May 2, 1899, Grizzly Mountains, Colter

Naruto stretched as he got up from the bed he'd managed to sleep on, feeling the cold air of the cabin seeping into his bones. Across the room, Arthur was still asleep, his breathing steady in the early morning silence. Naruto slipped out quietly, careful not to wake him, and made his way outside into the biting cold.

Snow crunched under his boots as he stepped out, the chill of the morning hitting him full force. He glanced around, noting that most of the gang was still asleep, taking whatever rest they could get. The only one out there, pacing near the campfire, was Sean, his red hair bright against the snowy backdrop.

"Morning." Naruto called, his breath visible in the cold air as he approached Sean.

"Ah, finally, someone else up!" Sean grinned, his typical energy not dampened in the least by the freezing weather. "Figured I was the only one fuckin mad enough to be out in this cold."

Naruto smirked. "Guess you've got company, then. I've been told I'm just as crazy as you sometimes."

The two shared a brief laugh, the sound breaking the stillness of the snow-covered camp.

Sean grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes despite the tension that still lingered from Blackwater. "You wouldn't believe the trouble I got into back there in Blackwater. Nearly got myself captured by a bunch of bounty hunters."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Almost? Sounds like you managed to get out just fine."

"Only 'cause of what you taught me." Sean clapped Naruto on the shoulder, his grip firm. "Those bastards had me cornered, but I remembered what you said about aiming steady, takin' a breath. Managed to put one right between the lead bastard's eyes and then I killed the fuckin rest of them."

Naruto smirked, nodding approvingly. "Looks like the training's paying off."

"Fuck yeah, it is! I would've been a goner without it." Sean said, laughing despite the grim memory. "Never thought I'd be thanking you for it, but I reckon I owe you a drink if we ever get back to a town."

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Try not to get yourself into any more messes, and I might just take you up on that."

They shared a laugh, their voices cutting through the cold morning air. Just then, the door to another cabin creaked open, and Hosea stepped out, bundled tightly against the chill. He gave the two of them a tired nod, rubbing his hands together for warmth as he joined them.

"Good to see you boys up early." Hosea said, his voice calm but edged with weariness. "You'd think after the mess we just went through in Blackwater, you two would want all the sleep you could get."

Naruto shrugged, grinning. "Can't help it. Guess we're both just restless."

Hosea gave a small chuckle, glancing between the two of them. "Well, if you've got that much energy, I could use a couple of hands around here. Camp's gonna need a little more work if we're going to ride out this cold."

Sean groaned playfully. "Ah, come on, Hosea. Isn't that why we've got a whole gang?"

Hosea's eyes twinkled with humor. "Yes, but most of that gang is still in bed. Besides, a little work never hurt anyone."

Naruto exchanged a quick look with Sean, then nodded. "Alright, Hosea. Just tell us what you need."

Hosea smiled. "Good lads. Let's get to it before the others wake up and start complaining."

With that, the three set to work, the laughter and light banter briefly dispelling the weight of recent events.

Hosea led Naruto and Sean over to the supplies and equipment stacked on the wagons. With the recent move to the mountains, they needed to fortify the camp against the cold, gather firewood, and make sure their resources were well-organized.

"Let's start with firewood," Hosea said, handing Naruto an axe. "We'll need a steady stockpile if we're going to make it through this storm."

Naruto nodded, taking the axe and setting off to chop nearby fallen logs into usable pieces. Meanwhile, Sean and Hosea worked together to gather what wood was already prepared and carry it over to the main campfire, stacking it under cover to keep it dry.

Once the firewood was handled, Hosea motioned them toward the horses tied up nearby. "Naruto, Sean, we're low on food. I checked the wagon and we have enough for one more day at the most." he said, his tone growing more serious. "And the horses will need extra care with this cold setting in. Let's make sure they're fed and check their hooves—snow and ice can do a number on them if we're not careful."

Naruto and Sean got to work, bringing feed over and making sure each horse was fed. Naruto took special care with each animal, running his hands over their hooves to clear any compacted snow or ice that could cause them trouble. Sean followed suit, working on a few of the more stubborn horses with a patience he usually reserved for the gang.

When they were finished, Hosea gave them an approving nod. "Good work, boys. This'll make things a little easier on everyone else—and on these horses too."

Naruto turned to Hosea, his expression shifting to one of concern. "Hosea, did John make it back during the night?"

Hosea shook his head, a frown creasing his face. "No, son. Not yet."

Naruto's jaw tightened, worry flickering in his eyes. "It's been too long. He should've been back by now."

Hosea placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder. "I know. But if anyone can make it through this storm, it's John. We'll give him a bit longer, and if he's not back, we'll make sure to bring him home ourselves."

