(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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"Is this the mission?"
After reviewing all the information, a flicker of interest flashed in Colt's eyes.
The mission level was only B-rank.
The specific content was to act as Fujikaze Yukie's bodyguard for the foreseeable future, ensuring her safety.
Fujikaze Yukie was currently the hottest actress in the ninja world.
Her film "The Adventures of Princess Gale" had already set a historic record and was now in production for a sequel.
She also had another identity – the princess of the Land of Snow. Kazahana Koyuki.
Though the Land of Snow was only a small country, it was still a legitimate nation.
It was not just some self-proclaimed state.
"This task can't be that simple, right? It seems wasteful to send me on a B rank, otherwise."
Colt tossed the scroll back and asked casually.
"Not bad," Tsunade gave him an admiring look.
Strength and keen observation – he was truly reassuring.
If only she knew that her facade was completely transparent to him.
"This is your mission on the surface. In reality, Fujikaze Yukie's, whose true name is Kazahana Koyuki, and her retainer, Asama Sandayū..."
Tsunade soon revealed the truth.
"So, your actual mission is to help Kazahana Koyuki reclaim her country. The mission rank has been elevated to S-class."
Any mission involving national interests automatically qualified as an S-rank.
Colt wasn't surprised at all.
There was just one thing he didn't understand.
"Based on what you've said, the Land of Snow should be quite impoverished. What conditions made you accept this mission?"
Tsunade smiled, "There's a chakra-conductive metal ore buried beneath the glaciers in the Land of Snow. Though the exact yield is unknown, it's certainly enough to cover the costs."
Indeed, his guess was correct.
He knew that the Hokage wouldn't engage in unprofitable ventures.
"I'll take this mission, but I want 10% of the chakra metal we obtain as a reward."
As the first movie arc of the series, Colt had some vague impressions, but not many.
In his memory, the princess of this Snow Country was a beautiful woman with a rather unpleasant temperament.
Beyond that, he recalled little else.
Tsunade nodded and then looked at him seriously.
Seeing his casual attitude, although she had the utmost confidence in his abilities, Tsunade still felt compelled to warn him:
"Don't underestimate the ninjas of the Snow Country. While not particularly strong individually, they possess strange armor that even Kakashi struggled to fight against."
Colt nodded, expressing his understanding.
Well, it seemed like Kakashi was used as a benchmark for everyone these days.
Heading home directly with the Flying Thunder God technique, Colt made some simple preparations before setting out.
As he was walking towards Konoha's gate, he accidentally bumped into Team Seven returning from a mission.
"Oh, hey Colt!"
Naruto was as energetic as ever, showing no signs of fatigue from their travels.
Kakashi and the others also greeted Colt.
It was at that moment when he who noticed that Sasuke's face had grown colder.
After the brief encounter, Colt continued on his way without putting thought to the problem.
"Sigh…"
"Come out, Sasuke."
Shortly after leaving Konoha, he suddenly stopped and spoke seemingly to no one.
Swish!
Sasuke jumped down from a tree and appeared before Colt.
Since encountering Itachi Uchiha, Sasuke had changed significantly, becoming more and more obsessed with power.
"I want to ask, what can you do to help me defeat Itachi Uchiha?"
The surging killing intent released was undisguised.
Sasuke knew the gap between him and Itachi was widening, and this couldn't be bridged by simply completing a few missions with Kakashi.
If anyone could give him the power to kill Itachi, in all of Konoha it might only be Colt.
He was willing to pay any price for that power.
Colt pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
In truth, he understood Sasuke quite well.
Looking at the bigger picture in Konoha, Colt found that Sasuke's worldview was actually the most normal.
Well, except for the part where he forgave Itachi later on.
That felt like a forced redemption, and Colt couldn't accept it.
Other than that, Sasuke's actions were understandable given the murder of his parents.
"By the way, would you mind being a spy for me?"
Noticing Sasuke's disappointment at his refusal, Colt asked softly.
Suddenly, he had some new ideas to try.
"You're already considering defecting to Orochimaru, aren't you?"
Faced with Sasuke's suspicious gaze, Colt said something that shocked him.
"W-what?"
"Don't rush to deny it. Your eyes have already revealed that you're tired of Konoha."
"My proposal is for you to go to Orochimaru and act as a spy for me. In return, I can tell you part of the truth about that night."
After speaking, he ignored Sasuke's reaction and continued walking on his way.
Sasuke's expression changed drastically.
The truth? Was it information about the massacre that occurred that night?
What did Colt know?!
Sasuke was about to chase after him but was blocked by a raging wind current.
"Go back. You can inject chakra into this feather when you've made your decision. You're still too weak now; knowing too much would do you no good."
Colt's figure drifted away, and Sasuke found a silver feather engraved with a certain pattern in his hand.
"Damn it!"
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Colt continued walking slowly towards the agreed-upon city.
The incident with Sasuke was just a minor episode, not affecting his journey.
If Sasuke agreed, Colt wouldn't mind revealing some truths to him, using carefully chosen words to ensure Sasuke would never forgive Itachi.
After all, that kind of filial son didn't need redemption.
Colt simply disliked the guy. Because while he understood the driving factor for him to do that, it just didn't justify killing your family to him.
If Sasuke didn't agree, Colt had nothing to lose.
Orochimaru deserved his attention, if only for the perfected Impure World Reincarnation technique.
If he couldn't obtain it, he could always use his system points to exchange for it.
Right now, the task at hand was more important.
According to the intelligence reports, Kazahana Koyuki was filming a movie in a small town in the Land of Fire at this time.
In fact, the technology in the ninja world was quite strange.
Biotechnology, led by Orochimaru and Sasori, was highly developed.
When those two worked alone, they achieved soul reincarnation and a sort of immortality.
And civilian technology had also developed to a certain extent, as evidenced by the current film production, as well as the radio transceivers in the Konoha Village.
Even trains had emerged.
In terms of weapons, there hadn't been much progress for a long time, with the focus still on cold weapons and ninjutsu.
After one day of travel, Colt finally arrived at the town where his target was located.
Just as he was about to head to the filming location, he heard a rush of hooves approaching.