Chapter 69: Konoha Betrayed First

When she was five, Prince Doto Kazahana of the Snow Country staged a coup. He killed his elder brother Sosetsu Kazahana, who at that time was the reigning monarch.

With Kakashi's help, Princess Fuyuka escaped from the Snow Country.

Originally, Kakashi had been sent on a mission by Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi to deliver an urgent warning to King Sosetsu Kazahana, alerting him about the impending danger from his treacherous younger brother Doto.

Unfortunately, when he arrived, everything had already happened. The coup succeeded. Sosetsu Kazahana died. Kakashi barely managed to rescue Princess Fuyuka before escaping.

Who would be friends with a king? Mostly other powerful figures — daimyos, nobles, scions of prestigious families, and extremely wealthy merchants.

To them, such sibling rivalries seemed perfectly normal.

Even though Doto's methods disgusted many, he was now the de facto ruler of the Snow Country.

Whether those so-called allies would secretly support a fugitive former princess or offer her life as a token of loyalty to the new king remained unclear.

Therefore, even after learning all the facts, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi did not bring her to visit her father's old allies nor did he plan to keep Fuyuka in Konoha permanently. Instead, he ordered Kakashi to temporarily hide her somewhere that was both safe and unlikely to draw attention.

Once adored by everyone and showered with endless love, she suddenly became a fugitive forced to hide her true identity. Fuyuka now lived under a commoner's name.

Still, the White Zetsu found her among countless ordinary people.

But she hadn't come willingly — she had been kidnapped.

Even though panic and caution filled her inside, having long since learned how to read people's expressions, Fuyuka feigned calmness while asking, "What exactly do you want? What is this Northern Sea Alliance?"

"The Country of Hot Springs wishes to form an alliance with the Snow Country, standing together as one," Hidenaga White Zetsu replied, half his face covered.

"You should talk to Doto Kazahana about this. That country no longer has anything to do with me," Fuyuka said sorrowfully.

"Doto is a heartless traitor unworthy of cooperation."

"But that country doesn't belong to me anymore."

"No problem. We'll help you reclaim your throne and return you to power," Hidenaga said casually.

Fuyuka was shocked.

Soon, she looked as if recalling something terrifying. Her face turned panicked, and she kept shaking her head. "It's impossible... I can't fight Doto. He's unbeatable…"

She didn't actually know how strong Doto truly was. But this man, who had cast a dark shadow over her childhood, still filled her with deep fear.

"Yugao."

At Tsunade's call, Yugao emerged.

Long purple hair flowed down her back. Her expression was cold, dressed in black clothes, with a long sword strapped behind her — her entire presence exuding chilliness.

"Princess Fuyuka, I heard Kakashi rescued you. Well, Yugao here is just as skilled as Kakashi — she will help you reclaim your throne." Tsunade introduced.

"Will just one person be enough? Doto has many subordinates," Fuyuka asked with concern, knowing she couldn't change their decision.

Yugao stood silently beside them, saying nothing, showing no intention of explaining anything.

"If she can't handle it, I'll go after her too."

"You?" Fuyuka still looked doubtful.

Tsunade smiled and shook her head, saying no more.

Fuyuka followed Yugao with a mix of worry and unease.

"Yugao."

Tsunade called out to stop the departing kunoichi and tossed Grel Sword toward her.

"Use this sword first. The Grel Sword is embedded with the Grel Stone. The entire blade is enveloped in energy, making it far sturdier and sharper than ordinary weapons."

Yugao reached out to catch it, silently nodding before turning away.

As Yugao and Fuyuka walked farther away, Tsunade turned to Shizune. "We should depart as well. Grass Village."

"Tsunade, wait a second." Hidenaga White Zetsu spoke up. "You don't need to be in such a hurry. Stay here for now. If Jiraiya appears, you'll be responsible for holding him off so he doesn't return to Konoha."

Tsunade was surprised but quickly grasped the key information from his words.

"What about Konoha? What happened?"

"Something big might happen in Konoha soon."

"What kind of thing? Could it be that..."

"It has nothing to do with us," Hidenaga White Zetsu replied calmly.

Looking at Tsunade, who appeared deep in thought, he continued, "You cannot return either."

Tsunade remained silent.

Meanwhile, Yugao and Fuyuka had already boarded the cruise ship bound for Snow Country.

Standing on the deck, surrounded by the crashing waves, howling wind, and crying gulls, Yugao felt her mood lighten.

Nearby, a group of tourists were talking loudly, ranging from major political events down to trivial street gossip.

"Have you heard? Another S-class Rogue Ninja has appeared in Konoha with a bounty of thirty million."

"Isn't her name something like Yugao Uzuki?"

"Konoha? Not surprising."

"This time the defector is a female ninja. I heard she's also quite beautiful."

"Oh yeah? Want to shelter her then?"

"Hahaha! Don't even think about it. She's a ninja after all—able to kill anyone at will. Definitely not my kind of luck."

Fuyuka tugged lightly on Yugao's sleeve, whispering, "Big sister Yugao, are they talking about you?"

Having heard every word, Yugao smiled nonchalantly.

She gazed steadily at the ocean surface. After a while, she pulled out the Konoha Forehead Protector from her pocket and casually flung it away.

With a soft splash, the protector hit the water, creating pretty ripples before drifting away with the current.

"It was the village that betrayed me!" she murmured quietly.

"A rogue ninja..." Fuyuka whispered.

Though she wasn't sure what had happened, in most people's eyes, being a rogue meant falling from grace and abandoning one's principles.

Now, this journey scared her even more.

Hearing a slight sigh from behind, Yugao turned around slowly, speaking unhurriedly, "Princess Fuyuka, rest assured. No matter what happens, I will protect your safety. It's the best choice I've made in years."

The Land of Water remained as always. Hiroki was hiding in a certain inn, remotely infiltrating Mei Terumi's spiritual world with his ability and speaking with her.

"You're from Konoha," asked Mei Terumi, perplexed. "Why do you care about Kiri's affairs?"

"I'm just a fleeing refugee," Hiroki replied casually.

Mei smirked unbelievingly and revealed big news.

"In three days, the Kaguya Clan will attack Kiri. On the outskirts of the village, you might get to see the person you're looking for."

"Are you serious? You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

"What?" she teased. "Has the kid lost his nerve? Too scared to show your face?"

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