Clash in the Snow Country: Legacy Version

Chapter 31: History of Snow.

(Author's Note) And now we begin Part 2 of our trip down memory lane. Do hope you enjoy and that it was worth the wait since I think this is my favorite portion of Doto's flashback here.

Enjoy!


The castle was in an uproar. War had broken out between the Wind Country and the Wood Country with the assassination of a Wood Country official. What was incredibly shocking was how much the war had spiraled out of control. What should have been a swift and decisive conflict between a Main Country and a Minor one had called in all sorts of angles. The Rain and Grass Countries had a working alliance with the Wood Country and answered the call. That, in turn, led to the Earth Country supporting Wind given they'd had some friendly relations in recent years.

Which then resulted in Iwagakure calling in other favors such as the Snow Country to support the endeavor. Sousetsu had called in his entire cabinet to discuss the matter. A member of Yukigakure's intelligence network, a grizzly old man who worked as a roaming blacksmith, was giving everyone a report on the situation.

"Officially," the old man stated. "The Sand Village is claiming that its only intention for being in the Wood Country was to find a lead on their Third Kazekage, who they claim to be missing."

"Sure he is," a minister spoke up sarcastically.

"And that the assassination was due to the official being scheduled to have a meeting with the man. Wood claims the Third Kazekage and his entourage never showed up, while Sand claims their Kazekage did arrive in Wood and subsequently vanished."

"What do you believe really happened?" the Financial Minister demanded.

The old man barely looked towards the speaker before rolling up his document and putting it away. "I don't know if their Kazekage really is missing or if it's just some hoax for some ploy. I do believe it's merely a means to an end, the Sand Village taking advantage of the situation to try and annex resources from the Wood Country. I've heard they've had a particularly harsh year, with little rain and unyielding heat waves. I imagine between that desperation and the opportunity presented, it was just too good to pass up. They just didn't expect their assassin to be discovered."

"And so tried to justify it with this story about their Kage missing," someone else spoke up.

"Yes sir."

"Let Sand burn," another voice said. "It's their own damn fault for getting caught up in this situation."

The Secretary of State gave a nod. "If they just give up the assassin, this would all be settled."

"They are a Major Village," Mamori spoke up. He was standing on Sousetsu's right, while Mikata herself was at Doto's side. Yacho sat amongst the other Snow officials. Even after all these years, Mamori was still Head of the Ice Guard. There had been talk of letting Mikata take up the role, but this news had turned everything on its head. "Frankly speaking, I would expect Sand to be capable of defeating the Wood Village, the Rain Village, and the Grass Village by itself."

There was a collection of murmurs and grunts, the unspoken message passing between them being how minor villages often got the short end of the stick in the shinobi world. "Then why should we care?" the Financial Minister asked.

"Because Rock has decided to support Sand," Sousetsu announced, drawing all eyes to him. "And Rock has called on us to support their endeavor."

"Ingrates," someone hissed under their breath. "This isn't our fight." Eyes looked on to see it was the treasurer speaking. "It's not Rock's fight either."

This time, Yacho himself spoke up. "But they're making it their fight. Already, Rock forces are spearheading the war effort between them and Sand."

The time as the new leader of Snow had changed the man considerably. He was solid in his stance, knew where and when to speak, and when to let others do so, only a few of several signs of a coming leader. Seeing all attention was on him, he continued. "Two of the Major Villages are involved in this war. How much longer before the others take action?"

Silence.

"Rumors have been going on for years that Kumogakure has been involved in a series of kidnappings throughout the Ninja Villages. Taking bloodline clans and other uniquely talented children. They could easily take the opportunity to take the next step for more… bold… acquisitions. Moreover, we've never been able to smooth out relations with the Water Country, and they are right on our doorstep. Nearly identical to Sand's situation with Wood."

"You can't be serious! You think Mist will come after us!?" the treasurer shouted, actually rising out of his seat.

The Kagirinai Kachuu didn't so much as flinch. "Reports say the current Mizukage is particularly bloodthirsty. Even many of Mist's old clans haven't been immune. So yes, I think it's an option we should take very seriously."

Once again silence filled the room. The Secretary of State looked a large, rug-like map in the middle of the room. All the ministers and officials had seats surrounding this rug map, with the Daimyo's throne at the head. "We are particularly sandwiched between the Hidden Cloud Village…" He gestured to the Lightning Country northwest of the Snow Country before pointing to the Water Country southeast of them, merely half a day's trip away. "And the Hidden Mist Village. If we ignore Rock's request for aid now… we may find ourselves in a very unpleasant situation in the future from either Main Village and in need of Rock's cooperation... and they might turn a blind eye to us."

"Don't we have any other options?" an aide spoke from the side, drawing all eyes to the young man. He seemed to shrink underneath the collective gazes.

Yacho spoke once more. "The Hidden Cloud Village's reputation makes them less than desirable. The Mist Village would extend one hand in friendship, while holding a dagger behind their back with the other. The only minor villages close to us worth considering are Moyagakure and Tanigakure. Of the two, only Tanigakure has any friendly relations with us." His eyes glanced down at the rug map, settling on the Wood Country.

"But as we've already discussed, several minor countries alone cannot stand up to a Major Village, let alone two of them pressing us from both sides. If we are to survive the coming conflict, we absolutely must have the cooperation of a Major Village."

"Then what of the Hidden Leaf?" a guard spoke up.

"Sure," a minister aid offered with a sneer. "Call the Goodie Two-Shoes who think they're so much better than the rest of us, that they can do no wrong..."

"Sounds perfect," the treasurer cut in with a look that made the aid stop on his little tirade. "We play upon the sympathies of the do-gooders."

"Leaf has nothing against us, true enough," the Secretary of State agreed. "But the reverse is also true: They have nothing particularly for us either."

"Maybe not us personally." All heads turned directly to Sousetsu. Quieting down immediately to allow their Daimyo to continue, to which the man obliged. "But in regards to our associations, I imagine they'll be most… unhappy."

Silence hung in the air at that thought.

"Leaf and Rock have been bitter enemies during the last two wars. It doesn't take a wizard to realize that they'll come to blows again if things continue to spiral out of control. Trying to take up sides with Leaf with Rock on our records will make many nations think we're trying to play both sides."

"So if we are to ally with Leaf, we must sever all ties with Rock," someone offered.

"Now wait a minute. Rock may have a shady history, but the same can be said for each of the Five Great Villages. And we've had a good relationship with them. Should we really cast that off so easily?" another minister demanded.

That was the spark that sent the entire room arguing. Some wanting to make a deal with Leaf, others wanting to strengthen their ties to Rock. Their voices grew louder with every passing moment, which naturally encouraged others to shout louder in hopes of overpowering them. Several of the aids and guards looked ready to start brawling right then and there. Sousetsu tried a halfhearted attempt to regain order, but seemed content to allow his cabinet to bicker like children.

So Doto had Mikata use that special ninjutsu of hers to shut everyone up. It worked wonders, each of the men acting like they had been drenched in ice cold water before all looking in the young woman's direction. Yacho looked ready to strike at his Yuki-nin, but she got the drop first. "I believe Snow's Commander-In-Chief has yet to offer his opinion."

A series of embarrassed groans emerged from those gathered. Servants began moving to tend to the cabinet members as Doto stood up. He'd already had his opinion formed long before this meeting even began, but he wanted to gauge the state of everyone before offering it.

Standing up, he walked upon the rug so everyone could see him. "There are a lot of unknowns here, from how the various villages will react, to when or even if the other Major Villages will act, to how far this war will spread. Rock and Sand could crush Wood, Rain and Grass within a month and that would be the end of it… just as it's possible for every village to emerge and fight, leading the land to the brink of utter ruin, much like the outcome of the First Shinobi War."

There was a series of nods, primarily from those who had been supportive of maintaining relations with the Earth Country.

"Leaf may aid us." Doto continued walking over the map and standing right on top of the Fire Country. "Or they may not. It amounts to the same thing: Unknown. The simple truth is, we don't know how Leaf will react, and in this time of vast unknowns and uncertainties, we need to limit those unknowns as much as we can. By acting on what we do have. Not to mention a far more basic principle. The Hidden Rock Village is, for all intents and purposes, our friend. What would we be showing the world if we abandoned our associates at the first sign of trouble?"

More nods came, this time from both sides of the argument. Mikata just smiled appreciatively and even Yacho gave a simple nod of approval in Doto's direction. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Sousetsu's disapproving scowl, but when he looked over at his brother, it was back to a mask of serenity, making Doto wonder if he had imagined it.

His brother's next words shattered the unity everyone was experiencing. "So you're saying we should go to war."

Moods darkened. People looked anxiously at one another. The guards around the perimeter tightened their grips, all in preparation for another round of shouting arguments.

Doto had anticipated his brother's reaction. Whether it was because he didn't want to go to war or some hidden motive, he did not know. Nor did it matter. "I have merely said that we have several reasons to aid Rock in this conflict. I did not say Snow should march to war."

His brother's gaze narrowed, but everyone else looked intrigued. "What do you propose, Doto-sama?" the Secretary of State asked, breaking the silence.

A shrewd look appeared on the young man's face. "We send Rock resources. Equipment, food, medical supplies, the works. We will fuel their war machine."

"Will that be enough to satisfy them in place of manpower?" the treasurer demanded. Even though as he said it, it was clear he was running the figures in his mind.

"It will be if we just agree to lend them the supplies," Doto answered.

"What?"

"You want us to just GIVE them everything?"

"We're hurting in our coffers already!"

Doto shot a look at Mikata, who prepared to act again. That encouraged them to settle down so Doto could speak. "Wouldyou prefer to go to war?"

No one answered that.

"I thought not. Yes, this will hurt Snow in the short term. But given the alternative, it'll be the best option around. We'll get Rock feeding out of our hands. The more they get used to us, the more they'll rely on us. Then they'll start paying back what they owe and demand more. Demands we will met… until this war is over," Doto announced.

Several people nodded in acceptance of this logic. Others muttered to their fellows. The treasurer rubbed his fingers around his chin, thinking. Finally, he inquired. "How do you intend to finance this… plan?"

"The Military is already restructuring itself; they will spearhead this. And we'll slowly bring in outside help, offering many jobs and opportunities for those in need of work. In the beginning, we'll have to pay them with basic necessities. Food, blankets, and so on. It'll be hard. It'll require sacrifice on all our parts." Doto paused, letting that sink in. They all understood that if this was to work, everyone here would have to commit and give up something.

"However, we will emerge stronger than ever. Our economy will stabilize, our people will find their resolve, and we will strengthen our ties to other villages so that when this war is over, Snow will come out on top."

Almost everyone jumped to their feet, inspired by their Commander-In-Chief and his plan of action. Already the various ministers were discussing possible short cuts and cutting of corners to support this endeavor. Yacho stood up, his face beaming and promising that Snow will undergo their own revisions to build strength and be ready, for whatever they may be called upon. Mikata even came, planting a kiss right on Doto.

