The bitter cold of Snow Country would have hurt a weaker man then Naruto, who was dressed in his usual warlord attire, but with the exception of some carefully placed animal furs covering his usually exposed torso, and stared at the landscape in front of him. His eventual campaign against Wind Country and absorbing it into his own Empire had been put on hold in the Months that followed his taking of Water Country. During that time, one Princess Kazehana Koyuki, who was under the hidden disguise of the famous actress Fujikaze Yukie, and played in the Princess Gale movies he loved watching so much was seeking protection during the shooting of her latest movie. Rather then go to the Hokage, which was usually the thing to do when it came to assigning these missions, Koyuki's manager had gone to Naruto himself at his palace, and begged for an audience with the warlord with Koyuki in tow.
Naruto was happy to meet the woman in person, which was why he agreed to meet them, but that feeling of happiness soon went south real fast when Koyuki looked at him with disinterest. The feeling of joy went bad even before that when one of his samurai in the room behind him whispered that Koyuki had apparently refused give some of the young children autographs when heading to the palace. Asama Sandayu, the manager of the secret Princess, and famous actress explained why they needed his protection against Koyuki's power hungry uncle Kazehana Doto. The man killed his brother for the hidden treasure that was lying deep within the snow of the country and took the throne in order to find it to use for the destructive power it might hold.
As for Koyuki herself, the woman clearly didn't want to go back to her home country, which would explain why Naruto saw the woman looking for the closest exit to the palace to run away. Naruto had asked them to leave him for a moment to think over the matter before asking Jiraiya for his opinion on the matter since the old pervert was in the area. Jiraiya had provided info about Koyuki and the current state of Snow Country with Doto bleeding the country dry of resources along with its people for this lost treasure.
If the cold and seemingly everlasting winter didn't kill the people living within Snow Country...Doto's cruelty would.
When Naruto called for the two guests to come back into the room for his decision on the matter, only Sandayu came in, and he explained how Koyuki had left without a word in hopes of getting away from them. An insult to Naruto and her manager if there ever was one. That being said, Naruto entrusted Reptile to track the woman down, but do nothing once found, and simply relay where she was so he could confront the woman himself.
Sure enough, Reptile had tracked the woman down to a local bar at the Fire Capital, and it was clear the woman didn't think things through since it was the closest one to the palace in the city itself. In fact, it was almost insulting to even employ Reptile for such a simple tracking mission to find the Princess, and Naruto made his displeasure known when he confronted Koyuki while she tried to drown her sorrows away in a drink.
She sobered up when he smashed his fist on the bar table and told Koyuki that he would take her to Snow Country with the intention of removing Doto from the throne. Koyuki had mocked him, stating it was impossible, and that her uncle was too strong with the Snow Shinobi of her country protecting him. Not to mention the chakra armor that was highly advance along with the other wonders locked away, buried beneath the snow, and what many countries have long wished to possess.
Naruto's response was to grab Koyuki by her shirt, pull her close, and looking at her with cold burning red eyes before telling the Princess to stop being so mellow dramatic. He knew losing a Father was horrifying for the woman when she was child, but at least she was loved during those years while he was not, and had to fight for what he wanted. For this woman to mope and fall to pieces at the idea of returning home to claim her royal birthright so that she might help the people suffering there was inexcusable.
It was that of a coward.
Naruto could see into her soul. One of the perks his Forefather had shown him so that he could read those around him and how to combat them should they prove to be annoying. When it came to Koyuki, she had the potential to rise up, and be a strong noble ruler of her people. A woman worthy of her station as a Daimyo with the right motivation and desire to jumpstart Koyuki on the path to being a strong leader. Granted, her country was on the list of places he planned to take over time, but with the way things were now, this was the perfect reason/excuse to make his move on it, and without any political fallout from other the countries if Koyuki agreed to abdicate the throne of Snow Country. By handing it over to him, Naruto could improve the lives of the people there, strengthening his growing Empire with ease, and carefully spreading the technological wonders where they could provide the most good.
Hence why Naruto was in Snow Country with the assigned protection detail of Maito Gai, his Genin team, Shikamaru, and Captain Neko along with her ANBU squad. The cold weather was cruel to the Shokan so Naruto had them stay behind with Sheeva being in charge of things with Anko and Shizune assisting her in matters until his return. While Sandayu felt this large force of Konoha Shinobi was overkill, Naruto had assured him it would be better to have this many Shinobi to defend Koyuki from harm, then have no Shinobi at all when Doto eventually learns of his niece's return to Snow Country.
"Do you think Doto knows of our arrival Naruto-sama?" asked Neji with Naruto nodding his head.
"The ship's Captain sold us out before we even made it onto his ship. When this is over, remind me to break him in half, and throw his remains into the sea," answered Naruto with Neji nodding.
Since the...fight (a rather one-sided one) at the Chuunin Exams with the Hyuuga Branch family member getting a beating of a lifetime, Neji had learned the truth about Naruto's life, and how he was setting things in motion to unite the Hyuuga Clan as a whole. It was not going to be easy, even with Naruto's actions in removing the Hyuuga Clan Elders due to those still loyal to the ancient, and traditional ways of the clan. It was known through the entire clan what Naruto did, his actions couldn't be kept secret for long considering all the blood that stained his clothing, and pieces of armor plating in the aftermath. Most were happy the Hyuuga Elders had perished, as they were among the oldest members of the clan itself, children when the First Hokage was in office, and their Grandparent's beliefs on the Hyuuga Clan already drilled into their skulls without any question for the need of the Cage Bird Seal. Now this generation had a chance to break free, one that may not happen for several others if the attempt made now failed, and Neji doubted he would live to see it if that was the end result.
