CH 8: Mission, Protect then Snow Princess

Kushina, who had been standing by the door all this time, suddenly tensed up. Her eyes narrowed, and her body slowly shifted into a defensive stance.

"Kakashi," she whispered quickly. "Someone's coming."

Kakashi turned immediately. "How many?"

"One. But the chakra is huge. There's killing intent in the aura… possibly a Snow Ninja. Or maybe... an assassin."

Sousetsu's face turned pale. "You must go. Now!"

Without hesitation, Kakashi swiftly and efficiently grabbed Koyuki. "We'll take her to safety."

Koyuki clutched her father's arm, trying to hold on. "Father... I'm scared…"

Sousetsu kissed his daughter's forehead, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, though a gentle smile stayed on his lips. "It's alright… you'll be safe. Trust your father."

As they rushed out, Kakashi moved through the corridor like a shadow, while Kushina sealed off the hallway behind them with a diversion jutsu. Behind them, Sousetsu stood watching his daughter disappear into the darkness, a soft whisper escaping his lips, "Forgive me…"

Not long after they vanished, Kazahana Dotou appeared. He wore a metal-plated battle cloak. His hair was slightly disheveled, and his face bore an arrogant expression.

"Heh… so Konoha's shinobi have caught on to my plans, huh?" He stepped inside without permission, his voice echoing through the empty hall. "No matter. I've already sent Rouga Nadare to chase them down. They won't get far."

Sousetsu looked at his brother without fear. "Dotou… you would really drag Koyuki into your ambitions? She's just a child."

Dotou grinned, his eyes narrowing sharply. "She holds the key. That necklace is the only thing that can unlock the Crystal Gate. The treasure of the Land of Snow isn't just a myth, Sousetsu. I'll prove it."

Sousetsu let out a long sigh, his tone tired yet firm. "You're blinded by legends. No treasure is worth spilling family blood…"

"If that's the only way, then yes." Dotou's voice was cold as ice.

"You—!" Sousetsu tried to speak, but in the next moment, Dotou's hand had seized his throat.

"Goodbye, Lord Daimyo." There was a glint of killing intent in Dotou's eyes and Sousetsu died at his brother's hand.

—--------------------------

Kakashi jumped out the window first, his ANBU mask-covered eyes scanning the surroundings alertly. Kushina followed right behind him.

But just a few steps out of the building, Kushina suddenly stopped.

"Give her to me," she said quickly, turning to Kakashi.

Kakashi blinked. "What? I can—"

Kushina shook her head firmly, her breath steady despite their swift pace. "You're still young, and we could be attacked at any moment. It's better if I carry her."

Kakashi's gaze showed brief hesitation, but in the next second, he handed Koyuki to her. "Alright."

Koyuki clung tightly to Kushina's neck, her small face hiding her panic.

They had barely reached a few hundred meters into the snowy forest when the cold wind shifted—becoming sharper, as if carrying malice.

Kushina halted.

"Someone's following us," she muttered. She closed her eyes for a moment, her hands forming a one-handed seal.

"Kagura Shingan."

Her eyes narrowed further, and she hissed quietly, "One person… huge chakra… moving fast in our direction. He knows we're here."

Kakashi drew a kunai. "We could escape to the north—"

"No need," Kushina cut in, her eyes sharp, a faint smirk on her lips. "Rather than play tag while carrying a child, it's better to take him out now."

Kakashi blinked. "Of course you'd say that…"

He wanted to sigh, but after a brief thought, he nodded. "Okay. Find a safe place for the girl. I'll handle the pursuer."

Kushina smiled with satisfaction. "Don't die, alright?"

She leapt behind a snow-covered rocky ledge and gently placed Koyuki in the shelter of a frozen bush. The girl trembled, tears welling in her eyes.

"Are you scared?" Kushina asked softly, brushing Koyuki's head with her thumb.

The girl nodded slowly.

"Don't worry. Kakashi is strong. He can handle this," Kushina said, glancing back, her eyes gleaming with excitement like she was watching a thrilling show.

And at that moment, the snow in the distance stirred. From behind the white mist, a tall man emerged, wearing glimmering heavy armor, his eyes glowing coldly.

'Based on the intel, this guy should be Rouga Nadare,' Kakashi thought.

"You… a brat from Konoha?" Nadare's voice was hoarse but sharp. He sneered. "You think you can stop me with a baby face and a kunai?"

Kakashi remained calm. He didn't answer, only raising his kunai with one hand while the other subtly prepared a seal.

Nadare dashed forward, surging like a blizzard. Kakashi blocked the first strike with his kunai, the clash sending sparks flying in the cold air. The two exchanged blows at high speed.

From behind the cover, Kushina watched, her expression a mix of admiration and tension. "Hmm… smart move. He's testing his opponent first."

Koyuki bit her lip, trying to hold back a sob.

But as the fight went on, Kakashi realized all of his ninjutsu was being absorbed by Nadare's armor. Fire, lightning, even minor genjutsu—none of it worked.

"Chakra armor," Kakashi muttered, exhaling deeply. "In that case…"

"Kai!"

With a one-handed seal, his Sharingan flared red behind his ANBU mask. The air around them shifted—growing tense.

Nadare was briefly startled. "Sharingan?!"

Kakashi said nothing. He leapt forward, chakra forming in his right hand—the high-pitched sound of a thousand birds echoed through the cold night.

"Chidori."

Seeing Kakashi charge in, Kushina gave a short sigh. "He's going all in."

But she knew—Chidori required speed. And their opponent might dodge at the last second.

Not wanting to risk it, Kushina formed hand seals quickly.

"Adamantine Sealing Chains."

From her back, chakra chains shot out, striking the ground and wrapping tightly around Rouga Nadare's arms and legs with immense force.

"What?!" Nadare roared, his body immobilized.

"Now, Kakashi!" Kushina shouted.

In a split second, Kakashi's Chidori struck Nadare directly in the heart. The chakra armor cracked, shattered like frozen glass, and blood gushed from the enemy's body.

Kakashi landed on one knee, his shoulder rising and falling with heavy breaths.

Kushina smiled proudly and created a shadow clone. "Well done, Kakashi."

The clone approached Kakashi. "Take a rest. I'll carry you back."

The clone lifted Kakashi onto its back, while Kushina returned to Koyuki's hiding spot. She gently stroked the child's head and spoke softly,

"It's over. You're safe now, Snow Princess."

The snow continued to fall gently, covering the traces of the battle that had just taken place.