protect her."

"What that's a job better suited for Sakura," Sasuke said angry at being ordered to the rear.

"Listen, whoever gets by us will probably be their heavy hitters. So I want a pair of my own watching the woman we have to protect," Kakashi said causing Sakura to get a little upset that he was giving her what she wanted, but only because now he thought she couldn't handle rear guard duty. However she noticed that what he said had pacified Sasuke, and she also realized Kakashi didn't really mean what he said when he gave her a little wink.

Sasuke still didn't appear happy about his orders but he followed them leading Kiba and Koyuki to the trees that Kakashi had pointed out. After Koyuki was secured Kakashi said, "Zabuza, I'll leave it to you on how to stop that train."

Nodding his head Zabuza took his team to fulfill his orders. Addressing Kurenai he said, "The rest of us are going to set up a nice warm welcome for our guests."

Hearing the train approaching Naruto said, "So how do we stop this thing?"

"Simple it runs along these tracks right. So we'll just blow them up," Zabuza replied. Handing several exploding notes to his team he ordered, "Alright boys, run along the tracks and plant these tags across them."

Doing as Zabuza ordered they placed the tags across all four tracks and then returned. Naruto asked, "Now what?"

"Now we get the hell out of here because I doubt that train is going to stop quickly," Zabuza said running back to where they started, his team following in his footsteps.

Joining the other Leaf Shinobi in hiding, while gearing up for the ambush they waited for the train to hit the tags. Hearing the whistle once again each of the Leaf shinobi prepared for the coming battle. The steam engine rounded the bend and then hit the tags erupting into flames. The engines momentum carried it on for a considerable distance as it cut a groove through the earth before coming to a rest.

Inside the train Fubuki asked while picking herself up, "What the hell was that?"

Nadare simply said, "Kakashi Hatake"

Doto regaining his feet said, "Make sure you take care of that nuisance this time." Turning to one of his men he said, "Ready the Blimp. Once we have dealt with these fools I want to be prepared to leave right away." The Shinobi bowed preparing to detach the car that transformed into a blimp.

Outside the train cars the shinobi watched as several of the least damaged cars transformed, opening to reveal some sort of launchers. Stepping out of the last train Nadare said, "I know you are out there Kakashi. Come on out so we can kill you and end this messy business."

To answer his challenge hundreds of Naruto's came streaming down the mountainside charging at the train. However, they were quickly cut down as the kunai launchers covered the area in projectiles. But the clones had served their purpose covering the area in smoke as they dispelled which Kakashi and the others then used to advance. Sakura was one of the first to make it to the train cars using the rocks along her path for cover against the now blindly firing snow shinobis' kunais. Flattening herself against the train she threw a ball wrapped in exploding tags down one of the tubes of the launchers. When the snow shinobi manning it went to reload the tube the bomb fell into the car exploding. Sakura though was already climbing on the next one and after slitting the throat of the shinobi manning the swivel launcher on top of the car used it to mow down several enemy shinobi that had taken up position on top of a car near the rear. Doing so gained the attention of the other gunners so as they swiveled their launchers in her direction she was already moving after slapping another exploding tag into the seat of hers to deny it to any Snow shinobi that came along after her. The tag exploded as she jumped off the car causing the roof of the car to catch fire as she moved onto another target.

Mizore standing on the last rail car called into his mike, "Car twelve, why have you ceased fire?" After several moments of nothing but static he growled, "Answer me car twelve!" He didn't receive an answer in words instead figured out the reason as several of the shinobi in the car came running out swatting at the insects that were covering them before passing out. Noticing that several of the other cars had already been lost or were in the process of being taken Mizore said, "All forces retreat to the last car we'll hold here. Fubuki target cars twelve through one with those ice crystal bombs of yours."

Inside car six Naruto, Haku, and Hinata stopped fighting as the snow shinobi began to withdraw. Looking to the others Naruto said, "Wonder where they are going?"

Hinata with her Byakugan active noticed that the woman whose armor gave her the ability to fly was heading towards them. As she passed over head she threw senbons at the cars but what had Hinata concerned were the little glass balls that were tied to the end of them. Realizing they were about to be hit by something nasty she shouted, "We have to get out of here."

Following Hinata they barely got out as upon hitting the cars the glass beads broke and the combination of the chakra infused liquid and air caused sharp pillars of ice to grow covering the area. Fortunately everyone managed to avoid the Ice however with their means of cover gone they were in the open where the remaining train cars could target them.

Fubuki landed at the rear car near Mizore and a man in regal robes that everyone assumed was Doto. Speaking into a microphone Doto said, "Had over princess Koyuki and I may spare your lives."

Nadare jumped away from Kakashi smiling at him evilly as he noticed the plight of Kakashi's team saying, "Looks like this is it for your team why don't you surrender?"

Despite his worry Kakashi said in a calm tone, "Oh they're a clever bunch. I don't think I need to worry about them." He then quickly closed with Nadare charging up his Chidori and attempted to bypass the barrier the chakra armor emitted but it held against his jutsu.

Jumping away Nadare heard the slight crack in the power source of his armor and said, "Too bad you almost had me. Now it's my turn." But before Nadare could form a signal hand-sign he and Kakashi had to jump away from each other as logs came sliding down the mountain side to end up smashing into several of the remaining train cars below.

