The power of human sacrifice

by wylcaros

Abandoned at birth, searching for strength for survival-this is all about Naruto.

52. Chapter 52

Chapter 52

An Adventure in Snowland, Act 1

Early in the morning, when the sun was still up, in one of the apartments of an old dormitory, our unforgettable protagonist, Uzumaki Naruto, was waking up. He awoke to the alarm clock, which rang conscientiously day after day fulfilling its direct duty. The owner of the apartment, some how, but loosened his eyes and the first thing he did was to clean up his bed and take off his pajamas. Afterward, he went to the shower for a refreshing shower, after which his drowsiness lifted like a hand. Having had his fill of breakfast, he cleaned the table and began to pack for his journey. To start, he checked his combat gear and upgraded his wristbands. He then began to dress in a blue turtleneck, over which he wore his orange vest, black pants. And he put his jacket, scarf and ushanka hat, which he was given for his birthday, in his bag, as well as his camping tent. Of course he had experience in foreign countries and knew what to expect from the cold climate. He advised his companions in the evening about the best things to take. Watering his long-suffering flower, which often dried up dry when the blond went on a mission. Naruto walked out the main entrance, tentatively slinging his sword to his back. And on his feet he wore high black boots with open toes. The first thing he did was head to the studio where the crew was supposed to be moving out. As he approached the building, he noticed his companions who had already dressed warmer. But the hot climate, the fire country did not allow them to dress immediately in down jackets, so they too like the blond put their winter jackets and scarves to their bag. Sasuke wore his purple turtleneck, over which his trademark t-shirt with the Uchiha mark on the back was worn. The legs were wearing the same as Naruto's, black pants and the same boots. And the blue jacket with the Uchiha clan symbol on the back was stuffed into her bag. Itachi, as a caring brother, did not favor his ototo in any way and readily shared his things that had long since become small for him. Sakura, on the other hand, had a red suit, with pink sleeves, and wore blue pants and pink boots on her legs.

Naruto... Yo, Sasuke, Sakura, how long have you been here?

Sasuke... I just got here.

Sakura... I've been here for 5 minutes, I'm very excited because this is our first A-rank mission.

The blond smiled reassuringly and looked with kind eyes at his co-commanders.

Naruto... Not the first and not the last. Sasuke, did Itachi warn you about snow country?

To this question, the brunet reacted in his usual way. After all, Itachi had almost half the night to get it into his head that anything he saw in the land of snow should stay in the land of snow.

Sasuke... Yes..

Cunlici looked at her co-commanders with surprised eyes and the blond decided to remotely bring her up to speed.

Naruto... Sakura, the land of snow is a closed territory. So don't spread about what you'll see there datebayo!

The girl understood very well, when Naruto said it was serious, then it really was serious. It cost her a lot to suppress her feminine curiosity.

Sasuke... Naruto, you gathered us here before Kushina san spoke, does that have anything to do with our case?

The blond realized that he alone couldn't handle the red-haired girl's violent temper, what's to say she could just wipe it to dust with her chakra chains. That's why Naruto decided to trust his comrades in this matter. He led them around the corner of the movie studio and put up a barrier.

Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, there's something I have to tell you. We don't have much time, so listen to me as carefully as you can.

Seeing the nod to his companions, he decided to begin his tale.

Naruto... Accompanying a camera crew is just a cover for Datiebayo!

Shock and surprise is what was on the faces of the comrades.

Naruto... I realize this seems kind of rambling and even ridiculous. Yukie Fujikaize, that's just a pseudonym, her name is actually, Koyuki Kazahana, daughter of the daimyo of the snow country and his direct heir. As soon as it passes to the land of snow, we must persuade the feudal lord of datebayo to accept the post.

Sasuke... Um, can you elaborate on why we have to talk her down?

Naruto... Two and a half years ago, there was a conflict between the land of ice and snow in which, at the time, everyone believed that Princess Koyuki had fled the country. But in reality, she was kidnapped and harbored in the land of fire. You saw for yourself, she has as many roaches in her head as Kakashi sensei. So we need to try to do our best dantebayo.

This information has already fundamentally changed things.

Sakura... But why didn't you tell Kushina san?

Naruto... Konoha had a hand in the kidnapping of Princess Koyuki at the request of Sandayu san. The Hokage also goes to the land of snow to clear the good name of the Kazahan family. But that's a different question. Kushina san is directly connected to the hokage herself, and if she finds out too much, she could interfere with our main mission or derail our datebayo mission altogether. You need to keep her in the dark as much as possible until one of us talks her into becoming a daimyo. If we succeed, then the snow country will no longer be closed, now there is some anarchy and without daima, there is a mess will grow so that the snow country as a state and will cease to exist at all datebayo!

Sasuke... Hmm, this mission reminds me of the time we had to convince Toki and Haruna to accept their daimyo positions. But one used people for her own purposes and trusted no one, while the other was consumed with a thirst for revenge and did whatever she wanted.

Naruto... Not much is known about Koyuki, though.

Sakura... Except for her crankiness and reluctance to go to the land of snow, which is understandable.

Sasuke... Yeah, I think she thinks snow country will take it in stride.

Naruto... Well, we'll have to prove her otherwise, but for now, we need to get back to square one, Kushina san is already here dattebayo! Also, remember, Kushine san, not a word, I'm already risking telling you all this.

The co-commanders were imbued with an understanding of the whole situation and just made it clear that the blond could count on them.

From a distance, a red-haired kunoichi was walking towards them, wearing her usual jonin uniform, but instead of a t-shirt, she wore a warm sweater under her vest, and on her feet she wore blue high boots with open tops. She walked over in good spirits and waved to the guys.

Kushina... Morning, how's your sleep, ready for your mission?

Team 7... Yes, Kushina san!

The commander smiled at their attitude.

Kushina... So, it's time to move out, I'll report to Sandai san that we should move out!

After a few minutes, personnel began to emerge from the movie studio. But at the last moment, four stuntmen began to emerge from there, carrying the closed-top carriers on their shoulders.

Sandayu... We're ready to move out.

Kushina... Wow, Yukie isn't awake yet?

Sandayu... No, I don't think she'll wake up, she had too much to drink last night.

Kushina... Great, so that should be no problem for now, we should hurry to the harbor.

The film crew, accompanied by Team 7, started to leave the village and went straight to the nearest port. By lunchtime they had reached the harbor and boarded a ship with a motor. The captain of the ship appeared to be of little words, and was simply doing his job. After dinner in one of the cabins, Yukie woke up to the fact that she was starting to get motion sickness. Suppressing a yawn, she was hungover and had a headache. She was still reeling from some of her thoughts when suddenly his guardian, producer, and just plain protector in one person walked through the door.

Sandayu... Happy awakening, Yukie.

The girl pulled herself up and rested one hand on the bed, the other cradling her head trying to numb the pain.

Yukie ... My head, how it hurts.

Sandayu... You had a little too much to drink last night.

The old man dipped the pill into a glass of water and gave it to his ward to drink. Yukie took a sip and began to sense something amiss.

Yukie ... I have this weird hangover, I feel like I'm seasick.

The old man felt awkward and cautious.

Sandayu... Uh, don't you think we're all getting carsick right now?

The girl came to a shock and abruptly getting out of bed she in her pink pajamas went outside and opened the door that led to the deck. Looking around, she realized she was on a ship, surrounded by the sea. She shrieked with indignation.

Yukie ... What the fuck!

A blond man passed by her and showed her a horseradish root that he wanted to use to make another dish.

Naruto... Uh, like this one?

The blond was unfazed, unlike his companion, who gritted her teeth and grabbed his collar.

Yukie ... You, you built this whole thing, I know what you're capable of. You little asshole!

Everyone looked at such a comical situation and couldn't help but notice that a cold-blooded and soulless person could express emotions like that.

Naruto... Auntie, don't get so angry or you'll get wrinkles and your career as a dantebayo actress will be over.

Yukie cast a baleful glance at the blond man and with a shudder, slammed the door behind her. She sat at the table and refused to eat. The old man had had enough of her whims and decided to tell her everything.

Sandayu... Yukie myself, if you don't keep filming, I won't take you to any more franchises!

The girl looked at him defiantly and relaxed.

Yukie ... I don't care, I don't want the role, much less go to this country.

Sandayu... Please, just one part!

Sandayu knew his ward very well since she was a child. Yukie and her father often watched the performances put on by the snow village troupe to brighten their leisure time in the snow country. Sandayu hoped that another movie scene would shake her up. Yukie thought about her situation some more and just out of desperation decided to agree just to get him off her back.

Yukie ... All right! Just one role!

The old man spread a Cheshire cat smile and gave instructions to prepare the stage. On deck, they began to makeup and dress her in her costume. Yukie was still just as nonchalant and didn't even waggle an eyebrow when they circled the arrows around her eyes. Team 7 watched these actions with a kind of disgust.

Naruto... And why the makeover? She's a battle princess. Why do you have to paint her like that?

The red-haired woman smirked at such a remark.

Kushina... Oh, you don't understand anything about being a woman.

Sakura... It's a movie, as the main character, she has to look gorgeous.

Sasuke... Pfft, and what does that makeup do, it's not like she's going to scare away enemies with her makeup.

Naruto... And with her face, she can't even charm anyone.

The women's side of Team 7 slapped themselves on the forehead at the hardheadedness of their co-teammates. Filming began, the scene was left like this, Shiroharu, a comrade in arms was mortally wounded and portrayed the agony of death while lying on the deck and Princess Fuun was supposed to grieve over it. Hugging your comrade. As soon as the director gave the motor command, it was as if Yukie was switched and she fell into the role. The emotions were fake of course, but it was obvious on camera that she would be able to fool the audience with such makeup.

Naruto... Wow, not bad, she's still doing very well as an actress.

Sandayu... You bet, when they give the team a motor, consider her game on.

Yukie was able to catch up the heavy atmosphere and when Shiroharu and lowered his breath, Yukie yelled his name, but here was missing one important component, tears!

Yukie ... Sandayu, give me my eye drops!

Such an exclamation almost made Team 7 fall over on the spot, because they really liked her acting, but screwed up from that moment.

Sandayu... Oh, yeah, sure.

This farce continued scene after scene and this take was already approaching its two hundredth. And Yukie couldn't still shoot one damn take properly, which frustrated the director every time. Team 7, made a facepalm after each failure and the blonde couldn't stand it.

Naruto... Stoop!

Everyone looked at him with surprised eyes.

Director... Hey, kid, are you interrupting our shoot?