Naruto nodded, though the concern still lingered. John was his brother, the one he'd grown up with, fought beside, and trusted with his life. The thought of something happening to John out there in the cold weighed heavily on him. He didn't know what he would do if something went wrong, if they couldn't find him in time. The storm was unforgiving, and every minute that passed only deepened the worry settling in his chest.

Naruto looked back at Hosea, determination hardening his features. "I'll head out and try to hunt down some food. We're going to need all we can get if this storm keeps up." Naruto said, figuring that trying to find food would keep his mind off John for a while.

Hosea gave him an approving nod. "Be careful out there, son. This cold is no joke."

Naruto turned and made his way toward the edge of camp, adjusting his bow as he prepared to set off. Just then, Charles stepped out of one of the cabins, pulling his coat tighter around himself as he noticed Naruto passing by.

"Heading out hunting?" Charles asked, eyeing the bow Naruto carried.

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, figured I'd see what I can bring back. We're running low."

Charles took a step forward, flexing his hand as if testing its strength. "Want some company?"

Naruto shook his head, glancing at Charles's injured hand. "It's fine, Charles. You need to rest that hand and let it heal. I can handle it."

Charles hesitated but nodded. "Alright, but be careful out there. This weather's brutal."

"Don't worry. I'll be back soon," Naruto said with a reassuring grin. He turned and headed out into the snowy wilderness, his senses sharp as he began tracking, hoping to bring back enough food to help the gang through the harsh days ahead.

Naruto moved carefully through the snow-laden forest, eyes scanning the ground for signs of life. Beside him, his Steel Grey Breton, Kurama, stood still and calm, his breath visible in the frigid air as he waited patiently for his master's signal. Naruto had been tracking for some time, searching for any signs of deer. Finally, he spotted faint hoofprints in the fresh snow, leading deeper into the dense trees.

Naruto secured Kurama to a sturdy branch a few paces back, patting the horse's neck to keep him calm. He then followed the tracks, stepping lightly to avoid any sound that might alert his targets. After several minutes of careful movement, he caught sight of his prey—a pair of deer, a doe and a young buck, standing between a cluster of trees, their noses lowered as they foraged for whatever bits of grass or moss they could find beneath the snow

Crouching behind a thick tree, Naruto observed the deer quietly, assessing the wind direction. The breeze was in his favor, carrying his scent away from the animals. He took a slow breath, ensuring he had steady control over his breathing as he nocked an arrow. Naruto's eyes focused on the buck first, as it was closer to the edge of the clearing and slightly apart from the doe.

Knowing he needed to make a clean, quick shot to ensure the animal wouldn't suffer, Naruto aimed carefully at the buck's head, aligning his shot with practiced precision. The tension of the bowstring was familiar and grounding as he pulled it back, holding his breath for a brief moment. Then, with a controlled release, he let the arrow fly. It cut through the air in a blur, striking the buck squarely in the head. The animal dropped instantly, collapsing into the snow without a sound.

The doe's head snapped up at the noise, her ears twitching as she searched for any sign of danger. Naruto remained motionless, knowing that even the slightest movement could send her bolting into the woods. He waited, watching as the doe's tense posture relaxed slightly, her instincts telling her that whatever had happened was no longer an immediate threat.

When the doe resumed foraging for food, Naruto prepared his next shot. He nocked another arrow, moving with a steady hand as he drew the bowstring back. This time, he aimed directly at her head, wanting to ensure the same quick, painless end as he had with the buck. He held his breath, then released. The arrow flew true, striking the doe in the head and dropping her instantly, just like the buck. There was no struggle, no suffering—just a peaceful end beneath the snow-laden branches.

Satisfied with the clean kills, Naruto approached the deer, feeling a deep sense of respect for the lives they'd given. As he reached the buck, he murmured a quiet thank-you.

He worked efficiently, tying the buck's legs securely with rope, ensuring it was balanced and firmly attached to Kurama. For the doe, Naruto took a deep breath and lifted her onto his shoulders, adjusting the weight carefully across his back. She was heavy, but Naruto was strong, years of hard living and constant work with the gang having built his endurance and muscle.

With one deer securely fastened to Kurama and the other across his shoulders, Naruto began the trek back to camp. His boots crunched steadily through the snow, each step a deliberate effort to keep his balance. Kurama followed close behind, calm and steady as they made their way through the dense forest. The cold air bit at his skin, but Naruto's focus kept him moving, determined to bring back the much-needed food for the gang.

The journey back was quiet, save for the occasional soft snort from Kurama and the rustling of snow-laden branches in the wind. Naruto's thoughts drifted to the camp, picturing the relief on everyone's faces when they saw the deer. The gang had been through a lot lately, and fresh food would be a welcome sight. The weight of the doe on his shoulders was heavy, but it was nothing compared to the weight of his responsibility towards the people he called family.

When Naruto returned to camp, he was greeted by warm smiles and a wave of relieved expressions. The cold air seemed a little less harsh with the sight of fresh food returning to the group. Most of the camp was already awake, drawn outside by the sound of footsteps in the snow, and they watched as Naruto trudged toward them, the weight of the doe on his shoulders showing in his steps.

