Chapter Four; Snowflakes

*Just for clarification, Naruto is known as Red and is referred to as such when his mask is on and Ice when on camera. *

Land of Fire; Northern Port

Skimming across the flowing waves the six Uzu-shinobi arrive outside the port, with the four veterans in a box formation around the summons carrying the two rookies. "I don't see the boat." Karin asks over their short-range radios built into the masks "It's still in port…" Red responds as he stares at a certain ship, the crest of the snow samurai on the armour of one aboard "…I see a few samurai with the royal crest aboard it."
"I see leaf shinobi." Rya adds from the position at the rear of the formation, behind Red "That wasn't in the brief." Red states with a throaty growl "They were only to guard them to the boarder for a hand over with us." Jax confirms which causes Red to nod, glad to not being forced to work with a 'neutral' party. "We'll wait out here. Don't want to cause any issues with Jurisdiction and diplomacy." Red orders and the team continue to maintain its distance from the shoreline but close enough for them to keep an eye on the vessel.

An hour of wating with no change causes both Red and Karin to grow agitated which causes Red to lose his cool first "I'll go and find out what's going on."
"I'll come with." Karin growls as the two break off and head into the port "Guess we'll wait here."

The two Uzu-shinobi reach the port, moving from their traditional skiing to the more common water running as to not reveal to much about their capability. Jumping up the land before the vessel ramp, startling the guards for a moment "Apologies for our sudden arrival, Land of Snow samurai. We have been tasked with the protection of your charge." Red explains while producing the mission scroll which he hands to the guard that had approached him. They took the item, unrolling and inspecting, they nod "Where is our charge?" Red questioned "I believe they are still at the Inn. We shall lead you there." One guard says leading the two masked shinobi quietly moving after him.

At the inn the three arrive to find two teams of three Genin and move pass them without any noticing their presence. The Samurai arrives at a door and knocks "Come in." is heard and the man steps inside, with a quick bow of his head to the occupants "Sir's; Mad'am. The second escort has arrived."
"Second escort?" one of the leafs Jonin questions confused and the Producer steps forward "Well, when we were told that we would get two Genin teams, we thought it be prudent to ensure we had a back-up option." Gaining frowns from the two leaf Jonin "That wasn't part of the agreement." A new voice questioned causing both Leaf shinobi present to startle while looking around to see nor sense anything. A tense moment of silence as the two Jonin back-to-back still unable to detect the voice "Ah, you're the famous Red team?" the producer questioned drawing the two agitated shinobi's attention toward the man who was face to face with a masked ninja "The agreement we signed clearly said that the leaf nin were only to escort you here, where we would take over. The last thing we need is a diplomatic incident on our hands." The mysterious shinobi states with his arms crossed, clearly annoyed at the prospect of working with outsiders "Please calm down, shinobi-sama." The man says in a sorrowful sound "You hired these mercenaries?" one leaf shinobi questioned; a cigarette propped between his lips his eyes locked on the clocked individual who had suddenly appeared in the room. "Our contract with the Land of Snow Daimyo is to defend his daughter against all threats. It does not mention cooperation with any third parties."
"Now, now… we wrote that contract before the Hokage present us with two teams in place of one. This created an issue with us so…"
"This was not what we agreed to." Red sighs softly as to not be overheard "Just take it." Karins voice over the radio "We'll handle the mission regardless. Our objectives won't change." He nods to her words and then looks to the Producer and nods "We will continue the mission. My squad is waiting outside the harbour for your ship to cast off." He then looks to the bed where the dark haired, make-up wearing princess is waiting "We await your instructions, mi'lady." The woman in question eyes the cloaked man curiously, an eyebrow raised "We…?" without a sound another masked shinobi appeared on the far wall "We, ma'am." it said surprising the Leaf shinobi again but this time able to see the swirl design on the mask "You're from the leaf?" the smoker questioned eying the symbol earning a low growl from both masked shinobi, that promptly ignored them "What are your instructions?" Red asks as the second one steps beside him "Fine. I'll go with you all." Raising a hand to the mysterious man who promptly takes it and softly lifts her to her feet "Great!" the producer roars "Red, was it?" the woman questioned "I've heard of your exploits."
"I do not know what you mean?" Red responds as he and Karin flank the disguised princess, who looks to him, noting his eye has drifted from her to the leaf shinobi and puts two and two together "I see." She smirks "Then let us go already. The sooner we leave the sooner we can get out of that wretched place." The two Uzu-shinobi overhear the two Jonin "Hey, Kakashi, these the same two?"
"No idea, Asuma. They all wear those cloaks, but the masks are new. They don't have the hidden mist symbol anymore."
"They aren't from the leaf though. The only ones who are allowed to…"
"They were wiped out at the end of the second war though. The only other…"
"…died nine years ago. He would have been on my team if he had lived." Kakashi sighs mournfully.

In the lobby of the Inn the six Genin are all conversing, well five are with the last one off on his own with an annoyed look upon his face. This is what the princess walks down into with the two Uzu-shinobi flanking her "How should we address you, Lady Kazahana?" Karin whispers just enough to be heard "I am Fujikaze Yukie." She says announcing herself to the group of young shinobi ahead of her and to the two, truly only, shinobi at her sides. She promptly walks on past the gathered group without further word, the leaf Genin all stare at the two mysterious guards at her back and start discussing among themselves who they were.