Naruto... How can you call this crap a movie? Yukie didn't even manage a single take, there's no natural emotion.

Yukie ... Hey, I'm just an actress, and this is just a movie!

Naruto... Yeah, explain that to the audience!

Yukie ... Well, if you're so smart, take it off yourself!

Naruto... I'll take it off!

The camera crew was just blown away.

Director... What?

Naruto... Sasuke, Sakura, remember when we used to prank Kakashi sensei?

The co-commanders realized what was going on and went over to him.

Team 7... Henge no jutsu!

Sasuke turned into Princess Fuun, Naruto turned into Kusayuke, and Sasuke turned into Shirohara. And the Naruto clone took on the production.

Naruto... So, to start with the very idea of this production, Shiroharu has been mortally wounded and is lying on the deck grasping at his wound.

Henge Fuun... What about the wound, he's got a through and through wound, but why is the blood only coming from the abdomen, give me the paint.

Sasuke under Shiroharu's Henge lay on the blood that Sakura had spilled, then made a hole in his suit and mixed ink with red paint and held on to it.

Naruto... According to the plot of the movie, Princess Fuun is a valiant warrior, so why is she yelling like a crazy person screaming out her comrade's name. Sakura, you know what to do. Think of the saddest novel you've read or a situation from your life. We don't need fake eye drops!

Fuun... Hai!

Naruto... Sasuke, you've been injured like this before, so you know how you'll feel.

Shiroharu... No problem!

Naruto... Well, my hero will be the final stage. Director, get your men ready, we're ready.

Naruto created a dozen more clones and reincarnated them as enemies. The director wasn't convinced by this idea, but he was also tired of reshooting all the scenes.

Director... Motoor!

The battle of Shiroharu, Kusayuke, and Fuun began, fighting off their enemies with swords. The protagonists fought back as best they could, but suddenly Fuun was attacked and she had to switch her attention to them, but suddenly one of the enemies started to strike at her, but Shiroharu covered her with his body to protect her and received a through blow. Kusayuke fought off the others and dismissed them to keep them from disturbing their comrades. Shiroharu drew his sword from his stomach, and with a deft movement of his hand made a hole in both the front and back and fell on a tslovam of blood, and on his stomach he smashed another one prepared in advance. Fuun fought off her opponent and fell beside the dying Shiroharu and began to feign panic.

Fuun... Oh my God, no, how could this happen, why did you...

Shiroharu coughed up blood and looked at his companion with a comforting look.

Shiroharu... Princess Fuun, you must live, only you are capable of defeating Mao, our people are relying on you.

Fuun was adamant and wasn't ready to let her comrade go like that.

Fuun... Shiroharu kun, don't say anything, you can't waste your strength, we'll save you.

Shiroharu brought his bloody palm up to her peck.

Shiroharu... It's not worth wasting an already endless amount of energy on my behalf. I just want to tell you, Princess Fuun. I am happy that I could fight beside you and fight the injustice of this world! Please don't grieve for me, you have a great responsibility. Our people are relying on you, you must not lose. I know you've been through a lot. But remember, I will always be with you and will support you even in a clean world.

After those words, Shiroharu and lowered his spirit, and Fuun's eyes read despair and pain. Her tears mixed with blood and fell to the deck. At the same time, Kusayuke approached them and seeing the life leave Shirohara, he too came to grief.

Kusayuke... You were born a warrior, my friend, and you died a warrior. Rest assured, your death will not be in vain.

After saying that, he placed the weapon on Shiroharu's arm.

Kusayuke... Princess Fuun!

And Fuun was still staring into Shiroharu's dead face, and the tears were still pouring down in rivers. But wiping away her tears, she looked at her comrade with a determined look.

Fuun... Shiroharu kun is right, our people are relying on us and we have no right to back down!

She closed Shiroharu's eyelids and she covered her body with her cloak.

Fuun... Let's go Kusayuke-kun, we have to hurry!

Director... Eee, cut!

Team 7, took the henge off and looked at the camera crew who had tears of happiness. And Kushina stood with a handkerchief in her hands.

Director... Amazing, it was just unlike anything I've ever seen!

Naruto... Uh, thank you, can we continue on our way now? Without those motors and stripped down?

Director... Oh, yes of course, the scene came out very well, your emotions and the atmosphere around you, and your clone with the help of the wind element performed a perfect special effect!

Naruto... Thank you...

Suddenly he noticed the look in Yukie's eyes that was just trying to drill a hole in him. Sandayu noticed this too and decided to talk to the blond.

Sandayu... Naruto-kun, can I talk to you for a few minutes?

He followed him to the edge of the deck near the pipes and folded his hands in a lock.

Sandayu... Naruto kun what it all meant, filming it was the only thing that could shake Yukie up. And you took all her joy away.

Naruto... Sandayu san, did you notice our game and hers?

Sandayu... Uh, what?

Naruto... The three of us, teammates, we do the same thing as our characters in the movie. We know how we'd feel and act if one of us died. It certainly wasn't our ideal game, as we just can't allow the thought of a comrade dying. Still, we have shown a rough picture. Even so, our emotions were real. And Yukie's, it was all make-believe and no effort for the cause. She just needs to do the double to get off her back. How can we shake her up, much less fulfill our main goal, if she continues to behave like a vegetable. Yes, she's an actress, but if she doesn't have a sense of duty. At least let us hurt her pride by showing her that she's not so good at this profession!

Sandayu... But also, how does it help us?

Naruto... No way, we need to get her emotional first, and then I'll talk to her. In fact, it's already happening now!

The blond walked towards Yukie's quarters with a determined stride, and Sandayu decided to just trust him. Naruto walked leisurely into her quarters and noticed that she was packing.

Naruto... Where are you going?

The princess turned her head and took a closer look at the man who had managed to grate on her nerves in just two days.

Yukie ... I'm outta here!

Naruto... We're on the high seas, how are you gonna get out of here?

Koyuki... I'll take the boat!

The blond sighed in frustration and in a lazy voice.

Naruto... But your work isn't done!

She put her things aside and in a languid voice.

Yukie ... What's the point of me playing anymore, I think you guys are doing just fine without me. Even the director appreciated your acting.

The blond man rested his side against the doorway and relaxed.

Naruto... Well, yeah, we're doing fine, but we're not actors, we're shinobi.

Yukie ... What's stopping you? You three are good at everything.

Naruto... What's stopping you from playing like us?

Yukie ... Because I don't care about that part...

In the verbal altercation, everyone wanted to bend their own line. So the blond decided to take a different route.

Naruto... Strange that this is the role you chose datebayo...

Yukie ... What?

Naruto... Tell me, why the princess part?

The girl couldn't give an obvious answer and shrugged uncertainly.

Yukie ... Whatever roles they give me, that's what I play.

The blond man shifted his eyebrow disbelievingly.

Naruto... Really...

The girl was fed up with the unconcealed hints of her interlocutor and with annoyance in her voice.

Yukie ... Go ahead and say it. I can see you have something to say to me about it.

The blond pulled out his most favorite book and handed it to her.

Naruto... Often, we read books and imagine ourselves in the main role of the hero of any novel. This book is called the legend of the fearless ninja. The main character of which goes by the name of Naruto, like me. I've dreamed of being a ninja like him since I was a kid. A noble, fearless and tenacious warrior that passes his datebayo tests time after time. You, playing the role of a princess, I think you want to experience the same feeling when you were really a princess of the snow country. I know you were kidnapped that night by Sandayu san and that asshole in the dog mask I still want to find. I believe you want to prove to yourself that you are still a princess.

Yukie was stunned by such arguments and just didn't know what to say. Still, due to her insolence, she couldn't let it go.

Yukte... What nonsense, I've left that life since you put it like that, kidnapped me. And me playing the part of the princess is just an accident. We live in a world of lies, my homeland considers me a fugitive for betraying my people. I'm playing a role that I'm not.

Naruto was increasingly surprised at the girl's stubbornness and decided to play with words a bit.

Naruto... But you chose the profession of acting, and you do this job very well, I liked your acting. Like the whole land of fire.

To such praise, she didn't know what to respond with, as the blond's sentences were full of cleverly clever splices. The overabundance of wordplay just made her laugh.

Yukie ... Ahahahahaha what nonsense, there is nothing worse than the profession of acting, nothing worse than people actors.

Naruto... If you don't like this profession so be a datebayo director.

The girl decided to go tricky too, especially since the blond had graciously given the opportunity.

Yukie ... Well since that's the case, I'm outta here, consider me as a filmmaker with a story to choose from.

The blond man narrowed his eyes slyly at this and wagged his finger.

Naruto... Uh no, you've already chosen a story for yourself as an actress, and what kind of director are you if you can't finish a dantebayo novel.

Curtaining up, the blond man took his book and left closing the door behind him leaving the girl in a hopeless situation. After all, he was able to trap her in a verbal trap.

Yukie's thoughts... You sneaky bastard, okay, you want an actress, I'll play a better actress than you!

In the following days, Yukie played more openly, although she had to resort to eye drops. She put her whole soul into her craft. Sandayu even choked when Yukie could add drama at the right moment. The old man approached the blond man who was basking in the sun on the other side of the deck.

Sandayu... Naruto-kun, how did you manage to shake up Yukie san?

Naruto... What do you mean?

Sandayu... She hates this snow country idea and was cranky all the time. But how could you make her pour her soul into her role?

Naruto... Oh, that's what you mean, it just hurt her pride. There's a reason we played on camera and showed how to play. Even though we don't have the talent that she has, we still managed to show that she's not that good.

The old man had been increasingly amazed at the blond's abilities ever since he'd nearly died at his hands in that catacomb.

Sandayu... Hmm, I think the Hokage herself chose you for this mission for a reason, Naruto-kun. You might be able to accomplish the main mission.

Naruto... I must, for the common people suffer because of her whims. Speaking of which, can you tell me anything about her? How did she live, how come she was roaring endlessly in that castle of Kazahan?

Perhaps the blond was the only one who had a right to know about her.

Sandayu... As a child, Koyuki was a cheerful and cheerful girl. Soucetso herself often took her to various theatrical performances. Apparently she wanted to be an actress even then. But ever since she lost her father at the hands of her Uncle Doto, it has left an indelible scar on her heart. Doto didn't stop there and simply burned down Kazahan's ancestral palace. If it wasn't for Kawarama's men herself, she might have been burned alive. I was her courtier and promised Sousetsu herself that I would take care of her. And then you know what happened.

Naruto... I see... How is it that she was able to become a datebayo actress?

