Snow Country — a nation perpetually covered in ice and snow.
Located north of the Land of Fire, it's a secluded and somewhat mysterious country. Because of the harsh climate and other factors, its overall economic output is quite low. Still, with plenty of open space and not many people around, life here is actually pretty decent.
In this nation, the development of ninja technology is extremely advanced. There are Chakra Armors that enhance chakra reserves and allow multiple uses of A-rank ninjutsu, as well as large-scale illusion projectors comparable to genjutsu...
These technologies share many similarities with things from Saitama's memories of next-generation ninja concepts, yet there are also distinct differences.
The previous ruler of Snow Country was Kazahana Sosetsu, who had a daughter named Kazahana Koyuki.
However, the current ruler is Sosetsu's younger brother, Doto Kazahana — an extremely ambitious man who cannot bear solitude.
A few years ago, he launched a coup, overthrowing his older brother's rule and bringing Snow Country under his control.
Kakashi once worked in this country—his mission back then was to escort Kazahana Koyuki out safely.
Today, new visitors have arrived in Snow Country.
One figure completely wrapped in red.
In the endless white wilderness, this person has no protective measures against the cold, wearing only what appears to be a simple ninja armor.
Yet strangely, each step he takes leaves a deep footprint steaming heavily on the ground.
Around him, ring after ring of vapor-like mist constantly disperses outward in all directions.
That's exactly how he manages to move so freely in this kind of freezing weather.
He is Han, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki from Iwagakure, bearing a mighty title throughout the Shinobi World — "Steam Ninja"!
...
"This damned place really is freezing!"
Hidan exhaled. The warm breath barely appeared at his mouth before gradually turning into tiny flecks of white ice, slowly falling onto the ground.
"This is Snow Country — the coldest place across the entire Shinobi World, of course it's freezing!"
Kakuzu's voice remained calm. This frigid weather had severely restricted his mobility, making him visibly unhappy.
"Where's Zetsu? Did he lose us?"
Hidan drove his Blood Scythe deeply into the thick snow, then rubbed his hands together continuously to keep warm.
Both he and Kakuzu were merely wearing black woolen overcoats over their Akatsuki cloaks, so it was unavoidable they'd feel cold and uncomfortable.
"In a place like this, Zetsu's perception should also be limited. Let's wait a bit longer."
Without responding, Kakuzu walked forward directly. This area was perpetually buried beneath snow and ice. Although he didn't know the specifics of Zetsu's abilities, judging by appearances they must somehow relate to plants. And here, covered entirely in snow and ice with minimal vegetation, Zetsu's powers probably wouldn't function well.
"Tch!"
Hidan grabbed his weapon again. He wore thick leather gloves so the damn metal wouldn't stick to his skin.
In this freezing climate, metal weapons became dangerous — just one careless moment, and your skin might stick firmly to them.
Zetsu's main body wasn't present—it was a White Zetsu Clone that followed them, tasked with supplying information on the target's movement and basic intel.
After Han left Iwagakure, he headed straight for Snow Country, so Hidan and the others had been chasing him all the way.
"He's here!"
Kakuzu came to a sudden halt and turned his gaze toward a bare rock on the right. As he watched, white sticky substance began seeping from the rock like glue.
Soon, a moss-green-haired, pale-skinned humanoid figure with no gender characteristics emerged before Kakuzu and Hidan.
"Any updates?"
Kakuzu knew this was one of Zetsu's clones—an expert in stealth and the perfect tool for reconnaissance missions.
"He's three kilometers directly ahead of you and Hidan. His speed isn't fast."
The White Zetsu Clone's voice sounded hoarse, its expression carrying an amused undertone.
"What is he trying to do?"
Kakuzu couldn't understand Han's actions. Why would Han leave the village and come to such a godforsaken place? Was he deliberately luring them in? It was possible!
Kakuzu had lived this long for a reason. He wasn't just some brute with powerful skills. Anyone who thought he was merely a strong ninja without brains would certainly end up defeated by him.
"Is there an ambush nearby?"
Kakuzu asked.
"That's the strange part. Within a several-kilometer radius, besides us, there's absolutely no sign of human activity."
The White Zetsu Clone grinned, equally puzzled about this jinchuriki's behavior.
"Is he still moving?"
"Yes, but his speed is really slow, almost like he's waiting for someone."
"What are we waiting for then? Let's go kill him!"
Hidan jumped out excitedly, swinging his weapon around, looking eager.
"Shut up, idiot!"