Reaching the ship, they rush aboard with the leaf Genin bring up the rear, Red stands at the ship prowl and does several hand signals and receives a response via his radio in the forms of taps. He nods in agreement and turns back to see the leaf Jonin staring at him "Can I help you leaf shinobi?" the two continue to look at him with ever critical eye "I think we should create a stand…" the grey-haired man stops when the masked man before him raises his hand "My men and I do not fall under your command. Our mission may coincide but remember, we are not your shinobi. If you, or any of your Genin become a threat…" the two Jonin glare intently, releasing killing intent at the one before them "You touch any of our students…" they both freeze as Kenai touch their throats by two more shinobi, same outfit as the one ahead "Then, be sure to tell your students to behave themselves then." Red states as for the first time all the Uzu-nin arrive on the deck, the leaf shinobi could tell they weren't clones as there were differences between them, but they were minor things.

"So, Red, this is your squad?" the princess questioned to which the leader simply nods, standing in her cabin before them she gives them all a once over "Can I see your faces?" and the whole squad stiffens with the others all turning to Red who remained silent. A hand sign and the others all vanish before he goes through hand signs before slamming his hand against the wall and sealing script expands to cover every surface within the room. A sizzle is heard from the nightstand drawing the duo's eye but only the civilian dared ask "What…?"
"A wiretap. Someone was listening." Red shrugs "Now they're not."
"I see; but…" but before she could finish Red reaches for his mask which causes her breath to hitch "I'll be in big trouble if the elders hear of this…" he says as the mask leaves his face, his pale complexion paired with glimmering purple eyes, and the locks of scarlet red hair that erupt as he pulls down his hood cause a minor breath hitch "…so, it would be best to keep this to yourself, neh?" with a soft serene smile which caused a very notable blush upon the actress's face, this man before her was a work of art with the perfect-toned physique, and towered slightly above her just oozed protection to which she felt all warm and fuzzy "Princess?" he questioned with a slight tilt of his head but as heart throbbing as that was his words caused her to come crashing down to her situation at hand "Right… princess… me… going home…" a hand grasps her shoulder tenderly snapping her back from the minor panic attack from setting in "Koyuki." Speaking so softly his voice felt like a cloud touching upon a meadow "I know you are not only scared but in truth you are frightened right?" she nods while looking up at him as if a lost child "I won't lie to you, Koyuki, but your uncles men probably already know you are coming. He knows you are coming." She gulps hard at that "However you are not alone this time. You aren't a little girl who can only run away in fear."
"B…but…" his shaking head cut her off "There are people waiting for you to bring the spring right?" her eyes widen at that "…how did…"
"Your fathers work was something that peaked our elder's interest. To heat an entire country. A radical idea." He smiles "Those are the best kind and us Uzumaki are nothing but an eccentric bunch…" he pauses a moment in deep thought "…at least, that's what our friends say. I don't really get it though." She giggles softly at that admittance "You are that spring, Koyuki Kazahana. Just focus on getting home." His big foxy smile makes itself known upon his face "We'll take care of the little things." Her look turned from apprehensive to determined but again he saw it falter slightly "You could just act like you're fine. We'll be acting far more exaggerated to help you along but rest assured, we won't allow a single hair upon that beautiful face of yours." Trailing off into a whisper as he slowly ran a finger down her cheek and jaw line, said cheeks glow red at this point "I can trust you right…?"
"My real name isn't something I should tell you, far too dangerous and far too many…"
"We aren't on camara yet." She said in a dead pan "Naruto Uzumaki, ma'am, Heir of clan Uzumaki and soon-to-be daimyo of the restored whirlpool nation." Her eyes widen in stunned surprise "Captain of Red assault platoon, Second in command of Whirlpool's military forces and Bodyguard to one Koyuki Kazahana." His gaze falling on her "Are my credentials enough?"
"You're a daimyo? And a ninja?"
"Yeesss." His stretched-out response and a twinkle appears in her own eyes "Then that means…"

Land of Snow; Northern Waters

After the meeting between the Uzu-shinobi and the princess, the mission continued with the leaf shinobi on guard atop the vessel in plain sight. They often tried to discreetly observe the Uzu-shinobi much to the said shinobi annoyance as they couldn't use any techniques which meant their normal escorting techniques were out of question. They remained hidden most of the time, with occasional sightings by the Jonin but they were never spotted directly and the Genin had no idea they were being watched.