As for Sousetsu, he didn't speak. He just gave a nod.

Snow has a saying that the snow is best when it's warm. It's the idea that when you accomplish something grand, nothing seems to hinder you.

In one swift act, I had accomplished nearly all my goals. I came up with a solution for Snow in this war. I had been the one to voice the reasons no one else cared to. I came up with a means to compensate for my brother's poor handling of the Country's finances, and did it in such a way that everyone would be watching. I can remember thinking that whatever happened the first time around, I had successfully blocked Sousetsu from repeating that action. It didn't matter if it was a deliberate attempt or just an honest error, I just made sure it would not happen again.

We called the act 'Bread Under The Table'. Within two weeks, we started sending supplies to Rock. Since Snow had not publically declared itself at war, we made use of our 'neutrality'. Our convoys did nothing to provoke anyone. Supplies were carefully calculated and handled so no one deduced their real purpose. Iwagakure accepted the gesture as I predicted, which significantly eased their burdens.

Snow as a whole was hard pressed to keep this up in the beginning. So many expenses to cover: from new building establishments, to cultivating extra food, to training many for the new roles. Food was the greatest challenge, but one we were able to overcome. It pushed our resolve and commitment to its maximum. Everyone from the highest reaches of the government to the poorest civilian felt the pressure and over-exhausted efforts we needed.

It was the calculated risk. As long as everyone gave their all, made sacrifices for the greater good, I believed Rock would start 'repaying' us back. The fear I had was that if Iwa shinobi took too long in doing so, many would grow disheartened. The other officials especially.

7 weeks after the war, right as it was entering its third month, Rock made its first repayment on our efforts, the first of many regular payments. It was like Snow had been holding its breath the entire time, and we could finally draw in fresh air. The plan worked.

With the burdens eased, our resolve was doubled. Snow began benefitting from the efforts. Grateful income flooded in. The economy, which had been on the skin of its teeth, was on the rebound. With the financial situation stable and under my watchful eye, I was tempted to confront my brother.

I did not.

I felt as long as the war was going on, that should be the first priority. After all, if any of Rock's enemies discovered our little secret, it would not bode well for us.

The fact that the war lasted as long as it did was reason enough to focus on it. It was two Major Villages vs three Minor ones. Victory was predicted within two months. It had doubled that with no end in sight.

Despite some heavy losses during the first engagements, the villages of Rain, Grass and Wood were holding out. Against all predictions, they continued to resist. There were two reasons for this.

The first was that the Minor Villages began resorting to guerilla tactics. Swift hit and runs, avoiding all open conflicts. Wood and Grass completely abandoned their Hidden Villages. Rock and Sand found no targets to focus on, had no means of finding the hiding minor shinobi. Entire portions of their countries, including the Wood Capital itself, were razed to the ground in an effort to provoke the minors into attacking. Sometimes it worked. Most of the time, it resulted in sabotage and stealth raids. It was quite clever, if I do say so myself.

The second was Amegakure's Hanzo, the Salamander. It was believed he took direct control of the three villages' alliance. It was said that after two wars that left Rain in utter ruins, Hanzo had taken those lessons to heart. He played Iwagakure and Sunagakure like they were children. He always seemed able to find their vulnerable spots. Always one step ahead. Hidden Rain itself remained intact as a result, Hanzo's actions impeding Rock and Sand's efforts to destroy it. Perhaps most notably, Hanzo was known for tracking down and eliminating high priority commanders. One by one.

Personally, I would have enjoyed meeting that legendary figure. Just once. I can remember the talk. How Hanzo was solid proof a minor village could gain wide recognition. On par with that of the Five Great Countries.

This created a stalemate in the war. With the new tactics, the Major Villages were unable to crush the resisting shinobi under their heels. But the forces of Rock and Sand were so large and disciplined, the Minor Villages' efforts were about as effective as papercuts.

So as war entered its sixth month, Rock and Sand tried a new plan. They invaded the Waterfall Country. Hundreds of troops blitzed in record time. The Waterfall Capital swiftly fell under the onslaught. The Waterfall Village itself was rife with chaos, unable to coordinate anything that could be considered a defense. While many historians considered this extremely unethical, they were in awe at the daring. It was considered one of the most ingenious military maneuvers of the war. Hanzo's forces simply did not have the manpower to hammer away at Rock and Sand's forces across four countries. The taking of Waterfall also opened up an entirely new route directly into Rain territory. All the way to Amegakure itself. Everyone knew this.

I can remember thinking at the time that the attack on Waterfall was a sign of their frustration. The two villages weren't in danger of losing. They were just sick of being pecked at without gain. It was like a small bug bite. One was annoying, but hardly worth mentioning. The same could be said for two. But get a dozen of them and your irritation levels would go through the roof. You wanted to do SOMETHING about it. The more extreme, the better.

But that did not necessarily mean it was smart.

Not to mention the more obvious fact that by doing so, they acquired yet another enemy force they would have to deal with. Takigakure no Sato.

When news of this reached Snow, I pondered for a full hour on the pros and cons. Wood, Grass and Rain were hanging on by mere threads, but Waterfall was entirely fresh. Their attack sent Waterfall into chaos, but the other minor villages showed that it took far more than that to subdue a nation. That their shinobi wouldn't go down without a fight.

I eventually decided I needed to look more into this. See if Rock or Sand knew something about their strike they hadn't shared. Some factor I didn't have to give me the answer. Irony is a cruel master because it turned out completely pointless.

For a mere week later after their invasion of Waterfall, the answer was thrust right into our faces.

When the news came, Doto went directly to Yukigakure to discuss the matter. Yacho himself had awaited Snow's Commander-in-Chief outside the swirling maelstrom. The two navigated through the manmade storm and into the village proper. All around, signs of war showed as the two walked towards Weather Control, Snow's equivalent of a Kage Tower, named so because part of the job was to monitor the protective maelstrom. The last thing anyone wanted was for something to go wrong and let the unnatural storm tear through the village it was supposed to keep safe.

It was through the hallways in this building where the Kagirinai Kachuu confirmed the news.

The Hidden Leaf Village had entered the war.

"According to our sources," Yacho explained as the two men walked towards his office, located in the lowest level. "Konohagakure was in an alliance with Waterfall. So once it was attacked, they decided to act."

Doto gave a nod. "It was only a matter of time before one of the remaining Main Villages took action."

"All the more so if you consider their situation. Four of the border countries are under siege under the joint command of traditional enemies," Yacho agreed as they turned around a corner. "I imagine even if Leaf wasn't in an alliance, they would have acted. The region is far too unstable to believe war won't spread to them."

The man found himself nodding again. "Very true. If Rock was willing to attack a neutral nation, who can say how long it'll be before they do it again? Even to the Fire Country itself."

"Agreed. But that isn't the reason I called you in, Doto-sama."

Doto waited for the man to elaborate.

"Kirigakure is on the move. They're aiding Leaf."

Doto came to a dead stop. "What?"

"Exactly like I said," Yacho confirmed. "They're in an alliance."

"How!? Why? WHEN?"

"Unknown. But we do know that ships from the Water Country are setting sail as we speak. They're on a direct course for the Fire Country. Konohagakure has also commandeered several highly praised docks on their coast. They're on a direct path to the Mist ships, and they aren't being fortified for an attack."

Doto was too stunned to speak at first. His mind was in high gear. Even if Konoha was to aid the minor villages, Rock and Sand were too disciplined for this to really change anything. It would make things difficult, but Leaf couldn't handle two Major Villages alone with only ragtag allies. And that was assuming they bothered to work with Wood, Rain and Grass.

But TWO Major Villages together? That had the potential to turn this entire conflict around. Both Leaf and Mist would be fresh. Rock and Sand had been fighting for months. All those 'papercut' losses they'd taken from Hanzo could be enough for Leaf and Mist to get the upper hand completely. Finally recovering his voice, Snow's Commander-in-Chief blurted out. "I can understand missing an alliance between Leaf and a minor village like Waterfall." Their own arrangement with Rock was a mirror match after all. "But how did we miss one between those two?"

The Kagirinai Kachuu didn't bother to answer that. He just dove into the next point. "With two new enemies, plus all the various minor village shinobi scattered about, Rock will be in a position for more troops. Our deal may not be enough for them anymore. Not to mention that the Water Country knows we've been on friendly terms with Rock ever since our negotiations with them broke down. They may even know we're aiding Rock under the table."

All those points meant the same thing: It would mean marching directly to war. "Are we in a position to marshal our forces?"

"As good as we're going to be," Yacho confirmed. "Ever since we began supplying Rock, I've been readying the Snow Village. Every shinobi has been training like crazy, and the ANBU are devising battle tactics and supply layouts. We even terminated dropouts at the Academy. Any Genin that fail their exams are re-drilled instead of being cast out. Retired shinobi are being called back into service."

The unanswered question hung in the man's eyes for Doto: Do we march?

"Efficient," Doto complimented. He turned and they resumed walking down to the Snow leader's office. "We must have all options ready, including war. Any news on Cloud?"

"No sir," Yacho answered as their pace picked up.

"At least that's one thing we predicted accurately. With Leaf and Mist now entering the war, they are in the perfect position. They get to sit back and watch while all their rivals slug it out in a long bloody war."

"What of the Daimyo?" Doto looked back over at the other man. "Between Rock's invasion of Waterfall and Mist entering the war, he'll argue we should have cut all ties and allied with Leaf."

"… and what do you say?" Doto asked. He half-expected this argument to come up. Best to deal with it now.

"… I'm with you, sir. We cast our lot already. Rock may be gaining an ill reputation, but that's the decision we made back when we voted to act. It's far too late now to worry if we're backing the wrong horse. We just have to make sure it works out. Maybe even use the position to ensure Rock doesn't do anymore questionable actions."

The answer pleased Doto. "You're a good man. I'll deal with my brother. In the meantime, we must be ready to do whatever it takes to ensure Snow survives this war."

I can remember that even as I spoke those words, how futile that effort appeared. Despite all I could do, I knew – as did everyone – that Snow really was no different in the war than minor villages that were being razed to the ground. We were just one pawn on the gameboard, with no knowledge of the plans or actions the 'players' would take. Our fate could easily mirror that of Wood or Grass: steamrolled by the big players that cared nothing for the small people in between. I even knew that Rock would turn on us if the situation were dire enough. It was a choice, really, of just rolling over and accepting the inevitable, or fighting an uphill battle.

Between those choices, I'd take fighting an uphill battle every time.

I can't really recall if my determination at the time was genuine, or just a truth I didn't want to admit. I was too focused on the problem to allow myself to think too much on the ramifications of war. I just knew the likelihood of us having to fight was very real. That either Rock would call on us to fight in the open, or Mist would decide to take action.