Sandayu... After we arrived in the land of fire. She cried nights, I couldn't bear to watch her wear herself out in tears. I told her to move on. I found a movie studio and became a producer. She was able to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming an actress. I promised myself that I would continue to take care of her. But when Itachi kun came up to me, and his suggestion of going home. I just couldn't believe my ears. Kawarama herself said that Koyuki could be reinstated as a princess. If I answer for my crimes of kidnapping.

The blond noticed that the old man had already decided everything for himself and even began to respect him, even though he had almost died for him.

Naruto... Sandayu San, this crime can't just go away, you realize you could go to the gallows, right?

The old man squeezed his eyes shut, foreshadowing his fate.

Sandayu... It's the least I can do to atone for my past sins.

The blond put a hand on his shoulder and supportively.

Naruto... I believe the Hokage herself will be able to quiet this matter. Even though you acted like a bastard, you still fulfilled the promise you made to Sousetsu-sama.

Sandayu was increasingly surprised by the blond's generosity and made a bow.

Sandayu... Thank you, Naruto-kun!

In the meantime, Yukie had already finished shooting the next episode and with her eyes she started looking for that brazen blond guy. But day after day, she found only his comrades killing time over watching the actors play. She was somewhat hurt that the blond had left her like that. She wanted to prove to him that she was still a good actress and with indignation went to the other side of the deck where she found a blond man lying on a chaise lounge, basking in the sun.

Yukie ... Hey, you said I was a good actress. And instead of browsing, you're lying here basking in the sun? Hmpf, told you there are no people worse than actors, you played the part of the bigot well.

The blond man took off his sunglasses and looked surprised at the actress.

Naruto... Uh, I just didn't want any spoilers datebayo!

Again, again she had nothing to answer him with and she retired to her seat nervously shuffling her feet over his leg.

Meanwhile, Minato paired up with Itachi and Kakashi to leave the village. Of course they had to spit on the others that they were leaving to negotiate in the south to maintain conspiracy. Fugaku did stand up to the hokage, though not with much desire. Since he had experience, in this, with Minato going off to other countries. But still not for such a huge period of time. Minato had to get Shikaku to help out with advice and not fall asleep at the table. And so Minato, accompanied by Kakashi and Itachi, was jumping through the trees towards the land of lightning, and from there they could come straight to the land of snow. Why didn't they go on the ship like the others? So it was all because on the ground three experienced ninjas could pass paths faster. And the fact that the lightning nation was allied with the leaf. It was a great opportunity to bypass the border checkpoints. Minato was able to dig up the necessary documents for the Koyuki Kazahan case. Throughout his time on the road, Minato had often pondered on the terrible things that had happened in Kazahan's castle and the hardships his son had faced. He wondered how Naruto, after the inhuman slaughter, had managed to remain without the obvious cockroaches his student had. Even Itachi was losing his cool at the mere mention of this castle. During the journey, they decided to keep a strict silence about the very importance of the mission. But because their heads were crammed about the information of the snow village, there were few who could broach extraneous topics about anything.

Now back to Team 7's mission, Sakura and Sasuke kept a strict silence about the main mission. And Kushina still didn't bother to fill her head with all sorts of thoughts and just went with the flow. Of course she tried to ask for a few more details about Naruto and why he had reacted the way he did at the residence. But the old man came on strong and had little to dangle. And Koyuki kept silent because of her own cockroaches, every time she asked about Kazahan's castle, she had a picture in her head of a small boy of ten years old cutting off the heads of his enemies as if nothing had happened, and told her with annoyance. "What are you doing standing there like that, move your buns and go to datebayo's hideout!". From that moment on, she had begun to admire that in the little blond man's heart, courage and indomitable spirit were bubbling up. That meeting at the river in the leaf village, she had been frightened that the blond man's ghost had come to haunt her. But she kept all her worries to herself and since then she rarely showed her true feelings to anyone. But here the blond man managed to push some feelings of anger, annoyance, and laughter into the day a few times each. The ship itself, sailed northward and at morning they stopped at the archipelago and the captain signaled that they were already there. Naruto stood up from being shaken by his teammates and looked around, there was something odd about it all. But deciding to think about it a little later, he left for his morning motions and then sat down in the mess hall to betray his breakfast with his team. And afterward, the director gave the order to continue filming and they landed on a snowy archipelago. The cast began to come out to the set and prepare the scene. The ninja team looked at all of this with a yawn, but then Naruto spotted some ice hills that he had only encountered in the land of ice.

Naruto... Sandayu san, I don't remember this archipelago, is it attached to the snow country of datebayo?

The old man stared at the same place the blond was looking and began to suspect something wrong as well.

Sandayu... Strange, snow country although cold, it rarely ever got to the point of icy.

Naruto... Are we sure this is where we're supposed to shoot the scene?

The old man briefly went to question the director, and the blond man was approached by his friend.

Sasuke... Dobe, I never liked your insecure look, tell me straight away, did you see something?

Naruto... It's too early to tell, we'll find out now.

After a couple minutes, their customer came up to them and with a scowl on his face.

Sandayu... The director said this place is great.

Naruto... Strange, he didn't tell me he'd been to these parts before.

Sandayu... He wasn't here, he was offered this archipelago by our ship's commander.

Naruto... Hmm, that's odd, because the plan was to sail to the snow country of datebayo! And this place doesn't look anything like the land of snow.

Sandayu... We can't make a big deal out of it yet, or there's gonna be resentment.

This is where they decided to end the topic for now and the crew began their filming. Naruto half-eyedly followed everything else, as did his team. The plot was, Princess Fuun was supposed to meet the main antagonist. During their conversation, Naruto noticed chakra on one of the hills and shot rasengan there. The explosion of machinery made many people start to startle and look around. Kushina noticed the named guests as well and.

Kushina.. Get ready, there are two shinobi on the two hills besides the one we saw.

All the leaf ninjas jumped forward covering the camera crew. On a high hill, Roga stripped off his disguise and with an arrogant tone.

Horns... So you notice, and you're not so bad, leaf ninjas.

On other neighboring hills, two more of his subordinates came out.

Fubuki... Welcome Princess Koyuki, how was your trip?

The actress looked at these three snow ninjas and was shocked that they were familiar to her. Kushina noticed that the actress was not who she said she was. The big man in armor looked around at everyone.

Misore... So they're just kids, did they really send this minx to be Princess Koyuki's escort.

Horns... What can you do, apparently a princess runaway can't expect much more than that. Fubuki, Misore, take the princess and I'll handle the rest!

Fubuki... Let the fun begin!

Kushina gathered her subordinates behind her.

Kushina... I wonder who they are.

Naruto noticed on their bandanas, a snowflake sign.

Naruto's thoughts... Their bandanas are weird, the ice has a different tread, and the hidden snow armband has swirling spiral shaped snowflakes.

Naruto... Um, I've seen this armor before when I went on missions with Takeshi sensei. You can't use techniques against them directly, nor can it absorb chakra. Also this chakra, can generate chakra into ice, but I can't say for sure, dattebayo.

The others noted the latter as something surprising, but decided not to lose their composure and not to ask unnecessary questions.

Kushina... Got it, Sasuke, you take that girl, Naruto, you take that well-fed one, and I'll take care of that lickety-split playboy. Sakura, you're in charge of keeping the camera crew safe.

Team 7... Bingo!

Meanwhile, Kushina gave the task of protecting the others and came face to face with the leader of that gang. Roga examined the jonin from head to toe and looked around with anticipation of battle.

Horns... I see you're the leader of the minnows, let's see how you do. Hyeton, ice needle technique!

Reddish was surprised that his opponent could use ice, but without losing his composure.

Kushina... Suiton, water dome technique!

The water simply absorbed the icy needles, much to Rogue's amazement.

Horns... Wow, your water technique is so strong, how about this. Hyeton, ice dragon technique!

Kushina... Suiton, water dragon technique!

The water dragon coiled around the ice dragon and simply ripped it apart, which further shocked his opponent.

Horns... How's that?

Kushina... Ha, I noticed that your armor generates chakra into ice, even though your own isn't made up of elemental components in the slightest. And water, my native element and won't lose to your props!

Horns... Oh, so you're also a sensor, okay, let's move on.

They began to battle in a taijutsu, during which Roga flew back time after time from powerful blows infused with chakra. Roga proved to be overconfident enough to never consider the enemy. And the way Kushina was playfully kicking his carcass like a ball, that action was just wildly battering his ego.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was fighting Fubuki and responding to all of her ice techniques with fire.

Fubuki... What a nimble boy, Hyeton, stealth attack!

Debris of ice flew toward the brunette and he folded the seals.

Sasuke... Cato, fireball!

The girl jumped back from the attack and folding the seals directed ice hills at him and Sasuke had to recoil. But at one point she was able to encase the brunette in ice, but Sasuke switched with the jug with an explosion of seals. In the aftermath of the explosion, he strapped the fishing line around the opponent and let the chakra lightning strike her. But Fubuki straightened her wings, thereby rasping the fishing line and flew upwards mocking her opponent. She didn't have long to rejoice, however, as by a happy coincidence, Sasuke's clone brought her down to the ground with a lion's barrier, kicking her entire torso with his legs and arms. Fubuki turned out to be an arrogant bitch who liked to bully her opponent. But with the brunet, her arrogance played a cruel trick.

Naruto, meanwhile, was throwing shurikens and kunai at his opponent's armor.

Misore... Ha, nothing can penetrate my armor, you're wasting your breath you little thing!

The blond raised his eyes to the top at such self-assurance.

Naruto... Sakura, run to the ship and deal with the captain, I suspect he's the one who sent the ambush.

Sakura... All right!

And Naruto didn't take long to think, he threw both sides of his kunai at the tree and showed his middle finger to his opponent. The big man began to boil at that gesture.

Misore... You little bastard! I'm gonna get you!

When the distance narrowed to two meters, the fishing line on his knees stretched so tight and Naruto let wind chakra flow across it to keep it from tearing. Misore tripped over the fishing line and flew past the blond man, and the latter also gave him a good kick in the ass. As a result, Misore flew a few meters rubbing his face on the ice floes, and then stupidly crashed into the ice hill so that his head was stuck there. He scrambled out of the icy cliff some how, but the blond man unleashed a small avalanche on him, shattering the rock with a rasengan.

And the battle between Kushina and Roga had heated up so much that the latter had spent almost most of his chakra into his technique.

Horns... Hyeton, ice whale technique!

The red-haired woman dumbly jumped back and folded the seals.

Kushina... Suiton, water stingray technique!