Lenny and Charles were the first to step forward, recognizing the strain Naruto had taken on to bring back the deer. Charles gave him an approving nod, admiration clear in his eyes. "Good work, Naruto. Here, let me take that off your shoulders."

"Yeah, you've done more than enough for today." Lenny added with a grin, stepping up to help. Together, they lifted the doe off Naruto's back, the weight finally leaving his shoulders.

Naruto exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he felt the relief of letting go. "Thanks, you two." he said, a small smile breaking through his tired expression. "Figured we could use the food."

"You've done us a big favor." Charles replied, patting him on the back. "With the way things are going, fresh meat like this is going to be a blessing."

The others looked on appreciatively as Lenny and Charles got to work setting up the deer for cleaning and preparation for Pearson. Even in the midst of their struggles, Naruto's effort and dedication hadn't gone unnoticed by the gang. Some of the others came forward to offer him a pat on the back, a nod, or even just a grateful smile, their spirits lifted by the prospect of a good meal.

Hosea stepped out from one of the cabins, observing the scene with a look of quiet pride. "You've done well, Naruto. This'll make all the difference in keeping us strong through the cold."

Naruto nodded, feeling a warmth in his chest that had little to do with the cold air around him. It was moments like these that reminded him of why he stayed, why he fought so hard for this group of people he called family. The hunt had been tiring, but seeing the gratitude in their eyes made it worth every step.

"Any signs of John?" Naruto asked, glancing around the camp, his voice laced with concern. It had already been two hours since he'd left to hunt, and the worry that had nagged at him earlier was creeping back.

Hosea shook his head, his face shadowed with worry. "No, nothing yet. We're still waiting to see if he makes it back on his own."

Naruto's jaw tightened, unease settling heavily in his chest. "He's been out there too long. This weather is brutal, even for someone as tough as John."

Charles, busy with the deer Naruto had brought back, looked up and nodded in agreement. "I know how you feel. But if he's out there, he's doing everything he can to survive. And if he doesn't make it back by nightfall, we'll figure something out."

Naruto nodded, though the concern still lingered. "I just don't like sitting here, waiting. Feels wrong."

Hosea put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I get it. But John's a fighter. Let's give him some more time, and if he doesn't turn up, we'll go after him." Naruto gave Hosea a small nod though his concern didn't go down even a little.

Naruto made his way to the cabin where the Callander brothers were being cared for. As he opened the door, he found most of the girls gathered inside. Miss Grimshaw, ever vigilant, had chosen this cabin to keep an eye on the Callander brothers, and the girls had taken to sleeping here as well for warmth and security due to Miss Grimshaw not wanting the girls to sleep with the men.

Miss Grimshaw looked up from her place beside Mac, giving Naruto a nod. "Naruto, good timing. How did the hunting go?"

"Brought back two deers." he replied, managing a small smile. "Enough to keep everyone fed for a while."

"Good." she said, though her expression remained worried as her gaze fell back to the brothers. Naruto noticed the strain on her face, signs of a sleepless night spent caring for the brothers.

"How are they doing?" Naruto asked quietly, looking between Mac and Davey, concern heavily in his tone.

Miss Grimshaw sighed, her eyes settling on Mac, who lay awake on his cot, his face pale but defiant. "Mac's in a rough state. He's tough, and I think he's got a fair chance of pulling through, but I'm not making any promises. He's got a fire in him, though—that's what's keeping him going."

Naruto nodded, feeling some relief, but his gaze drifted to Davey. The younger Callander brother was bundled tightly under several blankets, his face drawn and waxy. "And Davey?"

Miss Grimshaw's face fell. "Davey... well, it's been hard for him to stay awake for more than a few minutes. Fever's taking its toll, and he's barely hanging on, Naruto. I've done what I can, but it's not looking good. This cold only makes it worse."

Naruto's jaw clenched as he absorbed her words, the weight of worry heavy on his shoulders. He turned back to Mac, who mustered a faint smile, his voice hoarse but determined.

"Don't go looking so down, whisker boy." Mac rasped, his usual grit shining through. "I'll be up soon enough. And my brother, he's tough. He'll be fine too. We're not done fighting yet."

Naruto managed a chuckle, crouching down beside him. "Good to hear it. Can't have you two going soft on us."

Mac let out a short, pained laugh. "Soft? I'll be back on my feet and killing in no time. A couple of bullet holes don't mean much."

Naruto nodded, resting a reassuring hand on Mac's shoulder. "Just focus on getting better, both of you. You've got everyone pulling for you."

Mac gave him a determined nod, though his eyes betrayed the pain he was trying to hide. "We're fighters, the both of us," he said firmly. "You don't have to worry about us."