"We haven't been spotted so far, but that could be because of the storm working against our still unseen enemies, or perhaps they aren't in position yet to strike," added Neji since he had scanned the area with the Byakugan and didn't see anyone...yet.
"Its the latter. I had the Captain change landing zones for us and where he would have to move the ship to do it at the last minute. They know were here in Snow Country, but not where we are in Snow Country, and will come looking for us soon," said Naruto knowing this will give them time to prepare for the battle that was to come.
Now if only the film crew for Koyuki's newest movie weren't here to tag along to shoot everything in detail. They had come along to shoot on location scenes for the movie still in production and felt this event would be perfect for the next movie with the script being slightly changed so they could put everything they got on film into it.
"So what is the plan?" asked Tenten with Naruto thinking things over his head for a moment.
"Captain Neko and her ANBU will have to stay with the film crew. Gai along with Lee, Neji, and yourself will come with me while escorting Koyuki to the Capital. Shikamaru had the map of our current location and is looking it over with Sandayu right now to provide us the quickest path there," answered Naruto before the sound of chuckling was heard around them.
"You won't be escorting anyone to the Capital while we live Leaf Shinobi," replied a voice in the distance that was male.
"We have company," mumbled Tenten with weapons drawn.
"I see three of them. They are wearing the legendary chakra armor this country is known for developing," said Neji with Naruto frowning.
"Be mindful of your environment here. They know this country better then we do. They also have an edge with the chakra armor. If you find a weakness to the armor...exploit it!" commanded Naruto with the Leaf Shinobi around him nodding.
With words finished being spoken, the group charged forward against the three Snow Shinobi smiling in the belief this force coming after them would fall to the power of the chakra armor they wore, and their skills as Snow Shinobi. However, the armor itself had a fatal flaw to it, as Fuyukuma Mizore first learned when fighting Gai, and Lee in battle with the two Leaf Shinobi fighting with Taijutsu only. Since neither "green beast" used chakra or Genjutsu, the armor's strengths in that field were nullified, and easily damaged when hit by the power of their Taijutsu style.
Granted, Fuyukuma Mizore wasn't a pushover, as he launched his own Taijutsu at the two Leaf Shinobi, using the cables in the metal arm of the armor to knock Lee back, and take on Maito Gai himself. However, the tag team combination of teacher, and student won out against him with too many hits causing damage to the chakra armor. When Lee and Gai hit the Snow Shinobi at the same time with their fists in mirrored form, they had damaged the internal system that made up the armor's ability to function, and caused it to explode.
Killing the man wearing it.
As for the now dead Snow Shinobi's comrades, they were fighting their own battles with Kakuyoku Fubuki fighting Neji, and Tenten while Roga Nadaere was fighting Naruto.
"Hyōton: Haryū Mōko!" exclaimed Nadaere, as he sent a massive tiger in the form of ice at Naruto, who narrowed his eyes at the man for using a power to control, and knew this man was not like Haku in terms of having his dead friend's bloodline.
"You dare use that power? You dare use it? Pervert it to you whims when it is not of your bloodline? You are no true user of the Hyōton like Haku and to even use it here in front of me is grounds for death!" exclaimed Naruto, as he formed a Rasengan in his hand, and destroyed the ice tiger with it.
"I don't know who this Haku person is, but I do know that Doto wants his niece alive, and possibly you too since your station gives him a chance to expand his Empire by properly absorbing yours!" countered Nadare with a grin on his face while hiding the fear he was feeling from the sight of Naruto destroying his Jutsu with the Rasengan.
"The only way Doto is going to get his hands on Koyuki and my Empire is over my dead body," stated Naruto angrily with Nadare smirking arrogantly at him.
"Good! Such an offer makes my job that much easier!" replied Nadare before making hand signs and soon formed a massive whale made up of ice aimed right at the warlord.
Fortunately, the massive size made it massively slow, and Naruto had the needed speed to get away from the attack with ease. Unfortunately, the attack was more of a distraction then anything, and Nadare knew if the Jutsu somehow hurt Naruto it would be an added bonus on his end. The distraction however, was the key thing for Nadare, as he moved quickly, and stole Princess Koyuki out from everyone's nose due to the massive whale causing the guard detail around the film crew to scatter. Kakuyoku Fubuki, seeing her comrade succeed in his mission, tried to flee from the battlefield, but Tenten had used her ninja wire to catch the her target along the leg, and pulled the Snow kunoichi back before Neji disabled her with his Gentle Fist.
"We failed in our mission to protect the Princess!" wailed Lee before Tenten smashed her tonfa in her hand on the back of his head.
"We can still catch up with them if we hurry," commented Neji with his eyes locked onto Nadare while Naruto nodded in agreement.
"Keep our guest here detained. Gai! Lee! You are with me since you are the fastest of the group here. Shikamaru, figure out a course with the rest of the group on how to get to the Capital from here," ordered Naruto, as he along with Gai, and Lee took off after Nadare to reclaim Koyuki.
"Troublesome warlord," mumbled Shikamaru before being hit on the head by Tenten.
"What did you just say?" demanded Tenten with fire in her eyes at hearing someone call Naruto troublesome.
"Uh...I said let's get back to work," answered Shikamaru before doing just that with the map while Sandayu mumbled something along the lines of "scary women" though it was unclear due to the increasing wind.
"Sure you did," replied Tenten with Neji forcing a smirk to not appear on his face.
'If I didn't know any better, I would think Tenten has a bit of crush on Naruto,' thought Neji before looking at Tenten and seeing his comrade watching the Snow kunoichi for a prisoner with watchful eyes.
Nah! He was imagining things.
(With Nadare and Koyuki)
"You should feel honored Princess. Soon you will be reunited with your uncle and the power to rule Snow Country with an uncontested iron fist will be his to command," said Nadare, as he had her held under his arm while she squirmed in his grip, and glaring at him for it.