The producer began to yell and shout as an iceberg came into proximity; Red didn't pay attention to the contents until the Princess stepped out onto the deck. Immediately Red and Jax faded into view at the back of the group for a moment, vanishing with only the two Jonin noticing the movement. The ship pulls up beside the ice mass, ramp dropping down when the producer pulls out a storyboard with a small skirmish between the princess's forces and that of her uncle. Karin looks to Red who looks back at her, shaking his head but she continues to stare. Red knows beneath her mask she is glaring at him, and he sighs before vanishing beyond the small hill and creates a small army of Shadow clones, transformed into a group of random shinobi. The leaf team had no idea of this however and when they saw the approaching hostiles, leapt into action only for the Uzu-team to blur past them "We must move forward, my loyal shinobi." The princess bellows rather dramatically as they rush pass behind her deliberately in line with the camera, as blurs. Said camera follows the six as they very playfully despatch the group before they withdraw. As the clones reach over the cliff, they dispel, the camera returned to the princess and her ninja who kneel before her "We have despatched your foes, mi'lady."
"You are my strength. I employ you to never kneel before my Captain Ice."
"Yes, Ma'am." The man stands which causes the leaf shinobi to raise an eyebrow upon noticing the new masks the Uzu shinobi were now wearing "You have served me well; many foes will lay ahead of us. Our allies may turn on us. Will you still stand by my side?"
"Forever and always, mi'lady." The now named Captain Ice responded formally "…and cut!" the producer yells and everyone broke from their positions and the Uzu-shinobi moved into an escort pattern around the princess as she strolled back aboard the boat "We didn't know that you would be starring in the movie." The smoking Jonin asks as the Uzu group approached "I asked them too." Fujikaze Yukie exclaimed in their stead "Is that a problem?"
"Not at all, Fujikaze-san." The man responds with all due politeness. "They don't look so tough." A duck butt brunette snaps from the side yet none of the masked shinobi showed any outward notice of the boys words "Yeah, though its wired I can't smell them at all." A feral boy adds "They are skilled." A pale skin boy almost whispered as his gaze scans over the group "Another drone?" one of the Uzu members turned to look at the odd looking leaf shinobi "Should we end him here?"
"No." the leader of the Uzu says as they all turn to look at the leaf Genin, their killing intent not lost on any of the Konoha shinobi "You know the rules; outside the mission however…" the threat was clear as a snowflake to which the Jonin instantly tensed but they also seemed uncomfortable on how causally they spoke about their own suspicions of the target of their ire "Come!" Fujikaze ordered and the Uzu shinobi snapped back to their duties in escorting her back to her room "I grow cold out here."

In the dark depths of the boat sat the Uzu shinobi Jax with Fenra at his side "Find anything?"
"There armour is chakra based. Negates majority of chakra-based techniques including my eyes." Fenra explained as the two turn to look at the trio of tied up and subdued nin "Pretty dangerous stuff then." Jax grumbles and Fenra nods "See what you can find and put a report together for the captain."
"Yes sir." Fenra says with mirth in her voice that was not lost on the more experienced man who silently smirked behind his own mask.

Land of Snow; Port Cal

The port came into view and the next scene was being played out, disguised clones played the part of the bad guys as the Uzu shinobi are led into battle by Fujikaze in an epic clash. Though faked, there was plenty of flashy looking Jutsu that the Konoha shinobi watched with critical gazes as many were lowly ranked. Nothing too powerful to gauge the strength of the mercenaries but great for the cameras. The Jonin sigh but the Genin all snort "Pathetic." One Uchiha chuckles at the flashy display "Can't be much of a threat, if this is the best, they can do…" a feral looking boy proclaims "SO COOL! SASUKE-KUN!" a pink haired woman squeals much to the ire of the entire country. Out of nowhere a Kunai was placed at the pink haired Genins neck, a masked shinobi at her back "Be quiet or die…" the cold voice chilled to the bone.

The mission continued with several stops for the storyboard but as they went but that would change when a train pulled into a town. The Uzu team all stiffened as the locomotive unseals the carriages, a large group of shinobi backed up by samurai, charging forward like a flood. Red turns to the princess "Princess, trouble approaches." Upon hearing this a gleam in the eye of the producer could not be stopped. The leaf Jonin expand their senses and to notice the sheer number of signatures approaching them and that causes them to tense "PERFECT!" the producer roars as his crew began busying around and before anyone knew the stage was set.

The town was silent, camera's set-in place, the small group face off against the seemingly endless horde with Fujikaze front and centre with the Uzu-shinobi standing either side. A wide shot of six shinobi panned over towards the actress at the front "Captain Ice; please remove these stains on our honour."
"Yes, ma'am!" they all chorus overly dramatically "Move out!" she orders, and a brutal battle took place. The leaf shinobi watched in horror as their Uzu counterparts tore apart the army, they used simple weapons but more often using the enemies' weapons against them. Slashing and hacking, stabbing through ribs and plenty of blood flew as the hidden leaf Genin were left green in the face at the sheer viciousness of the other team. They clearly had no mercy, no hesitation in their fluid movements and yet their teamwork was flawless with combination attacks and defending of one another's backs. It was a sight to behold. The leaf Jonin however were impressed as they had only used C-rank jutsu's at most with seamless teamwork to give these low powered jutsu's the power needed to overwhelm their aggressors. The winds changed however, and the two older shinobi sensed it as several blue fireballs dart up toward the sky only to see some kind of flying machine shimmer into view. A second barrage of fireballs impacted what appeared to be a blue barrier flickers into view before impacting the contraptions hull. The leaf Jonin's eyes are caught by a flicker, and they spot one of the Uzu shinobi looking at them and signs in hidden leaf ANBU code "Protect the target, second unknown above." After a second of shock that their own code was being used by a non-leaf shinobi, but it subsided upon recognising the situation, eyes and heads snapped up and a red eye was spinning noticing the second craft swooping in toward the target of their protection.