Naruto gave his shoulder a gentle pat, standing as he took one last look around the cabin.

Naruto made his way over to the fire, where most of the girls were huddled close, seeking warmth against the bitter mountain cold. The flickering flames cast a warm glow across their faces, providing a temporary escape from the biting chill that seemed to settle into their bones. Mary-Beth, Tilly, Karen, and Jenny looked up as he approached, their faces brightening at the sight of him.

"Nice work bringing back those deer, Naruto." Tilly said, her tone filled with gratitude. "We were starting to wonder what we'd do if food got any tighter."

Naruto shrugged, a modest smile on his face. "Figured I'd try to make myself useful. Cold's tough enough without worrying about empty stomachs."

Tilly shook her head with a soft laugh. "You always say that. You put yourself through all that trouble and brush it off like it's nothing."

Karen smirked, chiming in with a teasing grin. "Right? Practically saving us all from starving and acting like he just went for a stroll."

Naruto chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, maybe a little more than a stroll." he admitted, glancing down, his cheeks turning slightly red from their praise. "But we're all doing our part, right? Just trying to keep things running."

Mary-Beth gave him a soft smile, her gaze warm and admiring. "It means a lot to everyone, Naruto. You have this way of keeping us all steady, even when things get rough." Her words were gentle, filled with a gratitude that made him pause.

Naruto's gaze softened as he met her eyes, nodding with understanding. "We're family, Mary-Beth. That's what we do for each other, right?" His voice held a quiet reassurance, one that seemed to ease some of the tension in the air. "We keep each other going, no matter how hard it gets."

Jenny, sitting close to the fire, looked up at him with curious eyes. "How do you do it, Naruto? I mean, being out there in the cold and handling all those things on your own… doesn't it get rough?"

Naruto paused, considering her question, then gave her a reassuring smile. "It can be rough sometimes, but you get used to it. And it helps to know that I'm doing it for all of you. Makes it worth the trouble when I know everyone's safe and taken care of."

Jenny looked at him with admiration, nodding thoughtfully. "I guess that makes sense. Just… don't push yourself too hard, okay? We don't want anything happening to you either."

Naruto chuckled, reaching over to give her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Jenny. I'm tougher than I look. I'll be around to keep an eye on all of you for a long time."

Karen crossed her arms, a playful glint in her eyes. "A soft spot for us girls, huh, Naruto?"

Naruto laughed, unable to hide his grin. "Maybe a little." he admitted, glancing around at each of them. "Guess I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Tilly's gaze softened, her voice quieter but filled with warmth. "You're good to us, Naruto. You keep us feeling like there's something to look forward to. In a place like this, that's a rare thing."

Naruto nodded, feeling a sense of contentment settle in. "We'll get through this cold, all of us. Just gotta hold on a bit longer."

The fire crackled, casting a warm glow that seemed to soften the harshness of their surroundings. The girls exchanged looks, a quiet gratitude in their expressions as they huddled a little closer to the fire and to each other. With Naruto there, offering his strength and humor, the cold didn't seem quite as relentless.

For a while, they sat there in the firelight, sharing quiet conversation, their laughter filling the cabin. In the midst of the hard winter, these small moments of friendship and warmth made the world feel a little kinder. And with Naruto's presence, they felt stronger—like they could face anything that lay ahead.

A little while later, the cabin door creaked open, and a shivering Javier stumbled in, rubbing his arms and stomping his boots to knock off the clinging snow. His face was red from the cold, and he wore an expression of pure frustration as he made his way toward the fire.

"Dios mío, it's freezing out there." he muttered through chattering teeth, his gaze flicking around the room until it landed on Naruto and the girls. "And to make matters worse, I have to share a space with that bastard Micah."

Naruto raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What's the matter, Javier? Not getting along with your new bunkmate?"

Javier's irritation deepened, his jaw tightening. "The man is impossible. Soon as he came into the cabin last night, he started in with his usual attitude. First thing he did was make some nasty, racist remarks at me and Lenny, right to our faces. Like he didn't care one bit who he was talking to. He called me greaser, and you can image what he called Lenny."

Naruto's smirk faded, a frown forming as he processed Javier's words. "He really said that?"

Javier nodded, anger and hurt in his eyes. "I don't know how Dutch puts up with him. It's hard enough out here without hearing that kind of talk from someone in our own gang."

Karen's expression darkened. "Figures he'd do something like that. He's nothing but trouble."

Tilly shook her head, a mix of sympathy and frustration on her face. "Micah doesn't know the first thing about respect. Don't let him get under your skin, Javier."

Javier sighed, managing a thin smile as he looked at her. "I'm trying, but being stuck with him all night makes it hard."

Naruto clapped him on the shoulder, offering a supportive nod. "If it gets too much, you let one of us know. We've got your back, and Micah's not worth losing sleep over. You can stay with me and Arthur or here if Miss Grimshaw would have you."