The Leaf Shinobi used the distraction to regroup and find cover while the Snow Shinobi gawked at the descending logs. After they finished smashing into the train everyone looked up to where they had come from to see men dressed in armor and brandishing weapons. The leader of the group stood proud and almost regal as he held his sword up high with Koyuki's small tanto tucked into his belt. "Looking down at the man who usurped control from his lord Sandayu said, "Doto today I, Sandayu Asama and fifty brave warriors, will smite you for the glory of Lord Sosetsu Kazahana."

Unimpressed Doto said addressing a returned Nadare, "I thought you three had eliminated the last of the insurgents."

"Forgive me, Sir, we'll deal with them right away," Nadare said kneeling.

"See that you do and bring me Koyuki," Doto said his voice rising in anger at the end.

Nadare reassuming command said into his mike, "Gunners target those rebels as they descend down the mountain the rest of us will deal with the Leaf shinobi. Fubuki you remain her with a squad to deal with any that get by us or the gunners."

Koyuki watched in awe as the rebels charged down the hill bravely but futilely it seemed as the gunners on the train began opening fire. She looked on in hope as the gunners seemed to suddenly become confused targeting fifty feet behind the charging men unaware that they had been placed in a genjutsu by Kurenai. The men charged into the snow shinobi guarding Doto swinging wildly and taking a few down, but the tide quickly turned as the superior trained shinobi began fighting in earnest. Many fell accept for Sandayu who seemed to fight like fifty men by himself.

Sasuke watched the battle but was getting fed up. Where were the heavy hitters Kakashi was talking about? Tired of witing he broke away from the stunned Koyuki and ignored the shout of Kiba to come back. Doto noticed the blue wearing genin appear from the tree line and smirking said, "Fubuki do you see that genin over there. I believe if you search those trees you'll find Koyuki. Now go."

Nodding her head she spread the wings of her armor and took off to find an approach that would allow her to remain unseen till it was too late.

Zabuza saw Sasuke emerge from the tree line and make his way to the last car where the rebels where fighting. Cutting the head off the shinobi he fought he looked for Naruto. Spotting the blonde as he dealt with his own opponent he made his way over to the boy. Fighting back to back he said, "Naruto the Uchiha has broken from cover and is making his way to the train car."

Dodging a kunai Naruto said, "And what do you want me to do about it reprimand him?"

"Don't give me lip brat," Zabuza said cleaving another shinobi in half, "I want to get someone I can trust not to screw things up aboard that train in case shit goes south . Don't do anything stupid if it does, unless you need to. Otherwise, sit back and if they do escape prepare for our arrival." Nodding his head Naruto created several shadow clones and when one of them was dispersed used the smoke to make a break for the train as a henged Snow shinobi.

Growing bored and confident with the three Leaf jounin distracted Fubuki would prove more than a match for any protection Koyuki had with her he gave the order to leave. About to enter the cabin of the train he stopped when he heard, "It is time Doto, to pay for your crimes."

Turning to see Sandayu standing before him having fought his way through Doto said, "Sandayu was it. I'm sorry I don't seem to remember you. Did you work for my brother?"

"You may not know my name but you will remember my face as the one that sends you to hell."

Attempting to bring about his proclamation Sandayu brought his sword up and attempted to stab Doto in the stomach. He was surprised when Doto didn't move allowing the strike. As soon as his sword entered Doto's robes Sandayu knew something was wrong attempting to pull back he was caught around the throat by Doto's iron grip. Picking the attendant up and holding him suspended in the air Doto said, "Did you honestly think you had a chance?" Reaching down with his free hand Doto pulled the sword from his robe and then stabbed it into Sandayu's stomach. Throwing the dying man from the train car he entered it and poured himself a glass of wine as he took a seat.

Koyuki had felt her heart begin to thaw as Sandayu stabbed Doto feeling hope for the first time in ages. But it quickly died as Doto appeared unfazed and then stabbed Sandayu. Sinking to her knees she whispered quietly, "You fool." Suddenly though, she felt a cord wrap around her chest and was yanked into the air as Fubuki flew by.

"I have the princess," Fubuki said into her mike ignoring the chasing Kiba and Akamaru as she made her way to the train car. The snow shinobi began to withdraw immediately led by Nadare and Mizore. The Leaf tried to give chase but Fubuki as she flew by threw more of her Ice Crystal Bombs forcing them back. The Leaf then watched helplessly as the top of the rear car opened and a balloon expanded out of it. As it filled it lifted the car away. Kakashi was about to order them to target the balloon portion but stopped when he saw Fubuki land on the airborne car with Koyuki. Cursing he watched helplessly as Doto got away.

Regrouping Kakashi said, "Is everyone alright."

Noticing that two of the genin where missing he asked, "Where are Sasuke and Naruto?"

"That Uchiha bastard of yours got impatient and probably gave away Koyuki's position in order to sneak aboard Doto's train," Zabuza said, "So I ordered Naruto to follow."

Hinata worriedly said, "Naruto and Sasuke alone against all those shinobi."

"Relax the brat is under orders not to do anything stupid," Zabuza said trying to placate the girl. "He'll get things ready for us to storm Doto's fort."

"What about Sasuke?" Kakashi asked.

"Can't honestly say I care what happens to him one way or the other," Zabuza replied.

Sakura, instead of regrouping had immediately tried to attend to any of the wounded rebels applying what basic knowledge she had gleamed from her studying in preparation for her joining the medic program. Unfortunately there didn't seem to be any. She noticed that some of the studio crew was also beginning to help the fallen rebels. As she walked among the dead she heard a slight wheezing sound. Running to the source she found Sandayu laying at the base of the rail car that had taken off into the air. Kneeling next to the man she said, "Don't worry I'll patch you up."