"My uncle won't find what he's looking for. I know he's spent all these years trying to find the lost treasure and oppressing the people further. Failing in both tasks I might add," stated Koyuki with Nadare growling.
"Shut your mouth! Doto-sama is not to be underestimated. Something that your would-be warlord and his band of Leaf Shinobi for bodyguards will soon find out in the process," remarked Nadare with a smirk.
"You underestimate the Fire Daimyo and his group. One of your comrades is dead and the other is captured. How long do you think it will be before joining one of them in that area?" countered Koyuki with Nadare sneering at her.
"You're lucky Doto-sama wants you brought to him unharmed or I would give a harsh lesson to your money maker of a face in disrespecting me!" replied Nadare with Koyuki glaring at him.
"Then hit me! It will just show everyone how little a man you are in having to beat a woman to make her do something against her will," countered Koyuki before she was violently thrown into the snow.
"Oh I'm going to do more then beat you. I've always wanted to fuck a Princess. Now I get the chance," stated Nadare with Koyuki looking at him with disgust and horror.
"Such an action on your part only proves just how inferior and stupid you really are in terms of being a man!" exclaimed Koyuki with Nadare laughing at her.
"You'll be singing a different tune when I make you my bitch. If anything you should be grateful to me. My actions here will possibly let you live longer if you get pregnant and Doto can mold the child into his Heir to his throne," stated Nadare with a smirk on his face, but it ended when he felt a sharp pain hit him from behind, and Koyuki gasped in shock at seeing a spear made of energy pierce the man through his chest.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," stated Naruto with his Wrath Hammer at the ready while his energy based weapon was absorbed by the chakra armor.
"Damn brat! You think your attack will stop me. This armor was designed for attacks like yours and while it was a bit painful...I'm still very much alive," replied Nadare in a very arrogant tone.
"Double Dynamic Entry!" exclaimed Gai and Lee at the same time before they smashed their feet at right into Nadare's face with enough force to send them flying into a nearby cliff wall.
"My attack was meant to slow you down so I could kill you with this!" explained Naruto with his Wrath Hammer being seen by Nadare's eyes and that he was ready to unleash it on the Snow Shinobi.
"No! Wait! I can help you! I know what Doto is after besides his niece! She's wearing a jewel around her neck that is the key to the machine!" exclaimed Nadare with Naruto pausing his desire to smash the man into a bloody paste on the pure white snow around them.
"He actually found the machine my Father spoke to me about when I was a child?" asked Koyuki while clutching the jeweled necklace her Father gave to her years ago.
"Yes. Just a few Months ago. Its still mostly covered in snow, but Doto believes he just needs to power it on, and let the machine's own generated heat take care of it," explained Nadare with Naruto smirking.
"Unless the melted snow gets into the system and causes it to malfunction," remarked Naruto with a cruel chuckle while Nadare glared.
"Doto-sama isn't stupid you brat. He's a lot stronger then you could imagine," countered Nadare while still stomach first on the ground due to his injuries and Naruto just let out a bellowing laugh.
"Stronger then I could imagine? I've seen the strongest and I have quite the imagination. Your beloved 'Doto-sama' has no idea what strength is fool!" replied Naruto before he readied his Wrath Hammer and saw Nadare's eyes widen in horror.
"Wait! I told you what you needed to know! Mercy! Show mercy!" begged Nadare while Naruto narrowed his eyes at him.
"Like you were going to show the Princess here with your idea on how to make her your bitch by raping her? By possibly getting her pregnant and Doto keeping her alive long enough for the child to be brought into the world to be molded into a successor to the throne? You are not worthy of mercy!" exclaimed Naruto, as he raised his weapon up higher, over his head, and brought it down on the now screaming Nadare.
"Good riddance," remarked Koyuki with Naruto flicking the bloody remains of his Wrath Hammer before turning to face her.
"I actually feel sorry for the snow here. All that pure white color as far as the eye can see has now become tainted by this mangled corpse," added Naruto before walking over to her along with Gai and Lee.
"If what our now dead foe claimed is indeed true, Doto will seek the jewel Koyuki-sama has in her possession, and Koyuki-sama herself more then ever," stated Gai with Naruto nodding.
"Why does he need me at all? Why not just have me killed and take the jewel?" asked Koyuki with Naruto smirking at her.
"Politics. Its the oldest cutthroat game there is in the world. Doto may have killed your Father to take over Snow Country, but you are the rightful Heir to the throne, and only by abdicating it to him will he have the legitimate right to do it. If he were to kill you, the political backlash would be huge, some Daimyos from nearby land could have challenged his right to the throne on the grounds of how he killed the members of his family to get it, and a war could have broken out. If you were made to sign some kind of agreement that stated you were surrendering your position on the throne to him, it would make the whole change legal, and no one could fight your uncle over it," explained Naruto with Koyuki shaking her head.
"I can't do that. I've neglected my people long enough. I won't surrender my position over to my uncle," stated Koyuki firmly with Naruto smirking at her.
'There is hope for this woman yet,' thought Naruto before they began walking back to the large group that had followed their trail.
"We followed you here because the map showed this is the best path to the Capital. Its why Nadare went in this direction," explained Shikamaru while Tenten scoffed.
"You just wanted to get away from the deep snow because your feet were getting numb from standing around doing nothing," remarked Tenten with Shikamaru grumbling about women and them being troublesome.
"In any case, we should be able to reach the Capital in a few days with this group if it moves at a steady pace," stated Shikamaru with Naruto nodding.
"What about our prisoner? Did she say anything?" asked Naruto with Fubuki tied up and glaring at him.