Kakuzu shot an annoyed glare at the brainless Hidan before falling into thought.
"I'll expand my scope for a check. You two handle things here. I'll inform you immediately if something comes up."
The White Zetsu Clone slowly merged into the rock. He could only assist Kakuzu's team with reconnaissance. In actual combat, he might not even surpass an average chunin.
"Fine."
Kakuzu nodded slightly, gazing forward contemplatively.
He could sense a powerful and wild chakra force radiating openly ahead without any concealment, as if sending a message: "I'm right here!"
"So obvious a trap?" His emerald eyes flickered with suspicion and calculation.
White Zetsu also confirmed there were no ambushes nearby—only the jinchuriki himself.
Therefore, this was an open move—an audacious plan. A cruel smile surfaced on Kakuzu's face beneath his mask.
"I'm right here! You wanna take me down, don't you? Then come and get it!" That was exactly the message this jinchuriki had conveyed.
"Hey Kakuzu, you're not scared, are you?"
Hidan spoke again, raising his weapon across his chest, challenging Kakuzu with provocative words.
"Let's go then. Let's see how arrogant this jinchuriki really is!"
This time, Kakuzu didn't argue with Hidan. Instead, he lifted his step and strode forward.
"There's no ambush nearby. Maybe this Jinchuriki is confident enough to believe that even if there were, they could defeat the Five-Tails before reinforcements arrived!"
White Zetsu also confirmed there were no enemies within a few kilometers radius. They could proceed with the capture without worries!
"Hehehe! I can almost see Lord Jashin smiling with satisfaction. Another powerful ninja's blood—I'll offer his soul to Lord Jashin and gain His blessing!"
Hidan stuck out his tongue, licking his lips while his eyes burned with madness and bloodlust.
"Hurry up! Delay will only cause trouble!"
Kakuzu urged Hidan while quickening his pace toward the target.
On the other side, Han moved slowly. The steam surrounding him made him immune to the cold.
While walking, he carefully observed his surroundings.
This trip out of the village had all been planned by Onoki and him—to act as bait and lure out anyone after the Tailed Beasts.
Of course, Onoki hadn't sent him alone to face enemies hiding in the shadows.
But White Zetsu still hadn't picked up on the other Stone Shinobi hiding nearby—because his comrade was stationed in one seriously tough-to-find place!
Step by step through the snow, he moved forward, knowing that his teammate was already lying in wait far ahead as planned. But Han had slowed down intentionally. He wasn't planning to enter the designated encirclement zone just yet.
He had his own intentions. As a Jinchuriki, he had been forced to stay cooped up inside the village for so long because of some unknown ninja—he carried resentment about it.
Now that he finally had the chance to leave the village, naturally he wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.
He wanted to use his own strength to deal with those enemies lurking behind him.
So even before reaching the designated encirclement zone, he'd already started sending out a "come find me" vibe to draw in the enemy.
He was confident he could handle them. After all, he was the Five-Tails Jinchuriki! In the entire village, besides that old man Onoki who could suppress him using [Dust Release], no one else was a match for him.
He really wanted to see how strong someone who defeated Roshi truly was!
Roshi was already in his late forties or early fifties, clearly on the downhill of his ninja career, while Han himself was in his prime, still climbing upward!
If Roshi could be defeated, he certainly wouldn't be!
...
Six-Tails Jinchuriki Ephemeral had already decided—he would leave this fishing village in the next few days.
Though he didn't fear Mist's Anbu, he didn't want to get entangled with those annoying ninjas who stick like chewing gum. So he chose to leave first, so they could spend their time running around in circles trying to find him afterward.
Moreover, he had another reason for leaving.
Just because he was on the run didn't mean he couldn't still keep his ears open for intel.
Before arriving at this fishing village, he'd completed a transaction at the underground Golden Exchange, a black-market money-trading network, where he obtained the latest news from across the Shinobi World during that period.
There was an organization called Akatsuki actively collecting Tailed Beasts throughout the Shinobi World. And the ninja in the black cloaks adorned with red clouds he had encountered previously in the Land of Fire was indeed a member of that organization.
Ephemeral had originally scoffed at the intel.
Because every Jinchuriki was powerful, with at least borderline Kage-level strength, no one could easily set their sights on him.
Moreover, since the Tailed Beasts were under the protection of formidable Hidden Villages, anyone who dared to covet them would have to face the wrath of an entire ninja village!
But later, he learned that the Mysterious Organization targeting the Tailed Beasts seemed to have already succeeded!