Smiling at the girl he said while removing his hand from his wound, "I'm afraid I'm beyond saving at this point. Everything is already getting dim. Princess Koyuki?"

Understanding that he was asking if she was alright she said, "I'm sorry they took her. But don't worry we'll get her back. Naruto and Sasuke are on that airship with her, they won't let anything happen to her."

"Thank you for being honest," Sandayu said breathing harder. Reaching for Koyuki's tanto he said, "Please give this to her and tell her…tell her I'm…sorry I got…her involved. But…I beli...eve in…her."

After Sakura took the tanto Sandayu's hand fell to the ground and his sightless eyes stared up at the cloudy sky. Wiping the tears from her eyes Sakura stood up after closing Sandayu's eyes and placed the tanto in her pouch.

Kakashi came up behind her saying, "Sakura we need to get moving. The studio crew will see to Sandayu and the others. Sakura followed her jounin leader sending one last look to Sandayu while hoping Koyuki would prove worthy of the faith Sandayu placed in her.

Sasuke easily snuck aboard the railcar with one purpose in mind, killing Doto. Moving stealthily through the airship he reached the section Doto was sitting in while talking to Koyuki. Listening in he heard, "My have you grown Koyuki."

"What do you want from me? You should know I have no intention of taking your thrown," Koyuki said.

"Ah, is that so. Well then, perhaps we can come to an agreement than," Doto said, "Had over the Hex Crystal and we'll send you on your way."

Reaching for the crystal around her neck she hesitantly took it off seeing as it was her last gift from her father. Holding it in her hand she asked, "What do you want it for?"

"When I wrested control of this country from your father, I found the Kazahana's vaults were empty." Doto explained. "After a thorough search we found a device located at the Rainbow Glaciers. That is where your father hide the money I'm certain. However the device can only be activated by that crystal you wear. Now hand it over."

Stepping up to her Uncle she placed it in his palm. He looked at it a moment before grabbing his niece by the collar of her shirt saying, "Do you think this is some sort of game or did you honestly think I wouldn't notice this is a fake?"

"What?!" Koyuki said confused. After a moment of thinking she said, "It must have been one of the Leaf Shinobi."

Hearing enough Sasuke dropped down from the vent he had been listening by. Making his way towards Doto, who was turned away from him, he was surprised when the man was able to quickly turn and block his attack with one arm. Sasuke jumped back Sharingan active waiting for the man to strike. Sasuke gave a cocky grin saying, "You're not your average politician are you?"

Doto merely smirked at the boy saying, "Foolish boy, before I became leader of this country I was the head ninja of the Village Hidden in the Snow."

"That's what makes challenging you all the more worthwhile," Sasuke said charging again. However before he could close the distance Nadare and his two companions, who were on the second level of the railcar, had him bound in the ropes that their gauntlets emitted.

Kneeling Nadare said, while his two companions saw to the bound Sasuke, "Forgive us for allowing him to disturb you."

Pleased Doto said, "That's quite alright, it seems we have gained a little bonus in this whelp. He is an Uchiha. Imagine the possibilities if we breed him to some of our better Kunoichi."

Fubuki leaned her head on the bound and gagged Sasuke saying, "Hmm, I think I'd like that."

Chuckling Doto said, "I thought you might. Take him away." As Fubuki and Mizore followed Doto instructions he turned his attention to his niece saying, "If you want to go back to your life as an actress. Then you will help us secure the Hex Crystal and afterwards you can pretend this was all a bad dream. So, what will it be?"

Meanwhile Naruto was sticking to the bottom of the airborne railcar crawling along the bottom of it singing to himself, "Spider-Naruto, Spider-Naruto, Friendly neighborhood Spider-Naruto. Wealth and fame, he's ignored, action is his reward. Look Out! Here comes the Spider-Naruto."

Finding an access hatch, he opened it and climbed inside. He would wait inside till they reached the base and then do his part to soften the defenses of whatever base Doto took them to while waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive.

After several hours of travel Naruto felt the ship begin to descend. He felt the airship lurch indicating that it had landed so he peeked out of his hiding spot and saw Koyuki being led down a ramp with a bound Sasuke right behind her. Shaking his head he waited until the area was clear before disappearing into the shadows.

Koyuki was led to a cell in Doto's fortress. Being shoved inside she leaned against the wall and sunk down to the ground. Pulling her knees up to her chest she wrapped her arms around them and rested her head. Hearing grunting coming from the cell across from hers she looked over and saw Sasuke hanging from the roof of his cell by his hands with weights strapped around his ankles. Seeing Koyuki looking at him he stopped trying to get loose and stared back.

After several minutes she asked, "Aren't you going to berate me like the rest of your colleagues?"

"Not really," Sasuke said unemotionally, "Frankly, I don't care what happens to this country."

"Then why attack Doto head-on like that," Koyuki asked confused having thought that like the rest of the Leaf Shinobi, Sasuke had wanted to help the people of the country by defeating Doto.

"I did it for myself," Sasuke said his cold eyes meeting hers. "He was the head ninja of the Village Hidden in the Snow. Therefore he was strongest ninja there. By defeating him I would be a step closer to my own ambition."

"And that would be?"

"I exist solely to kill the man who betrayed my clan," Sasuke said.

Staring into the cold onyx eyes of Sasuke, Koyuki realized that she had a lot in common with the boy. Furthermore she understood that this is what Sakura had meant about her not truly being alive but just existing. Turning away from the Uchiha she pulled back into herself trying to remember a time when she had dreams and hopes of her own.