"Other then cursing us for defying Doto? No," answered Neji with Naruto letting out an amused chuckle.
"Why is it you serve Doto? Surely you do not believe this man is capable of bring about a new age of greatness for your country?" questioned Naruto with Fubuki flinching slightly under his gaze.
"No, but he has employed me to carry out his mission to the letter. It is my duty as one of this country's Shinobi to obey its ruler no matter who it is that sits on the throne," replied Fubuki with Naruto nodding since that was the case for all Shinobi from each village.
"And if he wasn't sitting on the throne? You do know he is not the rightful ruler of this country, right?" questioned Naruto with Fubuki not answering him for a moment.
"Even if he wasn't the ruler of Snow Country, Doto is still our client, and has paid us for our services," answered Fubuki with Koyuki stepping forward.
"And if the ruler of Snow Country commanded you to end the contract with Doto? Would you?" questioned Koyuki with Fubuki looking at her for a moment.
"No. I can't. Once the contract has been accepted, I cannot end the mission unless it is a success, or a failure on my part," answered Fubuki while Naruto sighed.
"That is too bad. I was hoping you would join us in our fight against Doto. Now you are officially our prisoner. Shikamaru, I leave her in your capable hands for the time being," said Naruto with the Nara sputtering in shock.
"Me? Why?" asked Shikamaru with Naruto grinning.
"Would you rather be on the front lines or helping the film crew here lift heavy movie equipment?" questioned Naruto with Shikamaru looking from the film crew to Fubuki before letting out a sigh.
"Fine! I accept responsibility for her, but I do so under protest," replied Shikamaru while muttering troublesome under his breath while Naruto chuckled.
"Don't worry Shikamaru, she'll make a fine wife for you in a few years when you're old enough to get married," remarked Naruto while Shikamaru sputtered again while Fubuki looked like her head was ready to explode in protest.
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT NARUTO!" yelled Shikamaru before putting a hand over his mouth and everyone glared at him since his voice echoing around them.
"Could you be any louder? I don't think Iwa heard you," remarked Yugao while she now glared at Shikamaru through her Neko mask.
"Troublesome warlords. Troublesome women all around giving me crap. I might as well be in Hell," whispered Shikamaru before sweating a bit when he felt the various pair of female eyes glaring at him.
"What did you say?" asked all the females of the group while Shikamaru started to burst out into a nervous sweat.
"Nothing! Nothing at all!" exclaimed Shikamaru quickly.
"That's what we thought," was the answer from all the women and the Nara wiped the sweat off his forehead.
'Damn women. At least they can't scold me for thinking things inside my head. Well...so long as Ino isn't around to experiment with one of her clan Jutsus to know what I'm really thinking about troublesome women,' thought Shikamaru while he was watching Fubuki carefully like Naruto ordered him to do.
The group eventually made its way to a now revealed rail line for a train with Koyuki explaining the purpose of the trains and how they moved along the rail from one place to the next. While the group as a whole was impressed, they were soon cautious when they heard rumbling, and had to dive out of the way to avoid the massive mechanical beast that was the train being commanded by Doto.
"I see Nadare and his Shinobi failed to capture you Koyuki. Though considering your protection detail, its no real surprise, and just proves Snow Shinobi are the weaklings I always knew they were. I only hired them because they are cannon fodder, and to distract you until the main event comes," replied Doto, as he appeared from the head of the train, and smiled arrogantly at them all.
"You won't win Doto! Your tyranny ends today!" exclaimed Sandayu while Doto laughed at him.
"Is that you Sandayu? The years have not been kind to you. Though considering how you have had to serve such a spoiled girl like my niece. All her fits, screams, and tantrums she must have given you while growing up while becoming a Star in the acting world. How does it feel knowing you are trading me in for her? A strong ruler for a spoiled brat, who we both know is unworthy of the title of Daimyo, and never was worthy from the start. Can you imagine her as Daimyo? Running away when meetings are being held, throwing a tantrum when things don't go her way, and let's not forget how she'll no doubt bully the servants when they perform their assigned tasks," replied Doto before laughing at him.
"Better a spoiled child, then a cruel tyrant, who thinks only for himself, and smears the blood of his servants all over the walls no matter how loyal they are to him!" countered Sandayu with Doto laughing.
"I don't care how loyal my subordinates are to me. If they do their job well, they get to live to serve me for another day, but a screw up from anyone lower then myself deserves to be killed for even the smallest infraction. That is how you rule over the meager and weak peasants of a country," stated Doto with Naruto scoffing.
"And some people wondered why it was so easy to take over Rice and Water Country," remarked Naruto with Doto scowling at him.
"So the self proclaimed warrior and savior of the oppressed graces me with his presence. To be honest, I was expecting someone with your reputation to be much older, and more mature. Not some snot nose punk of a kid playing warlord," said Doto with Naruto's eyes narrowing at him.
"Come fight me so I can make you eat those words after choking on my fist!" exclaimed Naruto with Doto laughing.
"Like I would even waste my time and strength fighting an impudent child like yourself," replied Doto with Naruto snarling at him before letting a cruel smile grace his masked face.
"I knew you were a coward Doto, but to hide behind your men, and toys when facing a mere child is just sad. Its pathetic. You hide behind your train, your Snow Shinobi, and all your other subordinates because you're afraid. of. me!" Naruto said in a mocking tone that didn't sit well with Doto.
"You play a dangerous game boy," warned Doto while Naruto laughed.
"What game? All I see is pathetic little man too afraid to face me. What's wrong? Afraid to leave your poor train unattended like it was your favorite toy? Are you a ruler of this country? Or perhaps you are the spoiled child in an adult's body and are afraid someone will steal your precious train from you," continued Naruto in a mocking tone before he laughed at the now angry man.