The water ray sliced the ice whale in two, further enraging the enemy.

Horns... Oh, you.

Kushina... Enough, this has gone too far, guys, let's group up!

Taking a straight punch to the jaw, she jumped back to her team.

Sasuke... They have weird toys.

Naruto... It's chakra armor, they're a little different than last time. So progress is not standing still. But they have an ice elemental, many times weaker than the same Haku.

Sasuke... I agree, if they could use that genome as well as Haku, I doubt we'd have a chance.

Team Nadare stood face to face and took note of the fact that the blond was familiar with their gadgets.

Horns... You're not bad, kid, how do you know our devices?

Naruto... When was the last time you pooped?

The leader didn't understand the question and looked at the blond man with bewilderment.

Horns... What?

Naruto... Over my shoulder, you think I'm just gonna start talking to you like that?

Mizoro... That little blond guy, I'm his-

Roga noticed that the blond appeared to be very uneasy and would not be easy to talk to.

Horns... We want Princess Koyuki and her crystal, give it to us and we'll let you go in peace.

Team Seven marveled at their opponent's stupidity and synchronously twirled their fingers at their temples.

Naruto... Are you sure you're a shinobi? You just told us your goals!

Kushina... I don't think they're shinobi, they just put on blindfolds and walk around with their heads up their asses.

The opponents began to boil at this statement, for Sousetsu himself had once spoken of their failure in the shinobi profession.

Fubuki... Don't underestimate the ninjas of snow country, our technology will soon bring the world to its knees!

The blond was surprised at that statement.

Naruto... The ninjas of snow country? What are you assholes smoking? The ninjas of the snow country don't take advantage of your cheap technology that you mistakenly took as your advantage.

Enemies were the epicenter of self-confidence and arrogance. And Team 7 was like a roller skating on their ego.

Horns... Don't compare us to those colonists, those bastards have no right to walk on our land!

Naruto's thoughts... Xoo, we gotta wrap this up.

There behind Team Seven, Sakura was dragging the scuzzy ship's captain behind her. With narrow eyes, jaw jutting forward, and her hair was in the style of a Canadian.

Sakura... He confessed he works for some Doto who was ordered to drop us off here. I caught him before he was about to make off with the ship.

Naruto, Sandayu, and Koyuki came to shock at that name.

Naruto... Doto, did you say Doto?

Sakura... Yeah, well, what's the big deal?

Kushina's thoughts... When we're done, Naruto's gonna have to tell me everything!

The blond raised his eyes to his opponents.

Naruto... You work for Doto?

Team Nadare were saddened that their plan had failed right at the root.

Horns... Damn, it's all useless, we'll have to take them by force, Fubuki, Misore!

... Collaborative technique, avalanche!

On the camera crew and ninja sheet, an avalanche moved in.

Kushina... Xoo, everyone, get on the ship, Sandayu by yourself, can you handle steering the ship?

Sandayu... Yes, Kushina san!

Kushina... All right, I'm counting on you. While we hold off the avalanche, Sasuke, Naruto, you know what to do.

Naruto... Yes.

N and S... A cooperative technique, the raging dragon flame technique!

The stream of fire was like a wave that swept over the avalanche, creating steam. Team Nadare were stunned by such a powerful technique.

Horns... These kids, how were they able to use such a powerful technique?

Naruto... It's the result of training, not like you put on some miracle armor and call it a day.

Mizoru... Don't you dare underestimate us.

Kushina... You're the one who overestimates yourself, Suiton, water bomb technique!

Three water spheres of colossal concentration rose above her and raced towards the enemy, scattering them in different directions like a cannon. The boys were surprised at this manipulation of the element of water. It was now understood why she was considered stronger than even Kakashi.

Kushina... All kids, we're leaving.

Sakura had already distributed everyone aboard the ship. But Koyuki stood still as she saw everything around her still burning with the flames of hell, memories of the burning palace came to her. With an overabundance of feeling and pain in her heart, she fell to the ground.

Naruto... Oh, man!

Kushina loaded the girl on her back and carried her back to the ship with her. Everyone settled into their seats, and Kushina laid Koyuki on the bed. Nadare's crew went after the tech and gritted their teeth as they watched the ship take off.

Horns... It's not what we expected, we'll have to report it to Doto-sama!

Fubuki... Look, it's that ship's captain.

A battered ship's captain sat on the shore and Roga cast a scornful glance at him.

Horns... Misore, take him, let him answer to Doto himself.

In the meantime, Minato and his escort were already approaching their destination, but instead of a village, a huge clockwise windstorm flashed before his eyes.

Itachi... Hokage herself, Sempai, I'll be right back!

The Uchiha walked up tight into the storm and disappeared.

Kakashi... Sensei, this reminds me of our defense barrier.

Minato... Yes, only ours are lost in the crowns of the leaves, and they are lost in the whirl of the storm.

Five minutes later, Itachi walked up with the post. He was 23 years old, had red hair in the form of a hedgehog, but on the back of his head there was a short pigtail, and he was wearing a blue vest, with a sign of a whirlpool on the back and a dark sweatshirt. And on his feet he wore gray pants and black sandals.

Kenshin... Good afternoon, hokage sama, Kakashi san, my name is Kenshin Uzumaki, Kawarama sama has ordered me to let you pass, but before you do, you need to take these seals of passage.

Kakashi and Minato were no longer surprised by the persona and simply picked up the seals of passage and followed him. As soon as they were lost in the storm, they saw a gorgeous village, buildings in blue colors and spiral patterns on the walls. Minato had been to Whirlpool Village as a child and could tell that this place was no different. It cost the newcomers much to hide their surprise.

Kakashi... So it's true...

Minato... It's amazing, it's just unbelievable.

Kenshin often met newcomers and was already used to the fact that many appreciated the beauty of this village.

Itachi... Hokage herself, we should hurry.

The Hokage regained his composure and collected look.

Minato... Right, let's not waste any time.

As they passed by the streets they looked around, there were many red-haired and brunettes alike here. And the patrols consisted solely of samurai.

Kakashi's thoughts... So many Uzumaki in one village, we Kushina san, with her students and more than enough in the village. I wonder how they even deal with their natures.

It was as if the Hokage had heard his thoughts.

Minato... You know, my wife can be a very expressive person, I wonder how so many Uzumaki get along here?

Kenshin had often heard questions of this nature and backbiting from guests.

Kenshin... Haha, you're right, we can rarely ever sit still. So the patrol has to maintain order. There are a lot of them here, our police are extremely disciplined. Luckily there's an arena here where ours can release the tension in a fist fight. The truth is, we're blocking out the chakra so they don't blow the place up.

The newcomers looked around and noticed that there were two or three samurai police patrolling each street. But what made them laugh more was the explanation in the form of a fist fight.

Minato... Hehehe, I see.

Kenshin... So we're here!

They saw before them a huge building in the same blue colors as the rest of the world, and the dome of the roof was swirled with spiral ornaments.

Kakashi... That's quite a build.

Kenshin... Follow me!

They went up to the second floor and noticed a metal door.

Minato... Wow, this is the head's office?

Kenshin noticed the surprise in the hokage's eyes.

Kenshin... Don't worry, we used to have a wooden door, but because the head's office is the most visited place in the village. Genin or young Sunin often could not calculate their strength before opening the door. We had to replace the door almost every week.

Minato remembered how Team Four and his sensei often opened the door wide open with such force that the cracks split open.

Minato... I understand, I'm facing this problem myself right now.

When the door opened, they entered a luxurious office with shelves and cabinets for reports, two blue couches and a single huge desk, behind which sat a black-haired man, Kakashi's age.

Kenshin... Kawarama herself, as you requested, I have brought to you Minato Namikaze, who holds the title of fourth hokage of the hidden village in the foliage. As well as Hatake Kakashi, a jonin and ward of the hokage sama.

Kavarama... Thank you Kenshin, can you tell your father that the guests have arrived?

Kenshin... Bingo!

The head of the village stood before them and made a bow, and the three newcomers responded.

Kavarama... I know we've exchanged letters, but still. My name is, Kawarama Uzumaki, and I am the leader of the village hidden in the snow.

Minato... Nice to meet you, Kawarama-sama!

Kakashi... Me too!

The head made a slight smile looking at the Uchiha.

Kavarama... Itachi, thank you for your work.

Itachi... No need, Kawarama will do it herself.

Kavarama... All right, dear guests, please take a seat at the table. Dad should be here any minute.

Minato noted the resemblance to Hashirama Sanju in his younger days, except the hairstyle was a la samurai.

They sat down at a T-shaped table and the head first decided to start from afar.

Kavarama... I realize you've had a long journey, but still, we have no time to lose. For starters, tell me, how long ago did you send the escort team, Princess Koyuki?

Minato... 10 days ago.

That answer made the head frown and start tapping his fingers on the table, which made everyone else nervous.

Kavarama... Strange, I haven't heard from the border guards that they've landed in our continent.

Minato... That's bad, Kakashi, maybe...

Kawarama stopped with a gesture and a soothing voice.

Kavarama.. No need, I'll send a jonin after him. We need Kakashi San at the trial.

The head made a yin seal and closed his eyes, and when he opened his eyes, there was a boy of about 18 years old with athletic build, red hair like Itachi's, but the curls on his forehead were straight. Jonin snowed standing up like a string.

Teiko... Called, Kawarama herself!

Kavarama... Yes, Teiko, I have an assignment for you. Go in search of the leaf team that leads the escort, Princess Koyuki. Your first priority will be to bring Sandaya San to the capital for trial. Uzumaki Naruto will be on this team, so you can't go wrong.

After that name, the jonin made a joyful face.

Teiko... Wow, did Naruto kun jump to the land of snow?

Kavarama... Not yet, according to border patrol reports.

Teiko... That's odd, you said they'd be here the day before.

Kavarama... That's what worries me.

Teiko... Got it, I'll find them!

Poof and Teiko walked away in a puff of smoke, leaving Minato and Kakashi to ponder the fact that Naruto was well acquainted with this jonin.

Kavarama... Don't worry, Teiko is a high-end sensor. And he would recognize Naruto's chakra even halfway across the country.

Minato trusted the rest to Teiko and decided to get down to business, but he was interrupted by the creak of the door. Through which a man of senile age entered with a pipe in his mouth. And in appearance, he looked a lot like Hashirama, except that the gray in his temples made him a little different from them.

Itama... Minato Namikaze and Kakashi Hatake, am I understanding this correctly? My name is Itama Uzumaki, I'm the one you've been corresponding with.

