(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)
(Too soon for a +18 chapter, they won't be frequent)
****************
The ice shattered, scattering across the battlefield.
After Doto Kazahana's demise, several rogue ninjas on the train immediately attempted to flee. Their allegiance to the tyrant was nonexistent.
For the sake of Koyuki Kazahana's future safety, Colt manipulated Kaminari to methodically eliminate them one by one.
"Did you capture that?" The movie director nervously asked the cameraman, his voice tinged with excitement.
"I managed to capture part of it, but obstacles obscured the full view of the ninja's movements," the cameraman admitted, swallowing hard. He had risked his life to record Colt's heroic actions, but regrettably, it wasn't enough.
"That'll have to do," the director sighed, disappointed but not deterred. "We'll compensate for the missing footage later."
"Protect Princess Koyuki!" At that moment, the loyal samurai charged forward valiantly.
However, upon seeing Doto Kazahana standing still with an ice spear piercing his chest, their expressions turned to shock. The villain had fallen before they could contribute, rendering them redundant.
They recovered soon, however, and were happy for their princess and leader.
Meanwhile, Koyuki collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face. The uncle who had murdered her father to usurp the throne and exiled her had finally met his end.
Suddenly, she remembered something and retrieved a hexagonal crystal from her bosom.
"Colt-san, would you accompany me somewhere?" she asked softly.
After quelling the chaos, the last sort of resistance in the Land of Snow merely came from some guards in the castle. These remaining forces didn't even require Colt's intervention; the samurai swiftly dispatched them.
Koyuki and Colt, who were expected to be at the castle, instead journeyed to a secluded valley. The princess inserted the hexagonal crystal into the corresponding groove, her expression a mix of emotions.
This treasure had been the catalyst for her family's destruction. Even if she didn't care for it, she needed to uncover its true nature.
In an instant, the surrounding ice walls erupted in a dazzling display of colorful light.
"What is this?" Koyuki asked, bewildered by the spectacle before her.
The generator activated, converting a massive amount of chakra into heat. The temperature gradually rose, melting the surrounding snow and revealing the beautiful grassy plains and mountains.
The air resonated with a conversation between a young Koyuki and her father from years past.
"My dear princess... and excellent actress..." Koyuki had tears in her eyes as she remembered her younger self. She finally understood the meaning behind the secret treasure.
Colt, however, remarked.
"It doesn't seem like this is permanent…"
His blunt observation snapped Koyuki out of her emotional state. She realized the futility of it all. This fleeting scene would soon revert to ice and snow. How much had she suffered for this momentary glimpse?
The rollercoaster of emotions left Koyuki's features contorted, and she ultimately directed her frustration at Colt.
"Argh! Are you trying to provoke me?" she exclaimed exasperatedly.
Two days later, Koyuki held her coronation ceremony, surrounded by her people as she completed the transformation from a princess to a Daimyo. The spectators below showed little reaction; such events were commonplace in the ninja world. As long as the affairs of the powerful didn't impact their daily lives, they remained content.
Admiring the solemn and regal Koyuki, Colt was surprised at how greatly clothing could influence a woman's demeanor. He made a mental note to experiment with different outfits for Hinata and Ino when he returned.
After the ceremony, Sandayu, now the chief advisor, presented the rewards for this mission: a deed to a mountain range and an alliance treaty with the Land of Snow. Despite being a small nation, this held significant importance.
"Colt-san, to prevent such incidents from recurring, we'd like to issue a long-term mission to Konoha," Sandayu said respectfully. "We hope to have a powerful ninja stationed in the Land of Snow to ensure Lady Koyuki's safety."
Nearby, Koyuki pretended to be indifferent while secretly watching Colt with hopeful eyes.
She desperately wanted him to stay.
"I'll report this to Tsunade-sama when I return to the village," Colt replied diplomatically.
"Can't you stay?" Koyuki asked anxiously, seeing that Colt was still planning to leave.
Colt shook his head. "I apologize, but I'm a Jōnin of Konoha. I can't take on such a long-term assignment."
Even if he could, he wouldn't accept it. What about Hinata and the others?
Hearing his words, a flash of sadness crossed Koyuki's eyes.
Sandayu also shook his head silently. He understood his Daimyo's thoughts and was supportive. If the Land of Snow had a strong shinobi like Colt, it would truly be at peace.
That night, Colt sat on his bed, quietly absorbing natural energy. Although the natural energy in the Land of Snow wasn't comparable to that of the sea, it was still beneficial.
He was currently stuck unable to reach the next level and the feeling was frustrating. His Sharingan was just one step away from evolving into the Eternal Mangekyō, and his Sage Mode was similarly close to completion.
It was necessary to move through one of these barriers soon to dramatically increase his strength.
Knock, knock, knock!
At that moment, there was a gentle knocking at the door.
Colt raised an eyebrow. With his enhanced Perception, he already knew who was visiting.
"Koyuki-san, please come in," he called out.
The door creaked open, and Koyuki entered, wearing a pale pink yukata. The obi accentuated her thin waist, making her appear even more slender.
"Is something wrong at this late hour?" Colt inquired.
"I... I'm here to give you a reward," Koyuki said after a moment of hesitation.
"A reward? Didn't Sandayu already present that to me?" Colt asked, confused.
Had she forgotten? She was present at the time.
Finally, Koyuki gathered her courage and looked directly at the young man before her.
"This is a private reward from me. Please enjoy, Colt-san," she said softly.
As she finished speaking, she gently tugged at the small rope on her obi.
Colt's eyes widened in surprise.