After a day in a half of travel the Leaf Shinobi arrived on a hill that looked out onto the cliff that housed Doto's fortress. Haku formed a telescope out of ice and began looking through it. After a minute, Zabuza asked, "Well?"

"Naruto has prepared our route in as expected," Haku said handing the telescope to Zabuza to look through. Zabuza stared through the ice and saw a grate about fifty feet below the top of the cliff with a green flare burning in it slowly. Smiling to himself he said, "At a boy, brat."

Handing it to Kakashi, who after looking through it asked, "That flare in the grate, right? What does it mean?"

"It means Naruto has cleared the path for any traps," Zabuza said, "It also means he is in position to rescue the princess and is just waiting for our signal."

"What signal?" Kurenai asked.

"We'll find out in that grate," Zabuza said before taking off for it. Moving stealthily over the terrain Zabuza approached the grate and found that it was already loose as he expected. Pulling it off he stepped inside waving the next shinobi forward.

Cutting the end of the slow burning flare he could see that based on how much remained that it had been about twelve hours since Naruto had placed it. Taking in the tunnel he saw nothing really of notice till his gaze passed over a scroll fastened to the side.

Opening it up, he found a crudely drawn map of the fortress drawn on it. On the map were dozens of black spots. Coming up behind Zabuza, Hinata asked, "What do those black spots represent?"

"Paper bombs," Zabuza answered, "Study the map well. These will give us the advantage during our assault. Plus you wouldn't want to accidently set one off."

Nodding her head Hinata did as instructed as did the other genin that showed up. Handing the map to Kakashi, who was the last to arrive, Zabuza asked, "How do you want to handle this?"

"Our first priority is securing Koyuki," Kakashi stated, "After that we play it by ear and if the opportunity to take out Doto appears we take it."

Naruto was sitting in the detention area hiding and waiting for one of the exploding tags he had set to go off signaling the arrival of the other Leaf shinobi. From his vantage point he could see Koyuki clearly and could hear Sasuke as he attempted to escape. He was surprised that Sasuke hadn't managed to get out yet, but figured that they must have sealed his chakra and he didn't carry any tools hidden on his person to help him escape.

As he watched Koyuki he wondered what Doto wanted her for seeing as nobody had come for her in all the time he had been watching. Surely he had gone through all this effort for more than to just let her rot in a cell. So the question was what did he want from Koyuki? Whatever it was it was obvious he didn't get it otherwise he doubted she would still be alive.

Hearing the first explosion going off Naruto put it out of his mind and dropped down to the catwalk after making sure the coast was clear. Creating a Shadow Clone who went to get Sasuke down, Naruto ripped the seal off of the lock and after his sword made quick work of it said, "Time to go Princess."

Koyuki looked up and nodded following him out of the cell. Making their way to Sasuke's cell the clone was just finishing releasing the binding from around Sasuke's wrist when the avenger said, "How long have you been here?"

"As long as you," Naruto said.

Angry at being left bound for so long he said, "Then why didn't you release us earlier?"

"Because I was busy planting exploding tags and also because I didn't want to attempt an escape with only you backing me up," Naruto said, "Now let's go."

Running towards the sound of the explosions figuring that was where everyone else was, he ran into Team Kakashi on a catwalk. Kakashi ran up saying, "Well done Naruto, those explosive notes you left are really doing the trick."

"Thanks Kakashi-sensei."

Giving Sasuke a hard glare he said, "We'll be having words later Sasuke about following orders. You can count on that."

Before Sasuke could respond, Koyuki said, "Where's my necklace?"

Reaching into a pocket on his vest Kakashi said, "Sorry about that. But I figured this is what he may have been after."

With the necklace in her hand she stared at in for a moment lost in thought till Sakura stepped up to her saying, "Here Koyuki. Sandayu wanted you to have this back." Looking at the tanto that he had always carried around for her that contained her drops so she could cry, she felt the first real tears appear in her eyes in years but quickly squashed them. She barely heard Sakura as she said, "He also said he was sorry for getting you into this, but that he still believed in you."

Sakura looked like she was about to say more but Koyuki snapped, "Be quiet. I don't want to hear it. Let's just get out of here." She could feel the disappointed looks from Naruto and the others but she told herself it didn't matter. She had what she needed to secure her freedom to return to her life as Yukie Fujikaze. Now she just needed a way to get the crystal to Doto.

Luck was on her side as Team Zabuza and Team Eight came running into the room with Zabuza saying, "Time to go and we aren't escaping the way we came."

Koyuki quickly said, "This way."

She then took off in the opposite way leading deeper into the fortress which Naruto noticing asked, "Why are you taking us deeper into the fortress?"

Lying she said, "There is a tunnel that leads out of here in audience chamber."

Naruto didn't appear convinced but relented figuring that maybe he missed it while he scouted the fortress or that it was a secret passage known only to the royal family. Sasuke had other ideas and figured that Koyuki had made a deal to secure herself safe passage out of the Land of Snow. Dropping back he followed at the rear of the group and waited for the right moment to break away. After all, he knew where Doto would be going once he had the crystal and he was looking forward to challenging him. Right before they entered a large hall that he figured was the audience chamber he broke down another hallway to make his way to the Rainbow Glacier. He figured that with the deal Koyuki made that his team as well as the others would no longer need to fight therefore if he wasn't there he could claim not to have known about any deal after killing Doto.