Fujikaze watched in a mix of horror and awe as, on her command, but as she looked closer there was not as many dead as it appeared. Many were still breathing, at least those around her, but even still the sheer ease of which her escorts were dispatching the threats to her life. For that moment she was distracted a figure drops down behind and grabs her in one swoop, and a gag appearing in her mouth much to the dismay of the arriving Leaf Jonin "Damn it!" the formally smoking ninja growls. A massive boom draws their attention, blue flames bellowing out from the first flying vessel and falling from the sky. Chirping birds' sounds were barely audible over the crashing of the ship on the towns edge and the grey-haired shinobi leaps up from building to building, gathering speed and strength before leaping up and darting toward the dangling ladder "Lightning blade!" thrusting the lightning covered hand forward but was deflected by the same barrier as the earlier "Shit." The craft begins to ascend further toward the clouds only for a foot to land on his chest, before being pushed down "That little…" the shinobi of the leaf was forced back down, a stepping stone for the true star of the show as a masked shinobi throws a set of three kunai; the first cuts the gag, second cuts the rope and the last the assailants shoulder causing him to let go of the princess who falls into the waiting arms of her protector "Sorry it took so long, princess." As the weightlessness ends and the tumble down, gracefully before a burst of wind slows their decent and allows them a soft landing.

Land of Snow; Lasner Inn

All the shinobi had gathered in a room to listen to the next part of the grand plan, much to the Uzu shinobi's dismay, the leaf shinobi are now being brought into the fold "So, let me get this straight…?" the silver haired Jonin speaks as he stares at the princess, producer, and the Uzu shinobi "…there has been a plan in place this entire time and we have been left out of it."
"Yes." Red states plainly "Why?"
"Simple." Another masked shinobi states "We don't trust you or your village."
"…and the fact that we took this mission means…"
"Nothing." Red states with his arms crossed "The hidden leaf is the strongest of…"
"If you actually believe that then the leaf is more delusional than we thought, captain." Another of the masks says looking to Red "So it would seem."
"You want us to help, fine; but insulting us isn't helping your case." the smoking Jonin grunts with a narrow glare "Even more so when you seem to know our coded hand signs."
"Irrelevant." Red declares pulling out a map of the land, for a moment before small lights appear upon it which confused the group "This is the location of the Yuki shinobi forces remaining on the island." Shocking the group before the man who placed it there "We are here." pointing to the port town. The Jonin were quick on the uptake and were wide-eyed for a moment before schooling their features "The target is here." pointing at the castle with a golden blip "We believe the main source of our trouble is the new Daimyo. We must confront him directly."
"AN EPIC BATTLE SCENE!" the producer roars which causes all the ninja to glance to him "Essentially." Red states while looking at his fellows "Are you sure that's wise?" the masked leaf shinobi questions with still narrow eyes and, by looking at his students, an uncharacteristically serious tone "After all, we will have to bring all our pieces together on the field." the short bearded Jonin responds with his unlit cigarette in hand, lighting it with small flame jutsu. "Which is where your kids come into the picture." Red pointing at the Genin at the side "We will clear the front line, you two cover the flanks, and the kids move up the centre."
"We're ninja…" the duckbutt Uchiha growls "…not kids."
"The objective is simple, draw out the opposition with the sight of our protection target…" glancing to Fujikaze who nods with a resolve not seen by the leaf shinobi since the start of the mission "…once he summons his forces to attack, he will no doubt take the field himself believing your kids are the only protection she has."
"Are you sure that will work? Putting our shinobi in the line of fire. They're still green…"
"Deception is the centre of the shinobi world. As long as they follow the plan, they won't be in any danger." Red continues firmly while folding his arms "When they close in on them, fire a fireball into the air and we will immediately close in and engage the usurper directly. Our predictions on his actions suggest that he will be wearing their latest armour which will negate most direct chakra attacks, including genjutsu." The masked man looks toward the six youngsters "Kids; do your best to draw him in but avoid direct engagements. If the Uchiha deviates from the plan, feel free to utilise any method of gaining attention, be it flare tags or…" he pulls out a bunch of slips of paper "…these." Handing them to the Nara clan heir "These are?" only for red to point at the map "Once you channel chakra into them, your pin will flash on here and the closest one of us will move to assist immediately. It won't be instant be we will come as soon as, and as fast as possible." The Nara nods understanding the situation "That being said…" Red looking to the Uchiha "…I expect you to follow the plan and keep your comrades safe. You are one of the strongest among them, yes?"
"Why would I…?"
"It is the duty of the strong to protect those less fortunate, no?"
"Hn." The Uchiha grunts clearly annoyed at his task but that quickly fell off into fear as the killing intent could clearly be seen rolling off the Uzu-shinobi that, despite their masks, were glaring at the boy "Fraud." One of the other Uzu members that wasn't red spoke up, the first time that the leaf nins had heard "What?!" The suddenly angered Raven-haired shinobi growls "You are a fraud, claiming to be one of the noble Uchiha when you do not even follow its creed." The masked one growls out, their killing intent spiking drastically causing the two Jonin to step between the two while Red simply glances at his subordinate who takes a step back into the shadow "Now then…" Red regaining the rooms attention "…this should be the final mission of our joint campaign. Director: you will be escorted to ensure your safety, so I suggest the overhang to the south. We will take up centre stage with the princess in centre." The man nods firmly "Let us put on a show for the masses."

