A few days later, Kazahana Koyuki was dressed in a magnificent ceremonial kimono, her delicate makeup enhancing the natural beauty already present on her face. Today was the day she would officially be inaugurated as the daimyo of the Land of Snow, and she now stood within the heart of the newly rebuilt Kazahana City.
The city that had once burned and collapsed under Dotō's regime had been restored under Ryoma's direction. Multiple space gates had been established throughout the Land of Snow, linking it to the rest of the world and revolutionizing transportation.
With the geothermal heaters functioning properly, spring had returned to the formerly frozen domain. The biting winds had vanished, replaced by gentle breezes and blossoming scenery—a transformation nearly miraculous in scope.
As Ryoma had analyzed earlier, the key component of this climate-altering technology was the hexagonal crystal. It possessed the ability to absorb and convert natural energy, replacing the surrounding winter conditions with a spring environment. While the device itself warranted research, the crystals were rare and difficult to obtain. To ensure the Land of Snow remained stable, Ryoma had taken only a few samples for study.
The doors opened, and three samurai attendants escorted Koyuki out. Protected by guards, she proceeded toward the ceremonial grounds. Kazahana City had risen beyond its former glory; not only had its citizens gathered, but countless visitors had arrived through the space gates to witness the occasion.
The atmosphere was vibrant—music filled the streets, performers danced, and crowds cheered.
The people who spotted Koyuki along the roadside bowed reverently. After the oppressive rule of Dotō, her return as daimyo felt like salvation.
During the ceremony, Ryoma formally bestowed the title of daimyo upon Kazahana Koyuki, with the Shikage and numerous regional leaders in attendance.
That evening, the celebrations continued with feasting, dancing, and lively festivities.
Ryoma did not expect what happened afterward. Once the banquet ended, Koyuki came to his room. Faced with her earnest affection, he did not refuse. Beneath the soft glow of moonlight and the warmth of the hibiscus-colored canopy, what unfolded was known only to the two of them.
The next morning, as Ryoma prepared to leave, he saw the reluctance in her eyes.
"There's a space gate now," he said with a soft smile. "You can visit anytime."
"But… I've just taken office. So many matters require my attention. I won't be able to see Lord Ryoma for some time…"
Ryoma gently rubbed her hair. "Then do your best."
His figure vanished in an instant.
After returning to Konoha, Ryoma instructed Nara Shikaku to send personnel to Kazahana City to support Koyuki's administration.
While he was reviewing documents in his office, a shadow flickered. Hatake Sakumo—Konoha's White Fang—knelt on one knee and presented a scroll with grave seriousness.
"Lord Ryoma, we have a situation. A terrorist group calling themselves Akatsuki has begun targeting the Tailed Beasts and their jinchūriki. This scroll contains the details."
Ryoma raised an eyebrow. Akatsuki should not exist in this timeline. Uchiha Madara had been killed by him. Obito was his student. Someone else was driving these actions.
He considered the possibility. Kaguya's will—Black Zetsu—had been the true manipulator behind countless events. Had he truly been destroyed? If not, then this "Akatsuki" was the result of meddling.
"If the Tailed Beast capture plan has resurfaced, there is no way this is natural. If Black Zetsu survived and is obstructing from the shadows, things will get complicated."
Ryoma needed more information. Targeting Akatsuki directly was the fastest approach.
He opened the scroll. It detailed several incidents that had occurred during his absence.
Two days ago, Akatsuki members—Sasori and Deidara—attacked Takigakure. During their attempt to abduct the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki, the host had gone berserk. Konoha had intervened via a space gate, forcing Deidara to retreat.
Ryoma doubted they would abandon their mission. Combining the intel, his mind rapidly analyzed their possible next targets.
Within moments, he had already narrowed down several likely locations…
In a field near Kusagakure, a teenage boy with long, dark-blond hair sat atop a giant white clay bird soaring through the sky.
His blond hair was tied into an upturned braid, his blue eyes gleamed sharply, and the bangs covering his left eye almost brushed against his cheek. The black cloak patterned with red clouds made his identity unmistakable.
This was Deidara—recently placed on a wanted list.
He casually ate a skewer of tri-colored dango he'd purchased from a roadside stall earlier. As for being wanted, he had long since stopped caring; a simple Transformation Technique was enough to fool most civilians.
A sudden sound split the air.
Boom!
A white streak of light tore across the sky and cleaved the clay bird beneath his feet cleanly in half.
"Tch—!"
Deidara plummeted toward the ground, but his right palm opened. A small clay bird emerged from the mouth in his hand.
Detonating Clay — Giant Bird!
He tossed it lightly. Midair, the clay creation rapidly expanded, growing to the size of a great eagle. It swooped down, seized Deidara by the arm, and lowered him safely to the ground.
"Bastard! You're the one who attacked me just now, weren't you?"
Deidara glared murderously at the young man sitting cross-legged atop a stone outcropping. His hair was black, his expression indifferent. That calmness only fueled Deidara's rage.
To make an artist fall in such an ungainly manner—this was an unforgivable crime worthy of ten thousand deaths.
Deidara still hadn't realized who he was facing. But Ryoma had already seen through him at a glance.
He understood Deidara's abilities well. In the original history, Deidara possessed a unique kekkei genkai—explosive chakra. By using the mouths on his palms to chew special white clay and infusing chakra into it, he created living explosives that acted according to his will.
And now, that same volatile artist stood before him.