The cold morning wind was biting, like a sharp blade gently scraping against people's faces.
It carried a chilling sensation, seeping through the gaps in their clothing and sending shivers down their spines. Yet, despite the harsh wind, the streets of the Land of Waves were bustling with life.
Workers had already set out on their way to the construction sites, their steps firm and their faces filled with anticipation and passion for the future.
Even after a long-awaited holiday, their enthusiasm for work hadn't diminished in the slightest.
Warm houses, ample food, and the happy smiles of their families made them realize that all of this was the result of their hard work over the past months. Eager to make their lives even better, they couldn't wait to start working again.
Each worker carried dreams for the future, using their own hands to build their own happiness, piece by piece.
Amidst this atmosphere, a massive bird flapped its enormous wings, stirring up a flurry of snow as it soared into the sky, heading north.
On the bird's back stood three figures. After discussing with the director, Koyuki and Sandayu had taken a long leave of absence, but they promised to complete the filming of Princess Gale.
"I have to say, you truly are a remarkable leader."
On the back of the bird, Koyuki said, unable to hold back her admiration as she watched the ground grow smaller beneath them and the people of the Land of Waves shrink to the size of ants.
Someone had already confirmed Naruto's identity to them, and she had personally heard from Tazuna about the country's past… The time of chaos and poverty, where people were on the brink of desperation. To think that this young leader had transformed everything in just half a year… how could he not be remarkable?
The giant bird flew swiftly, but with Naruto's Chakra Barrier shielding them from the wind, not even the hem of their clothes fluttered.
Naruto simply chuckled. "What truly changed everything wasn't me, but the people themselves."
"What do you mean?" Koyuki asked, puzzled.
"I merely gave them a glimmer of hope when they were in despair. It was they who seized the opportunity. If they hadn't wanted to grasp it, nothing would have changed. Just like you, Princess Koyuki."
Naruto thought of the original fate of the Land of Waves in the story. Despite being ruthlessly exploited and oppressed by Gato, the people had still chosen to build the bridge, determined to change their circumstances.
This showed that the Land of Waves had the will to save itself. Only those who want to save themselves deserve to be saved. The Land of Waves had that resolve, and Naruto had simply given them a lifeline.
The future is something you create with your own hands.
Hearing this, Koyuki's expression grew even more complicated.
After a long while, she let out a soft sigh.
"Perhaps, under your guidance, the Land of Snow can have a better future."
Koyuki understood her own limitations and situation, so she had never dared to hope for much.
"Princess..."
Behind her, Sandayu knelt with a pained expression. He had wanted the princess to return to the Land of Snow, but not like this.
Originally, he had planned to reveal his identity to Koyuki once she grew up, then return to the Land of Snow together and work with the loyalists to reclaim her position as Daimyo.
But now...
Koyuki had agreed to the conditions set by the leader of the Land of Waves. Wasn't this tantamount to selling out their country?
Naruto didn't show any joy at Koyuki's flattery. Instead, he looked at her with interest and asked, "It seems you're not very interested in the position of Daimyo?"
Koyuki was taken aback, then silently lowered her head.
"From the day I left the Land of Snow, I never thought about going back. Only my father's revenge..."
"I often dream of the scene of my father's death. Before, I had no means or courage to seek revenge against Kazahana Doto. But now, the opportunity for revenge is right in front of me..."
'So it was hatred that drove her to accept? Well, that suited me just fine.'
" However... Naruto-sama, are you sure you can defeat Kazahana Doto alone? He controls all the Ninjas of the Land of Snow and has various Chakra Armors. Going alone might be too difficult."
Koyuki's face showed a hint of worry. She had assumed Naruto would bring a team of elite Ninjas from the Land of Waves, but this morning, she realized it was just him.
"Don't worry. As the leader of the Land of Waves, I wouldn't put myself in danger."
Naruto didn't explain further. His identity was explanation enough. If he weren't confident, going alone to another country would be pure foolishness.
Koyuki understood, and her worries lessened.
"In that case, I'll be watching eagerly."
"You won't regret the choice you made today."
Naruto chuckled lightly, then turned to Sandayu, who was kneeling behind them with a dejected expression.
"I will only set a general direction for the Land of Snow. As long as the Land of Snow provides a certain amount of resources to the Land of Waves each month, I won't interfere too much in its development."
At this moment, Naruto simply wanted a piece of land under the sun, a stable source of resources for the Land of Waves to thrive.
After all, the talent pool within the Land of Waves wasn't even sufficient to fully cover its own needs, and many people were already juggling multiple roles.
For now, he would let these ministers loyal to Koyuki manage the Land of Snow. Once he had trained his own people, he could gradually take over. It could also serve as a testing ground.
If they couldn't even manage the Land of Snow properly, how could they handle the vast enterprise that would eventually span the entire Ninja World?
Upon hearing this, Sandayu immediately raised his head, his earlier dejection mostly gone, replaced by excitement as he asked, "So, sir, as long as we provide resources to the Land of Waves, Princess Koyuki will still be in charge of the Land of Snow, is that correct?"
'If that was the case, then it wouldn't count as selling out their country. It would just be a commission in exchange for benefits.'
However, Naruto's eyes narrowed as he stared at Sandayu.
'This old thing… seems a little dishonest.'
Naruto could clearly sense that the malice emanating from him had increased a lot.
"S-Sir, is something wrong?"
Sandayu felt a chill run down his spine under Naruto's gaze, his heart trembling slightly.
'The leader of the Land of Waves... surely he couldn't read minds, could he?'
He had only briefly entertained the thought that, since Naruto wouldn't interfere in the internal affairs of the Land of Snow, perhaps they could stop obeying him once he left.
With the Land of Snow's strength, he felt resisting the Land of Waves shouldn't be too difficult.
Naruto's lips curled into a slight smile as he shook his head at Sandayu, choosing not to say anything more.
'For those who thought they were clever, it was best to let them face reality head-on.'