Land of Snow; Kazahana Castle

In the plain that surrounded the main stronghold stepped the princess with Red at her side with the group surrounding her "Are you sure I will be safe here?" Fujikaze questioned clearly showing her nerves now out of sight of the camaras "As long as we are here, no harm shall before you." Red responds but seeing that her nerves were clearly frayed he stepped out of his role as mercenary for a moment and takes up her hand beneath his cloak. His free hand briefly moved his face mask so their eyes could meet and her pale blue meeting vibrant violet causing her breath to hitch "You will be fine. We'll be by your side after all…"
"Ah… wil… will you stay with me?"
"For a while but…" their voices barely below a whisper so that only the two could hear "…I am a leader myself. I can't stay forever. I can visit, often, but I can't stay. My people need me too." She somewhat deflates at that "Though, I could offer the daimyo an alliance contract between our two peoples… perhaps…" it took but a moment to realise what that could entail and the next second even her worry and concern for her safety was replaced with a spark of something, something she was unfamiliar with but knew almost instinctively that she had to protect "Perhaps…" she responds with a firm smirk. He nods before replacing his mask, this whole interaction gone unnoticed by all but a certain redhead who smirked behind her own mask. "Captain, the director said we're game." came over the radio causing the Uzu shinobi to all look to the leaf shinobi "It's time."
"How…"
"We're leaving our charge in your hands, leaf shinobi. Do not fail us." Red states with a pulse of killing intent to ensure his point was being understood. They nodded, somewhat fearfully with one of the masked Ninja staring at the lone Uchiha for a moment as the group move quickly toward the tower in plain sight.

As expected, the snow ninja rushes off and as the group arrive near the halfway line, they find themselves coming forward and in-line with several squadrons of snow samurai rushing forward "Split up! Formation Seven-Bee." Fujikaze instructs just as Red told her to do, which was something that startled the Uzu-shinobi who glanced at their leader who nodded and they all split as the princess continues rushing forward with the Leaf shinobi moving up to her side "I need you two to move to the flanks and cover our rear…" looking to the two elder Leaf shinobi who nod and rush off "The rest of you, Manji formation! We're charging forward, let nothing stop us!"
"Hai!" they all chorus just before serval massive explosions of fire, water, wind, and even Ice all over the clearing. A massive blast of lightning on the right flank signals one of their sensei was going somewhat wild, a boom calls their attention to the other side as smoke and flames tower higher and higher into the blue skies. "Man, this is crazy!" the chubby shinobi states as the whole group all nodded as they keep pace with their charge.

Among a pile of armour and bodies Red steps past them, purposely avoiding making any noise as he observes the shinobi that lined the clearing, attempting to hide and ambush him. Although his assault was ruthless and brutal, not one death had occurred by his hand "I suggest you stay hidden so that you can go on in the new age that approaches." Speaking loudly but softly as the chakra he was sensing, the two dozen signatures that were edging closer to him all suddenly halted, with all but two growing more serene as they are clearly standing down but the last two looked, on edge. Red glances at the two "If you want to fight, then step forward…" and two figures appear up from the snow with weapons out and chakra armour, a plate like armour that uses its name's sake to negate all attacks upon its user as an ultimate defensive equipment. Sensing its activation, Red pulls out a bright scarlet katana which caused the two Yuki shinobi to take a step back as he takes up his stance, his sword raised up by his eye level while pointing it at the enemy with both hands on the handle "It's been a while since I got to cut through my enemies." A soft but utterly dry chuckle slipped past his lips "Should be fun."

Among ash and burnt metal laid at the feet of another of the Uzu shinobi who glances around the melted snow. She glances left than right before vanishing just as a bunch of spinning shuriken land where she was originally. Out of the branches come a pair of blank masked ANBU with a simple kanji for root on the front. Activating her team Radio "Third party; within the darkness."
"Avalanche, go assist. Fire blossom, evade and withdraw. Do not engage."
"Understood, captain." Fenra responds glancing at each masked opponent that slowly move to cut off her escape. Smirking, she allows a pair of smoke bombs to slip from her hand that detonate immediately on contact with the ground. A black blur rushes out and the two aggressors give chase without a word. After the smoke cleared and the grounds were empty again a single shinobi steps out from behind a nearby tree with a very amused smirk dancing across her lips "So predictable." Before she too vanishes back to her mission.

A flare burns brightly in the sky as Red looks up from his battle and smirks before placing his hand in a cross-hand sign and whispers "multi-shadow-clone." and a good fifty replicas of himself fade into view around him and promptly charge toward the enemies as he vanishes back to the target. As he arrives, he finds the leaf Genin directly engaging the enemy, despite his instructions not too "Tsk. Foolish kids." Before darting in just in time as he, Karin, and Rya appear with their blades blocking their finishing blows from connecting. The Snow shinobi quickly back off but are cut off as the Uzu shinobi press their attack, disarming their specialist armour and disabling them all in short order. The leaf Genin were in awe in their coordination and ferocity, synchronised movements that flowed like water between offensive and defensive action without even muttering a word. That awe turned to fear as Red approached them, his crimson sword gleaming from dripping blood, in his hand at his side "Where's the princess?" causing them all to widen their eyes glancing back at where their charge was supposed to be "She was…"
"Your mission was to protect her, not engage in meaningless combat." Red states before sighing hard then turning to his right who signs "Two kilometres south-east. Distressed." Red turns back to the six Genin "We've located her, I don't know what you are capable of but those best at support roles follow my co-worker there…" pointing to Karin "Those with ranged attacks follow that one…" pointing at Rya "Frontliners with me." And the Genin nod before chasing after the Uzu shinobi, two per which worked out well as they closed in on the decisive battle.