"Damn brat! I'll show you what this train can do!" exclaimed Doto before hitting the roof of the train twice and several of the cars attached revealed they had projectile weapons in the form of arrows aimed at them.
"So the spoiled child brought out his toys to play with us. How nice of you," remarked Naruto sarcastically with a sneer on his face while going through hand signs.
"Fire!" commanded Doto and the barrage of arrows came flying their way.
"Earth Style: Stone Wall Jutsu!" called out Naruto with a massive wall made of stone rising up and shielding them from wave after wave of arrows.
"Still think Doto is worth following?" asked Tenten to Fubuki while the light pink haired woman looked down in shame.
"You can lecture her later. We need to take care of that train. I need a few of you to run some interference. Gai! Lee! Neji! Tenten! I need you four to draw Doto's attention away from here!" commanded Naruto with a grin on his face that promised pain to whoever was in his crosshairs.
"Please tell me you're not going to do what I think you're going to do Naruto," remarked Shikamaru with Naruto letting out a chuckle.
"Would you like to do it in my place?" questioned Naruto with Shikamaru still hearing the sounds of arrows hitting the stone barrier the warlord had made.
"No! Good hunting! Hit him once for me since doing it myself is too troublesome!" said Shikamaru quickly while waving his hands defensively.
"You coward! What kind of man are you?" demanded Fubuki while the Nara grumbled.
"The kind that is afraid of his Mother and angry women in general," answered Naruto for Shikamaru before rushing off with his Wrath Hammer in hand while the Nara slumped his head in defeat and embarrassment.
'Damn you Naruto,' thought Shikamaru while some of the people around him snickered at his expense.
Speaking of Naruto, the warlord himself had leaped high over his stone barrier, hitting the soft snow first, and hard ground second before running quickly down the slope. Doto, who was busy commanding his henchmen below to reload, and fire at the moving targets around him was unable to react fast enough when Naruto charging toward the train itself. Doto snarled in anger at seeing Naruto charge at high speed, a blur of a crimson line was all his eyes saw before the descendant of Shao Kahn leaped into the air, Wrath Hammer above him with both hands, and bellowing massive war cry while descending down on the train to cause a massive explosion that destroyed the entire line in the process.
"Whoa! That was incredible!" exclaimed the film Director while asking his cameraman if he got with the guy nodding enthusiastically.
They were definitely using this for their movie.
"I think you went overboard Naruto," remarked Tenten while Gai and Lee went on a rant about how his Spring Time of Youth was truly remarkable.
Something Naruto ignored.
"Call it what you will Tenten, but I know one thing, and one thing only right now about this moment in time," stated Naruto with a grin.
"What's that exactly?" asked Neji with Naruto still grinning.
"I will never stop loving this badass weapon," answered Naruto with everyone around him anime sweat dropping.
'Kami, if you love me even a tiny bit, I beg of you...please don't have my Mother make a request to have that weapon made for her. If she succeeds...no Nara male in my clan is safe!' thought Shikamaru fearfully while images of his Mother having that weapon in hand when she wished to enforce her presence on him and his Father appeared.
He shivered in horror.
Of course, the apparent victory was short lived when they looked up to see one of Snow Country's legendary airships that it was rumored to possess, and Doto was on it. Without warning, Doto used a grappling hand similar to the late Fuyukuma Mizore, and grabbed Koyuki before retracting it back to him.
"You played the game well boy. I'll give you that. But in the end, you are no match for your betters, and still have much to learn in being a warlord. Maybe in a few years, I will be kind enough to teach you, and show just how a ruler should act!" exclaimed Doto with his ever arrogant life echoing throughout the sky.
"Fool. As if I would give up that easily," said Naruto before he dispelled his Wrath Hammer away and charged toward the highest hill spot closest to the airship.
"Naruto! Wait for us!" exclaimed Tenten, as she along with Neji, Gai, and Lee tried to catch up to him since they had a pretty good idea of what he was planning.
Putting a great deal of power into his legs, Naruto plowed through the snow like it wasn't even there, and made the biggest leap into the air so far in the history of his life. Grabbing onto the dangling ladder, which Naruto suspected Doto used to get onto the airship in the first place, the still growing warlord began to climb with the jolting sensation below on the ladder telling him that Gai, Neji, Lee, and Tenten had also jumped onto it.
"Hurry! We probably have a few minutes to attack with the element of surprise!" stated Naruto before climbing up the ladder with the others right behind him.
The group soon ran through the airship until they reached what was the bridge of the ship and smashed the door down to see a shocked Doto holding an equally shocked Koyuki by the throat. Even more surprising was Naruto could see the man was also wearing chakra armor, but this seemed to be an upgraded model, and the growing warlord wondered if the weaknesses from the older models had been removed.
"So you made it here. You're persistent boy. I'll give you that," said Doto while he kept his hold on Koyuki's neck firm to the point where a mere flick of his wrist would result in snaking her neck.
"I can do more then you could ever imagine doing Doto-teme," replied Naruto while the tyrant of Snow Country sneered and held his niece close to his chest.
"Not without risking my niece here you won't," remarked Doto with a smirk on his face.
"And you won't risk killing her either. Not unless you want to risk the legitimacy of your claim to the throne or what little time you have in life after I get through with you if she dies," countered Naruto with Doto frowning.
"I'm the later Daimyo's brother. I would have a claim to the throne whether my niece were alive or not," replied Doto with Naruto letting out a chuckle.
"Not if you kill her. The world frowns on that kind of thing and none of the remaining Daimyos in the Elemental Countries will support your right to rule Snow Country," said Naruto with Doto sneering at him.
"As if you are one to talk brat. You took Fire, Rice, and Water Country right out from the ruling Daimyos while annexing the remains of Whirlpool Country!" challenged Doto with Naruto's smirk increasing.