Leaf and Mist's first move was a brutal one. They called it a 'Scorched Earth' policy. They razed half of the Grass Country. Burned it to the ground, leaving very little left in entire areas of Grass. That much destruction kicked the Rock and Sand war machine right in the stomach, as the action had divided their forces in two. Leaf and Mist then hit their enemy while they were divided right in the flanks. Whether they called upon the minors to back them up during this strike, we never knew. I would say it would have been smart too, but on the other hand, they did decimate a Minor Country in order to carry out their plan. I doubt Kusagakure was overly happy with that option.

In the end, it didn't matter what the Minor Countries did during that time or not. It was just part of the brutal reality that the minors, no matter how strong, were just dust in the wind to the big players. That ugly truth reared its head when Cloud attacked the Hotsprings Nation. Against all my predictions and reason, it did involve itself directly in the war. Their attack on Hotsprings was devastating. More so than the damage from Rain, Grass, Wood and Waterfall combined. What they hoped to accomplish from that strike, I do not know.

But it marked the true beginning of the war. With all Five of the Major Villages openly on the battlefield, any sense of equality from the minor nations was completely lost. Even our own standing with Rock became hardly worth noticing. They agreed to keep the current arrangement because it offered more benefits than forcing us to fight. Honestly, I don't think they would have trusted any minor village at that point. Not that we were complaining.

Sousetsu's reactions during all this surprised me nearly as much as Cloud's entry into the war. He was in complete agreement. Where I expected him to say 'we should have allied with Leaf', he supported mine and Yacho's actions. He had even taken it a step further, saying he would talk directly with the Water Country to clear any bad air between them. I just had to worry about keeping Rock happy.

I wasn't convinced. Maybe I should have been ashamed, given my brother the benefit of the doubt. But I saw nothing in his actions that made me believe better for him. I did see that he, like the rest of us, was busy on focusing on the immediate problem and making everything else a lesser priority. I'll give Sousetsu that much.

It would be four years later when I realized how much Sousetsu was willing to commit for the benefits of Snow. An action that shocked me so much, I very nearly became convinced I had misjudged him.

Four years of war. Four years of outright hell. Four years of the Major Villages tearing the world apart. It seemed like they were doing it out of sheer spite. If they were making any gains, they seemed secondary to the colossal damage being inflicted on everyone.

So far, the Snow Country had been spared; one of the few lucky ones that could claim as much. The two leading brothers had worked hard on that angle, knowing they were walking a knife's edge that could make any side angry enough to come at them. But their efforts were successful and so far, Snow had remained out of the war. While the payments from Rock were not as generous as in the early days, they were still plentiful.

Meetings were held nearly every week. With the ever-changing situation of the war, it seemed every time Snow laid out a plan, something new happened that made it worthless.

Until Sousetsu came in with an announcement.

"I intend to wed the Water Daimyo's daughter," he proclaimed.

The entire cabinet held seemed to have lost its breath. It was notable that all shinobi, including the Ice Guard, were not present. Yukigakure was on high alert, and most of the shinobi were assigned to border patrol, locking down the entire nation. Only individuals with official documentation, like the convoys, were allowed in or out.

The Daimyo's daughter was known to be a wild card. Not one of her father's favorite children and third in line for succession. It was often suspected that no one of the royal family wanted anything to do with her. That was the extent Doto knew about her.

"Wouldn't that mean we're declaring our official support for the Water Country?" the Secretary of State asked.

"No," the Snow Daimyo offered. "It's an agreement of concessions. A non-aggression pact. This political marriage is the final means to seal the deal. Regardless of what happens in the Water, we of Snow and Mist will have an understanding."

Maybe this would seem like a small thing to anyone else. The idea of political marriages was not an alien concept. But I'd be lying if I said this didn't shake me to the core. The man I suspected of spending the country's funds on useless knickknacks was now committing to a lifelong relationship with a woman he barely knew for the sake of his country. It just seemed so… out of character. Assuming there even was a hidden motive, the benefits were just too good to be true.

I really should have trusted my instincts.

The Water Princess, Ippin Funsui, arrived a week later. The sight of her made everyone in Snow drop dead. She was wearing a gorgeous blue gown that seemed to be sewn from the deepest blue skies themselves. It went down all the way to her feet, and left her shoulders bare. She had several snow-white sashes wrapped around her. A clear veil covered her face, but still revealed her sea green hair tied up in a bun, with several different flowers in it.

The sight of her made everyone question the rumors and gossip of her being an unwanted family member.

Inside the Kazahana Castle, both brothers looked down. Doto found himself breaking out in a happy grin and patted his brother on the back. "Come on, be happy! This is your moment!"

Sousetsu gave a laugh. It felt so natural, so real. Something that Doto felt had been missing for years.

"You are right. Of course you're right." As he said that, he seemed to become completely at ease. Nor did Doto believe this was an act. "Guess I'm just a bit nervous." He gestured the window.

"Look at her. She's gorgeous. She's far too good for a backwater slum dweller like me."

"Then we'll just have to make Snow something more than a backwater slum," Doto declared.

His elder brother gave him a curious look. "Do you have an idea?"

The younger brother smiled. He had intended to introduce this after the wedding, to let his brother have his moment, but since it had been brought up, Doto reached into his robes and handed the Daimyo a file, entitled: Registration Enlistment Act.

A document that Doto had spent the last three months creating with Yacho. It stated that any person who had a connection to the military, no matter how small, would be registered into Military Service. All individuals would be trained and drilled in preparation for, should the need arise, drafting into the armed forces.

This notably referred to the massive portions of the populations working in factories, all technically regarded as civilian ventures. This document would remove that technicality entirely. Preparing his reasons, Doto started. "I realize that this may seem a bit extreme, and I imagine many will see this as giving too much power to the military, but in this time of war – "

Sousetsu was already waving him off. "You don't need to explain your reasons to me, brother. You never had to. I trust you. Do as you see fit."

For that one brief moment, it really was back to old times. Like the night when Sousetsu had pulled out my half-made manuscript on Flight of Dragons and my little statue. Confidence. Foresight. Absolute trust. That he could look at my future plans and know I would do what was best, just as I could look at him and know he could be the center to keep these plans progressing.

And things were definitely progressing. With Sousetsu's marriage to the Water princess, Kirigakure no longer seemed like a threat, and with our supplies to Iwagakure, it was still enough to keep them pacified. The war itself was by no means downsizing. It still seemed to be escalating by the day but as far as my country was concerned… the war seemed very far away.

We allowed ourselves to relax, but we never forgot that the war could change in a heartbeat. Kumogakure, still going about its solo run, was still a real concern. We still had Yukigakure remain on high alert, and I did everything I could to ready ourselves just in case the worst came.

For two years this went on. A single safe haven from the bloody war.

Then that happened.

Doto was standing in the corner of the room. Nursemaids all huddled around the bed like bees hovering over a flower. Sousetsu held his wife's hand as one of the nurses passed a small crying bundle to Funsui's arms.

A baby.

Sousetsu and Funsui's faces seemed to light up like the sun itself as they looked over the newborn, a tiny hand reaching up and trying to take hold of Sousetsu's glasses, having been acquired during the previous year. Both new parents let out a laugh as the mother gently pushed the infant's hand away while Sousetsu spoke the child's name.

"Koyuki."

"Light snow," Funsui translated, rocking the babe in her arms. "Yes. You will bring new meaning to Snow and this country, little one."

That earned a coo from Koyuki as she now tried to reach her mother's hair.

Doto gave another smile and silently left the room. He had been there to support his brother and now was the time to step back and let them enjoy their newest joy. He would have plenty of time to congratulate them – and pamper his new niece – later.

Walking into the hallway, Mikata was there waiting for him. A bright smile on her face. "Boy or girl?"

"It's a girl," he answered proudly.

"It must be wonderful to be a parent."

"Then maybe it should be our turn next."

The words slipped out before Doto thought better of them. His face started turning bright red. He couldn't remember the last time that had happened. The woman before him just stared in amazement, then broke off into a smile, giggling behind her hand.

That just made the young man's face even redder, if that were possible. "I'm s – "

Mikata put a finger to his mouth, cutting him off.

Would I have said 'sorry' or 'serious'? I won't ever know the answer to that question. Because my mind would go blank with her next words.

"I will… if you ask me."

For the life of him, Doto could not utter the 'M' word. But fully caught up in the moment, he hesitantly improvised. "… I pledge my life, my heart to you." He held out a hand to her.

Her response was to throw her arms around the man and plant her lips firmly against his.

She said yes.

That single gesture said more than anything she could have verbally expressed.

Honestly, I was tempted to have the ceremony at the end of the week. And thoughts of honoring my brother's child, matters of the state or even the war would not have dissuaded me. This was my moment, for our joint future and the prosperity of the entire country. If Mikata hadn't spoken her next line, I probably would have pushed to do it that quickly.

"I just wish your parents could have seen this."

That one simple line made me feel guilty. What of her side of the family? What of her parents, relatives, friends? I had just proposed and all I could think was what I wanted. It made me feel more ashamed than I care to admit.

We decided to do things properly. Schedule it within a year's time. More than enough to formally prepare everything. Make sure we didn't neglect our responsibilities. I was Snow's Commander-in-Chief, and while Mikata was merely a Jonin in name (one of numerous wartime promotions), already her name was spoken throughout the Shinobi Village with pride and authority. Do things right, that's what we decided.

We went about our duties. My Enlistment Act passed without hassle. Yukigakure began installing direct overseers at each factory, using their knowledge on how to best make their supplies ideal for shinobi. I was proud during that time. Most proud. My future was secure; every day, my efforts made sure the country's future was secure as well. The war was seven years so far, and Snow remained untouched. Because of my efforts, MY vision, MY leadership, that had been made possible. It was undeniable. Even my brother couldn't deny it, and he wisely didn't.

Everything was perfect. Everything was going my way.

Two weeks before our wedding… it happened.

If Snow was best when it was warmest, then it was downright vengeful when it was coldest. A chilling, suffocating stranglehold that made you forget the very meaning of 'joy'. An icy apparition of death looming over your shoulder just waiting to remind you how unfair life can be. Word of what happened spread so fast, you would have thought the war had gotten worse – if it were possible – and all five Great Villages were about to descend on Snow.

And in several respects, that would have made things easier. At least they would've had a clear enemy.

Kazahana Funsui, wife and mother, was found dead in the forest. Cause of death was drowning.

The nearest water source from where her body had been found? Twenty three kilometers.

Snow was in an uproar, demanding answers largely as a front to mask their confusion on the matter. Why had Funsui left the palace? Indeed, when had she left the palace? And how could she have drowned to death yet be so far away from water?