Karen crossed her arms, smirking. "I don't know, Javier. We've got a full house here, and I don't think we want to risk bringing any of Micah's foul smell in here either. It seemed to have attached itself to you."

Javier groaned, shaking his head as he settled near the fire, grateful for its warmth despite the teasing. "If I have to spend another night with him, I swear I'll freeze outside instead." He rubbed his hands together, his frustration fading into a small grin as he looked around at his friends.

Naruto laughed, shaking his head as he looked over at Javier. "Well, if it's that bad, you know there's always another option." he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Javier raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what's that?"

Naruto grinned, leaning in. "Middle of the night, you and Lenny just wait till he's asleep. Catch him off guard, tie him up real tight, and leave him out in the snow to freeze or let the wolves take care of him."

The girls burst into laughter, their laughter echoing through the cabin. Karen clapped her hands, wiping a tear from her eye. "Now that, I'd pay good money to see!"

Javier chuckled, clearly entertained by the idea. "As tempting as that sounds, I'd rather not be on the wrong end of Dutch's fury if he found out. But, I'll admit, it's a good plan."

Naruto shrugged, still grinning. "Just an option. You know, in case you get desperate."

The idea brought another round of laughter, lifting the spirits around the fire. In the middle of the harsh winter, these small moments of humor and camaraderie made the cold a little more bearable and gave them all something to laugh about, even with the likes of Micah stirring up trouble.

As the laughter died down, Naruto's ears picked up on the sound of raised voices coming from outside. Frowning, he stood, catching the attention of the others.

"What's going on?" Tilly asked, noticing his change in expression.

"Not sure." Naruto replied, moving toward the cabin door. "I'll go check it out."

Stepping outside, Naruto was met by the cold bite of the mountain air and spotted Abigail near Dutch, her voice tense and pleading as she spoke to him. Dutch stood firm, his expression guarded, but Abigail wasn't letting up.

"Please, Dutch." she implored, desperation in her voice. "It's been too long. John could be out there freezing, hurt—God knows what could've happened. We have to send someone to look for him."

Dutch sighed, visibly weighing the decision. "Abigail, you know how dangerous it is out there. Sending someone now, in this storm… it's a risk for all of us."

Naruto watched from a distance, understanding her worry. As much as things had been strained between her and John, he knew Abigail cared for him. The worry etched on her face spoke volumes.

He stepped forward, catching Dutch's attention. "She's right, Dutch. John's tough, but no one's invincible. He's been out there too long."

Dutch looked between them, a hint of frustration crossing his face. "You think I don't care? I've been thinking about John since the moment he didn't come back. But going out now is no small thing. I can't risk more lives."

Abigail looked at Naruto, desperation in her eyes. "Please, Naruto, talk some sense into him."

Naruto paused, his mind racing. The last thing he wanted was to risk anyone unnecessarily, but he couldn't shake the feeling that John needed them. And he couldn't say no when Abigail had that worried look on her face. Taking a deep breath, he looked at Dutch. "I'll go. I know the terrain well enough by now, and I can handle myself. Let me go see if I can find him."

Dutch narrowed his eyes, considering the proposal, tension clear in his posture. Finally, he gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, Naruto. But be careful. I don't want to lose another member of this family."

Abigail's face softened with relief. "Thank you, Naruto. Just… bring him back safe."

Naruto nodded, already mentally preparing for the search.

Naruto moved quickly through the snow, preparing mentally for the search ahead. As he mounted Kurama, he heard the crunch of footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw Javier and Arthur approaching.

"Figured you could use some backup." Javier said, climbing onto his own horse. "Besides, no way I'm letting you wander out in this storm alone."

Arthur mounted his horse. He gave a small nod, his expression guarded as usual, but Naruto could sense the underlying worry beneath his calm demeanor. Arthur might've tried to hide it, but Naruto knew that, despite the strain between him and John, Arthur still cared deeply for him—like a brother.

"John's been gone too damn long." Arthur said gruffly, adjusting his collar against the wind. "If he's out there somewhere, we're bringing him back. Simple as that."

Naruto offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Thanks, Arthur. I know you and John… haven't exactly been on the best terms, but he'd do the same for you. We'll find him."

Arthur's jaw tightened slightly, but he nodded, looking off toward the snow-covered hills. "Yeah. Let's not waste any more time talking about it."

With that, the three of them nudged their horses forward, riding out into the storm. The cold bit at their faces, the wind cutting through their coats as they pressed on, but none of them hesitated. They moved in determined silence, the only sounds coming from the crunch of hooves in the snow and the distant howl of the wind. Each of them knew the risks, but none were willing to leave John out here any longer.

Naruto led the way, focusing on the faint tracks partially buried in the snow, his mind sharp and eyes scanning for any sign of movement. Beside him, Arthur's gaze darted around the landscape, his usual stoicism giving way to a barely concealed worry. Despite his rough exterior, Naruto knew that John was more than just a fellow gang member to Arthur—he was family, and family was worth any risk.