"That's because my Mother was of royal blood from the Uzumaki Clan and married the Yondaime Hokage to make my right to rule legitimate regardless of those so called rulers I took down. Besides, we both know those Daimyos were weak, spineless, and cared little to nothing for the suffering of the people they ruled over," countered Naruto with a smirk on his face.
"And that makes your right to rule greater then mine?!" challenged Doto angrily with Naruto's smirk turning into a cruel smile.
"Damn right it does," answered Naruto with Doto growling at him in anger.
"A snot nosed brat like you has no business trying to be warlord or conqueror much less playing one," said Doto with Naruto scowling now.
"Playing? You think I'm playing warlord? That I'm playing conqueror? Fool! By the time I've cemented by legacy into the ground, I will go down in history as Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto: Conqueror of the Elemental Countries! The first Emperor to rule over the entire world! I will unite the Elemental Countries under my banner and pave the road to peace with the blood, bones, and bodies of my enemies that stand in my way! You being chief among them!" exclaimed Naruto with his power exploding outward, damaging various control panels, the navigation, and steering system that caused the ship to tilt off course.
And make Doto stumble unexpectedly before being hit with a shoulder tackle by Naruto to cause the grip from the tyrant of Snow Country fail and to release Koyuki from his clutches. Lee managed to angle himself onto the tilted cabin area of the bridge and caught Koyuki before using his agility to land on slightly stable ground. Doto snarled in rage while clutching his right side in pain, trying to shoot his mechanical grappling hand at Lee to grab Koyuki, but it was intercepted by Naruto, and Tenten took out her katana to slice through the cables connecting it to the main body. Gai jumped forward, his right knee hitting Doto right in the face, sending the man back into the windows of the bridge, and making glass shattered with cold wind mixed with snow flooding the room.
"Damn brat! I'll show you what it means to cross me!" exclaimed Doto while Naruto had a crazy look in his eyes and charged him again.
This time tackling him right out the window.
"NARUTO!" yelled the group in shock at witnessing such a reckless move.
"Are you insane?! We're about to die!" cried out Doto through their falling to their doom.
"Not if I use you as a buffer!" answered Naruto, as he held onto the man, and kept his weight on the armored body while keeping Doto from moving around to turning things against him.
"No! Let me go!" exclaimed Doto, as the two began punching each other, and yet Naruto didn't look the least bit worried.
"Don't worry! We're about to land on a rather large pile of frozen snow. There is a good chance you will survive the fall, but will not live long enough to enjoy that fact," replied Naruto with a sadistic look on his face.
"And you? You maybe tough, but not even you can walk away from this fall!" challenged Doto with Naruto grinning further.
"I thought I just told you, I'm using your body as a buffer! Its going to hurt, but I'll be in a lot better shape then you!" exclaimed Naruto with Doto looking at him in horror and was now struggling further.
Only for the two of them to land in the snow with a large "BOOOOOM!" that followed with a geyser of powdered snow rising in the process.
Rolling off the body of his enemy, Naruto got up from the ground, and groaned in pain from the fall he just went through. Not one of his prouder moments in being cocky in the belief he was invincible, and was sure to be yelled at by certain people for doing such a reckless move.
It was still worth it.
Hearing a groan behind him, Naruto saw Doto struggling to rise from the ground, his back clearly shot to Hell, and yet was still managing to get up. Naruto had to admit, it was slightly impressive since the man took a might fall, plus extra weight from the armor, and Naruto himself while relying on powdered (mostly frozen) snow to buffer the fall upon impact. That was like trying to get a single bird feather to stop an A-ranked Fire Jutsu from burning its intended target.
Not going to happen.
"I'll kill you. I don't know how, but I WILL kill you right here, right now, and take your Empire for myself!" exclaimed Doto with blood running down his face, nose, forehead, and it was clear his left arm was angled in such a way it could easily fall off if he wasn't careful.
"Show me what you got!" challenged Naruto with Doto using his slightly broken, but still useable right hand, and went through one handed hand signs.
Wincing slightly every few seconds in the process.
"Hyōton: Kokuryū Bōfūsetsu!" exclaimed Doto before launching a massive dragon made of ice despite being a dark shadowy form that upon getting closer, it turned white, as if it was being purified the farther away it got from its user, and was heading toward Naruto in a hurry.
Naruto grinned at the sight of his challenge from Doto, bracing himself despite the snow, and grabbed the open mouth of the dragon. It was a contest of strength with the two, as he pushed back against the dark ice dragon, and it was clear Doto wasn't expecting it.
"I'm not impressed," stated Naruto before throwing ice dragon away from his body and saw it hit the nearby mountain area.
"Impossible! That simply impossible!" exclaimed Doto in disbelief before wincing in pain and fell to his knees.
"Only for someone, who is nothing more then a toothless worm such as yourself," replied Naruto with Doto growling at him.
"Toothless worm?! I'm a dragon compared to you!" exclaimed Doto in anger before he winced in pain from his injuries while Naruto laughed.
"You masquerade yourself as a dragon Doto, but in reality you are nothing more then a mere toothless worm in my eyes, and your current appearance shows it what's more," countered Naruto, as he walked over to the injured man, and saw Doto was still in denial that he had lost to someone much younger then himself.
"It can't end this way for me. It can't! To lose to you! A mere child! Such a defeat is...it is beyond humiliating!" exclaimed Doto while glaring up at the boy.
"I told you before I am no child you pathetic fool! I am Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto: The Conqueror!" Naruto declared for all the heavens to hear before he moved to finish off the man on the ground.