Finding the Audience chamber dark Kakashi asked, "Okay where's the passage out of here?"

Just then a bright light flashed overhead blinding the shinobi but Koyuki expecting it had already begun moving to the man on the dais. Running up the steps she heard Kakashi say, "No," as he spotted Doto standing up there. But he was stopped from following by the arrival of the Snow Trio along with a dozens of their fellow shinobi.

Reaching the top of the platform and placing the crystal in his hand she turned towards the Leaf shinobi saying, "You shouldn't look surprised, I told you all from the very start I didn't want anything to do with this country anymore."

Smiling down at the Leaf Shinobi Doto said, "Ah well done Koyuki. She must have put on a masterful performance to fool the likes of you Kakashi Hatake."

Doto feeling she wasn't a threat stepped in front of her saying, "Now the question is, what should I do with all of you Leaf Shinobi?"

As Doto began speculating about the value of some of his apparent captives, Koyuki wondered why she felt so hollow inside. This is what she wanted wasn't it? To go back to her life in the Land of Fire, but memories of her father and Sandayu two good men, killed by the tyrant in front of her, assaulted her. Feeling the tanto that Sandayu always carried for her, she pulled it saying, "They weren't the only ones fooled," but whether she was talking about Doto or herself she couldn't say. Stabbing him in the back she was surprised when her knife struck something solid.

Turning back towards the princess he slapped her away with a vicious backhand. Walking up to the downed princess he pulled his robes off to reveal a black set of Chakra Armor. Smiling menacingly at her he said, "Did you forget that I used to run the Village Hidden in the Snow? I'm more than just some politician like your father. But rejoice Koyuki for despite your betrayal, I'll allow you to see what lies beyond the Rainbow."

"Over my dead body," Naruto shouted.

"That is the general idea," Doto replied picking Koyuki up under his arm. Wings sprouted from the back of his arm and he took off over the Leaf Shinobi. However Naruto quickly created a Shadow Clone that launched him into the air allowing him to grab onto Koyuki's outstretched hand. Doto continued on to the outside of the castle doing his best to try and shake loose the blonde. He finally succeeded when he managed to slam Naruto into a branch jarring him loosed. Midsection wrapped around the branch he just hit, Naruto pulled himself onto it and then proceeded in heading in the direction Doto flew off.

Inside the castle the remaining Leaf Shinobi watched as Doto flew off with Naruto in tow. Zabuza chuckled saying, "Sometimes that brat is too impulsive for his own good."

Nadare surprised at Zabuza's calm demeanor said, "Right now if I were in your shoes, I'd be worried about my own good."

Grinning mercilessly beneath his wraps Zabuza said pointing at Nadare, "That isn't necessary. I've got you right where I want you."

Laughing Nadare said, "Funny, I believe we're the ones that have you surrounded."

Moving his hand in the direction that Naruto's map had said there was exploding tag he activated it causing a massive explosion that blew a hole in the wall. The Leaf Shinobi used the confusion to escape through the hole and quickly made their way outside. Running down the side of the cliff the fortress rested on, Zabuza asked, "Any ideas where Doto took off to?"

"He said something about showing Koyuki what was on the other side of the rainbow. He may be taking her to the Rainbow Glacier," Kakashi said.

Kiba looked around at his fellow genin noticed that somebody else was missing said, "Where's Sasuke?"

Cursing Kakashi said, "Did he not make it out?"

Hinata who had been the last one out said, "No, I had my Byakugan active when we escaped he wasn't there with us. He must not have been there to begin with."

Kakashi stifling another curse said more to himself than anybody else, "I need to get a bell or something for that kid."

Nadare picked himself up unable to do anything as he watched the Leaf Shinobi escape. Fubuki getting back to her feet asked, "What should we do?"

"Get after them of course," Nadare said taking off through the hole with Fubuki and Mizore following behind.

The Leaf Shinobi were doing their best to make it to the Rainbow Glacier as fast as possible. They were running along the ground seeing as how most trees in the area were too weak to support a shinobi's weight. As they entered a clearing Hinata noticed something descending on them from out of the sun. Hinata called out, "Scatter," which caused everyone to jump away from each other.

Fubuki then strafed the area throwing her Senbons into the clearing and as the glass beads at the end of them broke filled the clearing with deadly ice crystals that shot out at different angles. The Leaf Shinobi broken into smaller groups noticed the airship was descending on them. Kakashi who was near Kurenai and Shino called out to the others, "Everyone, try and make a break for the Rainbow Glaciers. Don't allow yourselves to get bogged down."

After giving the order he tried to follow it, but found that Snow Shinobi had repelled from the airship into the area and were preventing him and the others from advancing. Sighing he pulled his headband up and got to work.

Hinata, Ami, Sakura, and Kiba had been fortunate that they had been able to remain close enough that linking back up had been relatively easy. They also found themselves unopposed as they began to make their trek to the Rainbow Glacier. That was until Fubuki passed overhead again but this time landed in front of them.

Smiling the Snow kunoichi said, "Sorry this is the end of the line for you brats."

Kiba threw several smoke bombs at the woman causing her to take off into the air again. He grabbed Ami's hand trusting in his nose to lead him through it while Hinata did the same for Sakura. As they ran through the smoke Kiba said, "Hinata, you and Sakura, go on ahead. Ami and I will deal with the kunoichi."

Hinata said, "Okay Kiba. You two be careful," and then picked up speed to pull in front of them. Exiting the smoke cloud, Hinata spotted Fubuki coming up behind her and Sakura but the Kunoichi was forced to break off pursuit as Kiba slammed into her using his Fang over Fang jutsu knocking her off course. The Chakra Barrier held however knocking Kiba away too though.