This old man did not look to be in his 60's as he walked proudly and with a straight posture. He studied charisma with his voice alone many times more than his son. From such a steely old man, Minato and Kakashi instinctively stood up from their chair and made a bow.

Minato... Nice to meet you Itama Sama!

Kakashi... Hai, Itama Sama!

From such awkwardness, the elder laughed at all.

Itama... Ohoho, sit down, dear guests.

The old man was followed by Shisui, who confused Kakashi.

Kakashi... Shisui, you?

Shisui... Good afternoon, Hokage-sama, Kakashi sempai!

Minato... Good, I heard from Itachi that you're here.

Shisui made a bow and sat down across from Itachi.

Itama... Okay, now that everyone's here, we can get started.

The Elders sat down at the edge of the table to face his son.

Itama... I wish I could boast of hospitality at the moment. The situation calls for it, so we'll have to postpone the sit-down.

Minato... It's okay, we all understand.

Itama... So, Minato, did you bring what I asked for?

Though Minato had a high position among the shinobi world. But in front of this old man, even in the course of their correspondence, he had already harbored respect. So he didn't even count on him to address him in a more respectful manner. The Hokage pulled the necessary documents from the seal and handed them to the head.

Minato... Here's everything we've been able to dig up on the case.

Itama and Kawarama began flipping through case after case.

Itama... So, the mission to evacuate Princess Koyuki Kazahan. Performer, Captain Anbu, Kakashi Hatake. The customer, Sandayu Asama, courtier of the late daimyo Sousetsu Kazahan.

Kavarama... After the mission, you provided her with protection and a new life.

Minato... Yeah, we didn't know you were the defender of this country then. Sandayu San, told us that the country could simply be torn apart by the enemy army of the Ice Nation and the fratricidal Doto Kazahana.

Kavarama... If only we'd known this was gonna happen...

Itama... Son, it was a stalemate, so don't blow it out of proportion.

Rereading through most of the documents and getting some questions answered regarding this case.

Itama... So, first, I want to bring you up to speed. The Kazahan clan are the only streams of rulers of the land of snow. Minato, as the Hokage, you must realize that without the daimyo, the country will simply be fragmented. It's the daimyo who helps us with the receipts from the orders. When Sousetsu Sama was still alive, our village was able to receive assignments without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. The country's economy is largely held together by it. And we, as a paramilitary settlement, provide protection for the country. After the end of the war with the land of ice and the Kazahan clan left this country. In power, Hiruzen and I have placed a council of elders, of which I am one. But still there are grievances, among ordinary citizens. No matter what the brother and daughter of the late daimyo did. But now it's leaning more towards Doto's position, because, although he's in the middle of a fratricide. But still he will not give up the throne. Unlike the weak and spineless Koyuki.

Kavarama... Naruto referred to her as a spoiled hysteric. He was assigned the task of mostly keeping an eye on her.

The blond smirked at his son's comments.

Itama... By law, it is Koyuki who must rise to power. But if she refuses, power will go to Doto, which is unacceptable. He's been sinking his teeth into our village for a long time.

Minato... He's sharpening his teeth, but why?

Doto... 23 years ago, I arrived here with my comrades and offered protection to Sousetsu Kazahana. He accepted our offer and allocated this land to us. We settled here and after the destruction of the maelstrom, we were joined by a third of the destroyed village. Our influence as defenders of the country was increasing. We were the first to establish the hidden snow ninja and the village itself here. But Doto wanted to step into our shoes and organize his snow ninjas. He demanded day after day for his brother to banish us. But Sousetsu was adamant, as the methods of defense his brother was proposing were inhumane. He wanted to rule the world, he didn't like our secrecy. He's a greedy and self-righteous young man who doesn't know when to stop. It got to the point where he just strangled his brother and burned down his palace.

Kavarama... Good thing my ninjas got there in time and were able to rescue the princess from the burning building.

The blond and ash-haired man digested this information sparingly.

Minato... Where's Doto now, did they just let him go?

Kavarama... After the defeat of the shinobi of the Land of Ice. Doto fled the country, has never appeared in this country since. Of course we sent out searches to bring them to justice. But even the ice country after accepting the surrender couldn't tell where he was.

Itama... According to intelligence, there were more minions with him who didn't like our ways either. But their identity is unknown! But in the report, I see that Kakashi kun met with them.

Here the ash-haired man woke up and glanced at the names of the three underlings.

Kakashi... Yes, two and a half years ago, Sandayu san told me to wait near a catacomb that was two kilometers long. Sandayu san said he'd bring Princess Koyuki. But he was late and I went to check, I saw that he was held up by my student, Naruto Uzumaki.

At this point he faltered averting his gaze from everyone.

Kakashi... I had to disarm him and help get the princess out of the catacomb.

Shisui reacted with a chuckle.

Shisui... I wonder how Naru reacted to you interfering with his mission to protect Princess Koyuki.

The ash-haired man mewled, shrinking further into a lump.

Kakashi... He doesn't know it was me because I was under the mask. I hope he never finds out. Otherwise I'll have to flee the village for a couple months until it cools down.

This reaction made everyone burst into laughter, and Itama's essence didn't belch smoke.

Itama... Yeah, I don't envy you, Kakashi kun, okay, what happened next?

Kakashi... Afterward, we left the catacomb, but Doto's men were waiting for us there. At their head was Roga Nadare, and their subordinates were named Fubuki and Mizore. They all had armor that absorbed tech. But strangely, with this armor, they could use the ice element. I had to hold them off while Sandayu san, taking Princess Koyuki to the port. But because he was shot through the wrist and thigh by Naruto, we all had to jump off the cliff. The snow cushioned our fall.

Itama remembered some moments in the past and decided to share.

Itama... This armor is developed by the land of ice, yes, it's a handy device. With which they could simply channel chakra into the seals on the armor. And she in turn molded into technicians. Doto wanted to equip all his subordinates with such equipment. But Sousetsu has noticed significant disadvantages to such devices. And the biggest flaw was the ninjas themselves who used them. You know yourself that we have honed our techniques over the years and the result is...

He grew gorgeous vines with leaves and roses, turning the study into a greenhouse. Minato and Kakashi were just shocked at this.

Minato's thoughts... Amazing, so that's the craftsmanship of real mokuton owners! Incredible technique, and the pollen is so soothing to think about.

Kakashi's thoughts... Even Tenzo would need a sea of seals to do something like this. And Itama herself did all this without any seals and not even a muscle flinched.

Itama... As you can see, this is the result of my training in wood element manipulation. I can adjust the power and shape it. And chakro armor just does it for you, thus you degenerate and can't grow any further. Of course it's very convenient to use such things, but if you're left without chakra, the armor will be a heavy burden. And if you get used to them, you simply can't perform even one technique without them. In general, against the background of the minuses, the pluses are just unnoticeable. But the biggest disadvantage is that if the chakra generator on the armor resonate with the armor of a comrade, it will simply explode.

Shisui... Thanks to this resonance, many ice ninjas who wore this armor exploded without even reaching the castle.

Itama... Sousetsu criticized this invention in preference to our techniques. Doto has held a grudge against him ever since, and it just grew bigger by the day. And the bottom line is, you know how it ended.

Itama cleaned up the greenhouse toward the end and sat down with his arms crossed.

Itama... Now back to the case, we need to adjust our arguments at this point so we don't have an embarrassment at trial.

Kavarama... Teiko and Sandayu san should arrive at the capital of the snow country in three four days. During this time, Shisui, Itachi, you will have to send the invitation to the officials and settlement heads of the snow country.

Shisui... Bingo!

There was a reticence and Itama looked at the hokage.

Itama... Minato, would you like to join the old man for a game of shogi?

The Hokage realized that the Elder was inviting an uninvited conversation.

Minato... Yes, Itama herself!

The village head scribbled a few words into the paper.

Kawarama... Hokage herself, Kakashi san, I've arranged for you to rent a whole house in advance, here's the address. Kenshi will show you the location. The court hearing starts in three days, so make yourselves at home.

The hokage and the pemelon-haired man made a bow of thanks.

Minato... Kakashi, you can go with Kenshi for now, I'll come a little later.

Kakashi... Good sensei!

They started to leave, but Shisui appeared before Minato in the hallway as everyone went about their business.

Shisui... Hokage herself, I apologize that I had to lie to you about traveling.

The Hokage placed a hand on the young man's shoulder and smiled calmly.

Minato... Don't worry, I knew it was for a reason.

The brunet marveled at his former boss's guesswork.

Shisui... From where?

Minato... You wouldn't abandon Naruto over something like that.

Shisui... Oh, that's how, by the way, how is he?

Minato... He'll be here soon, so you can ask him yourself.

Shisui... Rather would say he knows these parts well, but the border guards have given no word that his team has made it across the border.

Minato was just as frustrated at this point.

Minato... Shisui, don't worry, he's an experienced shinobi and won't let himself get hurt and especially not with my wife with him. So I think they were just delayed by weather conditions.

He didn't know whether he was reassuring himself or Shisui.

Shisui... Okay, if that's the case.

Just then, a red-haired fury in a robe flew up to the brunet and sagged around his neck.

Akemi... Shi-kun, where did you disappear to when you said you'd just drop by for a few minutes?

The brunet was stupefied at this awkwardness.

Shisui... Uh, honey, I've been called away on an emergency, oh, come meet me. It's the Hokage herself, Minato Namikaze!

They began to look each other over from head to toe.

Minato's thoughts... Wow, Shisui's a good one.

Minato... Hello!

Akemi... Oh, my name is Uzumaki Akemi!

Minato... It's nice to meet you.

Akemi squinted her eyes.

Akemi... You remind me of someone, oh, that Naruto goofball coming soon?

Shisui. Yeah, he's on a mission right now.

Akemi... Ugh, I missed that little bugger so much!

Minato was surprised that this expressive girl would talk about him like that. But remembering his bully nature, he calmed down. But behind the hokage, Itama approached with scrolls in his hands.

Itama... Daughter, you're making a fuss again. God, you're in your early 20s and you're still in over your head!

Minato was surprised that this girl was the daughter of the most respected man in the village.

Akemi... Dad, it's not polite to point out a girl's age!

Itama... Ohoho, I'm sorry.

Shisui... Uh, honey, come on, you asked me to help you.

Akemi.. That's right, goodbye dad, hokage herself!

Akemi grabbed the brunet's arm and dragged him behind her. Itama looking at that pun.

Itama... Eh, young people, I hope I get grandchildren from them. Kawarama's all about the paperwork. Although Shisui kunu will have a hard time dealing with my daughter's perky nature.