"Its hard to be a conqueror when you're dead!" exclaimed Doto, as he used his still, if just barely useable right hand to strike with a blade hidden behind the back of his hand along the wrist with the intent of killing his enemy, and deny the boy a chance to enjoy it.
Naruto however, grabbed the extended right hand, and crushed it in his grip with a loud sickening "SNAP!" that echoed throughout the area. Doto's screams of pain followed and increased when Naruto ripped the arm right off the man's body. But the growing warlord wasn't done with the older man just yet, as he sent his left hand straight through the man's chest, followed by the right, and then with a mighty roar had ripped the man vertically in half.
While looking the shocked and dying man right in the eyes.
That was how the rest of both group found them with the airship that once belonged to Doto having made an emergency landing not far from them thanks to Neji taking the wheel and using his eyes to navigate properly despite how damaged the bridge had been.
"Damn gaki, you ripped him half!" remarked one of the ANBU on Neko's squad.
"Not to mention he survived a great fall from the airship. His Spring Time of Youth is without limits!" exclaimed Lee with Gai crying along with his student.
Before being knocked down by Tenten with a war club and marched right over to the healing Naruto with anger in her eyes.
"If you ever do that again and scare me like that I'll...I'll...I'll...," threatened Tenten while putting a pointed finger on Naruto's chest and glaring at him while Naruto just smirked before leaning in let out a chuckle toward the now surprised kunoichi.
"You'll do what?" whispered Naruto huskily into Tenten's ear and made the girl shiver.
"I'll...I'll do something bad to you," replied Tenten though any angry fire she had soon died out.
"Naughty Tenten. I may have to punish you later for such a threat. Maybe a spanking is in order?" remarked Naruto with Tenten blushing and the image of him spanking her naked rear end appeared within the girl's mind.
"Y-You wouldn't dare!" challenged Tenten while looking Naruto right in his fiery blood red eyes.
"Wait until we're alone and find out," answered Naruto before walking past the beet red girl and almost let out an "eep!" worthy of Hinata when she thought one of his hands grazed against her hip.
Naruto merely let out a chuckle before he stopped in front of Koyuki, who was in awe of him, and what he did for her along with Snow Country.
"Thank you Naruto. You have lived up to your reputation in being a fearless an cunning warrior on the battlefield," said Koyuki before bowing to Naruto with the young warlord returning it.
"Your welcome Princess Koyuki. Now I believe there a matter of the device your uncle found not that long ago. I say we use this opportunity to turn it on," replied Naruto with everyone looking at him in shock.
"What? Why? Why would you want to turn on such a dangerous weapon?" asked Koyuki in surprise.
"You really think your Father would make a weapon for his country? What was he trying to do before his death by Doto's hands?" questioned Naruto with Koyuki frowning in deep thought as her mind traveled to the past before her eyes widened.
"To bring the season of Spring to our country," answered Koyuki with Naruto's grin now increased to the point where his teeth were slightly showing.
"I believe our one captive knows where this device is located. Perhaps, if she showed us the location, a lesser sentence in prison would be awarded, or maybe a full pardon should we like the results of our findings?" offered Naruto while the Snow kunoichi under their watch now looking eager to do just that.
"Its actually not far from here. Doto was most likely going to pilot the ship to the location where the technological device was located. I could show you...if I was free from current bindings," said Fubuki with Shikamaru frowning and then looking to Naruto.
"Provided you behave," warned Naruto with Fubuki nodding and Neko cut the bindings that held her.
"This way," replied Fubuki before she began leading Naruto, Koyuki, Neko, her ANBU squad, team Gai, Shikamaru, and the film crew to the location where the lost treasure of Snow Country was located.
"Doesn't look like much," commented Neko with Naruto letting out a chuckle.
"Appearances can be deceiving," remarked Naruto before they reached the part of the device cleared of snow and saw where the jewel Koyuki had around her neck was meant to go.
Koyuki seeing what he did, took the jeweled necklace off, and put the item on the control panel where it was meant to go, and within moments the entire system came to life. The massive machine began to shake violently, snow falling around them from the structure, and soon came alive with large mirror panels angling toward the sky with the sunlight coming in after the clouds above started to separate.
"Is it me or is it getting warmer around here?" questioned Neji while seeing the snow around him slowly starting to melt.
"Its getting warmer. a Spring kind of warm," answered Naruto before removing the various furs from his body to show off the muscles he had hidden away.
Making several females around him blush.
'Now THAT is a body,' thought all the females of the group.
"This is what my Father was talking about. A machine capable of bringing about Spring from the depths of a seemingly endless winter," whispered Koyuki seeing the sight of green grass, flowers, rivers long since buried beneath the snow, and ice arising from the pure whiteness that once dominated their surroundings.
"Doto thought it was a weapon. In a way...he was right," replied Naruto with everyone now looking at him.
"In what way?" asked Sandayu curiously with a frown on his face.
"Its a weapon against endless winter and snow," answered Naruto with everyone smiling at him.
"Very true. It looks like Spring has come to this country at last," said Gai with his team agreeing with him for once.
And also that he didn't add "Time" or "Youth" to his sentence.
"And not a moment too soon," added Naruto with his smile never leaving him.
(Several Days Later)
The Capital of what was once Snow now turned Spring Country was filled with laughter, as partying over the end of Doto's reign was still in full swing, and the people were happy to have their rightful ruler on the throne. While Koyuki herself was happy about leading her people as the rightful Daimyo of the country, she also had a contract with the film company to star in many more movies, and planned to place Sandayu as regent until her return from making movies or simply resting in the process of making one. Fubuki was given a full pardon, as she was appointed head bodyguard of the new Spring Daimyo at all times, which meant when the woman was on the throne, or when starring in a movie.