Pulling himself to his feet Kiba shook his head to clear the cobwebs from it. Just getting his wits about him he looked up to see Fubuki bearing down on him. Looking like a bird of prey swooping down on a mouse Fubuki said, "You're going to pay for that."

Right before she could hit Kiba though, Ami jumped down from a tree branch over her saying, "There are two of us you bitch." Then while standing between her shoulder blades did her best to control Fubuki as she flew.

Looking back at the girl on her back Fubuki said, "Get off you little whore."

Ami smiled at Fubuki before punching her in the face and placing a needle in her neck while saying, "Your armor may protect you against jutsus that use chakra to enhance them but it provides no protection against plain old Taijutsu does it."

Looking back at the girl Fubuki said, "What of it?"

Keeping her smile in place Ami flipped off Fubuki's back saying, "Watch out for that tree."

Confused for a moment Fubuki looked ahead and seeing a tree closing with her threw her arms in front of her face screaming as she smashed into it. Landing hard on the ground Fubuki got back to her feet spitting out the blood she tasted in her mouth before sizing up the smirking Ami and saying, "You are dead whore."

"Well I'm right here, come get me," Ami said confidently.

Fubuki was about to do just that but felt a jolt at the base of her skull and promptly felt her body quit responding to her commands. Gloating Ami said, "That's another limitation to your armor, it might protect against direct attacks but against indirect ones like my Living Puppet Jutsu, you're as good as toast."

Moving her fingers Ami began having Fubuki unbuckle her armor. After the main piece fell of her back Ami called out, "Now that I've taken care of her defenses. Why don't you finish this bitch off?"

Up in the trees Kiba and a transformed Akamaru stood looking down on the two kunoichi. Giving a wolfish smile Kiba said, "It'd be my pleasure." He and Akamaru then launched themselves from their respective trees using their Fang over Fang Jutsu which smashed into the frozen Snow shinobi. Having disconnected her jutsu right before the Inuzuka and his puppy smashed into the woman Ami walked up to the Chakra Armor and picked it up.

Kiba finished binding the knocked out woman and turning to Ami said, "What do you plan to do with that?"

"I don't know," Ami replied, "I'll think of something, but for now it's a trophy."

Nodding his head Kiba bent down to pick up Akamaru who had returned to his natural form and said, "Well enough standing around patting ourselves on the back let's get going." Stuffing Akamaru in his jacked he then took off in the direction of the Rainbow Glaciers with Ami right behind him.

Haku and Sai found themselves facing off against Mizore. They were easily staying away from the slower moving Snow Shinobi even as he zipped around on his snow board. Avoiding Mizore as he cut between them trying to swipe at them Sai said, "We seem to be at a disadvantage."

Throwing several senbon at Mizore that harmlessly bounced off Haku said, "It would seem so."

Sai created several Fu dogs to try and pin the man down but Mizore easily swatted them away turning them back into Ink. Spinning around on his board Mizore charged the pair again causing them to scatter, however this time as he passed through the pair he opened his metal hand and several ropes shot out of it wrapping around Sai binding him. As Mizore pulled away he pulled Sai off his feet and dragged him behind his snowboard.

Haku ran behind Mizore trying to hit the ropes with kunai to cut Sai lose. However with Mizore zipping in and out of the trees it proved to be difficult. Haku also realized that if he didn't manage to get Sai loose soon that it would only be a matter of time before Sai was seriously injured or worse as he bounced of the trees and rocks.

As he followed behind he also noticed that while Mizore's armor seemed to block physical attacks such as kunai or jutsu it didn't stop natural objects from touching him such as the branches from the trees he passed by. Knowing what he had to do even if it went against his gentler nature Haku conjured up a fog using the Hidden Mist Jutsu.

No longer able to see where he was going Mizore was forced to stop or else slam himself into a tree. Jumping off his board he said, "You better cut this jutsu out kid or I'll kill your friend." As he spoke he began pulling the Sai towards him. However he suddenly felt the ropes go slack as Haku cut them following the noise Sai made as he was being dragged.

Beginning to panic now that his hostage was gone and he had no idea how the masked boy was seeing in the fog. He began running making a horrendous racket as he crashed through the small trees in the area. Haku concentrating formed a sharp piece of ice in his hand looking a little like a misshapen kunai. Following the noise he closed his eyes listening for the sound Mizore was making and let it fly.

Mizore was surprised when he felt a sharp pain in his leg and looking down saw what a first glance appeared to be a glass kunai. Pulling it out, he saw that it was in fact ice. Haku having heard the wet sound as his ice kunai sunk into Mizore's flesh said, "Surrender or else I will be forced to hurt you more."

"I don't know how you bypassed my armor but I'd like to see you do that again," Mizore said looking around for some sign of where the boy was.

"That is an unwise thing to say," Haku said, "It wasn't a fluke. Your armor does not block objects it perceives as being a natural part of the environment. Ice is part of the environment and I have the ability to manipulate it."

"Impossible," Mizore shouted.

"You are holding the proof in your hand," Haku replied calmly. Haku then allowed the fog to lift a little allowing Mizore to see him.

Spotting the masked boy Mizore jumped back on his board channeling his chakra to propel him towards the boy. As he made his way to Haku he felt a tripwire break as his legs cut across it. The last thing he saw was hundreds of Ice Kunai shooting out of the trees heading for him.