And not just once!
That was more than enough to put him on high alert. Besides, he no longer had the support of Mist, making him essentially a lone Jinchuriki, so he naturally needed to be even more cautious.
Whether to evade pursuit from Mist's Anbu or escape the invisible hand of that mysterious organization, he needed to relocate soon.
He got up from the haystack where he had been lying, feeling a bit more refreshed, and headed toward the sea. He needed to take care of some bodily needs and perhaps find something to eat.
This fishing village probably only had a few dozen residents, and their sole source of livelihood was fishing.
They were entirely self-sufficient, due to the remote location—the nearest major civilian encampment was already dozens of kilometers away.
It was obviously impractical to travel such a long distance over a few fish, especially with the dangerous road conditions due to numerous mountain bandits. Dying over a few fish was hardly worth it.
If they wanted to exchange for necessary daily supplies, things like salt or sugar, they had to wait half a year, trading with caravans passing through to buy dried fish.
Indeed, this fishing village lived in quiet poverty.
Ephemeral walked straight to the seashore. The seawater was crystal clear, and he stared at his reflection in it.
His long bangs framed a gaunt face, his thin body draped in a loose robe, and his once-vibrant eyes now held a dull emptiness.
"Slap!"
He squatted down and scooped up some water, splashing it onto his face to refresh himself a bit.
Although seawater wasn't drinkable, it worked fine for miscellaneous uses like washing one's face.
He took care of his morning routine calmly. After finishing all that, he again crouched by the seaside, gazing absentmindedly at the ocean view.
He found himself missing his village more than he expected. Although life there felt oppressive, and the faces of the people often annoyed him, it still held many familiar individuals and a fixed home—unlike his current state of wandering and rootlessness.
"Hiss! Hiss!"
Strange sounds rang in his ears. He suddenly turned around, looking toward the nearby fishing village.
In his hand, that tube-like weapon was already gripped tightly.
He stood up and slowly started walking toward the village.
It was noon now, and at this time of day, everyone in the fishing village should be cooking.
Ephemeral could see the faint smoke rising from the chimneys, yet the entire village remained extremely quiet, without a single word being spoken!
That was highly unusual!
Anyone would know that something was off, let alone someone like Ephemeral, a Jinchuriki.
"Screeeek! Screeeek!"
Ephemeral heard something—the sound came from afar but grew closer, similar to the friction noise when a wooden door is about to shut tightly.
Something quite grating to the teeth.
Ephemeral heightened his alertness and carefully edged closer.
He remembered that when he got up from the haystack, there had been a woman sitting at her doorstep near the edge of the village, drying home-cured fish jerky.
As he drew closer, he saw the woman. But now, she already lay motionless on the ground, her breath gone.
"No external wounds or bloodstains at all! What could have happened?"
Ephemeral halted his steps, sniffing repeatedly and detecting a strange odor.
"Poison?"
A burst of chakra exploded from his body, forming a protective bubble around him and isolating him from the outside world.
"Onk!"
The sound grew even nearer. Ephemeral narrowed his eyes, staring toward another side of the village. Every muscle in his body tensed to the extreme, ready for any incoming assault.
"Zizi!"
A figure appeared before Ephemeral's eyes.
It was a short, squat figure, creeping forward like a massive turtle.
Black robes adorned with red clouds!
Ephemeral's eyes narrowed sharply as memories surfaced—this was exactly how that enemy had been dressed last time. Recently too, he had heard rumors about this particular organization.
"So it really is about the Tailed Beasts..."
He lowered his back slightly, while the weapon in his right hand edged closer to his mouth. A powerful surge of chakra began circulating within his body.
"Are you the Six-Tails Jinchuriki?"
A somewhat hoarse voice reached Ephemeral's ears, causing his eyebrows to furrow tightly together.
...
"Are you the Five-Tails Jinchuriki?"
Kakuzu regarded the red-cloaked figure standing ahead with arms folded, apparently waiting for them.
Is this person genuinely confident, or simply arrogant enough to think they can defeat both me and Hidan by openly waiting here?
"I've been expecting you, bastards from Akatsuki!"
Han's eyes widened as thick vapor began swirling around him. Within seconds, the snow within a few meters around him began to visibly melt away. The rocky ground beneath was now exposed.
"Hehehe..."
"What a bold fellow indeed!"
Hidan swung the scythe from his shoulder, slicing away a thick layer of snow from the ground. The blade's sharp tip pointed directly toward Han.
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