Red slows to fall back to be in line with the two frontliners "Uchiha, do you have any lightning attacks?"
"I am a Uchiha, I have a fire…"
"Your line has produced several prominent lightning users. A shame." Red says shifting to the other frontliner beside him, a chubby set teen "Akimichi, correct?" the boy nodded as the two pretended not to hear the indignant growls from being ignored from the other side "How fast can you transform into the human boulder?"
"About three seconds, with another five to get up to speed. Why?"
"What if I were to throw you? Can you spin whilst airborne?" Red asks and the chubby teen thought about it for a moment before shrugging "Dunno, never tried."
"Guess it's a first for everything." Red declares looking at his two supporters "Time to go!" looking back at the Uchiha just as a group of Samurai attempt to cut them off "Give me your largest fireball." The Uchiha smirks while running through the hand motions for his attack, blowing out what the Uzu forces saw as a fireball on the smaller side of things "Is that it?" the Uzu shinobi question in whilst he went through his own for an empowering wind that causes the small ball of flames to expand outward before exploding and knocking the group of samurai off their feet "Hold them back!" but before anyone realised another shinobi lands in the centre and a blast of lightning shocked them all into blissful unconsciousness. The group continued moving forward without breaking stride though the Genin did stumble "Target location?" one signed to another "Moving east, fast." They all nod before one glances back "Go find your commanders; we're going to moving faster than you can track so… good luck." before the duo jump away, surprising them that indeed they couldn't even follow their movement.

Land of Snow; Forests Edge

Moving through across the ice at speed, the group were intercepted by a squadron of nuk-nin which forced them to take a far more aggressive than their previous actions. Swords drawn, hands going through signs "Fire style; Majestic flame destroyer."
"Wind Style; Grand Break Through." a massive blast scorched the entire area, the snow and ice completely vanished into mist and steam. The team pushed through only for four to break off and clash with the survivors, allowing their leader to keep on the trail. "LET GO OF ME UNCLE!" a desperate cry which causes Red to stiffen slightly, a cold fury overtakes his very being as he spots the older man calmly strolling toward the treeline with a pair of samurai dragging along the protesting Koyuki behind him but as Naruo dropped in, they noticed as her fear and struggle had suddenly fallen off. When Kazahana Dotō, Kazahana Koyuki who was disguised Fujikaze Yukie, looked back he saw his men cut down in a single well-placed slice but even though surprised he was able to parry the follow up strike from the Uzu-shinobi, sword to sword "You… who are you?"

"Answer me!" the man growls but slides back slightly before he pushes hard forcing the shinobi before him to leap back, standing protectively in front of his charge "Are you injured?" Red whispers "N-no… I am unhurt…"
"Good. Stand behind me, princess." Red continues to whisper as his opponent charges at him but after a quick flash of one-handed seals, Red unleashes a torrent of high-pressure water which only pushes Dotō back as his armour continues to absorb the chakra from the attack causing the man to cackle "You cannot beat me in this prototype armour. All chakra-based attacks are pointless aga…" without warning Red appeared in front of him slashes down upon him yet the plated equipment simply repels him time and time again forcing him back once more. "Do you see now, shinobi? You cannot win. I shall unlock the treasure hidden by my useless broth…" a slash of wind smacks against it and in that brief moment Red notices a flicker of inspiration. "Guess we have no choice, huh?"
"What are you…?" Dotō questioned before a ball of pure chakra spiralling in an orb in the shinobi's hand, it begins to glow brightly before darkening with a deep blue with a trailing jets of water "What the…?!" but the man couldn't finish as the sword slashed across his chest, deflecting the defensive action of his opponent before the spiralling typhoon ball of destruction is thrusted forward into the wide open target "Uzu style; Resengan Typhoon." A loud crack is heard as the ball of spiralling wind and water chakra continue to clash against the chakra armour that continues to push back. Sparks and lightning spray out as the two continue to clash "You can't win! You can't…" boom.

A massive explosion causes the battleground to fall silent as the cloud of chakra rises from the ground on the far side all sides stand down with the Uzu and Leaf groups converge on it. When the two groups arrive, they find a crater where Princess Fujikaze can be seen helping Red, step up from the five-metre diameter whole where their foe lies with his armour shattered and still sparking with lightning. "Captain." One Uzu shinobi stretching out their hand which was promptly taken and pulled the pair up. "It's over." Red states as he looks to his charge currently under his arm who smiles up at him and nods "You look like shit…" a whisper in his ear as he looks down and notices his cloak had been burned and singed revealing part of his red clothed, brown leathered armoured arm guards "What can I say, it's been one of those days."
"I remembered what my father told me back then." Causing everyone to look to the princess "The treasure my father wanted me to protect." She smiled whilst looking at the man beside her "Can you lend me your strength…" voice trailing to that of a whisper "…for a little longer?"
"As you wish." Red states and she smiles a true smile "Thank you, Captain." She than led them to a facility not too far ahead, buried into the mountain side "This is it. Captain if you would be so kind." Fujikaze asks and he nods unsealing her precious crystal neckless he took from her back on the ship and hands it to her but as she steps forward, she pauses before glancing back at the gathered group "Only you, captain." He nods before turning back at his team "Secure and lock down. Nothing gets in or out." He signs and they vanish immediately as he turns to the two Jonin of the hidden leaf and signs "My team; parameter two kilometres. You; Patrol and look out." In their own sign which causes them both to growl but stiffly nods "Fine. We'll make camp here." The smoking Jonin states clearly not too pleased taking orders from a mercenary. "Thank you for your understanding." Fujikaze speaks with a slight bow "You are the rightful Daimyo of this land; acting your station shouldn't be too hard for you." Red chuckles which cause the group of leaf shinobi, well most, to go wide eyed "Stop that already. Just follow me."