Haku sighed sadly as the large man came to a stop obviously not breathing anymore. It wasn't the first time he had taken a life but he always hated it when it happened. Turning his back on the dead snow-nin he walked up to the bound Sai and cut him loose. Kneeling next to the banged up boy he asked, "Are you okay?"

"Yes," Sai said allowing Haku to pull him up to his feet as he stood. "However I think I'll be avoiding any places with snow for the foreseeable future."

Smiling as he saw Sai's torn and ripped clothes while imagining all the places that snow had probably gotten into Haku said, "I believe I can imagine why." Haku then took off for the Rainbow Glaciers with Sai following behind occasional giving a shiver as the snow melted or worked its way out of his clothes.

Zabuza smiled as he faced Nadare saying, "Finally, I was getting jealous that you kept attacking Kakashi leaving me with small fries."

"Sorry," Nadare said, "It's just when compared to Kakashi you seem rather dull and pathetic."

Not put off by the insult liking the idea of being underestimated Zabuza said, "Is that so. I figured it was due to the limitations of your armor."

"Oh and what limitations would those be?" Nadare said confident in his armor.

"Simple, according to Kakashi your armor blocks genjutsu and ninjutsu," Zabuza said, "but I didn't hear anything about Taijutsu or Kenjutsu and as you can see I have a big sword." Quickly swinging his blade Zabuza felt a little resistance but his sword passed through the barrier easily enough, barely missing the snow-nin.

Jumping away Nadare said perplexed, "How? The armor easily blocks kunais."

"Simple that barrier may always be going but it requires an energy source to trigger its stronger defensive abilities like an explosion or chakra based attacks," Zabuza said shouldering his blade, "And that barrier might generate a field to deflect kunai but against a sword it offers vary little resistance."

Swinging again at, Nadare who jumped back saying, "What does it matter if you can't get close enough to hit me?" Forming hand signs he called out, "Ice Style: Ice Wolf Jutsu." From out of the snow a large wolf formed that charged at Zabuza forcing him onto the defensive.

Dodging the attack he tried to jump at Nadare only for the wolf to turn and try and swipe at him again. Avoiding it a second time Zabuza jumped into the air and threw his blade down straight into the snow wolf's back destroying it. Landing next to his blade Zabuza pulled it to from the ground. As he looked up he saw several more snow wolves standing near Nadare growling.

Throwing his blade at Nadare who jumped over it, Zabuza smirked as his blade cut through two of the wolves. Nadare landed behind the remaining two saying, "Well now what do you plan to do now that you threw away your only advantage?"

"There's still taijutsu," Zabuza said calmly half paying attention watching as his sword bit into one of the trees the sharp edge facing Nadare's back.

"Only if you can get close to me, and my wolves will tear you apart long before you reach me," Nadare taunted.

"Really let's put that to the test," Zabuza said, flashing through the hand signs for the hidden mist jutsu.

Losing sight of Zabuza, Nadare sent the wolves forward but they had no idea where he was since Nadare was the one who guided them so with his sight compromised they smashed harmlessly into trees dispelling. With no more threats Zabuza approached Nadare dropping the jutsu just as he reached him. Throwing a punch that nailed him in the jaw spinning him around. Zabuza then jumped into the air nailing Nadare in the back with a dropkick sending him stumbling forward into the Executioners Blade that was stuck in the tree behind him at waist height. Unable to stop himself, he fell into the blade his own forward momentum pushing him past it bisecting him in half.

Walking up to his blade he pulled it loose and shook the blood free of it saying, "That's what happens when you begin to rely too heavily on some gimmick in this world. You become so reliant on it you end up being taken out by the basics."

Doto landed near the device that the Hex Crystal would unlock. Throwing Koyuki to the side he walked up to the panel and placed the key inside. Hearing the sound of machinery activating he waited for some vault to open but instead saw steam shoot into the air from the giant sheets of ice that surrounded the device. Feeling warm he said confused, "A heat generator? This is the great secret of the Kazahana."

"Life's just full of disappointments isn't it," came a voice from behind him.

Turning around he caught a glimpse of the Uchiha before a fireball smashed into him. Glaring at where the boy had stood his eyes opened in surprise when the Uchiha was no longer there. He didn't have to wait long to find out where he went as he felt a kick to the side of his head that sent him flying onto the ice covered lake that surrounded the device.

Getting to his knees Doto waited for Sasuke to follow up his attack before spinning around nailing the Uchiha in the chin with an uppercut. Sasuke recovered in the air landing on his feet glaring at Doto. Smirking Doto said, "Didn't you learn your lesson last time?"

"Hn," Sasuke grunted. "You shouldn't be so high on yourself. You don't have any backup to help you this time."

"My backup, as you put it, boy," Doto sneered, "prevented me from having to get too rough with you. Let me show you how our last meeting would have gone if they weren't there." After running through several hand-signs Doto called out Ice Release: Black Dragon Blizzard forming an ether-like dragon that charged at Sasuke which he dodged. Turning for a second pass the dragon again missed and faded away as the chakra powering it ran out. However, Sasuke had been so intent on avoiding the dragon he lost track of Doto who took the opportunity to close with the boy and delivered a spinning kick to Sasuke's midsection.

