Bab 123: 123. who’s the real villain?
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In the cabin, Kakashi found Sandayu Asama and Princess Koyuki Kazahana, who were still shivering. He said:
"Mr. Sandayu, could you explain the situation? If we don't have proper information about our protection target, things will become more complicated."
Sandayu bowed slightly and replied, "I apologize for concealing part of my identity. I was once a minister of the Land of Snow, and I served Princess Koyuki's father, Kazahana Sousetsu."
Sandayu then recounted the story of the former daimyō, Kazahana Sousetsu, who was deeply passionate about constructing grand wonders.
Unfortunately, his extravagant projects drained the country's finances. Ten years ago, his younger brother, Kazahana Doto, hired a rogue ninja from the Snow Ninja to stage a coup.
In the rebellion, the Land of Snow was seized by force, and Princess Koyuki vanished.
Sandayu and a few loyalists to the late daimyō survived by sheer luck.
One day, Sandayu discovered that the actress Fuji Yukie was, in fact, their long-lost princess. After some time, he became her manager, hoping to restore her to the throne.
Because Princess Koyuki was so young when she escaped, she had no recollection of Sandayu and didn't recognize him.
Sandayu seized the opportunity to plan their return to the Land of Snow, intending to overthrow Doto and restore the country under Princess Koyuki's rule.
It sounds like an inspiring plan, but if analyzed rationally, it feels off.
Kazahana Sousetsu squandered the country's resources and was deposed by Kazahana Doto, who couldn't tolerate the mismanagement anymore.
Now, Sousetsu's loyalists aim to reinstall Sousetsu's descendant on the throne, even though this descendant, Princess Koyuki, clearly lacks the will to fight.
Doto, on the other hand, is after the hexagonal crystal that Princess Koyuki possesses.
He needs it to unlock the Kazahana family's treasure, which he intends to use to develop military power and make the Land of Snow equal to the Five Great Nations.
So, who's the villain here?
Naruto, deeply moved by the story, suddenly blurted out, "Wait... Is this protection mission turning into a mission to restore a whole country?"
After revealing his identity, Sandayu's tone became more resolute: "No, your only responsibility is to protect the princess. The rest will be handled by me and the others."
Sandayu spoke with conviction, "Along with fifty samurai, including myself, we will defeat Kazahana Doto and reclaim the Land of Snow."
"Fifty people?" Naruto was sceptical. "You think fifty people can win a war? That's not enough for even one round of kunai being thrown."
Back in the day, even the farmers in my village put up a better fight when they argued over-irrigation. Your plan for restoring the country is way too reckless.
Sandayu remained unfazed. "Princess, I will help you become the new ruler, even if it costs me my life!"
"I refuse!" Princess Koyuki replied sharply. "Stop this nonsense. I never wanted this—I'm just an actress now."
"I've waited too long for your return, Your Highness!"
"That's your problem. No matter what you do, you won't win against Kazahana Doto!"
Naruto found the conversation eerily familiar—it was just like something Inari, Tazuna's grandson, would say.
"But the people of the Land of Snow…" Sandayu began, but Princess Koyuki, haunted by the memories of her father's death and the burning of her home, cut him off. "Sandayu, don't you care about what I want? Besides, the director and crew don't want to continue this anymore!"
The director suddenly appeared, exclaiming, "What are you talking about? Of course, we're continuing! I never dreamed I'd have a real princess playing a princess in my film. This movie will be a historic masterpiece!"
'This director is crazy for the movie', Naruto thought while looking at the ongoing drama.
"The princess just needs to wait for the news of my victory!" Sandayu declared confidently.
"I don't want to go back to that nightmare!" Princess Koyuki retorted.
At this impasse, Kakashi intervened, delivering the final blow: "In reality, Kazahana Doto already knows who you are, Princess Koyuki. You no longer have a choice."
Now that her identity was exposed, Kazahana Doto would undoubtedly send more assassins after her, whether to seize the hexagonal crystal or eliminate future threats.
Princess Koyuki huddled in a corner, clutching her knees and tightening the quilt around her.
In this cold and indifferent world, the quilt was the only thing providing her a shred of comfort.
She knew there was no turning back, but fear still held her heart.
The team stepped out, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
As for their mission, it would continue as planned. Their initial goal was to protect Princess Koyuki during the filming of The Land of Snow.
Although she was revealed to be a princess, the film would still proceed, right?
Except, this feature film had now become more like a documentary, and if it went wrong, people could die.
After taking some extra shots on the glacier, the crew's ship circumnavigated the ice and pressed onward toward the Land of Snow.
A day later, they arrived. They followed Sandayu to his secret base, travelling by steam-powered sledge, which Naruto found perplexing…
But he was starting to get used to all the strange technology.
It wasn't long before they reached a mountainside. Sandayu gave a signal, and soon, a hidden door opened.
Inside, Naruto took in his surroundings. The cave was unique narrow at first, barely allowing anyone to squeeze through, but then it opened up after several dozen steps.
Dozens of samurai, some with swords at their waists and others with spears in hand, stood scattered around. They all seemed a bit old.
"Mr. Sandayu!"
"Is that… Princess Koyuki?!"
A ragtag group saluted sporadically. No matter how Naruto looked at them, they all seemed like an unorganized rabble…
Naruto couldn't help but ask, "What exactly is your plan here?"
Sandayu's confidence didn't waver. "With the momentum of our troops, all we need to do is break through the city gate, defeat Kazahana Doto, and restore the princess to power!"
Hiss… You don't have superior numbers or better equipment. I thought you had some grand strategy, but this is it? You're way too optimistic!
Naruto whispered to Kakashi, "Do you think this plan has a chance?"
Kakashi sighed, "Not even a little."
Naruto relaxed—it wasn't him who was abnormal, nor was the world itself. It was just that Sandayu's plan was downright absurd.
Naruto thought for a moment and said, "Should we lend them a hand?"
Kakashi, recalling Dazna's last mission, asked, "Are you planning to ask for more money?"
"...You guessed it! But that's not the point. Honestly, I'm just really interested in their technology."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, "What exactly do you have in mind?"
Naruto suddenly produced a fan, waving it as he said, "I've got three strategies. Which one do you want to hear first?"
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