Minato... Hehehe, I understand him perfectly, my wife can be hard to sit still sometimes too.

Itama. Ohoho, come on Minato, I know a great place to sit. By the way, Kakashi, I'm going to need you too!

Kakashi... Oh, me?

Itama... Yeah, I should give you guys a mini tour, and let Kenshi get some rest today.

Kakashi... Hai!

Minato... All right!

Minato was only on his first day in this village, but already felt as if he had never left Konoha. He liked the way people babbled kindly to each other on the street. And the kids were chasing each other playing tag. This village turned out to be moderately peaceful. As he walked past the fighting arena, he noticed several Uzumakis amicably healing each other's bruises after a fight. And some of them would laugh at each other even if they lost a tooth.

Minato... So this is what it's like in your fight arena.

Kakashi... This is a place Guy would have loved.

Itama... Yes, the nature of Uzumaki and Senju can be extremely combative. So they have to punch each other in the face to relieve each other's stress. If you'd like to participate, it'll be fun!

The Hokage looked at this craziness.

Minato... Uh, no, I'm gonna pass.

Kakashi... Mma, I'm all the more so, I already have an acquaintance in Konoha who often asks for a mauling. It's better to let Naruto hang out here, he could use a little stress relief once in a while.

Itama... Ohoho, I remember he doesn't like senseless carnage.

Minato... Yes, there is such a thing...

Itama... All right, let's move on.

They walked into the luxurious garden and Itama formed a playing table with two chairs. And on the table was a shogi board with a figurine and made of wood.

Minato... Beautiful...

Itama... Have a seat.

They sat down facing each other and began to play. And Kakashi watched from the sidelines sitting behind the chair that Itama had kindly provided with his technique.

Itama... I assume you have a few questions.

And Minato had a sea of questions, but he decided not to get cocky and list them one at a time.

Minato... Itama yourself, I realize that your people have had a very difficult time in whirlpool country. Then you had to move almost to the edge of the world and hide from everyone. I'm even surprised that all this time the world doesn't even know about snow village. But why did you choose to entrust this secret to only one third person?

Itama smoked his pipe and Minato noted the habits he had picked up from the third.

Itama... Looks like it's gonna be a long story.

He pointed to a monument erected in honor of the third.

Minato... The third one by yourself?

Itama... Yes, Hiruzen loved this place and we often spent time here smoking and reminiscing about past years. But let's start at the beginning. I used to live in Konoha during my childhood years, my mother was from Senju. Hiruzen was ten years older than me. He took me into his care like Shisui did with Naruto. I used to call him sempai, which made him very angry. Tobirama himself, as my relative instructed him to raise me. We often went on missions with Hiruzen, but when he became Hokage. I was still under him then. He taught me a lot, of course not all of his teachings were useful.

He waved the pipe through the air and laughed.

Minato... I realize it's like Kakashi and I, but it's a shame he's picked up habits from my sensei... .

The pemelon-haired man simply folded his hands in a lock and turned away.

Itama... Ah, the son of the White Fang, Sakuma was an excellent ninja. There were times when he and I would often go on missions.

Kakashi... Wow, you knew my father?

Itama... How could I not know him, he was my partner.

Minato... Here's how... But why did you leave the village?

At that moment, Itama frowned at the memory.

Itama... When I was a young man like Shisui, I lost my mother. It took me a long time to get over it. After the First World War, peace began. We went on missions and continued to settle in after the war. But at one point, World War II broke out. Time after time, the jonin went to the front. During the war, there was no one to keep order in the village. Even the Uchiha had to abandon their post and go to the battlefield. During the war, the people of the Senju clan, started dying right in the village. Hiruzen was very busy with the war and had to go to the front. And the people of the Senju clan kept dying and dying, mostly children. When Hiruzen came back for a breather, we decided to start investigating. But they never found anyone or anything that killed our people. At one point we decided to relocate to my father's homeland, but it was very difficult to do so. Therefore, Hiruzen gave missions after which our ninjas did not return. Eventually, Hiruzen recognized the Senju clan in Konoha as extinct. And the clan itself has settled a block away in the village of Whirlpool. And anything that connected them to the leaf was burned. And the fact that Senju were appearing in the maelstrom was easy to explain. As they are close relatives and have bonded from generation to generation. We had to leave Konoha, as we considered it a conspiracy at the time. But not wanting to stir up conflict, we simply left the village without leaving a trace of existence on it.

Kakashi... Was it really a betrayal by the other clans?

Itama... That's what we thought at the time, but we had no proof.

Yellow Lightning listening to this began to get perplexed.

Minato... But why didn't you bring Tsunade with you?

Itama... Tsunade, after the deaths of Nawaki and Dan, stopped considering the clan altogether. She even stopped associating herself with that last name. Hiruzen decided to leave it as it was, because she was the granddaughter of the first Hokage and at least her legacy should be there.

Minato... But after you left, she did leave the village.

Itama... It was probably her best decision at the time. After all, she could have been hit, too, by internal conflict.

The Hokage mentally memorized every word of that story.

Minato... You said you came here 23 years ago, so you knew what fate awaited the land of the maelstrom?

Itama... Yes, the Senju Clan case showed that strong opponents are getting rid of strong opponents. At the time, we thought one of the clans was running a scam like this. But without proof, we couldn't charge anyone with anything. As for the maelstrom. Fuinjutsu is the strongest discipline in the world. It is multifunctional and you can invent anything with it and with its help true masters of seals changed the facets of the universe. Compared to her, my mokuton is just a trick. And Uzumaki are, on a genetic level, masters of seals. And the amount of chakra they have is many times that of the same Senju. My clan are called the hairless devils and their techniques have garnered both respect and fear. And the fact that they are on an island surrounded by other countries. they'd be easy prey. It was only because of this reasoning that I came here with my companions and began to settle this place. At first it was a small settlement. But as our compatriots joined us, our hamlet began to sprawl. Of course, not everyone wanted to move here because of the usual lifestyle on the island. But 18 years ago, when the village of Whirlpool was besieged by three of the great ninja countries. People were starting to think differently. Hiruzen knew of my plans and offered to help. But the memory of the shenanigans in Konoha with the Senju clan was fresh and we decided to keep it all a secret. True Hiruzen still sent his ninjas to repel the attack from the sand village, not wanting the destruction of our homeland.

Minato... What, but he said he couldn't send backup!

Itama... Hiruzen was very pious and did not like to take sin on his soul. I told him the village would be destroyed either way. However, he still didn't listen to me and sent a squad of leaf ninjas to help the maelstrom!

Minato... Who did he send?

The old man looked at the ash-haired man and in a bitter voice.

Itama... A 50-man jounin squad, led by a white leaf fang!

Such information gave Kakashi an electric shock!

Kakashi... He sent you on this mission, Father?

The old man was depressed, every word giving off an ounce of bitterness. And Minato was at a complete loss for words.

Itama... Yes, he sent your father. His squad stayed behind the village wall to fight off the enemies from the sand side. And he himself snuck in and asked us to open the gate. This was unacceptable, as Arashi himself had a plan that the leaf and in particular the squad that came to our aid should not know about. Sakumo was the only one we told about the plan. We told him to abandon the mission. Sakumo understood what we wanted to do, so he didn't mind giving up the mission. Instead, he helped his comrades fend off the attacks and get away before the rest of the sand shinobi raided the village.

This story hit two leaf shinobi in the head.

Minato... So this was the failed mission that made Sakumo san a disgrace?

Kakashi... No way...

Itama pulled out a scroll that detailed this failed mission. Kakashi with trembling hands began to reread everything that was there and made sure it was true.

Kakashi... But what was the plan that made it so easy for my father to abandon the mission?

Itama took a drag on his pipe with all his might and exhaled a thick puff of smoke.

Itama... Arashi herself ordered me to evacuate the city and ferry civilians to the land of snow. As long as they hold the defense. No one, not even the leaf was supposed to know that Uzumaki and Senju had survived the destruction of the vortex. If your father and his squad had snuck into town, they might have blabbed that our clans had moved to the land of snow. Your father took his squad away to keep this plan a secret. He realized the stigma that would fall on him afterwards after the mission was denied. But still a thousand people who could have survived, or taken all the shame and lived with it. Kakashi, your father is a great shinobi and many who live here are still alive because he hid the truth that Uzumaki and Senju were not destroyed. I understand that you had to live with the realization that many of the leaf dwellers despised your father. Hiruzen ordered strict silence about this mission. Still, his comrades criticized him for refusing this mission. For that, I apologize for condemning your father to take this shame upon his shoulders. And for taking our secret to his grave. But there was a war going on then, everyone had to go to extreme measures.

At the last moment, he even bowed before the ash-haired man.

Kakashi was depressed at the end and the hokage decided to support him.

Minato... Kakashi, your father died not only for you, but for those who live here.

The pemelon-haired man let tears fall for the first time in so long as he read the report and heard his father's heroic deed. After all, Sakumo had to keep it all to himself and live with the shame. Minato realized that Sakumo was the greatest shinobi this world had ever known, even his merits paled in comparison to his accomplishments.

Kakashi... Naruto was right after all, my father was the greatest shinobi in shinobi history.

Itama... Believe me, even Hashirama and Tobirama weren't even close compared to his merits. Hiruzen asked me to give you this scroll. When the time comes!

Kakashi wiped away his tears and felt proud of his father and relieved.

Kakashi... So you didn't call me here just for the trial?

Itama... Yeah, it's not just about the trial. I should have told you that.

Kakashi... Thank you, Itama, for telling me about my father.

Itama... I'm the one who needs to thank you, for your father!

There was a long pause for everyone to come to their senses.

Minato... So, what happened next?

Itama... After Sakumo's squad left our island. My comrades and I made submarines for our people to cross underwater so as not to be seen. In the meantime, the siege was still going on, with more and more enemies. The village was deserted, a third of the residents and shinobi of the whirlpool had been evacuated. Only veteran shinobi were left in the village, led by Arashi-sama. I was supposed to stay too, but our leader, ordered me to protect the survivors of our people and be their leader. It was his last will and testament. The only one of the youngsters who didn't want to leave was my ten year old Takeshi!

The ash-haired and blond were already well aware of this shinobi.

Minato... Takeshi?

Itama. Yes, he is the son of the village's greatest jonin in the hidden maelstrom of Uzumaki Tageru! He didn't want to leave his father, but Tageru made me promise to take care of him! There were more and more enemies, they were climbing like cockroaches. When we left with the teleportation technique, Tageru used the greatest technique in history. Wuthering hell!