The most vocal voices of this tragedy were not from the denizens of the Snow Country, but from the Water Country. The Water Daimyo himself was openly hostile, saying that clearly Snow had done away with his daughter. It was a stance that many ended up believing, that the Snow Government had deliberately ended the Water Princess' life, though hardly anyone could find a decent motive to explain such things.

Not that a lack of motive helped matters with a grieving father.

And the opening of the floodgates did not end on that regard. Merely two days after Funsui's death, Leaf came knocking. Bringing an entire caravan of Snow wagons, tossing aside the 'humanitarian' supplies of food, clothes and blankets, and revealing the armaments hidden underneath. As part of their 'Goodie Two-Shoes' nature, Leaf was perfectly willing to turn a blind eye to shipments of food even to their enemies. Weapons, however, would not be tolerated.

In less than three days, Snow had gone from being safe, in control, and on top of the Shinobi World to being the immediate focal point. As most of the Great Villages' militaries had been on the central continent, that gave Snow some breathing room. A force of Leaf and Mist Ninja were coming straight towards them and would take days. Rock and Sand were positioned to intercept, on the condition that Yuki-nin be present. If they were to defend Snow, Snow had better take part and not remain on the sidelines to let Iwagakure and Sunagakure do all the dirty work.

So on the third morning after Funsui's death, Snow forces departed, marching out of the Kazahana Palace in force with samurai troops. Prior to the beginning of the war, Yukigakure had hosted a mere two hundred shinobi. Even among minor villages, that was considerably low. In the seven years of war, under Doto's handling, that number had grown to three times that.

Of that number, the decision had been made to send five hundred of Yukigakure's shinobi to the battlefield on the continent. Eighty percent of Snow's standing samurai forces would be sent as well.

When they departed, all of the palace personnel – servants, remaining guards, and the government personages – stood in silence, watching, noting the faces among them. Chief among them was Yukigakure's Nidaime Kagirinai Kachuu, Yacho, who was personally leading Snow's armed forces. Another familiar face among them was Mamori, Mikata's mentor. With the Captain of the Ice Guard departing, Mikata ascended to the position. One of Yacho's personal aids would be running the Village directly in their leader's absence. Snow's forces would meet up with Rock, Sand and other shinobi currently allied with them at Sun Dance Valley in the Hotsprings country, where the enemy force was headed for a jumping-off point.

Half a day after the army had left the country on route for the battlefield, Mikata came to Doto and requested they postpone the wedding. Before Doto could make any assumptions as to why, she handed him an intelligence report they had just received from Tanigakure.

A Mist strike force was on their way, from the Water Country itself.

War was about to come to the Snow Country directly.

Understanding immediately, Doto accepted Mikata's wish as they rushed to mobilize a defense. Mikata had rushed back to the Snow Village, gathering what she could, while Doto alerted his brother and the other officials.

Within three hours, a defense force was assembled at the southern shores of the Snow Country. From Yukigakure were Mikata and a force of thirty Snow Shinobi. Behind them, in a makeshift palisade wall, was a force of one hundred and fifty samurai. The general consensus was that one shinobi was equal to three samurai, save for those elite ones of the Iron Country. Which meant that they were roughly equal to an additional fifty 'shinobi'.

Doto was standing aside with the armed men, all of them looking nervous while the Yuki Nin were setting wire traps. Mikata herself was staring off towards the coast… and then silently raised her arm into the air.

They were here.

Out in the ocean, a head appeared from the water, revealing a Mist Headband and breather much like an Ame-nin's. That head was soon followed by more, all rising to reveal their full height. Each one of them was dressed in traditional Kiri garb, sporting the Chunin vests that looked fully loaded with equipment. One additional fashion statement was the war masks each of them wore, depicting oni and various other demon faces for psychological warfare on their opponents.

Doto felt his heart drop as he counted their numbers. A little over two hundred. There was no doubt they had some support ships somewhere with additional troops and supplies. With this many here, Kirigakure must have deployed some of its domestic forces design to protect the Water Country for this attack… but Doto wasn't sure if this was good sign or not.

Two hundred Mist Ninja. Against thirty Yuki-nin and a hundred fifty samurai.

This could not be considered an even fight in any regard.

One person moved. One person amongst the gathered, frightened men and women of the Snow Country. This person moved past all the defenses and came to the beachhead, looking on the entire assault force.

Mikata, fresh in an entirely new outfit for the battle, put her hands together, made sixteen seals and spoke the words.

"Yuton: Ooyuki Fungeki no Jutsu!"

Snow Release. The signature art of Tanomoshii Mikata. A private assertion from her; 'If we're Snow Shinobi, we should fight with SNOW!'. It was not a bloodline or even a hidden move. It was something she created through her own unique talents.

Mikata's fighting style revolved around using the snow to hinder. Make an opponent wear themselves out, and let the cold do the rest. Snow was more malleable than ice, allowing Mikata far more flexibility to draw out a fight.

It was this line of thought that served as our defense plan. Engage, retreat, draw out. Lead the Mist Ninja running after us throughout our home. Keep them running, let them feel snow's sting upon them. The main problem was that there were more Kiri-nin than there were of us, and if we played one wrong move, we could have found ourselves surrounded. Or worse, the enemy would push deeper into our country, towards the villages and prized targets, such as the Capital or Yukigakure. The loss of either would be damning.

Of course, Kirigakure were no amateurs. Amateurs did not get to become one of the Five Great Villages. They had prepared their shinobi for winter conditions. It was our hope that upon seeing our defenses, they would think we were preparing for a direct fight to stop them, rather than let the climate do our work.

Our forces held the line for exactly one hour, with samurai using javelins, spears, and bows and arrows to keep the Mist forces at a distance, while our shinobi took snippet shots at them, taking them down one at a time, with Mikata personally taking down four of them. It was this that made the Mist Ninja unleash their calling card, the Kirigakure no Jutsu, smothering our side in blinding mist. As per our plan, we fled. The Mist Ninja believed we panicked and followed suit.

For the rest of the day, we played a delicate game of cat and mouse. Leading the Mist Ninja in circles, using ninjutsu to increase the cold of the area. I took a kunai to the arm during that time, but I refused to run to safety. I would stand and fight. If we could not beat the Mist here, in our first engagement, Snow's fate would mirror that of so many other minor countries.

Total devastation. Not just to the damage in the land, but the pain inflicted on her people. The loss of what it means to be 'human'. I was determined to make sure that it would NOT happen to Snow! Snow would NOT fall like Grass, Waterfall, or Hotsprings! Hanzo of Rain had shown that a minor village could stand up to the Major ones! And it was our turn!

I would like to say that under our joint leadership, Mikata and I lead our forces to victory that day. I would be lying. It was Mikata who saw us through. It was Mikata who led the Mist Shinobi like headless geese throughout the countryside. At the end of the day, there wasn't a single man who wasn't enthralled with her. When the hundredth Mist Ninja fell, the rest retreated, falling back to their waiting ships.

Seventy eight samurai had paid with their lives, but not one of our shinobi fell. These thirty men and women would form the basis of Mikata's Saati Koukennin down the road. But for now, we were all relishing in our victory. All the sacrifices, all the commitments, had paid off. If I ever had any doubts in my beliefs, they were eliminated in that moment.

The Government, the DAIMYO, was what had to be strong. The leaders. That was what was needed, above all else. And the one responsible for it was me. Others played key roles, true enough, such as Mikata leading the defense or Yacho leading our forces to the heart of the war on the mainland… but it was entirely due to MY maneuvering that they were able to manage what they did. It was thanks to MY focus on the military and building it up that Snow departed with some actual strength as opposed to ragtag ruffians. It was thanks to MY efforts that tied nearly ALL of Snow into the military that allowed us to form such a quick and effective defense against the invading Mist Ninja.

So I vowed that I would continue to do so. I would continue to ensure Snow made it through this war intact!

Snow's victory over the invading Mist Ninja had raised their morale tenfold. With the backing of their leaders, the entire country felt as if it were ready to handle anything the enemy could throw at them.

It was when news of the forces dispatched to the front lines came that reality slapped Snow in the face and forced them to wake up. Everything seemed to hit the Sun Dance Valley. Shinobi, mercenary forces, and country samurai. Every angle, every alliance, seemed to converge on that point. Even the Cloud Village, still largely detached, appeared there. It was enough to make nearly everyone believe that it was the endgame. That the war would be over with this one decisive match.

So when reality hit Snow, it made sure to include everyone else.

The Battle of Sun Dance Valley was by no means an endgame. It was one of the single, if not the single, largest engagement in the history of the Third Shinobi War. Some say out of any war. It lasted a full seven days, one week of complete bloodshed. 70 percent of those who had fought there were dead. Of the five hundred Snow Ninja, that number had been reduced to a hundred in that single engagement, including Mikata's mentor, Dobei Mamori.

That battle changed the entire face of the war. Villages began downscaling, reprioritizing. As shinobi did not grow on trees, replacing that loss of life was virtually impossible. The Five Great Villages began using far more calculated strategies, trying to wear each other down, only using direct force or numbers when they were certain of victory.

In a way, this was an improvement to the war. Battles were not nearly as common as before, and those that did occur were not on the same scale, with only dozens of participants as opposed to hundreds or even thousands. Casualty reports were drastically less than in the years previous. Collateral damage became nonexistent, allowing ravaged countries like Grass to begin the long healing process. Many of the minor countries believed that if the Kages were of any other generation, peace would have followed, that their stubbornness and sense of pride allowed things to continue. That they were determined to hammer out once and for all just which one of them was on top of the food chain.

So while the fighting was only a fraction of what it had been, the tension seemed to skyrocket. Shinobi seemed to be everywhere, from the heartlands of their home countries to the depths of enemy territory. From the heights of the mountains to the banks of the sea. They seemed to be everywhere, disappearing and reappearing as ghosts. Hardly anyone knew their targets, or what they hoped to accomplish.

Snow wasn't any stranger to this. In the months following, Mist launched many raids against their shores. Constantly testing their defenses, trying to assassinate key officials, such as the Snow User who had thwarted them. Only three times did they launch a direct attack, and each one of them failed. Of those three, one of them included Leaf Ninja, lead by the infamous Morino Ibiki. He did get close to taking out Mikata. These attacks failed more as a result of Mist not wanting to waste the men rather than being beaten back; not that Snow was complaining. The result was the same: Mist was stopped from attacking.

This resulted in more and more resources and manpower being diverted for the war effort. Humanity, construction, food cultivation, and more were reprioritized for military efforts. And more and more villages, towns and even cities were forced to do without, bearing the ugly price of war. Even the Daimyo's Palace wasn't immune. Even things like heating and plumbing were forfeited.

Nearly a year after Snow had entered the war, Mist did break through Snow's defenses. They succeeded into getting into the country proper, razing a half dozen villages to the ground with no survivors. The chaos and panic swept over the country, especially when Doto gave the order for Snow's defenders to fall back and protect the two critical areas: The Capital where the Kazahana Palace was located, and Yukigakure.