The three rode up along the riverbank, the snow crunching under their horses' hooves as they scanned the landscape for any trace of John. The cold bit harshly at their faces, and the storm showed no signs of easing. As they followed the path Javier remembered John taking, Naruto noticed a darkened patch in the snow ahead. They dismounted to examine it—a circle of ashes and melted snow, the remnants of an old campfire.

"Looks like he stopped here." Naruto murmured, glancing around. "Probably to rest and keep warm."

Arthur knelt, inspecting the tracks leading away from the fire. "There are hoofprints up the mountain. Fresh snow's covering 'em, but they're there."

They mounted up and followed the trail further into the mountains, the ascent steep and treacherous. The horses struggled through the thick snow as they climbed, but Naruto kept his eyes focused on the tracks, urging them onward. After a while, they reached a plateau, and Naruto's heart sank at the sight ahead—a dark, still shape lay partially buried in the snow.

As they drew closer, he recognized the horse—it was John's. The poor animal lay motionless, its coat matted with blood and patches of fur missing. Deep claw and bite marks marred its sides, and the surrounding snow was stained red. It had been eaten, likely by wolves or some other hungry animal.

Arthur's face hardened as he dismounted, approaching the dead horse. "Damn it… Looks like wolves got to it. They probably went after John, too."

Naruto's jaw clenched, a cold urgency flooding through him. "If he was thrown or had to abandon his horse here, he's probably on foot—and in real danger."

Javier scanned the area, his face grim. "He must've tried to outrun them. If he's still out here, he'll need help fast."

Arthur gave a quick nod, his gaze sharpening as he remounted. "Let's keep moving. He can't have gone far on foot, not in this weather."

As they rode along the mountainside, searching for any sign of John, Javier suddenly pulled his reins and raised his gun. "I've got a better idea." he said, and without another word, he fired a few shots into the air. The sharp cracks echoed through the snowy mountains, reverberating off the cliffs.

For a moment, they all listened intently. Then, faintly, they heard a voice calling out over the howling wind.

"Help! Over here!"

"That's him!" Naruto said, urgency flashing in his eyes.

They dismounted, securing their horses to a nearby tree, and began making their way toward the sound. The path was steep and slippery with snow, but they pressed forward, taking cautious steps around the rocks. Rounding a boulder, they spotted John, huddled against the cliffside, battered and half-frozen. Fresh claw marks slashed across his face, three red lines that stood out against his pale skin.

John looked up, his relief clear despite the exhaustion in his eyes. "About time you got here." he muttered, though there was gratitude in his voice.

Arthur kept his face neutral, crouching beside him and giving him a once-over. "Took a nice beating, didn't ya?" he remarked, sounding more humored than concerned.

"Never thought I'd say this but it's good to see you Arthur Morgan." John responded.

Naruto shook his head with a smirk. "Well, we better get you out of here before you freeze."

With Javier's help, Naruto and Arthur hoisted John up and guided him back to the horses. Just as they were securing him in the saddle, a low growl echoed from the mountain. Naruto looked up, spotting a pack of wolves emerging from the top of the mountain, their yellow eyes gleaming with hunger. Seven wolves, teeth bared, closed in on them quickly.

Arthur sighed, still keeping his cool demeanor. "Of course, it couldn't just be a simple trip home, could it?"

Naruto didn't waste a second, quickly mounting his horse and drawing his rifle as the wolves charged. The horses reared in panic, but Naruto urged Kurama forward, keeping close to John and Arthur.

A wolf lunged toward Naruto's horse, and he fired, dropping it with a shot to the chest. Another charged from the left, and Naruto quickly aimed and fired again, striking it squarely in the side. The third came fast, but Naruto turned in time, squeezing off another shot and sending it sprawling in the snow.

Arthur, with a steady hand and precise aim, took down the remaining four wolves, each shot quick and deadly. As the last wolf fell, they urged their horses forward, riding hard to put distance between them and any other potential threats.

Once they slowed, Arthur glanced over at Naruto, nodding with a faint smirk. "Not bad."

Naruto gave a quick nod, his expression serious but relieved. "Thanks, Arthur."

John, still shivering on Arthur's horse, managed a faint grin. "I don't know what I'd do without you idiots."

Arthur shrugged, keeping his tone casual. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go gettin' yourself eaten next time, alright?"

With a slight annoyed sigh from John and a knowing glance from Naruto, they continued the ride back to camp.

As they rode into camp, the sight of John slumped on the horse drew immediate attention. Sean was one of the first to approach, but rather than looking worried, he wore his usual mischievous grin.

"Christ, Marston, you look like you got into it with a grizzly." Sean muttered, giving him a playful nudge as he helped him down.

"Close enough." John replied with a faint smirk, wincing as he moved.