Naruto watched from his position among the people, their airship home getting fueled up, and nearly ready to take his team home while Koyuki was signing autographs for all the children. It took some doing, but Naruto saw she would be a great ruler to her people, and show that she did indeed care about them. Sure, she didn't have powers, use chakra, or wield a weapon like himself, but Koyuki had that charisma that made people watch her, and listen to her when speaking. She had that pull with the people and they listened to her when the spotlight was on the woman.
A powerful weapon unto itself in a way.
There was also the small issue of absorbing the now titled Spring Country into his still growing Empire. He didn't want to look bad in just taking the country from its newly crowned Daimyo after being freed from the tyrannical rule of Doto and risk problems with a rebellion. Perhaps an arranged marriage of sorts could be proposed that would allow Spring Country to be absorbed into his Empire with Koyuki being one of his wives. Sheeva probably wouldn't like that very much, but she had to realize that his choice of women he liked were not all warriors, and could still be worthy of ruling over people.
Koyuki was a woman of the people, who would rule her people well, and wouldn't abuse the power she now wielded. When the time came for Spring to be absorbed into Naruto's Empire, it would be done peacefully, and most likely through marriage with its female ruler.
Naruto maybe a cruel, heartless, and vicious warrior on the battlefield, but he only these things when it counted most. Not when violence only bred more unnecessary violence where it wasn't needed in manners like this where such actions would create disloyalty, division, and weakness that enemies could exploit.
No. In this case, Spring Country was technically conquered, even if its Daimyo, or people didn't realize it yet.
It was just a matter of time.
"Naruto!" called out Koyuki with the Spring Daimyo walking over to him.
"Yes?" replied Naruto with the woman in front of him blushing a little.
"I heard from a few reliable sources that you are a fan of my movies and once wished to have my autograph," said Koyuki with Naruto nodding since that was true.
"I did," replied Naruto with Koyuki blushing further and handing him something.
"Here Naruto-kun. Its a very special autograph. Perfect for my number one fan," said Koyuki with Naruto taking it and raised his eyebrows behind his helmet in slight surprise at what he was seeing.
What was he seeing?
Koyuki lying on a large bed fit for a Daimyo, posing naked, and winking at the camera with a sensual smile on her face. Below at the bottom of the picture, there was a simple message written in her handwriting, and what was written set his blood burning with desire.
To Naruto-kun. My number one fan. When you aren't busy in ruling your corner of the world, come by to see me, and I'll give you my own version of "Royal Hospitality".
-Kazehana Koyuki
"I'm honored by this. Thank you very much," replied Naruto with Koyuki smirking once again.
"I'm going to be running things here in Spring for awhile. The Director of my Princess Gale movie has more then enough footage from your battles to use. I've informed him to give you and the others a nice financial sum to compensate you for 'donating' your moves to the movie. And speaking of movies, I signed on to be the leading actress in this little number a certain Sannin wrote wished to see made into one," replied Koyuki, as she now showed the script in her hands, and Naruto's eyes widened when reading the title.
Icha Icha Paradise: The Movie!
"I see. If you are the leading female role, might I inquire on the who will be the male star in this movie?" asked Naruto with Koyuki smirking further while moving closer to him until she leaned down close to whisper into his ear.
"That role has yet to be filled. I already told the various Producers and Directors, who I met with yesterday that I had someone in mind for the lead male. The question is, does the one I have in mind wish to partake in the movie business, possibly expose himself to the camera, and essentially the world? It was one of the requirements when doing this particular project that the more adult parts of the movie will be done by the actors," said Koyuki in a whispered voice and challenging tone.
"If you are referring to me being your chosen male lead, I assure you Koyuki-chan that I have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to performing my part in such a role, and there is no need for simple acting," Naruto whispered back with Koyuki smiling further at this.
"I take it you agree to be apart of it Naruto-kun?" asked Koyuki before her face went beet red when she felt his hand on her rear end.
"Absolutely! I look forward to it and having you call me your Emperor in bed," answered Naruto huskily and gave Koyuki's rear end in a nice squeeze while the woman shivered.
Not that far away, several kunoichi glared at the Spring Daimyo, and wishing they were in the woman's place right now despite some part of them denying it. Tenten glared at both of them while considering Naruto's actions completely perverted and never did forgive him for turning her idol's first apprentice into a concubine. Granted, the woman was still a strong kunoichi when it came to fighting, but to submit to the touch of a man made Tenten's blood boil, and yet...seeing such a strong man command such respect was impressive.
It was really messing with Tenten's head on what she felt and how she felt about Naruto doing what he was doing.
'He's a pervert through and though. First he claims one of our strongest kunoichi in the Leaf after killing Orochimaru, then Tsunade-sama's assistant become's his concubine after being part of a bet, and then there are the arranged marriages that followed. If I were part of his little harem, I'd put my foot down, and let him know that women are not things to be used just for sex, and show what a strong woman can do. I could run things and be the dominant in the relationship!' thought Tenten while trying to keep the fact she was mentally telling herself that she wanted to be apart of his harem of women despite her disgust at him having one.
She'd rather die then admit that!
'Still...,' thought Tenten while seeing Naruto walking toward their group and his mass of muscle from his upper torso being exposed.
"You finally ready to leave Naruto?" asked Shikamaru with Naruto smirking.
"That depends. Are you ready to return to your Mother and explain to her how you lost out in bringing home a potential girlfriend or wife to the house?" answered Naruto with a question of his own and making Shikamaru blush while sputtering.
"Damn it Naruto! Stop messing with me like that!" exclaimed Shikamaru with the others around him from the group now laughing at his expense.
"Stop being afraid of your Mother and women in general first Shikamaru...then we will talk," replied Naruto with Shikamaru sighing in defeat.
'Troublesome,' thought Shikamaru before they headed to the airship that would take them home.