Not wanting a direct confrontation and seeing their prime targets well guarded, Mist pulled out. But not before ravaging another half dozen villages in response. Doto felt remorse for those villages sacrificed, but no guilt. It had to be done. New villages would come; people would smooth the damaged lands. Friends and family would ensure those who died would be remembered. Snow had been damaged, but it would recover.

Even with that said, no one was prepared for the next surprise the day after Mist departed.

Sousetsu had called his cabinet together, wanting to discuss something when the message arrived.

Yacho had been killed in battle.

The report said that he had faced the rising leader of the Leaf Forces. A figure that many believed could change the tide of the war by himself. The reports declared that this man had taken down Yacho with ease, while some shinobi who had survived the encounter said that Yacho went down fighting, pushing this new leader to his limits.

The Snow officials barely had time to register Yacho's death and what it meant when it happened.

Even now, I can remember it as clear as if it were yesterday. We had been sitting in that room when the doors flung open. Chilling winds flew in like specters, biting us with their cold hard teeth. Every head swung towards the entrance in a heartbeat. I can remember anxiety on the officials' faces, the guards' hands reaching for their weapons.

A single figure entered, his footsteps echoing throughout the room. A man of such presence, no one dared move. No one dared to breathe. I was no exception. Any thought of keeping up my image or thoughts of pretenses were wiped away as firmly as if I had been brainwashed. This man continued towards the center of the room, the lights slowly illuminating him more and more with every step, starting with the feet up.

He wore standard Leaf ninja attire; blue shirt and matching pants with the Konohagakure standard flak jacket and sandals. In addition was a short-sleeved, long white coat decorated by flame-like motifs on the edges.

The sharp yellow of the man's hair was the thing that everyone seemed to pick up at once and it was this feature that mesmerized us all. The emerging hero of the Leaf. The one individual for whom Rock's standing order was to flee on sight. The one who had earned the name Kiiroi Senko.

Namikaze Minato.

He stood right there in the middle of room, like a living god. Over his shoulder was a bundle.

"Evening."

Minato spoke that one word and continued walking forward like this was his own home. He came to a stop just in front of Sousetsu. Shifting the bundle across his shoulders to his hands, he knelt down and gently placed it in front of the Snow Daimyo. "Your Kagirinai Kachuu. I return him to you."

With those words, everyone else finally snapped back to reality. The guards on the walls finally readied their weapons while the Yuki-Nin began forming seals. Minato just held up a hand, and an eyeblink later, that hand was miraculously holding the samurai's weapons. The shinobi all looked completely dazed, as if key pressure points had been hit. While the samurai just looked at their empty hands with absolute horror, Minato calmly opened his hand, letting the small collection drop down to the ground, cluttering the area around his feet.

Genjutsu? That legendary Hiraishin? Just pure speed? No one knew.

"Now that I have your attention," Minato addressed Sousetsu directly. "Let us talk more civilly."

"Why should we listen to you?" a guard managed to shout out. One look made the guy want to pee his pants.

"Because, if we were completely honest, if I came here with ill intent, not only would I have done it already… none of you would be able to stop me."

It wasn't a question. It wasn't even a threat. It was just a cold, hard fact. That this man could decimate this entire room by himself faster than anyone could blink. Many, Doto included, found it difficult to breathe just as surely as if someone had clutched their hand around his throat and was squeezing the life out of him.

Sousetsu said nothing for a moment, then gave a nod. "Then speak."

"I won't bore you with pleasantries or introductions." Minato said, calmly holding himself up to his full height. His gaze just swept around the room. You could tell those genius gears in his mind were calculating every angle, at every possibility… including those that even the Snow personnel weren't even aware of it.

"I just bring you a short message: Back off."

The tension increased tenfold. There was no thinly disguised threat this time. "… back… off?" Doto repeated. He sounded more confident than he actually was.

"That's right. Pull out of the war. End your involvement with Iwagakure."

"You mean… abandon our allies on the battlefield and save our own skins," Doto accused him.

"Yes."

Many were taken off guard by the bluntness of that response. Doto especially, though arguably for different reasons than his countrymen. "… you… a Leaf Ninja… who pride yourselves on that… Will of Fire… companionship and bonds… are telling us to backstab our friends – " a few people in the room rose a discreet eyebrow at associating Rock as 'friends' – "and abandon them in the heat of battle?"

Minato gave a nod. "For your own good."

"… our own good?" the Financial minister repeated nervously.

"What do you mean?" Sousetsu prompted the Konoha nin for more details.

"The path you have set upon with Rock will lead to Snow's destruction. This is as sure an outcome as snow falling this evening."

A graveyard would have been a more cheerful place right now.

"You had your reasons for allying with Rock and doing what you did." No one doubted he was referring to supporting their war machine and profiting from it as the Jonin continued. "Whatever reasons you have, time to put them aside." He gestured the body on the ground. "And now is the time to do it. Your village will soon choose a new leader. A fresh time for change. Make the right choice. End your involvement with the war."

"… why…?" an aide dared to ask. "… last I checked… it was your ally that was sieging our shores and killing our people. Our stance with Iwagakure keeps Kirigakure from committing their forces to our destruction."

Nods and spouts of agreements quickly rose. "Yeah, that's right! Your ally is fighting us!"

"You just want an upper hand in the war!"

"We end our alliance with Rock and we'll be opening the door to our doom!"

Minato said nothing during these outbursts, but after that last one, he crossed his arms. That was all that was needed to return the Snow cabinet back on the defensive. "Perhaps you did not hear me. When I say back off, I mean staying out of the war entirely."

"We heard you." Doto stood up. His balance felt shot, like he could tumble over at any moment, but his resolve kept him on his feet. "But perhaps you did not hear us. Kirigakure is constantly sending raiding parties. Your own village joined them on more than one occasion. Being allied with Rock also gives us the support of Sunagakure. Cutting ties would not only leave us open to attacks from your side, but Rock and Sand will not take lightly to cowards who run."

"Which is why you must remove yourself from the conflict," Minato spoke up gently, staring straight at Doto. He wanted to run so badly from the focus. No wonder Rock has a flee on sight order!

"All those ties just tighten the noose around Snow's neck. And they will keep tightening until you are suffocating with no chance to cry out for air."

A unison of nervous gulps was heard.

Sousetsu tapped his fingers together. "So you say, but why should our ending our involvement provide us safety? Even if your village has nothing against us and even manage to keep the war bogged down on the main land, why should your allies honor this? What's to stop Mist from attacking us anyway?"

Minato closed his eyes, rubbing his dominant hand along his chin line. It was an action Doto immediately recognized; a predetermined action to think of an answer one had already settled on. This was merely show for things to settle down.

"Very well. I suppose you make a fair point. If you end your alliance with Sand and Rock, I can guarantee you that Mist will not take advantage of the situation because they will fall under my command."

"What?" many cried out.

"By getting Snow out of the war, it'll be the last step I need. It'll allow me to unite Leaf, Mist, even some of the minors, into one joint command. I'll have full authority over all these villages and as such, I'll be directing all their efforts to more conclusive methods to ending this war. None of which will involve you… so long as you remain within your own borders. And this will be the foundation of a Shinobi Alliance that'll last throughout the ages, unified under one command. Mine."

A Shinobi Alliance! A thing of fairy tales, along with the Rikodu Sennin! Alright, if you want to be technical, alliances weren't unheard of. This war was a prime example of that. But they never lasted long. Never. Any alliance that would last ten years was considered rare and lucky. So to hear the fabled Yellow Flash was intending to create an alliance to 'last the ages' was beyond ludicrous!

And unified under his solo command? That didn't sound like an alliance so much as a dictator. Someone having a firm grasp on these villages for their own power! And I never would have guessed it of a Leaf Ninja. Let alone the rising hero of that village!

Telling us to backstab those we had fought alongside with, bluntly contradicting their own cursed Will of Fire speech! That it's okay to backstab your friends when it's to YOUR advantage and damn everyone else!

I couldn't take it then… but I have to wonder… if Minato had come to me today with the same offer, the same intentions? Would I have given the same answer?

I'm honestly not sure.

"GET OUT!"

All heads whipped towards Doto, who had planted a foot forward aggressively, his face red with fury. "We're not interested in your little schemes for power or your machinations! Why should we believe anything you say? You invade our home, tell us to abandon those we've fought alongside, all for your own schemes of power!

"It's DISGUSTING! Next thing we know, you'll demand that Snow enter this alliance you're so fond of! No doubt using Cloud's solo warpath as a convenient excuse for us to enter your fold! You demand everything from us, telling us it's for our own good when it's just to cement yourself on top of the Shinobi World!"

Doto's tirade ended there, but it seemed to light a fire underneath the rest of the cabinet. Shouts and protest arose in force, saying that it would leave them an open target for Cloud, that this was just a thinly veiled scheme for Minato to seize power, that they will stand united against Leaf's ploy to break them apart.

Only Sousetsu said nothing. He merely stared at the Leaf Ninja, resting his head on an arm. Merely listening. To whom? That was harder to answer.

Minato allowed this to go on for a moment before holding up a hand, casually twirling one of his trikunai on his right index finger. That's all it took to shut everyone up.

"Kazahana Doto-dono."

The guards all nervously grabbed their weapons, fully expecting heads to start rolling starting with Doto.

"Years ago, I was here to see your Festival of Lights. I remember you settling a minor dispute that broke out. You wanted to offer souvenirs to that old man and upon hearing the lack of vendors, immediately grew concerned over why none had shown up."

Doto narrowed his eyes, the memory flashing full force.

"You were a man who truly cared for his country and its people. All of its people. You had your priorities straight, understood the nature of the leadership and what was required of you. You had the focus, drive and desire to see it all come for the happiness and security of it all."

Snow's Commander-in-Chief's response was to defiantly point towards the door. Not saying a word. The time for words was past.

When put to the test, people often say 'I'd rather die'… but how often do you think they actually mean it?

I can remember preparing for death, but the adrenaline was already in full swing. Minato should have just struck after we declined his deal. He could do it; we all knew he could do it. We wouldn't have been able to stop him. Doing so would effectively eliminate Snow from the war just as he wanted. Hell… he could have left a few survivors to utilize as his puppets and make Snow fall in line with his scheme. So many reasons to do so, but I held firm. Did I know what I was doing, or was I out of my mind? Was I filled with empty bravado, or did I really not care because I was not afraid to die so long as it did not mean bending to this man?

I think my confusion on the nature of my action is not so much as I can't remember… but because the man confused me as well. Because after that defiance… he just left. That was all. He turned around and left. Deliberately walking out as he had arrived. He didn't cut us down, he didn't offer a threat, he did… nothing. It still perplexes me.