Lenny moved in, steadying John as he slipped off the horse. "Let's get you inside and warmed up before you freeze solid." he said, his tone a mix of concern and relief.

Together, Sean and Lenny guided John over to the cabin where the Callander brothers were being cared for. Miss Grimshaw looked up from her spot by the fire as they entered, her eyes narrowing in a mix of annoyance and motherly concern.

"Set him down here." she directed, motioning to a free spot by the fire. "Lucky you made it back before you lost any more blood."

As Lenny and Sean lowered John into a chair, Miss Grimshaw took charge, examining the fresh scars on his face. She clicked her tongue in disapproval. "Well, looks like you've got a permanent reminder of this little adventure."

John chuckled weakly, settling back into the warmth of the fire. "Better scars than being wolf food."

Miss Grimshaw rolled her eyes but softened as she draped a thick blanket over him. "Get some rest, or you'll be no good to anyone."

As Naruto, Arthur, and Javier stepped back, taking a moment to let the relief of John's rescue sink in, Abigail then entered the cabin. Her eyes flicked over each of them with gratitude, her tension softening slightly.

"Thank you—all of you." she said, her voice steady but filled with relief.

Abigail's expression hardened as she turned to John. "And you." she began, her voice tinged with both anger and worry. "Going off on your own in this damn weather… Do you even think about anyone but yourself? You damn fool."

John, weary and clearly not in the mood to argue, gave a tired shrug. "Wasn't exactly planning to get stuck out there, Abigail."

Abigail shook her head, crossing her arms. "You say that now, but you never think about what it puts the rest of us through, waiting, wondering if you're dead or alive."

Naruto, sensing the tension only building, took a step back toward the door, holding back a quiet chuckle as Abigail continued to scold John. As he left the cabin, he could still hear her voice, sharp and unrelenting, giving John the lecture of a lifetime. Despite the strain between them, it was clear that Abigail cared—even if she'd never let John see that fully.

As Naruto stepped away from the cabin, Dutch approached him with a nod of approval. "Good job bringing John back, Naruto." he said, pride evident in his voice. "You showed real strength out there."

Naruto returned the nod, giving a small smile. "Just did what needed to be done. But I couldn't have done it without Arthur and Javier. They both had my back the whole way."

Dutch's expression softened, nodding in appreciation. "That's what I like to hear. Good teamwork. Proud of the three of you. Listen, Naruto, there's something you need to know about tomorrow. Arthur got some information yesterday, roughed up an O'Driscoll boy in the barn while you were dealing with the horses. He found out that Colm's holed up in an old mining camp south, near the lake."

Naruto's brow furrowed, his expression shifting from relief to concern. "Wait… You're saying we're going after Colm? With everything going on here? People are freezing, and we've got injured folk barely hanging on."

Dutch sighed, his gaze steady as he looked at Naruto. "I know it's risky, son. But it's also a rare opportunity. If Colm's in that camp, we might not get another shot like this. Better to strike first than wait for him to come after us."

Naruto frowned, glancing back toward the cabin where John and the Callander brothers were recovering. "Dutch, are we sure this is worth it? We've got people who need rest… what if this goes south?"

Dutch placed a reassuring hand on Naruto's shoulder, his voice firm but calm. "I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe in you—believe in us. The gang's tougher than they look, Naruto. This is a family, and Colm's a threat to that family. If we don't act, he might hit us when we're least prepared."

Naruto nodded slowly, the weight of Dutch's words settling on him. He still felt uneasy about it, but he understood Dutch's perspective. "Alright. Just hope this doesn't put us in an even worse spot. We're all pushing our limits as it is."

Dutch gave him a steady look. "Trust me, Naruto. After this, we'll rest. But for now, Colm's the bigger danger. We need to be ready."

Naruto sighed, nodding slowly. Besides the tension between him and Dutch that came out whenever Micah was involved, he'd always have Dutch's back, no matter what. Even if he didn't fully agree with the plan, Naruto was loyal to Dutch and his family, and he'd be there, ready to go.

"Alright, Dutch. I'll go," Naruto said.

Dutch gave him a confident nod. "Good. Now get some rest. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Naruto nodded and made his way through the camp, spotting Pearson by the fire outside, where he was busy preparing the deer Naruto had brought back earlier. The rich aroma of cooking meat filled the cold air, bringing some comfort to the weary camp.

"Hey, Pearson." Naruto called, rubbing his hands together. "How much longer till the food's ready?"

Pearson glanced up from the pot, a hint of a smile crossing his face. "Not too long now." he said, stirring the stew. "Thanks to those two deer you brought in, we've got more meat than we've had in a while. Should keep everyone satisfied for a bit."

Naruto nodded, glad to hear it. "Good. Everyone's hungry as hell, and a hot meal is exactly what we need after the long days we've had."