Land of Snow; Research Facility

Kazahana steps into the wide-open cave like area with Red at her side heading for the central podium, pipes, and mechanical equipment all around. Her eyes remained locked on the central pillar where a single light shines down upon it her father's words coming to her "Do you remember what I said back on the ship? How I wished I had died that day. The day my heart died."
"I do." Red replies solemnly just barely above a whisper "I truly believed that my tears had dried up because of that incident." She turns to her saviour "Yet when you spoke with that conviction, you even told me your story. The pain you hold within you…"
"Princess, you…" she raises her hand to halt his protest "Thank you, Ice. You gave me hope, even when I gave up you continued to push and showed me that things could get better if I believed."
"I only…" but the princess pulls him to the console wrapping herself in his arms as the two place the crystal key into the slot, a perfect fit. They soon turned it, and the machine came to life, and it didn't take long before the machine woke and the whole island was awash with the warmth of spring "The generator works…?" Red questioned as the pair watch the machine as over the radio "Sir, the cold has been… removed?"
"It's like a spring has come. The ice… the ice… GET OFF THE ICE!"
"…Ice…?" Fujikaze calls out to him causing him to glance down, "…may I ask you…?" an almost whisper slipping from her lips "Princess… you've done it. Your dream of bringing the spring home seems to have borne fruit."
"Take your mask off, please…" another whisper "…you…"
"I know…" she drops from her tiptoes but as the camara pans down from their intimate position his hand can be seen shortly after with his hand holding his mask as the princess is held tighter upon on her tiptoe.
"…and cut!"

Land of Spring; Kazahana Castle

"I must thank you, Leaf shinobi." Kazahana Koyuki states from the throne within the castle, her robes now reflecting her new station of Daimyo of the renamed Land of Spring. "Princess…" the short bearded Jonin, "…I, Jonin Saratobe Asuma, wish to confer our desire to create an alliance with…" he pauses when she raises her hand "I would love to say yes and all, however we are still busy trying to take stock on our current situation. We are in no position as of right now to sign an alliance with the leaf." Koyuki states professionally but the leaf team all notice that in place of the Yuki shinobi that should be guarding her, there was the Uzu shinobi. The news just confirmed what they feared, these Uzu-shinobi must be in more permeant talks with the princess who seems to hold them in higher regard than themselves "I see. Do you have an estimate?"
"I am not sure." She gave a meek smile with a shrug that causes the officials in the room to face fault with the leaf shinobi chuckling at the sight "Like I said, we have a lot to do, the more we do, the more realise how much more we have left." She says with a hard breath, "I was not prepared for this. I am an actress…"
"Princess!" her aides all yell. She then turns to the leaf shinobi "So, until we understand where we are exactly, I can't say anything."
"I see. Very well." Saratobe sighs, "In that case, we will take our leave for now. Please be safe." but before he and his colleague could turn to leave a figure is thrown before them, bound, gagged, and subdued "Captain. I found the drone snooping around the heat generator, placing basic level explosive tags around." Another Uzu shinobi stepping from the flung open door announces as the leaf ninja froze, one of their Genin had just been found actively trying to sabotage another national secret facility. "Figured he would try." Red growls out as the group close in on the bound pale, almost translucent, skinned shinobi who was beaten badly already. "Guess we get to hold up our standing orders." Drawing his blade "Wait!" Saratobe shouts stepping between the Gennin and the approaching masked ninja, his fellow Jonin following suit "Surely we can…"
"He trespassed in a secured facility, stole, and copied classified information whilst also attempting to destroy said facility." One Uzu-shinobi announces "Whilst also trying to become allies. So, while shaking hands above the table, you try to stab below the belt." Red says whilst pulling his sword out "Wait, I'm sure this is just a…"
"Red; Freeze." Koyuki calls out and all four Uzu shinobi freeze in place, allowing her to stand up and head over. Even though everyone was very much alive, the whole room was still as if frozen in a snapshot of time "Is he restrained?" she asks stepping beside the Uzu forces who nod "Then; place him in the dungeon. I will send word to the Fire Daimyo."
"Ma'am!" the Yuki Samurai grabbing the pale Root Operative, taking him to their holding cells "Now then…" Koyuki turning on the Leaf shinobi "…I suggest you leave before you cause another international incident."

The next morning Naruto awakens upon his monarch-sized bed with a slight groan as he stretches that alerts the beds other occupant to his awakening "Can't we sleep a little longer…?"
"No, Karin. We gotta get up. You gotta get moving for your next assignment, remember."
"Right. Why though…? We are meant…"
"I'm sure there's a good reason." Naruto cutting off her rant, his fingers running circles down her bare back. She sighs heavily "You know…" speaking softly Karin continues "…we haven't really spent much time together recently." Now looking up at him from her perch atop his chest, bed head hair spread to her right "I know…" his simply response, equally as soft as he continues to run his hand up and down her back "…but you know as much as I do…" she cuts him off with a deep kiss, "Let's not talk about work for now. Team Four will be here later this evening so we have some…" she was cut off as he picks her up, she squeals the entire time as they laugh and enjoy one another for several more hours.