Sousetsu had dismissed his cabinet after Minato left. But no one left the room until a full hour had passed. A few, mostly the guards, tried to celebrate Doto's stance and moral caliber. That holding strong to your allies would see us safely through this war, but one glance from the Daimyo ended that. Doto himself didn't protest, still convinced some sort of attack was coming.

When they did leave, the Kazahana Palace was much like a graveyard. Word of what happened spread quickly, but no one was willing to talk about it out loud, as if fearing Minato was still around, hiding and just waiting to cut down any that dared to voice their disapproval from the shadows. People would whisper about it to themselves, opinions as numerous as the stars in the sky, but anytime someone else came, even just a maid, all whisperings would cease.

Their two leaders, the brothers of Snow, were unable to do anything to improve things. The Daimyo himself retired to his room, and Doto, despite knowing to take advantage of this, found himself unable to talk. This just made the whispering worse. And Doto wasn't entirely sure they weren't wrong in their worries either. If the enemy's leading general could penetrate their defenses so easily, find the very head of their government… who was to say he wouldn't be back? With an army?

It was late that night when Doto was summoned to his brother's room. Upon entering, he saw his brother rocking his two year old daughter, who was contently sucking on her right thumb, asleep in her father's arms.

It was then that Sousetsu told his younger brother what he intended to speak about in the meeting before their unexpected guest: his intention to reverse the Registration Enlistment Act. To start untying people to the military, such as the masses working in the factories. Doto had been unable to hide his shock at this. While it was true they were nowhere near as protective as in the early days of the war due to the attacks on their homeland, they were still at war.

He had attempted to argue this point, but Sousetsu held up a single finger to cut him off. Sousetsu had intended to put this forth as a proposal and let the cabinet vote on it… but after this demonstration, he, the Daimyo, was going to make the decision.

Doto tried to point out that he, not Sousetsu, was the Commander-in-Chief of the Snow Country. A position given to him by Sousetsu. The entire point was that in everything concerning the military, Doto's word was final. That was the proclamation upon working together, upon sharing power, that they had made when Sousetsu became Daimyo.

Sousetsu's gaze bore into his younger brother. It was a gesture so unlike him, Doto nearly thought he was an imposter. His brother then spoke four words.

"I am the Daimyo."

The finality in his statement stopped Doto cold. No arguing, no discussion, no weighing over people's opinions. Just a flat out 'I'm in charge and we're doing what I say.' So shocked he was by this that he left in a cold daze.

Thoughts of the old school lesson involving the balance crept into his mind. Doto knew the old adage was ideal, but ultimately naïve, that it was those in charge that mattered foremost… and now he found himself questioning this belief.

His brother was flat out taking away the power he had given Doto. And technically speaking, his brother was still the head of the country. If the head of the state was making a decision that he felt was for the good of all… then didn't Doto's own beliefs and logic mean he should support this regardless of what he thought on the matter? The top was what mattered, and like it or not… for all the appearances of equals… the top was the Daimyo of the Country. One man.

And that man was not Doto.

At least… for the moment.

"All hail Doto! Thou shalt be Daimyo hereafter!"

For the first time, I had seriously considered acting on that crone's words. If the head of the state was unwilling to do what was needed, to be blinded by his own petty ambitions for no other purpose than just because 'I say so'... then perhaps it was time for a change.

A small corner in the back of my mind wondered if that was my own ego talking. That for all the talks of sharing power, I was not at the top. That I should be affected by what the Government does just as much as the mindless masses. If it was for the good of the country. It was that last part where I say it wasn't my ego. The shinobi world was at war. Snow was at war. The Yellow Flash himself appeared on our own doorstep with demands. Some subtle… and others not so subtle. Why begin disarming the country during the middle of a BLOODY WAR THAT SPANNED THE COUNTRIES?

For all my aptitude at seeing multiple angles and plots… I could not come up with any plausible reason for this. This is what separates me from the folly of my brother. If I were to do something that appeared so counterproductive to the country's agenda… I had a damn good reason to do so. Plans and intentions that would outweigh the costs, no matter what others said. Sousetsu just made the decision himself for whatever reason.

And the sad truth is while I could not come up with a plausible reason for how this would benefit the Snow Country… one ugly thought reared its head on how this would help demolish the Snow Country. The exact opposite of what the person in charge should be doing. Sousetsu intended to introduce this act that day… on the same day that Namikaze Minato "coincidentally" showed up with his demands. Was it possible that the two had met at some other point, worked out a deal between themselves?

That thought had a number of… harsh… implications to it if it were true. Yet… even this didn't seem all that plausible to me given the fact that I had rallied our leaders into refusing Minato's offer. Any deal between Minato and Sousetsu – if it truly existed – would seem folly if the rest of the country were against it.

Maybe I should have given my brother the benefit of the doubt. That there was something he was seeing that I didn't. Leaf, conspiracy, plan of action, something. But the killing factor was his solo stance. There was no discussion, no debate. Just the next morning, he announced it to everyone and that was that.

So if he had any justification, whatever it may be, it was completely unknown to me.

I vowed that day to make my fist iron. That if the prophecy were to come true, I would have my plans. I would have my reasons. Whether Sousetsu was right or wrong in this action… I was going to take this to heart.

Part of me wonders if I should have acted right then. Took matters into my own hands before my brother made things worse. Not an easy decision to make, all things considered. For various reasons, both good and ill. Yet the one that stayed my hand was perhaps the most unlikely of all.

The prophecy indicated three things. Head. Commander-in-Chief. Daimyo. The previous two had been handed to me. Would, should, the third be handed to me as well? That would be me acting on it, rather than being a victim of circumstance.

That uncertainty stayed my hand… and is what ultimately had me not act at all. If I could be so indecisive on a question such as this, then even if I succeeded in becoming the new Daimyo… I would not be a very able one.

So with the matter settled, I turned my attention back to internal matters.

Due to events, all meetings were postponed until the following morning. Security personnel made a half-hearted attempt to try and find Minato, make sure he was gone.

Early the next morning, the cabinet of Snow met once more, and Sousetsu opened up with the dissolution of the Registration Enlistment Act. As Doto anticipated, this was met with shock given what had just transpired with Leaf's hero.

Still, Sousetsu was the Daimyo and his prime attributes still held strong. The ability to see the big picture. Being able to get people to go along with him. He accomplished this by not allowing any time for discussion by pointing out a new village leader for Yukigakure must be swiftly appointed. Tanomoshii Mikata was named instantly by no less than six different individuals. A logical and fitting choice.

The woman had gone back to Yukigakure, becoming involved with gaining new recruits for the shinobi village, so it took her some time to get back to the Capital with the decision. When told, there was no reaction on the woman's face. This wasn't a happy occasion with the war still fresh and the death of Yacho weighing on her mind.

As well as the sad fact that she could meet the very same fate.

Still, she held herself with the dignity and authority that the position would demand of her, calmly getting down on one knee while keeping a steady gaze on the Daimyo. She gave a personal fealty of loyalty, swearing she would do anything and everything for the good of Snow and the village. Koyuki, only two years old, giggled happily as she tugged on her father's hair, breaking the ill tension and bringing about a welcomed round of laughter, as if Mikata was swearing to the toddler rather than her father.

Mikata went to work immediately. Her first act was gathering a group of Yuki-nin who would be under her personal command. Similar to the ANBU, but with the focus on village stability while the ANBU were more inclined to deal with outside threats. Remembering the first battle with Kirigakure, Mikata selected thirty shinobi that were close to her, declaring they were now the Guardians of Snow and earning a laugh when she said she based the name off that old children's radio program.

And so the Saati Koukennin were born. Of those 30, only 17 had partaken in that initial battle, the others having been killed in various raids afterwards.

Doto had gone to his fiancée, believing now was the perfect time. That their union would be a beacon of light and hope in this time of change for not just Yukigakure, but for all of Snow in light of the devastation left behind by the Shinobi of the Bloody Mist.

She told him no.

That word struck me as sure as a dagger into my flesh. She looked at me with her eyes full, water forming around them, realizing she had hurt me. She quickly amended that with her new responsibilities, she needed to focus on Yukigakure and I on my task as the Commander-in-Chief. She simply wasn't ready for anymore changes.

Perhaps I should have seen it then. The truth was practically shouting at me. Did I miss it because of love or in spite of it?

Whichever the case, I gave my consent. I had pledged my life to support this woman. The fact that we weren't 'official' changed nothing on my end. I was ready, willing, and wanting to help this woman do what was needed. Because I wanted this woman in my life.

Yes… realizing the truth then would have saved me… pain, anguish? No.

Grief.

The large man left Weather Control, exiting through the main entrance doors. The village had seen some hard times. Many of the buildings were falling into disarray from lack of repairs and upkeep. Every shortcut was being taken to help with the war effort. If it could be left until later, it would.

It wasn't just the buildings either; it was the populace. There were few shinobi actually within their own hidden village. It was mostly just the leadership, planning, issuing orders, trying to keep afloat. Most Yuki-nin actually within their own country were out on patrols, securing the border, sweeping the area for any insurgents. As a result, the only real defense of the village was their founding leader's storm that encompassed the village. And if that were to fall, Yukigakure would be defenseless and sure their enemies learn of this…

It was hard to believe that when this war had begun, they had been on top of the world. Publically neutral, making two of the Main Villages learn to feed from their hands, economy and commerce at peaks they hadn't been in centuries.

And now… now that felt like a farfetched dream. Revenue from their business was coming to a trickle. Rock was demanding more and more and paying less for supplies. If Snow were to ease up any, then Rock and Sand couldn't – wouldn't – guarantee the fighting would remain on the mainland.

So the main residents within the village were the civilian population. Non-ninja family members, merchants, workers that had called this place home. They were in charge of maintaining this place, doing the menial grunt work no one wanted to do. All for the sake of the place they called home.

As it should have been.

Doto made his way to the maelstrom when something caught his eye. Looking over, he walked to check out what it was, his hand dropping down to the katana he wore at his hip.

Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was a training session. Yukigakure only had about ten training fields, in comparison to the dozens that a Main Village could host. In the midst of it were four shinobi. Three of them were no more than children. Had to be at least thirteen. One was an overly large boy, though not fat as one would expect. The second was a petite little female, but with eyes of a predator waiting to pounce. The third one was unnaturally tall for his age and rather lean, constantly sneezing. From the stance and posture, clearly newly minted Genin.

It took awhile for Doto to place the fourth individual. He was rather well built and wearing the standard Yuki-nin attire, save for short sleeves instead of long. All along his arms he sported a number of scars, the longest nearly encompassing half the man's left arm from his shoulder to past his elbow. Even his face held a few of these beauty marks. His hair was short and white, sticking up all over the place. But the most odd thing about this appearance was the large metal pot he was wearing over his chest area instead of the standard Yuki flak jacket. It looked like an old oven that had some holes drilled to accommodate the head and arms. Upon the armor were a number of seals, wires and random pieces of metal sticking out. One of which Doto was nearly positive used to be a kitchen sink.