Pearson chuckled, wiping his hands on his apron. "It's not gourmet, but it'll fill everyone's belly and keep 'em warm. Just tell the folks to hold tight a little longer."

"Will do." Naruto replied, giving Pearson a pat on the back before glancing around camp. His gaze settled on Javier, who was seated near another small fire outside, strumming his guitar softly, the warm notes carrying through the chilly night air. As Naruto approached, Javier looked up with a grin.

"Hey, Naruto. Want to play a song together?" he asked, his fingers still moving effortlessly over the strings.

Naruto's face lit up, nodding eagerly. "Yeah, I'm in. Though, I'm still rough on the Spanish. Don't want to butcher the words."

Javier chuckled, waving off his concern. "You're doin' better than you think. Besides, it's all about the feeling. The words'll come." He paused, giving Naruto an encouraging nod. "Go get that guitar I gave you, hermano."

With a smile, Naruto headed over to his bed, where the guitar Javier had gifted him a few years back was safely stashed. Picking it up, he returned to the fire, settling down across from Javier. As they began to strum together, the sound of the guitars intertwined, filling the camp with a warmth that went beyond the fire. Though Naruto's Spanish was still a work in progress, Javier's patience and encouragement made him feel comfortable, and they soon lost themselves in the music, a shared language that needed no translation.

As Naruto settled in across from Javier, they began to strum the opening notes of Ángel De Amor, the soulful melody weaving through the cold night air. Javier led with the vocals, his voice smooth and resonant, filling the camp with a warmth that seemed to melt away the winter chill. Naruto followed along, his fingers moving over the strings as he played in time with Javier, letting the music guide him.

The sound drifted through the camp, and before long, a few of the gang members started stepping outside, drawn by the haunting melody despite the biting cold. Tilly, Mary-Beth, Hosea, Jenny, and Lenny stood near the edge of the firelight, their faces softened by the music. Even Arthur and Charles lingered nearby, listening quietly as the two played.

Naruto stumbled a little over the Spanish lyrics, but Javier shot him an encouraging grin, his expression saying, Keep going, hermano. Naruto chuckled, his voice gaining confidence as he joined in on the chorus, the words flowing with the music.

For a few moments, the camp seemed to forget about the hardships and the freezing weather, lost in the sound of guitars and voices rising into the night. The fire flickered, casting long shadows, and Naruto could feel the warmth of the gang's shared presence, each of them finding comfort in the melody.

As they finished the song, a few members clapped, the sound carrying through the quiet night. Javier gave Naruto a proud nod, and Naruto grinned back, grateful for the music and the rare moment of peace they'd created together.

Pearson's voice rang out, cutting through the silence, "Alright, everyone! Food's ready!"

A cheer erupted from the group, lifting the camp's spirits even higher. After the music and the warmth it brought, the promise of a hot meal seemed to make the winter night a little more bearable. People gathered around, some with grateful smiles and others with laughing remarks as they collected their bowls. The comforting aroma of the stew filled the air, and everyone settled in to eat.

Some chose to stay outside by the fire, huddling close to share stories and laughter in the cold air. Others retreated to the cabins, looking for warmth while they enjoyed their meal. Naruto stood for a moment, holding his bowl, taking it all in. The gang members were smiling, laughing, grateful for each other's company. For a fleeting moment, the weight of their struggles seemed to lift, leaving only the simple joy of being together.

Naruto couldn't help but smile as he watched his friends, his family, cherishing this rare moment of peace. A part of him wished he could freeze this moment in time, let it last forever, away from the dangers and hardships that waited beyond the mountains.

For now, he held onto this scene—the laughter, the warmth, the companionship—knowing that these memories were what made the struggle worthwhile.

However, as Naruto looked around, a quiet sadness crept into his heart. He knew deep down that these moments couldn't last forever. Tomorrow, they'd be riding straight into danger, Dutch's plan likely ending in yet another bloody shootout. It was proof enough that their peace was always fleeting, that safety was a luxury they could rarely afford.

But still, a small part of him held on to the hope that one day they might really find a way to escape it all—to run off somewhere and live the life Dutch often talked about, free from the shadows of their pasts and the violence that seemed to follow them. Maybe, just maybe, they could be a family, not just in spirit but in the way they truly deserved: safe, happy, and far from this endless cycle of survival.

He let out a sigh, brushing the thought away for now. Whatever tomorrow brought, he'd be there to stand by his family, fighting for the chance to keep these moments alive, even if just a little while longer.

AN: Yeah I focused a lot on Naruto's interaction with the gang than action. I hope everyone is fine with that since you'll get two action scenes in the next chapter along with Naruto interacting more with each member. Well I hope you enjoyed and make sure to leave a review to give me your thoughts on the story so far. Well unless it's just to hate for no reason then keep that to yourself.

Also thank you everyone for the support you shown in the prologue, it means a lot. Have a good day/night everyone.