Chapter 138 - Chapter 137: Capture the Heart of the Snow Country Princess!

[The strongest ninja in the Snow Country couldn't even withstand a single move from Uzumaki Naruto!][Such overwhelming power! It's no surprise that Naruto now holds the strength to conquer an entire country on his own!]Even Wolf Fang Avalanche, who had been observing from a distance, stood rooted to the spot, completely stunned."Is this person even human?" he thought in disbelief.Naruto turned his head and glanced at the trembling man in the distance. He didn't strike him down—at least, not yet."What's your name?" Naruto asked calmly, his tone devoid of hostility."…Wolf Fang… Avalanche," the man replied, his voice quivering.In that moment, Langya Avalanche wasn't just dealing with the shock of his surroundings—his very psyche had shattered. He felt as though he were standing before a god. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, yet he couldn't muster the courage even to move."Wolf Fang Avalanche," Naruto repeated, nodding slowly. He remembered Kakashi had mentioned this man before.He was no ordinary ninja. In fact, during Kakashi's Anbu days, Avalanche had once defeated him in a direct confrontation. That feat alone spoke volumes of his strength.If someone like that could be turned into an ally...A gentle smile played on Naruto's lips as he looked at the paralyzed man."Hey, Avalanche," Naruto said softly, "I want to show you something good."Langya Avalanche looked up instinctively, meeting Naruto's eyes—and in that moment, he was caught in the gaze of Naruto's Sage Eyes. In just a blink, Naruto tampered with all his memories, erasing resistance and planting unwavering loyalty.Avalanche's expression shifted as clarity filled his eyes—clarity laced with deep admiration.Naruto deactivated his Sage Eyes and smiled with satisfaction."You know what to do next, don't you?""Yes, Lord Uzumaki Naruto. I will gather all the Snow Ninjas to welcome Princess Koyuki's return.""And if anyone resists?""I understand."Naruto gave a small nod. He knew Avalanche's strength well. With Fenghua Nu Tao dead, no one in the Snow Country could rival him now. It was best to let him carry out the necessary "cleansing."---Naruto returned to the ship, where Kazehana Koyuki still sat in stunned silence."Fenghua Nu Tao… he just died like that?" she muttered, disbelief clouding her expression."Otherwise, what do you think happened? He's still there," Naruto replied, pointing to the lifeless, sculpted figure of Nu Tao in the distance.Koyuki shook her head repeatedly. She believed Naruto's words—how could she not? But everything had happened so fast, it all felt like a surreal dream.Reclaiming the Snow Country… was it really that easy?The Third Doctor had spent years coordinating old allies and plotting resistance from within the kingdom. Could all that planning really be overturned by a single person?"Princess Koyuki, don't forget the promise you made," Naruto reminded her with a teasing grin.Koyuki blushed, remembering her bold words from earlier—if Naruto helped her reclaim the Snow Country, she'd be willing to pay any price.But… what did Naruto want?A whirlwind of thoughts flooded her mind. Images from her movie scenes flickered through her memory: heroes from the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, even a few darker-skinned and mature leading men...She quickly shook her head, cheeks now crimson."What am I thinking?! Naruto's head doesn't even reach my chest yet!"---Jiraiya: "That's what Princess Koyuki doesn't get. That height is just right!"Tsunade: "???"Jiraiya: "No explanation needed! Please look forward to my next masterpiece: Intimate Paradise – Special Edition: The Story I Had to Tell with the Runaway Princess!"Sakura: "I've always felt that Jiraiya-sama, despite being one of the legendary Sannin, is just a perverted old man. I have no proof, though."Ino: "Wait… I think I kind of get it now."Hinata: "Umm… I have to grow taller fast… So Naruto-kun can hold me too…"Hanabi: "What are you even talking about, sis?"Kushina: "Aww! It makes me so happy to see our Naruto so popular!"Minato: "I never thought our Naruto would grow up to become the hero of the Snow Country… or rather, the hero of Princess Kazehana Koyuki!"Terumi Mei: "Actually, my height's about the same as Koyuki's. So… Naruto can hug me too, right?"Chojuro: "Mizukage-sama!!"Terumi Mei: "Hmph!"---Soon after, a large group of individuals dressed in white robes approached the shore of the Snow Country. Leading them was none other than Langya Avalanche."Who are these people?" Koyuki asked, her brows furrowing slightly. A strange suspicion stirred in her chest."They're here to welcome you home, Princess," Naruto replied warmly."…Home?" Koyuki echoed.She blinked as an image of her late father appeared in her mind—his gentle smile, his calm voice, and the palace that once felt like heaven."This… This is really happening…"Even the Third Doctor beside her was moved to tears. After the death of Koyuki's father, his one and only wish had been to see the princess return and restore order to the Snow Kingdom.Now, that wish had finally come true. He couldn't stop the flood of emotion that burst forth.Naruto remained composed. For him, this was all just another mission—easily completed."Welcome Princess Koyuki back to the Snow Kingdom!" Langya Avalanche declared loudly, his voice echoing across the icy coast.The other Snow Ninjas all dropped to one knee, repeating his words in unison.Koyuki looked at Naruto, overwhelmed with emotion. He simply gave her a warm smile."Why are you looking at me? I'm not Princess Snow," Naruto teased."It's time for you to reclaim what's rightfully yours," he said.Koyuki didn't reply with words. Instead, she simply stepped forward, heading toward the kneeling Snow Ninjas with slow, steady steps. Their cheers rang in her ears like a welcome song."Father… I… I'm finally… home…"She stopped in front of the large group and looked down at her people. In this moment, her identity was no longer just a title from an old legacy. She was Princess Kazehana Koyuki, rightful ruler of the Snow Country.But she knew one thing for certain—none of this would've been possible without Naruto.She turned suddenly and flashed him a mischievous smile."Hey… don't you want to see the treasure my father left behind? The legendary treasure of the Snow Country?"Naruto shook his head, smiling slightly. He already knew what the "treasure" was. There was no mystery left for him."I'm not particularly interested," he began, but before he could finish—Koyuki dashed to his side, boldly linking her arm with his."You're the Konoha ninja I personally hired. You can't refuse me!" she said playfully."Besides, Naruto-kun, you wouldn't want me to give you a bad review for this mission… would you?"Naruto sighed, feeling the weight of her presence on his arm, but couldn't hide the amused smile that spread across his face.---To be continued…