"You can laugh," the man said to the three youngsters. He held up a finger, acting much like a schoolteacher. "But it's not talent, skill, or even ninjutsu that makes a true shinobi. It's ingenuity. Thinking outside the box. Being able to come up with unorthodox methods to complete the mission. If it's an old lady crossing the street, you pick her up and carry her across! If it's tracking down a wanted gangster, you bombard him with weeks old garlic! If you're guarding a client, you don't hide him away and protect him, you let him run loose as open bait. If he's taken down when you're supposed to be monitoring him and the targets get away, then you're not ready to be shinobi!"

The three students just looked at him like he was crazy. Doto wasn't entirely sure they were wrong either. It sounded good… he was just wondering about the speaker's… rational… personality, not the advice.

He tapped the strange metal armor. "And that's your test for today! The three of you are to work together! Come up with a way to outdo my new armor! Best come hard and fast!" He looked down with a sparkle in his eye, seemingly more like a child than his three charges. "You mark my words, my chakra armor is going to change the entire way the Shinobi of the Snow operate! Soon, it'll inspire everyone to change the way they do things by thinking outside the box!"

It was that last line that made Doto recognize the individual. Umidasu Kaigen. Husband to one of the Academy teachers, Emi. A rather eccentric man of the village, yet also one of the ninja with the longest streak of successful missions.

Also one with the largest number of client complaints…

Doto watched in silence as the three Genin groaned collectively, prompting Kaigen to douse the three with a Suiton, soaking them to the bone for 'not getting with the program.' But what Doto found himself staring at was this supposed 'chakra armor' the man boosted about. Indeed, the tall one managed a basic ice jutsu, firing it right back at their sensei in retaliation, only for the chakra armor to glow and deflect the move, sending it crashing about fifteen meters away from them.

Doto was enthralled…

Anyone else might have dismissed it. I came close to dismissing it. Yet Kaigen's words stuck in my mind. Notably, how similar his ideas were to my own, that being operating on the big picture, how planning in the present would affect the future for the betterment of all. Not to mention there was more than a grain of truth in spouting 'ingenuity' as the true trait of a shinobi. You could argue that without that, ninja were no different than obsolete samurai, fighting with new 'toys', but acting no differently.

But I remembered. I nearly approached the man right there, wanting to hear more on this 'Chakra Armor', but I adopted a wait and see approach. It was too new and unreliable to be utilized as a secret weapon in the order, at least for the present, but its potential had been forever engraved in my mind. I wanted to see just how far the man would take this. Not just in the armor, but in his ideals regarding it.

So what I really did was learn the names of his three would-be Genin. I decided I would be able to observe and track the man through his new subordinates as a plausible excuse to monitor Kaigen's actions.

Rouga Nadare. Kakuyoku Fubuki. Fuyukuma Mizore.

Names I would not be forgetting anytime soon.

Four months later, during Kazahana Doto's 29th year, when little Koyuki was but three years old, it happened. The news spread across the land, and indeed every country, of the event.

The Kannabi Bridge, located within the recesses of the Grass Country, had been destroyed.

Reports stated it was the Kiiroi Senko himself. That he had dispatched an entire Rock legion singlehandedly and managed to destroy that bridge in the process. That bridge had rested on a tactical advantage. The bulk of Rock's troops and its associates were centered around that area, while Leaf's forces were scattered about the region. This meant that Rock had a quick and reliable way to seed their troops into Leaf territory, with Konohagakure in its path. Rock fully intended to crush the heart of Leaf's war effort. It would take the fight out of them, and those they had allied themselves with would fall to the wayside without a strong center to keep them united.

But upon the destruction of the bridge, the forces of Iwagakure were split in two. Their own tactics used against them, making more than a few wonder if Leaf's seemingly "scattered" formation was a deception to lure them into a trap. Those who had been stuck on the other side of the bridge were now completely cut off from supply lines, and would have to take days to regroup with friendlies. The dire state of the war, with minimal manpower and supplies to those on the field also meant that the shinobi troops as a whole were kept on low rations to begin with.

In short, it was pathetically easy for Leaf to harness those trapped troops into starvation and surrender.

The impact of this could not be underestimated. With that one swift blow, Rock's fighting force had been dealt a crippling blow… and everyone knew it. The final nail in Rock's coffin was Sand's abrupt change in allegiance. Sand Ninja turned on their Rock allies of nine years, stealing food, taking out men, revealing tactical information to Leaf and fully backing the Leaf Ninja.

It was little wonder why hostilities between Rock and Sand became extremely bitter.

Iwagakure wasn't prepared to go down without a fight. They summoned every last bit of fighting strength they had left, from their own surviving shinobi to other minor villages they had convinced or bullied into helping. Those forces gathered within the Earth Country in a place known as the Plains of Haretsu. The Earth Country was known to be prone to earthquakes and even active volcanoes. It was often Rock's trump card, that even if an enemy force could penetrate the rock solid mountain defenses, they would succumb to the dangers within the country itself. And the most hazardous area was the Plains of Haretsu.

That was Rock's last gambit.

Leaf and the rest of the villages took up that gambit. Fearing that Rock would merely reform and regroup themselves within the safety of their fortified homeland to unleash a new attack wave, they decided to launch one final strike. The Plains, while hazardous, were also tactically significant. It offered the most direct way to both Iwagakure and the Earth Capital. If the Plains fell, both locations would become vulnerable. The final decisive battle would be held there.

So they mobilized.

Shinobi from all over went. Samurai, mercenaries, and other forces were left behind. This war would be decided by those who started it. The Ninja.

Their forces arrived at the Earth Country, expecting a fight at their mountain borders. All that happened was that the allied force was funneled through a series of passes, which would ensure they would end up at the Plains of Haretsu. As this was their intention, Leaf obliged with the tactic. Two days later, the battle began.

It'd been said by those who survived the battle that shinobi were as numerous as the trees in a forest, as indistinguishable from each other as the grains of sand on the beach, flaring like the stars themselves straight from the heavens. Survivors would swear that shinobi from everywhere, of all ages, came there, making it even bigger than the Battle of Sun Dance Valley. Given the dire nature of the war and the losses accumulated throughout, such a statement should be immiscible. But survivors of the battle would swear it was so nonetheless.

The battle lasted only three hours, and then it was over. Quick and defensive, the Kiiroi Senko himself broke Rock's ranks, shattering their lines and breaking the backbone of their defense. The official report was that the earthquakes in the area struck as Rock planned, and effectively alandlocked the various military forces, but they were overrun far too quickly before the volcanoes could rain down molten destruction on the invading forces.

And so Iwagakure surrendered. The war, the long brutal war… was finally over. The shinobi world was worn and shattered. Four countries, including the Wood Country, ceased to be. Six shinobi villages were either completely eradicated, or suffered so much that they would have to disband permanently. As for the five Major Villages, Iwagakure was demolished. The majority of its strength gone, their will broken, and would be paying various tributes to other villages for years to come. Minor villages close by would have refused to work with them on a matter of principle if they weren't so desperate for rebuilding efforts.

Sunagakure was not much better as the shinobi world as a whole looked at it with suspicious eyes. Not only did many consider the war Sand's fault to begin with, but their last minute treachery on an over-a-decade-long alliance with the Rock left a sour taste in many mouths. Their people would be heading reconstruction efforts for the next several years as additional promises of 'good faith' to Leaf to avoid the same repercussions that Iwagakure was enduring.

It was also said that these traits were what fueled their Wind Daimyo to begin utilizing Konohagakure's services instead of his own village's. The cheaper services also meant more ryo in his pocket.

Kirigakure, shockingly, simply returned to its island borders. Instead of taking advantage of their status as the winners and their alliance with the Hidden Leaf, they simply abandoned it. No explanation given, but many speculations and theories sprung about from the fact that the Mist Ninja grew to hate the mainland and believe it never should have involved itself, to the fact that it was merely interested in determining the strength of its main rivals, to simply having entered the war strictly for fun, fitting with their 'Bloody Mist' reputation.

Kumogakure was left virtually intact. Their solo stance kept them from making big advances in the war, but it also kept the majority of the war effort away from their own borders. Only once were they penetrated, and they slaughtered that attack force with such ease that even the Yellow Flash was wary of pressing the attack on their homefront. It was believed they managed to acquire dozens bloodlines and hidden secrets from villages during the war. Given these facts, many wondered if they would have pressed on and attacked Leaf to determine which of them was strongest, but for whatever reason, they did not.

And Konohagakure became known as the victors of the war. Several key countries and shinobi villages, such as Rain and Grass, immediately pledged to an alliance. Their influence soared further through many public restoration efforts to war-torn countries. The fact that Iwagakure was forced to pay repercussions and Sand had to give up extensive resources to 'prove their good faith' effectively weakened their political power in that part of the world and boosted Konohagakure's. The Yellow Flash, Namikaze Minato, becoming Hokage became the beacon of the village, and the symbol of Leaf's strength that no one wanted to challenge.

And Yukigakure… took no part in any of it.

About a week after Iwagakure had taken the Kannabi Bridge, Sousetsu announced to the entirety of the cabinet that they were ending their pact with the Hidden Rock Village. Once again, there was no discussion. Afterwards, Sousetsu's primary supporters argued that Rock's intentions to completely destroy the Leaf Village, especially when most of its ninja weren't even there, was a cowardly and disgusting tactic. That even victory shouldn't sink that low. Doto and others had argued that such an intention was hardly the first time it had appeared in this war (or any war for that matter), and that the war had gone on long enough, with too many dead that it needed to end. One way or another.

Eventually Sousetsu came forward and gave a statement on the arguing. His response was that ending the war was his intention. He couldn't end it entirely for every country, but as the leader of Snow, he could end Snow's involvement. He announced that they weren't going to be allying with anyone. Not Rock, not Leaf. Not anyone. They would cast off all ties, start fresh, and take their chances.

As if on cue, Koyuki gave a hungry cry and Sousetsu dismissed himself to feed his child. Then arrived news of the bridge's destruction and the coming battle in the Earth Country. Snow, like the rest of the world, immediately began celebrating. Regardless of what side people had been on, or what role they had played, nearly a decade of bitter fighting was over, at least. That was all that people could think about. Doto included.

The entire country was in an uproar in celebration. The palace had transformed into a festive place, much like the time of the previous Daimyo. With the war officially over, Doto felt it was time to move on with his plans. His wedding had been postponed long enough. He also felt that with this new era of peace, he deserved a fresh start with his brother and to wipe away all suspicious theories he had.