Sasuke quickly recovered. Running at Doto he jumped and attempted a kick to Doto's head but was blocked. After blocking Sasuke's kick Doto caught him by the hair while he was still in the air and then slammed him into the ground. Picking him back up by the throat Doto held him suspended in the air and delivered several vicious punches to Sasuke's gut causing him to cough up blood. Throwing him to the side Sasuke skidded to a halt at the edge of the lake. Taunting Doto said, "Now do you begin to see the differences in our ability boy? Did you honestly think a mere genin like you would be capable of defeating me?"

Lying on his stomach, Sasuke tried to get back to his feet but collapsed thinking, "Dammit I can't even beat a second rate dictator. How can I possibly expect to best Itachi at this pathetic level? I need power not teamwork or any of that other useless crap Kakashi is teaching me."

Flipping to his back, he watched as Doto closed on him, figuring none of it mattered as he was probably about to die. When, a familiar voice said, "Then let's see how well you do against a chunin."

Doto turned towards the voice and seeing the annoying Blonde kid said, "I'll give the Leaf credit, it has some cocky brats, however they aren't too bright. Do you honestly think you'll fare any better against me?"

"Won't know until I try," Naruto said running onto the ice. Pulling his blade he channeled his wind chakra into it, which proved to be a mistake as the chakra contained in the blade activated Doto's chakra armor. Naruto tried to push passed the barrier but the more chakra he put into the blade the stronger the barrier grew.

Smirking at the blonde Doto said, "Give it up brat," and then smashed his fist into Naruto's face sending him skidding along the ice.

Getting back to his feet Naruto looked for his ninjato which he had dropped noticing that it had traveled further than him, laying on the bank of the frozen pond. Making a crossed shape hand-sign Naruto said, "Shadow Clone Jutsu," causing a hundred copies of him to appear.

For a second Doto could not believe his eyes, and felt the tiniest bit of dread, wondering how it was possible for a mere child to create so many clones. But pushing it down and enraged at the mere idea that he had for even a moment been afraid of the boy said, "You think a few paltry clones are enough to stop me?! You don't have any idea who you are messing with." He then formed two massive black dragons that tore into the clones before combining into a vortex that took care of the rest.

Landing hard enough to crack the thick ice Naruto began trying to get back to his feet causing Doto to say, "You just don't know when to give up do you."

Managing to right himself, Naruto said, "I'll never give up to the likes of you." Taking a step forward that slow built into a charge Naruto said, "Because of you a good man named Sandayu Asama is dead. Because of you Koyuki gave up on having hopes and dreams, so I'm never going to stop until I've taken you down and shown her that anything is possible so long as you are willing to fight for it."

"Pretty words," Doto sneered, "but meaningless in the face of the reality that I'm stronger than you." Creating another Ice Dragon he sent it at Naruto who was too tired to dodge taking it full in the chest being lifted off his feet and smashed against some rocks that where laying at the edge of the pond. After the jutsu spent its fury and with no more pressure holding him in place Naruto sunk to the ground unmoving.

Turning away from the chunin Doto began moving to his niece who stared at him defiantly moved by Naruto's words. He noticed that her eyes widened as she looked past him and that hope once more shown within them. Hearing the familiar poofing sound of a Shadow Clone coming into existence he spun around to see only one Naruto standing there but with his hands cupped and above his head like he launched something.

Realizing there should be two of him, Doto looked up in time to see the real Naruto descending on him holding a spiraling ball of chakra in his hand. As he descended Naruto said, "How do you like this reality?" Slamming the Rasengan into Doto, his Chakra Armor tried to stop the jutsu. However, once again the third step of the Rasengan came into play. As it was able to sustain itself against the barrier eventually causing the power source of the armor to overload and shatter. Slamming it into his chest and due to Naruto's downward trajectory, Doto was sent crashing through the ice into the frozen depths of the pond.

Unfortunately, with the ice shattered Naruto followed him into the water, and due to his injuries catching up to him, found himself unable to swim to the surface. Hinata and Sakura arrived just in time to see Naruto slam his Rasengan into Doto and when the explosion cleared realized he must have fallen into the water.

The pair ran up to the hole in the ice with Hinata saying, "I'll go Sakura; I'll be able to find him with my Byakugan." Nodding her head knowing Hinata was the one best suited to reaching Naruto quickly, Sakura watched anxiously as Hinata dived into the water.

Having activated her Byakugan, Hinata easily found Naruto as he sunk into the murky depths. Easily catching up to him she pressed her lips against his and blew some air into his lungs. Somewhere in the back of her mind, a part of her squealed in joy at the idea of her having her lips on his. Naruto's eyes slowly opened as he felt the air being forced into his lungs. Seeing that he was somewhat responsive Hinata wrapped an arm around him and made her way for the surface easily finding the hole she dove into. Breaking the surface she felt Sakura grab onto Naruto and pull him out of the water. Sakura then helped her out and together the two carried him to the bank of the pond.

Laying him down with his head resting in Sakura's lap while Hinata kneeled at his side they watched as one of the massive sheets of Ice fell away revealing the heat generator underneath. With the generator fully exposed the heat in the area quickly rose. Causing the ice on the other generators to melt even faster exposing them in turn and after several minutes the whole area was snow free. The three rested and watched as a holographic recording began playing.

Koyuki watched the recording as it played the time her father had asked her about her dreams for the future. She smiled as the young girl had said she wanted to be a strong and noble princess and she laughed as she said she also wanted to be an actress. As she watched her father step into the picture she allowed herself to shed the tears she felt as she realized that not only had spring come to the Land of Snow, but to her too as it had thawed her cold heart allowing hope to bloom once more.

Watching the end of the recording Naruto said, "Now that's a happy ending," before promptly going to sleep.