The Land of Snow, a country near the polar region, is covered in ice and snow all year round.

Kakashi, having set out from Konoha, followed Sandayū and his group, traveling northward by horse, large ships, and trains. They were finally expected to reach the royal palace of the Land of Snow within a day. As they journeyed, he observed the gradual change in landscape, from Konoha's lush forests to the barren, snow-covered plains of the north.

Due to the harsh living environment, this country had developed highly advanced heavy industrial technology.

At that moment, he was seated on a train, one of the technological achievements of the Land of Snow's heavy industry. He marveled at the smooth motion of the vehicle, so different from the familiar sensation of running through treetops.

"This is one of our country's proudest achievements, Kakashi-san," Sandayū said, noting Kakashi's interest.

"It's incredible," Kakashi replied, his visible eye widening slightly. "How does it move without chakra?"

Sandayū explained that this was a coal-powered train, capable of traveling even faster than a ninja running at full speed, leaving Kakashi quite impressed.

As they conversed, he took the opportunity to explore the train's interior. He walked down the narrow aisle, observing the other passengers – civilians and what appeared to be local officials. This mode of travel certainly changes the dynamics of a mission. No need for soldier pills or chakra management.

Sitting by the train window, he gazed out at the vast expanse of endless snow-covered land. Such a scene was rare in Konoha, where winters were mild with occasional light snow, never too cold. A sweater and scarf were usually enough for Konoha's winter, but the Land of Snow required him to add another sweater and two scarves.

"I hope this doesn't impede my ability to form hand signs quickly," Kakashi mused, flexing his gloved fingers.

According to Sandayū, this was already the warmest part of the Land of Snow. The far northern, ice-sealed area was so cold that even the locals could lose their lives to the extreme cold, and it was precisely where this mission was headed.

Turning away from the snowy landscape outside, Kakashi looked back into the train carriage and asked Sandayū about the Snow Ninja. "What kind of people are they?"

"They," Sandayū began, his expression growing serious, "are a ninja clan that migrated to the Land of Snow long ago. The previous daimyō took them in and allowed them to establish their own ninja village here. Back then, they were loyal to the Land of Snow."

"But nowadays, the Snow Ninja have grown increasingly defiant toward the country's authority, aligning themselves with Dotō-sama."

"Dotō? This is the first time I've heard that name," Kakashi said.

"Oh, I apologize. Dotō-sama is His Majesty's younger brother, a man who highly values military power."

Sandayū's voice lowered as he continued, "The current Snow Ninja Village has developed something called chakra armor, which significantly enhances a ninja's chakra strength. That might be why they've grown rebellious."

Kakashi's expression shifted subtly as he pondered the situation. chakra armor that boosts chakra strength and ice-release techniques were elements he had never faced before—this mission would be tricky. I'll need to be extra cautious. My usual tactics might not work against this new technology.

The train began to slow down, and with a screech, they arrived at their destination.

Stepping off, Kakashi immediately saw the royal palace built into the mountains. Red and white, the palace had countless steps leading up to it. Climbing all those stairs was simple for him but tough for Sandayū and his attendants.

As they ascended, Kakashi noticed the palace guards eyeing him with suspicion. He kept his posture relaxed, but remained alert, cataloging potential escape routes out of habit.

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After more than half an hour of climbing, they arrived at the daimyō's residence, a traditional Japanese-style courtyard.

He was led to a tatami room to wait while Sandayū went to inform the daimyō. The room was sparsely decorated, with a simple ink painting of snow-capped mountains on one wall and a small alcove holding a vase of winter flowers.

Sitting cross-legged on the tatami, Kakashi closed his eyes to rest, but his other senses remained sharp. The scent of pine and incense filled the room, and he could hear the soft rustling of fabric as attendants moved through nearby corridors.

When he opened his eyes, he saw a black-haired girl in a kimono peeking at him from beside the sliding door. As soon as she noticed Kakashi looking back at her, she got frightened and ran, bumping into someone outside.

"Koyuki, what are you doing here?" a stern voice asked.

"I… I was just curious," the girl stammered.

"Go back to your room. Your father is meeting with a guest."

So that was the princess. Interesting that she's allowed to wander so freely in these tense times.

A few minutes later, the shoji door slid open again. This time, a gentle-looking man with round glasses entered with Sandayū.