The leaf ninjas instantly recalled this technique.

Kakashi... We have heard that this technique is the strongest in the element of lightning.

Itama... Yes, he used this technique to raze the entire village to the ground and took over a thousand enemies with him.

Minato... So those ruins we saw in whirlpool country were because of this technique?

Itama... Yes, this technique is designed for long range. It is considered forbidden and only two shinobi have been able to study it.

There was no doubt who the second one was, but with the help of this story they could imagine the power of this technique.

Minato... We assumed that the whirlpool village was destroyed by the Biju, but even they wouldn't have enough power to counter the barriers of the Uzumaki clan. So your village just self-destructed?

Itama... Yes, Tageru took not only our village but our enemies with him to the grave. After the destruction of the vortex, many people wanted to get their hands on our tech. But the only thing they found was ruins and rubble. And the scrolls we left behind weren't very important to us. We planned to pit our attackers against each other over these scrolls. The result was the Third Shinobi World War.

Minato... If you think about it that way, the sand, cloud, and mist lost a great many ninjas after this skirmish.

Itama... Yes, Minato, the biggest problem for the leaf was just the stone you defeated in the war. And the rest of us are just left dumbfounded.

Minato was surprised at this tactical move.

Minato... If Tageru san didn't take a thousand enemy shinobi with him. The sheet would have been destroyed before the war even started.

Itama... Maybe it's like a game of Shogi, you always have to sacrifice a piece to win. That time the maelstrom had to take on the role of a sacrificial figure. Hiruzen had to suffer a lot and even gave up his title as Hokage. By the way, Minato, checkmate!

The Hokage looked at the game board and realized that he had blocked all the exits for his king with the bishop.

Minato... You're a strategist after all.

Itama... You can't beat experience, Minato, another round?

Minato... I won't say no!

They began to play again and at the same time reasoned about what they had heard. Now all the puzzles are falling into place.

Kakashi... Itama yourself, but the war was over, why didn't you reveal yourself back then?

Itama... The war was over, but still we could no longer risk our position. Still, if they knew our people had survived, they would stop at nothing to profit from our printing techniques.

Minato... Hmm, you may be right, there was no need for a new war then. But still a leaf, could help you.

Itama... Unfortunately, the sheet was then only being sent by me after the war. And we already had everything here ready for a full life. Especially since Hiruzen and I found out who was behind the destruction of the Uzumaki and Senju clans!

The Hokage as well as Kakashi were getting tired of being surprised and coming to shock, but still they had to find out.

Minato... And who's that?

Itama... Danzo Shimura!

That name acted like a bzzzik on Minato.

Minato... I should have known.

The Elder pulled three scrolls from behind his sinus and began to reread them one by one.

Itama... Ever since Hiruzen became hokage, Danzo wanted power too. But the most he could expect to do was to be his right hand and protect the village from the shadows. He was defending him in some way.

Minato... Disgusting?

Itama... Exactly, he didn't like the structure of the sheet. And how the clans had influence through their abilities. He believed that all power should be concentrated in one person. And the rest of us worshiped that power. He decided to weed out the leaf clans one by one. The first was the Senju clan, he ordered his men to put poison in sweets and under the guise of a passerby to distribute to children. Children are naive and don't understand a lot, and they lose their heads at the sight of sweetness. But after a week or two, they were dying. He was counting on killing all of Senju's children, thus cutting off access to the continuation of the race. And on missions, they killed genin and young chunin when they returned from a mission. Thankfully we reacted correctly at the time and simply left the village unnoticed. These are all the files Hiruzen had on him after that schemer died.

Minato listening to this report just gritted his teeth.

Minato... How did he not get caught at all?

Itama... There was a war then, all the forces went to the front. It wasn't until two months later that I realized the deaths weren't accidental. He so trained his men that they couldn't even relieve themselves without his permission. So the interrogation was useless. And he covered himself by looking for traitors in the village.

Kakashi... And in the case of the vortex, is he involved in that too?

Itama... Yes, he started a rumor that the land of the vortex was building some kind of weapon that could destroy the world. The rumor worked in his favor, though he acted through his root anbu. But the point doesn't change, he has been poisoning the minds of the heads of the other countries for years. Our scouts worked on this disclosure and found the evidence. That it was Danzo who discredited the maelstrom. Most of the marks, though, Danzo didn't leave. He even killed his associates to keep them from blabbing.

Minato... Damn, how can you be so callous?

Kakashi... So he's the reason your people suffered?

Itama... Not only that! After destroying the maelstrom, he didn't get what he wanted. Namely our abilities. He started baiting the states among themselves and most of them got angry at the sheet. If they say it was the leaf that started the war, it's true. He wanted to pit countries against each other, and he would leave the bandanas of the leaf at the scene of the crime. He wanted thereby to discredit the third and the people began to revolt. It worked very well and left no marks. Speaking of Sakumo, he's the one that most of the residents talked most of the residents into hating him. Since he refused to say why on earth he abandoned that mission to the maelstrom.

Kakashi... What, but his father wouldn't let him go like that!

Itama... Read the line below!

The ash-haired man read the significant notes in the scroll and came to a shock.

Kakashi... Danzo threatened to kill me if he didn't tell me about that mission!

Minato's thoughts... Danzo, this method he has of propogandizing people and besmirching their reputations. What an asshole! That's exactly what he did to Naruto!

At that moment, Kakashi was angrier than ever before.

Kakashi... Son of a bitch, how dare he.

Minato... Relax Kakashi, he's dead, there's not much you can do now.

Itama... Minato makes a good point, it's past that anyway. But there's one thing that's been bugging me.

Minato... What do you mean?

Itama... Danzo always got what he wanted through discrediting individuals or an entire clan. He managed to wriggle Senju out of the sheet. Was able to drive the Uzumaki clan from their rightful homeland. But why didn't it work out with the Uchiha?

This question stumped them.

Minato... Hmm, he kind of failed himself by saying his favorite word.

Itama... The reasons are not important, nor are my motives. All for the good of the village?

That exclamation sounded like some kind of sentence to him and time after time he thought back to that bandaged bastard who had ruined the lives of so many people.

Minato... Yes, that was the exact phrase he said to me when we fought him!

Kakashi... He would even repeat that phrase before dinner.

The Elder began to ponder the situation.

Itama... Minato, can you tell me what it was like? And how did you come to the conclusion that it was Danzo who attacked Konoha?

Minato... Hmm, let me remember when he took control of the nine-tails... When I tried to stop the fox, he attacked me and we both moved outside the village. He was under the mask where only the slit for his right eye was open. He had a sharingan in his first eye. I was able to disrupt his control and break the contract so he couldn't summon the fox. Before he left, he said the same cherished words. But he left his severed right hand, which was not a hand at all. When we had a meeting after the whole incident, Danzo said the same words he said before he left, I noticed that he always hides his right hand. She hides her right eye under bandages. When I ran forensics on the severed hand. It was revealed that the cells on the artificial arm belonged to Hashirama Senju. We weren't entirely sure of our arguments. But it was happening nonetheless. When we decided to move to decisive action. Then with the help of a third, we trapped him. When we decided to check it out, it was confirmed. He had a sharingan in his right eye, and his right hand was artificial, grown with the cells of the first Hokage.

Itama listened to every word the Hokage said and couldn't find a single clue.

Itama... Well, I didn't find the information I was looking for. But it surprises me that such a schemer could blurt out his usual phrase. Kakashi, did you say he repeated that phrase over and over again?

Kakashi... Yes, when he was even silent, he moved his lips and spat it out.

Itama... I guess it was that phrase that brought him out in the open. Don't think I'm senile because of my age. I was just interested in the story.

Minato... It's okay, we risked a lot ourselves suspecting him of that.

Making a mate of the blonde he folded the seals for the summoning.

Itama... Well, I'll have to use Kenshi's services after all.

Poof and a vygeopisueme jonin of snow appeared beside them.

Kenshi... You called, Itama herself?

Itama... Yeah, Kenshi kun, could you give Kakashi kun a tour?

Kenshi... No problem Itama herself. Kakashi san, follow me!

Hatake realized that they had decided to have a private word after all and just followed the guide.

Itama... Another batch?

Minato... Come on!

They started the game oo new and the elders decided to move on to family matters.

Itama... Minato, throughout your account of the attack with the nine-tailed man, you've avoided talking about how exactly you were able to subdue the fox.

The blond man almost dropped the figurine from his hands at that statement.

Minato... I'm sorry Itama myself, it was the stupidest and worst decision of my life.

The Elders realized that his hunch was confirmed.

Itama... Minato, Hiruzen was a very ambitious man and always kept his word. He didn't tell me who Naruto-kun's parents are.

The Hokage could breathe a sigh of relief, but not in front of him. For he realized that sitting before him was the most experienced and wise man he had ever met, not counting the third.

Minato... You figured it out without him.

Itama... Yes!

Minato... I wasn't hoping for anything different...

The old man sighed a puff of smoke and in a monotone voice.

Itama... You've noticed the similarities between me and Kawarama, right?

He could answer that without thinking.

Minato... Of course, in a couple decades, you'll just be confused.

Itama... Ohoho, no, I'm not talking about looks.

Minato... А?

Itama. Often, it's not just appearances that are passed down from parents. But also habits and facial expressions in communication. As the years go by, we only get better or worse, depends on the situation. Your children will inherit some of your traits from you. When I told you the story about creating hidden snow, you showed the same emotions as Naruto kun. I even asked the same questions he used to ask. I told him the story superficially, so as not to torture the child's curiosity. But the fact remains, you and your son are two peas in a pod.

The Hokage was not surprised by his interlocutor's insight and felt like a delinquent schoolboy.

Minato... Itama yourself, I don't think we should take this topic any further. I know what I did was awful, but I can't change the past. Now I think day in and day out about how I'm going to live my life when he finds out about us.

Seeing how the Hokage had finally fallen into despondency. And the elders decided to take pity on him.

Itama... What you did was terrible, but more importantly. You were able to realize it, and it took a long time, but still. I was interested in this story too.

Minato... What exactly are you interested in?

Itama... I will never believe that such a noble and just ruler could do such a thing to his son. I know his story backwards and forwards. Hiruzen referred to you as an outsider. But still told me how you treated someone who held back the power that could destroy villages.

The Hokage was surprised that Itama was the only one who didn't read him off for his mistakes.

Minato... What's there to tell, I burdened my son with a heavy burden and threw him over the threshold. I don't think it's a topic worth discussing.

Itama realized that this was a sore subject for him.

