With Doto Kazahana dead, Yugao turned her gaze toward the Nadare Roga trio still frozen in place.
She had once been a ninja and also a swordswoman.
But Yugao preferred defining herself as an assassin specializing in covert kills.
She still lived by the code she'd developed during her time in Anbu—"Assassination Tactics Special Unit."
Efficiency above all.
Identify enemy weaknesses, strike swiftly and precisely with deadly force.
Many fighters developed the bad habit of chatting mid-battle, but the current Yugao absolutely didn't do that.
She was a taijutsu specialist who wouldn't let fights drag out long enough to become jutsu battles.
Once reaching that stage, her advantages disappeared completely.
Victory or defeat would then become uncertain.
Meeting her cold stare, the Nadare Roga trio panicked.
Though unsure exactly how strong Yugao was, witnessing her instantly kill Doto Kazahana shook them to their core.
In actual combat, could they even block attacks at that speed?
They touched their helmets nervously, suddenly feeling reassured.
Thank goodness! Thank goodness! They had helmets. Ugly though they might be, they were safe enough.
Still, if their leader had died, did they really need to keep fighting?
Yugao's hand returned to the hilt of Grel Sword.
The Nadare Roga trio tensed even more.
"Wait—we can talk!"
"If it's destined to achieve nothing, why waste time?" As Yugao spoke, Grel Sword slid from its scabbard.
"W-we're willing—we'll pledge our loyalty to Princess Fuyuka and crown her as our new ruler!" the Nadare Roga trio blurted hurriedly.
"A subject cannot serve two lords at once." (a classic saying meaning one must remain loyal to a single master), Yugao replied simply.
What the hell?! There's literally no answer that works—you're just gonna kill us anyway!
Completely shattered, the Nadare Roga trio knew negotiations had failed. While retreating constantly, they quickly formed hand seals.
Yugao charged straight at them.
Her Shadow Clone still cradled Fuyuka tightly, turning around with its back facing the battle.
Seeing Santa Asama leading numerous archers standing frozen nearby, the clone called out, "Take us back to the palace."
Stepping into the familiar palace and sitting on the throne previously belonging to her father, Fuyuka remained dazed for quite some time.
Below, Santa Asama and the other officials stood in two orderly rows, unsure of what to say.
"Doto Kazahana is already dead," Yugao's clone finally broke the silence.
"Has he truly died?" Like someone unable to believe it, Fuyuka asked desperately.
"He's gone," the clone said softly.
Upon hearing those words, Fuyuka sat motionless, face displaying expressions somewhere between crying and smiling.
After a while, she smiled slightly, yet tears suddenly streamed down her cheeks one after another as she sobbed softly.
"Finally... No more hiding my true self, no more pretending—I'm finally home."
"Father, I've returned. Can you see me from above?"
Everyone silently watched her release her emotions.
Eventually, Fuyuka wiped away her tears, returning to a composed expression.
"The ringleader is dead. The situation has been settled. Princess... no, Your Majesty, Queen. Once you ascend the throne, don't forget our agreement," said Yugao's Shadow Clone.
"What agreement?"
Upon hearing her words, Santa Asama finally realized there was some sort of deal between them. Previously, Fuyuka had only told him that Yugao Uzuki was an outside helper brought in for assistance.
"Similar to the Country of Hot Springs and the Country of Frost — zero border tariffs, unified tax rates, residents from different countries can freely purchase land, houses, and so on in another country..." The Shadow Clone briefly listed a few policies.
"That would lead to a mass exodus from Snow Country," Santa Asama immediately objected. "Snow Country is a bitterly cold wasteland.
"Furthermore, Doto Kazahana, in pursuit of his ambition to dominate the world, continuously invested in technology across land, air, and sea, developing various military weapons.
"Where did the funding come from? Naturally, it was squeezed from the people.
"Now with unified policies among these nations, it'd become much easier for Snow Country's citizens to emigrate.
"Though both Country of Hot Springs and Country of Frost are small nations themselves, their living conditions are far better than those in Snow Country.
"In the average person's eyes, Snow Country's only advantage is that it won't be dragged into wars between larger nations."
Yugao's Shadow Clone merely shrugged her shoulders. "Actually, I don't understand all of this very well either. Those troops and ninja who followed Doto Kazahana are basically rebels. I'll help you eliminate them all and train a brand-new military force."
Santa Asama's expression darkened again.
Didn't this mean she intended to take control of Snow Country's military power?
Without actual command over a controllable army, even if the princess could direct all the civil officials, she'd still be politically powerless.
It wasn't just Santa; many of the archers around him had figured this out too.
Their eyes burned with anger.
So her true intention was also to seize control of Snow Country.
Meeting their glaring gazes head-on, Yugao's Shadow Clone replied calmly, "Don't expect anything. Since I'm still standing here safely, that means my original body hasn't encountered any threats."
"Princess…" Santa Asama opened his mouth, hoping she would say something.
Fuyuka remained silent, her expression unchanged.
She had anticipated this scenario since Tsunade and others offered to help her reclaim the throne.
The atmosphere inside the palace grew heavy and silent, as though everyone was waiting for some kind of outcome.
After a long silence, someone suddenly barged in, soaked in blood with dried streaks already clinging to her body.
Noticing everyone staring at her, Yugao arched her eyebrows, blinked innocently, and smiled lightly. "There's no need for concern. This blood belongs entirely to our enemies. So how have your discussions gone?"
The archers exchanged glances, shifting their gaze toward both Fuyuka and Santa Asama.
Fuyuka didn't speak at all.
Thus, Santa Asama reluctantly bowed his head. "Lady Yugao, I'm very glad you're unharmed."
In Mist Village,
"He's awake..."
"And the other one?"
"Not for a few more months yet."
Still dazed, Kimimaro heard the conversation with his eyes still closed.
Three months had passed. The first to awaken was Kimimaro.
Although his bandages hadn't been completely removed yet, he was already able to move normally.
In the hospital room, Kimimaro sat by Hiroki's bedside, staring intently at the person in bed.
When would he wake up?
He still hadn't decided whether to call him "sir" or "brother."
Please be alright. I've already lost too much... I don't want to lose anyone else, and I don't want to be alone anymore.
Kimimaro silently prayed in his heart.
"Why... didn't you just take that person's eyes?"
"... Elder Genshi might have other plans."
From the corridor, fragmented discussions drifted into Kimimaro's ears, causing him to frown deeply.
Whose eyes were they planning to take?
The only one with special eyes seemed to be...
Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, Kimimaro recalled the moment he first met Hiroki.
Those eyes...
"No way. I can't let them do that!"
Kimimaro suddenly stood up, pushed himself toward the door, determined to confront the people outside and stop their plan.
However, he had barely taken a few steps when he stumbled and fell.
Looking down at the messy bandages covering him, Kimimaro let out a bitter sigh. "I'm still too weak..."
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