"So kid, have fun last night?" Jax chuckles stepping beside his unmasked leader, the pair standing upon a balcony high in the castle on the side that looks out over the slowly thawing plane between the fort and the town on the lakes edge "I wasn't the only one it seems." Causing the ice user to freeze a moment "haha… Well, it's been sometime since we all got any sense of privacy. Guess it was to be expected."
"Yeah, though…" Naruto sighs as he continues to stare out across the ice "…the others are heading back; I don't like not having her within my reach."
"You're a sixteen-year-old kid. The pressure on you would put even grown men on their asses."
"Right. Well, old man…" Naruto with a playful smirk, that was evident in his voice "…we should finish up the negotiations here and get moving ourselves." Stepping away from his frowning colleague "Those Yukigakure shinobi, they want us to help with training."
"Are they serious?" Jax growls as he steps beside his captain, the pair heading toward the royal court with their masks back in place "Yeah…" Red nodding "…that being said, we can't be letting our teachings out without contacting the elders."
"Have you sent word?"
"Yeah. That's why we have sent a Kestrel ahead."
"Then, we must wait for a response?"
"…and then send back their response. Grr… If the elders just let me do my actual job…"
"Yeah, being called Heir apparent in name only…"
"…and responsibility with no actual power." Red sighs hard with head hung low "This is troublesome." At the gates of the hidden leaf village a certain dark haired Nara clan heir sneezed. "Thank you for coming…" Koyuki adds shaking Red's hand whilst leading him to the table, "…I was unsure of which ones had left late afternoon."
"I'm sure. Shall we get to business?" Red asks as he holds out his hand and Jax hands him the scroll "Let's. I sure hope its good news." Koyuki who was looking a little worse for ware, having non-stop meetings and paperwork "Depends…" Red states as he unrolls the scroll, two clicks and puffs reveal several documents.

Several hours later and much deliberation the two were about to leave it for the day when a Yukigakure shinobi arrives with a scroll "Lady Kazahana, Lord Red; A message from… umm… well…"
"Whirling tides." Red supplies noticing the emblem upon the scrolls end, causing the man to blush out of embarrassment while handing it over to his new daimyo "Thank you. You are dismissed." She says and the man bows before rushing off while she reads in silence. Red continues to pick up and clear documents away but notices the growing smile upon the woman's face which does not feel him with confidence. As he returns to her table, having filed away some scrolls and the like, she wordlessly hands him the document she was reading "Lady Kazahana; we are grateful for the chance of furthering our alliance together and do agree that a well-trained force to which we can call upon for aid will serve both parties well going forward. As such we shall, for a time, allow Team Red to stay and train your shinobi forces to our minimum requirements. Further instructions shall be relayed later. As for your personal request, it is under advisement and will be taken under consideration. We shall be in touch. Signed Rhena. P.S. feel free to present this to our Captain currently in command of the contract."
"I see." Red speaking softly "I will see to their training from now on."
"I thank you…" speaking equally softly, Koyuki stands from her seat while signalling the samurai to leave "…but can I ask something, a favour?" he looks to her "Can I see, your face again…?"
"May I ask why, ma'am?" but she did not respond just stood there staring at him with a type of intensity he was used to get from Karin. "No…"
"You said, only if we were alone."
"No one else is here. I ordered them out." Koyuki states as she gestured to the now vacant room. Red sighs, not that she could hear through the mas but before he starts to raise his hand, a small seal on the order catches his eye and he quickly unseals a second scroll which appeared blank to Koyuki but to the seals within the mask, it was clear as day "Naruto; the council meeting has just concluded and confirmed that your team is temporarily disbanded. You are being reassigned to Snow, turned Spring country on a long-term basis. We have despatched Raven company Commander Mikoto to act as your second. Once she arrives, send Jax and Rya back. The other matter discussed is a political one. Princess Koyuki Kazahana has requested a political marriage to tie Spring and Whirlpool. Her council has requested you however talks are still underway. You will be informed once a decision is made. Your grandfather, Ashina."

Red places the scroll down as he retakes his seat. Koyuki watches him with bated breath, curious of what was going through his mind right now. With a sigh, Red removes his mask, dropping it on the desk, and hood before his violet eyes lock on to her pale blue "Can we talk frankly?" to which she nods "Why do you want to marry me?" her eyes widen "…I get that since we met, I've remained at your side to reassure, guide, and protect you but now you have to stand on your own…"

"I know that!" she shouts, a deep breath later she continues "I will stand on my own but, it's just that… how can I say this? I can do this but having you with me would be much better."

"You're rambling."

"I think I'm falling for you." She shouts in irritation, his name's sake eyebrow raises "…oh?"

Authors Note;

I actually rewrote this chapter a number of times, this is as good as I think I can get it at the moment as my work schedule unexpectedly picked up. Due to this, I have only barely gotten half way through the next chapter when normally I am a whole chapter and a half ahead. :(
Regardless, I suspect the next chapter will raise some metephocial eyebrows with new clans, new people and a new true hidden village. Though I'm in two minds, Should it keep the hidden in snow or should it be hidden in spring? Nah Snow it is.
Lastly, as the next arc is the somewhat predicitable Chunin Exams arc, or the start of it, I am not changing much nor the outcome though I will say, not one but two invasions happen. To whom and whom, can't say here. :P