Chapter 41: The Land of Snow   

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Sasuke delivered Fujikaze Yukie back to the film crew.

"Director, I've brought Miss Fujikaze," he said, lifting Yukie off the horse. "I'm sorry for the delay."

Then, with a quick step on the ground, Sasuke left the scene swiftly. He knew that they were set to depart for the Land of Snow the next day, which meant he had one more day to spend at home.

As Sasuke approached the Uchiha compound, he noticed a small white snake slithering near the entrance. Instead of entering his house, Sasuke followed the snake into the nearby woods. There, Orochimaru was already waiting for him.

"What do you want, Orochimaru?" Sasuke asked coldly.

Orochimaru grinned. "My, my, Sasuke, not even a 'teacher' anymore? That's quite rude."

"Get to the point, or I'm leaving," Sasuke replied, turning to go.

"Wait!" Orochimaru said quickly. "I have something for you." He produced a sword from behind his back. "This is a Kusanagi sword, one I've named 'Sky Blade'. I've searched long and hard for it."

He handed the sword to Sasuke, explaining, "This Kusanagi sword can perfectly channel chakra and serve as its conduit."

Originally, Orochimaru had intended to keep the sword for himself, but he had other plans that would take time to prepare, and he feared Sasuke might forget about him.

Sasuke accepted the sword, feeling the sharpness of the blade. Satisfied, he nodded and left without a word.

Orochimaru watched him go, licking his lips in anticipation. The more indifferent Sasuke became, the more Orochimaru was drawn to him.

Back at home, Sasuke fastened the Kusanagi sword to his waist, admiring how it looked on him. It suited him perfectly.

The next day, it was time for the convoy to depart, but Fujikaze Yukie had disappeared again.

The director was frantic, knowing he couldn't replace the lead actress. "I'll go find her," Sasuke offered.

The director, desperate, placed all his hopes on Sasuke. "Thank you, please hurry!"

Sasuke found Yukie by the Naka River. She stood by the water, lost in thought as she stared at the rushing current. Memories, fragmented and painful, resurfaced—memories of the Land of Snow, of her father, Kazahana Sousetsu, and of the man who usurped his throne, Kazahana Doto. The images were vivid, as if the fire that had consumed her family's royal palace was still burning.

"I'm not Fujikaze Yukie," she whispered to herself. "I'm Princess Koyuki Kazahana of the Land of Snow."

Tears streamed down her face—tears she thought she could no longer shed. She didn't want to go back, even if it meant death. Slowly, she began walking toward the river, intending to let the water swallow her whole.

But Sasuke was quicker. He rushed forward, catching her from behind and pulling her back to the shore. "What's wrong? Why are you doing this?" he asked, his voice steady yet concerned.

Yukie closed her eyes. "Even if I die, I won't go back to the Land of Snow."

"Why?" Sasuke asked, "Just because of Doto?"

Yukie looked at him, surprised. "How do you know about him?"

Sasuke smirked. "Don't underestimate the Uchiha intelligence network." In truth, he was drawing on memories of his past life.

"Don't worry," he continued, "I've accepted this mission, and I'll protect you. As for Doto, he's not worth fearing."

Yukie's voice trembled. "You don't know how powerful he is."

Sasuke's Sharingan flared, casting a crimson glow in his eyes. "And you don't know how powerful the Uchiha are."

Yukie's heart raced as she saw the intensity in Sasuke's gaze. "Why are you doing this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Because I like you," Sasuke replied, a rare smile playing on his lips.

His words struck Yukie like an arrow. Her heartbeat quickened, her resolve wavering. Finally, she took Sasuke's hand, her voice soft but determined. "Alright, I trust you. Show me how strong the Uchiha truly are."

Despite her efforts to remind herself that Sasuke was only ten years old and the age gap between them was eight years (well, nearly ten years), she couldn't ignore the feeling growing inside her. If fate had brought them together, she would leave the rest to destiny.

On the boat, the director was practically in tears as he saw Yukie return. "Thank goodness, you're finally here!" he exclaimed.

Yukie allowed herself a small smile. "Let's go… to the Land of Snow."

Meanwhile, Kakashi watched Yukie closely, his gaze lingering on the necklace she wore. It brought back memories of a mission he had undertaken ten years ago, where he had witnessed Doto's betrayal and barely managed to escape with the young princess.

The Land of Snow was a peaceful place, far from the mainland and the five great nations, known for its advanced technology.

Two days later, the ship collided with an iceberg. The director's eyes sparkled with excitement as he saw it. "What a perfect location for filming! Get the cameras ready! Yukie, prepare for your scene!"

But Hinata tugged on Sasuke's sleeve, her voice trembling. "Sasuke-kun, there's someone on that iceberg!"

Her words sent a chill through everyone on the ship. How could there be someone on the iceberg? Yet Hinata's Byakugan couldn't be wrong.

Sasuke, Kakashi, and Naruto exchanged glances, each nodding in silent agreement. They each picked a target and dashed forward.

"Rasengan!" Naruto yelled, launching his attack.

"Raikiri!" Kakashi followed suit, his lightning blade crackling with energy.

Sasuke drew the Kusanagi sword, channeling his Chidori through it. The blade sparked with lightning as he charged. "Chidori Blade!"

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