There I was. Ready to admit, to myself if no one else, that maybe I was overreacting. Regardless, I was determined to follow a new resolution. With the era of war over, it was time to start fixing and rebuilding. The population had suffered greatly, as was necessary, but now the time to honor that sacrifice had finally arrived. The ease on the population was to come, allowing us all to rebuild. Our armed forces would return to pre-war numbers and standing for our own security. The war was over, but that didn't mean the danger was gone. Cloud was still active, among other things.

But compared to the brutality of war, that was like complaining about a simple bee sting after having a mountain fall on you.

Still, matters of country security and defense could wait. I remember thinking those very words as I approached the throne room door to go over the matters of the defense department with my brother. A simply formality, really. Just needed to cover the necessities and then get on to what was really necessary.

I often wondered… if I knew what was waiting for me behind those doors… would I still have opened them?

Doto opened the doors to the throne room, having just finished mentally refreshing what he would say for the fifth time. A rush of cool air greeted him as he entered the room. It was so nice to have even the simple commodities back. A reminder of all they had sacrificed, even these small comforts. And of course, the normal citizens had been demanded to sacrifice even more.

But that was all going to… change… Doto trailed off as he fully emerged into the room. Inside was his brother, sitting on his throne. On his lap was his daughter, whom was engaged in a game of 'patty cake'. What surprised him was who Koyuki was playing with.

Mikata.

Others might have felt jealousy here, or misunderstood the situation. And while brief thoughts crossed Doto's mind, he quickly shook them off. Koyuki was a cute little child, he told himself. Her future niece. It was only natural for Mikata to play with the toddler. Wasn't that what peace was about, if not to take time for things like this?

Still, informality and formality aside, this did seem a bit too at ease for what needed to be discussed.

He spoke the last part of the rhyme out loud, in perfect sync with the young princess to draw the attention of the two adults in there. Caught off guard, they fumbled a bit resulting in Koyuki bonking her head on her father's throne and crying on the spot.

A small chuckle came from the three people, and together they began singing the nursery rhyme again. By the end of it, Koyuki was happy again, happily clapping away.

"Now that she's taken care of," Sousetsu stated calmly as his daughter reached up and began grabbing his hair. "Brother, I believe we had business to discuss."

The younger sibling gave a nod, giving a short smile to Mikata. "Yes, that's right."

Mikata quickly turned back to the child's gaze and tickled little Koyuki's chin, avoiding Doto's own gaze. She then straightened up and politely told Sousetsu that she would excuse herself and return at another time. The third Kagirinai Kachuu swiftly moved past Doto to the throne room doors, not uttering so much as a word or sparing a glance to her fiancée. Actions that left Doto mystified as the woman moved through the doors and closed them behind him.

I could only assume her cold demeanor was the result of some sort of quarrel or issue she and my brother were having over Yukigakure. Times of peace would have the greatest effect on the shinobi village afterall. So, willing to give the benefit of the doubt, I blinded myself to all the obvious signs.

And the sad truth is… those signs had been there for a long time now… and I still refused to see them.

"Brother," Doto said at last, turning his attention back to his elder brother. His and Mikata's talk could come later; for now, it was time to focus on the here and now. He quickly mentally rehearsed what he wanted to say, to confess his suspicions, to show a new future for the two of them, for things to go back to the way they had been.

"I believe you wanted to talk about a new budget for the defense department," Sousetsu opened up gently. "Well, I'm happy to tell you that's all taken care."

"… really." Well, that would certainly make his true objective harder to get to. He wanted that discussion to lay the groundwork so he could ease into the truth of this.

"That's right," Sousetsu confirmed. "For you see… I'm abolishing the military."

And those words were now completely lodged in Doto's throat. He made a few hoarse croaks from his throat to speak… but nothing came out.

"Your duties are done!" His brother actually got up from his throne and walked down. "You don't need to worry about things anymore! The war is behind us, peace is ahead!" He threw his arms around Doto, embracing his brother, still in complete shock. "You don't need to worry about fighting, or risking your own life for the expense of the country!"

"Sousetsu…" Doto drew out, finally being able to compose himself a bit as Sousetsu withdrew his hug. "I… don't hate my job… and this is all so – "

"Perfect, I know," the elder man cut in. "Finally, you can go back to doing what you want! I bet you haven't picked up a pen in ages! Finish your story! It'll be a best seller! I'll even be your first buyer!"

Pen. Story. Doto hadn't even thought about those things for what felt like decades. "Sousetsu, I appreciate the gesture, but really, I can still find times for those hobbies. I have responsibilities…"

Sousetsu just gave a laugh, so reminiscent of their childhoods as he just put a hand on Doto's head and began messing with the hair. "And I'm telling you you don't need those responsibilities anymore! I'm bringing Snow in a new direction! Now we can finally bring spring to this country, just like we pledged to do all those years ago! The Major Villages are downsizing and reducing the number of shinobi they can produce, and the minors are helping each other recover from the devastation. People will be able to travel without fear and enjoy each other's natural wonders!"

Even his word choice betrayed what was going on. What he was bringing up for me to do… and what he was neglecting to mention in the first place. I should have put up more of a fight, argued my case as I had done so many times before. But my brother was finally acting like the brother I had known from childhood, the one that I had pledged myself to support…

and as a result, found myself completely enthralled to his words despite everything.

"I'll take care of everything," Sousetsu said, turning Doto around and brushing him back towards the doors. "You'll see, brother… everything will work out fine."

Several protests came to Doto's mind. He wanted Sousetsu to realize this was a big mistake, never mind the fact that the world was still a dangerous place that required constant vigilance. Cloud was still very much intact. Already there were rumors that they were making sorties and looking at new potential targets. The Water Country still had an evil gaze towards them for Ippin's mysterious death. Iwagakure would no doubt be extremely bitter to the fact that Snow ignored their call at the end of the war: better to have tried and failed rather than to abandon, would be the argument. He could feel those rousing flames of anger and resentment at all this building up. Just waiting for a breaking point. So much that Doto wanted to say, wish he could say, but all he could do was be enthralled to his brother's words.

Sousetsu held up a finger. "Trust me, brother, this will work. One year. That's all we'll need to settle everything: to repurpose the guard with suitable occupations, recommissioning our blacksmiths to help with rebuilding and dissolving Yukigakure. Never mind all the financial means that will need to be overseen with the funds redistributed fairly to the other areas that need it most. And not just rebuilding, but to ensure Snow doesn't forget it again. We won't have another Festival where vendors have nothing. Families will once again – "

Koyuki gave another tug on her father's arm. Almost like it was breaking the spell around Doto because he casually pointed to his niece and said, "She'll need a mother."

"That's right. Mikata has assured me she is up to… "

Sousetsu cut off abruptly. Doto felt as if he had been doused in cold water. And when you live in the Snow Country when it is cold year-round… that carried even more weight to it. Doto was sure he misunderstood, not wanting to believe his ears. He would have felt more calm with enemy shinobi sieging the palace than for Sousetsu to say what he just had, incomplete as it was.

All his brother did was soften his gaze. "Brother… my daughter needs a mother."

Nothing more. Just those simple words. Doto took a step back and turned towards the door, a walk so fast that it was nearly running. He flung open the doors. Leaning against the wall across from him was the leader of Snow herself, the third Kagirinai Kachuu awaiting him. Her entire demeanor was professional, lacking any sort of warmth of familiarity. Her gaze seemed to be directed towards Doto's feet rather than the man himself.

She didn't look at me. She didn't meet my desperate gaze, of me wanting her to deny it. Perhaps she did have a speech prepared, a justification for what was happening. If she did, no doubt it was lost upon my own discovery of it.

But the clues were there: the constant request to postpone their wedding. Always there was a reason not to do so. Her focus on Sousetsu, constantly finding reasons to get close to him and away from Doto. And perhaps the most damning fact of all:

That neither she, nor Sousetsu, had referred to him by name. The last time both of them had… was prior to my proposal.

Their deception had begun that far back. And I willingly blinded myself to it.

All she did do, the one I had pledged myself to, the woman who had in turn pledged herself back to me, was slowly walking across the hall to the throne room doors. A soft steady pace. She walked right past me, never saying a word, never looking at me.

She just walked right on by… and closed the doors.

Doto did not remember how he'd made it back to his own room. He would not be surprised if some of the palace staff had to carry him to his room. He had sat in the corner of the room, just staring into the abyss. The only light was a single candle on his desk. The only sound was the radio. In celebration for the ending of the war, it was replaying every episode of Stone Sentries. From the first episode to the ending.

The heartbroken man just sat there, lost to the entire world as well as himself. He just mentally replayed that scene over and over. Wondering when this had all happened, how it came about, how he could have been so blind to it. It was right when the radio marathon ended that a stray wind came from his window, abruptly extinguishing the candlelight's flame.

And so, the room became bathed in darkness, stricken by silence. A perfect symbolic outlook of how Doto's own inner mind was being plagued.

Which in many ways, made it ideal for Doto to finally snap back to himself. Concealed in the dark of both inner and outer parts of his person, Doto's face changed from a blank slate to one fitting a demon from the lower recesses of hell.

That was the last straw. I was done. I was done with them. I was done with ALL of them! I was done with this entire setup and the scum that maintained it. For once, my mind was not contemplating multiple angles or trying to rationalize what my brother, my former fiancée, or anyone would do. Not one such thought entered my mind. Was this short-sighted, unfitting of a ruler? Arguably yes, but in that instant, I did not care. Why? Because I was laying the foundation! I knew as soon as that darkness hit my room, what I was going to do! HOW did not matter, WHAT did matter! That was all that was important in that moment!

And I was determined to take control. If some prophecy said I was to be the Daimyo, so be it. If I was to become a tyrant, I could live with that. I would embrace the role. I had played the loyal lower brother, supported Sousetsu publically and from the shadows. What did the lovable ruler accomplish anyway? Threw funds into the wind, alienated his closest confederates, took what little had belonged to others and kept it for his own, and deluded himself with the idea that an era of peace was without dangers!

It was time… no… it was LONG past time that I took matters into my own hands.

No matter the cost.


And so Part 2 comes to an end. And a pretty BIG end, wouldn't you say? And we're still not even up to the coup portions of all this! Wait until you all see what I have in store for Part 3 here. I dare say it will blow your minds.

Do give your thanks to Paintball Gamer here! As my beta, this Flashback portion has required a LOT of work and effort on his part and it is very much appreciated, so drop a shout out for him as well!

Not much else to say on my end. Hope your summer is treating you all well! Stay cool if you can!

Ippin – beauty

Funsui – water fountain

Yuton – Snow Style

Ooyuki – Heavy Snow

Fungeki – Fury

Umidasu to invent

Haretsu – Rupture

I do not own Naruto. It belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. Also, any jutsu that Tellemicus created that are used in this story belongs to him. Big thanks to Paintball-Gamer for beta reading this!