Three days later.
At the entrance of Konoha Village.
Santa Asama anxiously kept pacing back and forth, occasionally glancing back toward the village.
Beside him, Sosetsu Kazahana grew impatient and said, "Sosetsu Kazahana, could you please stay still for a moment?"
"It's not yet time for our meeting," he sighed.
"I know, but this mission concerns the future of the Snow Country..."
Seeing his expression, Sosetsu gave up trying to stop him.
Back when she had fled from the Snow Country, Santa was the one who had raised her and protected her from that point on. She understood how loyal he was to her father.
Before long, Mirai Uchiha finally appeared.
Santa quickly bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty!"
Mirai Uchiha nodded and turned his gaze toward Sosetsu.
The events from three days ago were vividly etched in her mind, so she couldn't help but avoid direct eye contact with Mirai Uchiha.
As soon as she noticed his stare, she ducked her head like a turtle retreating into its shell.
Mirai smiled slightly and pointed to the two people beside him. "Let me introduce them."
"The masked pervert is Kakashi Hatake. Princess Sosetsu, you may not recall, but it was him who rescued you from the Snow Country."
Kakashi shot Mirai an annoyed glare, feeling his reputation had taken a hit.
Sosetsu, however, had no memory of Kakashi at all.
At that time, all she could think about was the last moments of her father's life, and she had completely forgotten how she escaped from the Snow Country.
Therefore, she simply bowed politely toward Kakashi and didn't say anything else.
Mirai then pointed toward the other figure—a green jumpsuit-clad ninja with a bowl haircut standing nearby.
"This is Guy—"
Looking at Guy's appearance, Mirai hesitated for a moment, unsure how to describe him.
But that wasn't a problem for Guy himself.
"Princess Sosetsu, I've already heard all about your story. Don't worry—this time, I will definitely help you reclaim everything that belongs to you!"
[The Pinnacle of Youth], the Azure Beast of Konoha—that's me!!
After finishing his passionate self-introduction, Guy gave Sosetsu a thumbs-up while flashing his signature dazzling smile.
Both Sosetsu and Santa were left staring in stunned silence.
If Guy hadn't arrived alongside Mirai, they probably would have mistaken him for a pervert just by his looks and mannerisms.
After everyone finished their introductions, Kakashi turned to Mirai and asked, "Mirai, the Snow Country lies far to the north of the ninja world, quite distant from Konoha. How exactly are we planning to get there?"
Mirai Uchiha replied indifferently, "Just fly over."
With that, he immediately gathered a pile of golden sand beneath his feet. "Sosetsu, come on up."
Sosetsu Kazahana looked at Mirai's outstretched hand. After a brief hesitation, she reached out and took it, then stepped onto the golden sand.
Witnessing this, Might Guy frowned. "This method of travel is just too boring. It's practically robbing us of our youth!"
Mirai sighed, "Then how do you suggest we go?"
Might Guy declared enthusiastically, "Mirai, I've decided—I'm running all the way to the Snow Country from here!"
Fully aware of Guy's nature, Mirai decided not to argue further.
He simply reminded him, "Make sure to watch us as you run. Don't get lost."
"Got it."
After replying, Might Guy turned his gaze toward Kakashi Hatake. "Kakashi, my eternal rival! Will you join me?"
Hands casually in his pockets, Kakashi turned down the offer bluntly, "I have no interest in running that far."
"Oh." Guy nodded, then added, "Well then, you can serve as ballast."
"Eh?" Kakashi was startled and hadn't even had time to react before being hoisted over Guy's shoulder.
Without delay, Might Guy grabbed Santa Asama, who looked bewildered, and slung him over the other side of his shoulder.
"Embrace your youth! Let's go!"
With a loud shout, Might Guy transformed into a green blur and shot forward like lightning.
Sosetsu Kazahana watched in stunned silence as the retreating figures vanished into the distance. She couldn't help but ask, "Mirai, are they really okay?"
"They'll be fine," Mirai chuckled lightly, patting the spot beside him. "Besides, there's only limited space on the gold dust, so don't mind the tight squeeze."
"Oh no, Mirai!" Sosetsu hurriedly responded. "I should be thanking you instead—you're personally helping me with my problem!"
After meeting Mirai Uchiha, Sosetsu had thoroughly researched everything she could about him.
Now she realized how lucky she was to be receiving help from the man before her.
Sitting closely beside Mirai now, Sosetsu caused Mirai to silently give Guy a thumbs-up internally.
Truly a great buddy—his childhood friend and comrade-in-arms—he'd managed to solve the problem of two extra people tagging along all at once!
So thoughtful!
———
The journey took seven entire days.
During those seven days, Mirai and Sosetsu gradually grew closer.
Chatting each day, admiring beautiful scenery high above the lands…
It truly felt like an incredibly pleasant trip.
Might Guy was equally delighted—this long-distance training gave him a rare feeling of exhilaration.
[Shinobi Life!] That's what being a ninja is all about—getting your body moving!
As for Kakashi Hatake and Santa Asama… well, let's just say their experience wasn't quite so pleasant.
Kakashi Hatake and Santa Asama were carried all the way on Might Guy's back, enduring a rough journey that made them feel like they were being shaken apart. Especially at night, Might Guy would fall asleep in an instant, and his snoring was deafening.
Within just a few days, Kakashi Hatake and Santa Asama began showing signs of early nervous exhaustion.
"So this is the Snow Country."
Mirai Uchiha and Sosetsu Kazahana stepped off the Gold Dust, gazing in awe at the endless snowy landscape before them.
How beautiful.
Memories of her childhood rose unbidden in Sosetsu's mind, bringing an involuntary look of sorrow to her face.
As a child, she had always complained that the Snow Country was perpetually covered in ice and snow. Why couldn't it be warm and spring-like like other countries?
It wasn't until she was forced to leave the Snow Country that she realized how deeply she missed this very land.
Sensing Sosetsu's emotional shift, Mirai Uchiha spoke softly, "Many people spend their entire lives chasing something they already possessed from the beginning."
"It's just that before losing it, humans rarely recognize its value."
"Let's go."
Mirai strode forward toward the snow-covered city ahead, and Sosetsu along with the others hurried to follow.
They made no attempt to conceal themselves, so the Snow shinobi hiding in the shadows quickly spotted their trail.
"Quick! Report to Lord Doto immediately!"
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