"This is the daimyō of the Land of Snow, Lord Kazahana Sōsetsu," Sandayū introduced. "This young man is Hatake Kakashi from Konoha."

"Greetings, Kazahana-sama," Kakashi bowed respectfully.

"No need for such formality," Sōsetsu said kindly, gesturing for him to sit. "My daughter must have startled you earlier, I apologize. She's naturally curious about visitors, especially ninja."

"It's no trouble at all," Kakashi replied.

Sōsetsu's expression softened at the mention of his daughter. "Kakashi-dono, I'm sure Sandayū has briefed you on the situation, but I'd like to hear your thoughts on the mission."

Kakashi nodded. "From what I understand, a team of explorers, including Sandayū's brother, has gone missing in the northern region. They were searching for a suitable location for a geothermal energy project when they encountered some kind of trouble."

Sōsetsu clasped his hands tightly in his lap. "That's correct. We've lost all communication with them. The last message we received was... disturbing."

"Can you elaborate on that, Your Majesty?" Kakashi asked.

"The final transmission mentioned something about 'The Ancients'. We're not sure what it means, but it's deeply concerning. The area they were exploring is largely uncharted and potentially dangerous."

The daimyō's hands trembled slightly as he spoke. "These men – the explorers – they're not just my subjects. They're my friends. Sandayū has been by my side since we were children. The thought of losing them..."

Then, he slid off his cushion and bowed deeply, his forehead nearly touching the tatami. "Kakashi-dono, I beg you, please save my retainers!"

Kakashi was stunned, not expecting the daimyō to bow to him. He quickly helped Sōsetsu up, feeling uncomfortable with such deference from a ruler. "I will do my best. That is the mission I'm here for," he assured the daimyō.

Relieved, Sōsetsu sat down. "Thank you. The misfortune that befell Yoshiro and the others is my responsibility. As their ruler, I must save them."

"This mission won't involve you alone. The Snow Ninja will also assist in the rescue."

"Come in, Nadare."

The shoji slid open silently, revealing a figure kneeling just outside. A slender man with light purple hair tied in a ponytail rose gracefully and entered the room.

"Your Majesty," Nadare said, his voice cool and controlled as he bowed to Sōsetsu.

Kazahana nodded. "This is a Snow Ninja recommended by my brother. He is highly skilled."

"This is Rōga Nadare," Sōsetsu explained. "He is highly recommended by my brother and will join you on the rescue mission."

Kakashi studied Nadare discreetly, noting the unique armor and the man's composed demeanor. This must be the chakra armor Sandayū mentioned. I'll need to observe its capabilities carefully.

Nadare turned to Kakashi, his eyes narrowing slightly as he assessed the Konoha ninja. "I look forward to working with you, Kakashi-san," he said, his tone polite but lacking warmth.

"Likewise," Kakashi replied evenly, maintaining a neutral expression.

"It's late. Please rest for the night, Kakashi-dono. The mission starts tomorrow." With that, Sōsetsu left the room.

Kakashi glanced at Sandayū, who returned the look helplessly, as if he had just learned that Snow Ninja would be part of the mission. Though such situations usually created tension, especially considering the Snow Ninja's rebellious inclinations, he had no choice but to accept.

Later that night, in a secluded wing of the palace, a tall, muscular man stood in the palace, with Nadare kneeling beside him.

"Report, Nadare," Dotō commanded.

"Dotō-sama, I've met the ninja from Konoha," Nadare began. "He's younger than I expected – only about 15 years old. And according to our intelligence, he's just a chunin."

"Hmph," Dotō snorted. "Sandayū hired a second-rate ninja. The fact that he hired outside help shows he's suspicious of us."

"What are your orders, my lord?"

Dotō turned from the window, his voice filled with malice. "We must act quickly before my brother catches on. My soft-hearted brother cannot be allowed to interfere any longer. Once he's gone, I'll take the throne."

"Find a way to eliminate the Konoha ninja. He can't interfere with our plans. "

"As you wish, Dotō-sama," Nadare replied, a smirk playing on his lips. Eliminating a chunin would be easy, or so he thought.

As Nadare left, Dotō remained by the window, gazing out at the snow-covered mountains. Soon, very soon, the Land of Snow will have a new ruler who understands the true nature of power.