Itama... On the contrary, you should. Minato, like I said, I would never believe you could do that to your son. I'm just wondering, is it possible that you were influenced from the outside to go for it?

Minato... Uh, I don't quite understand the question.

Itama... I'm not judging you for letting Kaname seal the fox into your child. Maybe you just didn't have a choice then. I'm interested in your follow up, how did you feel when you thought of him or saw him?

The Hokage began to remember that moment.

Minato... At the time he was just born, subconsciously I knew what I was doing was wrong was leaving him there. But I still wanted to check on him. I walked into the newborn room and approached his couch. He slept a serene sleep and I wanted to take him in my arms. He didn't wake up when I rocked him in my arms. But every time I was around him. I was overcome with anger and grief. I didn't realize what had happened to me then. I decided to leave him there so I couldn't hurt him. Every mention of him reverberated painfully in my brain. I don't even want to think about him. A picture of a nine-tailed man piercing Kaname obasan with his claw appeared before my eyes. I tried my best not to think about him. That's all I felt about him at that point.

The elders made important points for themselves.

Itama... Now that's interesting to me, usually a lot of people would say. That your aunt's death hurt your heart. But your attitude towards your son is very strange, even too strange to be just strange. Tell me, before your son was born, were you not taking drugs or other psychotropic substances?

The Hokage had wondered about that himself, but he couldn't find a clear recollection of it.

Minato. No, if I drink, it's only sedatives, and that's under doctor's orders.

Itama... I see, but did any genjutsu or Yamanaka techniques affect your brain?

Now Minato began to deliberate even more.

Minato... No, I don't think anyone would do that to me. Especially the sharingan mangeke genjutsu didn't work on me. And Yamanaka's techniques are also passable. But still, what will it change?

The elder smirked at the blond man's excitement.

Itama... It won't make a difference, deal with it as soon as possible. You don't have to live in regret. Otherwise, you'll end up like that jackass Hiruzen.

The Hokage was dumbfounded that Itama could say those words so easily.

Minato... You have a good opinion of your sempai, Itama herself.

Itama... What can you do, he couldn't keep one promise, that he'd come back here while I had grandchildren. So let him roll over in his grave from me calling him a donkey.

Itama wanted to at least hide the outrage and irritation under a smirk. Still, Minato was able to understand his feelings at least somewhat. He decided not to pursue the subject any further. As Itama angrily exhaled a stream of smoke directly into the statue of the third hokage.

Minato... Itama by herself?

Itama... Hmm?

Minato... You know, my son rarely speaks well of anyone. But about Takeshi, he was the only one he spoke so well of.

Itama... You bet he didn't talk about him like that. After all, he was my first and last student!

That explained a lot and the hokage decided to inquire a bit about him.

Minato... You raised a great student.

Itama... Unfortunately, most progress is up to the students themselves. But I've had the most luck with it. I had a really hard time with him at first. Since he lost his father at such a young age. He was not very good at it and even confused the signs of the seals. Thankfully he was able to accept the fact that Tageru was gone. But his donkey persistence to become as great as Tageru san. I initially embraced the idea with enthusiasm. Since Tageru sana even I couldn't beat it in those years. He and I often went on missions and I taught him everything I knew myself. We were the first ones to lay out the route for the mission. He often visited me and took lessons in all shinobi disciplines. We often crossed the sea with him to the land of ice and there extended our influence. He often loved the crack of thunder and when the weather was inclement, he would go outside and watch the clouds. He once sat on a drainpipe in this particular weather and paid the price. He was struck by lightning and was in the hospital for several days. After he was discharged, something changed in him and I realized that Tageru san's genes had manifested in him. It turned out that his chakra attracted the prrld energy of the lightning element and he could use it in battle. I decided to help him with his training and let him learn the techniques his father once used. He grew up real handsome, but his tastes in food were absolutely disgusting. One time I had to burn down his house because 50 pounds of salmon got stuck in there. He absolutely adored salmon and could eat tons of them. But the biggest delicacy for him was eel. They weren't easy to find, though. And so he traveled in search of this delicacy. He had learned many more techniques while traveling, and his chakra volume was such that 100 shadow clones was an easy warm-up for him. Anyway, I told him not to highlight himself. But that asshole contacted Kazekage and changed the boy's seal.

Itama narrated with a smile on his face, remembering the fun days with his student.

Minato... Yes, Rasa himself told me how he managed to change the seal on Gaara.

Itama... Eh, there was no end to his altruism. Anyway, I told him to go back to the village and stay out of sight. I certainly tried to give him genins, but there were just no suitable candidates for him. He liked to go overboard in training sometimes, so few people agreed to be his apprentices. Anyway, when Naruto-kun and Shisui-kun came to our village. I thought there was no better mentor for them than Takeshi. Both are already well trained and showing patience. He took them into training and showed them all the skills of survival in the winter thicket of forests and fields. It was important to him that his students were always prepared for the unexpected and showed ingenuity in solving problems. He took the teacher's task very responsibly and often improved their skills sometimes individually. Sometimes helped work through collaborative techniques.

Minato... Haha, a dream of a sensei, I can see why my son turns his nose up at Kakashi. I guess he's used to the sensei's responsibility and help in training.

Itama looked at the hokage with surprised eyes.

Itama... What about Kakashi?

Minato... He's just lazy and doesn't like responsibility.

Itama... Strange, I've been watching her for Sakumo of this quality. Where would Kakashi get that kind of knowledge?

Minato... Heehee, it's a long story.

Itama... Okay, well, Takeshi liked his students, too. It was really frustrating that only one Shisui came to us, after six months of training. Still, he couldn't be happy that Naruto was back two and a half years ago.

At this point, the Elder's voice grew sad and languid.

Itama... Eh, who knew this could happen. We should have gone to that damn castle together! Still, Takeshi achieved his goal. He grew up like his father, but if he knew he'd die like Tageru. I'd just rip apart every ice shinobi myself.

At the last moment he shrank the figure into ashes, but regaining his composure, he made a new one.

Itama... Minato, have you ever lost a student?

The question was like a sentence to him, and with regret.

Minato... Yes!

Itama... It's so sad to realize that you as a teacher weren't that great. If your students make the same mistakes you've been protecting them from all along.

The Hokage realized exactly what the elder meant and remembered Obito and Rin.

Minato... You're right, maybe if I spent more time with my students. Maybe they wouldn't have come to this fate.

Itama... If only, as if, how I hate those words. But everyone has to use them sometimes. You'll forgive my grouchiness, I'm not old enough.

Minato's thoughts... You're not the right age, you're 65 years old, you can give any 40 year old a head start!

Minato... Nothing...

Itama... If Takeshi hadn't used that technique, it's unlikely we would have gotten away with little loss. He knew we'd be in time for backup and we could smash all 12,000 troops. But also realized that we'd take huge losses. Sometimes you're constantly thinking about the dilemmas of whether there are 8,000 of your soldiers or one of your own kind. I don't know, maybe I still haven't come to terms with his death. Because I promised Tugger I'd take care of him. Damn, I hope I don't become a sorry ass like Hiruzen!

The Hokage didn't know whether to feel regret or joy that Itama could go on a pun between conversations.

Itama... But still, you do realize that if you took your son from birth into your family. He might not have grown up to be what he became.

Minato... What do you mean?

Itama... Naruto has endured most of the hardships of the world and knows that there is no such thing as an easy life. I know it hurts you to realize that you're worthless to Naruto as a father. But still, you're gonna have to deal with it. Perhaps in the future he will be able to realize everything, but for now, don't ruin an already weathered soul.

The Hokage reminded himself of this, but was constantly conflicted and decided not to respond to this advice.

Itama... Enough about your son, what about the rest of your family?

Minato could relax now.

Minato... And what can I say, a beautiful wife and an equally beautiful daughter. However, both are constantly arranging situations that make their hair gray.

Itama... Hahaha, I understand, it's even easier in war than with a daughter and wife from the Uzumaki clan. Look at my whisky, the right one belongs to Sanshou's wife and the left belongs to Akemi's daughter.

Minato pictured himself with gray in his hair for a second.

Minato. Haha, I don't know what to say.

Itama... You know what, bring your daughter here, too.

Minato... Uh, what?

Itama... I don't like to get ahead of myself, but I still think we'll do well in court. Especially since we have a new year coming up in a month. And before that, we have the New Year's Eve festivities coming up. So you can celebrate with the whole family here!

The Hokage didn't know what to say.

Minato... Itama herself, I think that would be too much...

Itama... Let her see how her ancestors lived.

Minato... Uh, okay...

The Hokage couldn't even say no to such a sherod offer.

Itama... All right, let me show you where your hotel is. And you can send a message there. Especially since you said in your letter that your subordinate Tenzo knows about our village. Let him come too, see what we can do with his genes.

Minato remembered glimpsing a mokuton-wielding subordinate of his. Itama turned out to be an overly interesting person to Minato and one could even say riveting over the course of the conversation. Kakashi, on the other hand, after talking to Itama, could rethink a lot of things about his father's life path. He felt nothing but pride and admiration for him, which grew even stronger after the conversation. Walking into his hotel room, he could fall into an uneasy sleep looking forward to a new day in this village. And Minato, after dinner at the diner, decided to get a good night's sleep before a long day. But his thoughts were never far from his son, his wife, and his daughter. He was very eager to see them again, wished them good night and fell asleep himself. As for Itama, he decided to reveal all the details of the past years to them in order to get these two ninjas comfortable with him. Of course Minato and Kakashi realized that there might be people like Danzo in the world and they needed to be wary and look more carefully.

As for Team 7 and crew, after a run-in with Team Nadare, they decided to just take a break and get their act together.

Meanwhile, in the underground shelter of the land of ice, Team Nadare reports to their boss. The leader of this gang made a low bow to his master.

Horns... Doto herself, the opponents managed to escape on the ship. And this wretched captain left the ship on shore.

Doto looked the shaking man over and gave him a cold stare.

Doto... Anything to say?

The little man was very timid, and every word Doto said to him was like boiling water on his cold back.

Captain... Doto herself, in the time it took to disembark and prepare the scene, the ship's engine had time to freeze. I just wouldn't be able to swim away in time...

Doto simply plunged the dagger right into the top of his head and his lips quivered in a manic smile. And then turned to the others.

Doto... We'll have to use the blimp. We must catch up with their ship before they reach the land of snow. Do you understand me?

... Doto herself!

Doto... Remember, if you screw up this time, I'll just waste you!

Doto's sixes began to shake their knees so that the grinding of armor gave me melody.