The next morning, Kakashi, Nadare, Sandayū, and three attendants set out for the northern camp in the Land of Snow. The early dawn light cast long shadows across the snow-covered courtyard of the royal palace as they made their final preparations.
Kakashi observed the group dynamics silently, noting the tense set of Nadare's shoulders and the nervous energy radiating from Sandayū.
To the north of the royal palace, few people lived, and the train tracks didn't extend that far. Thus, the group of six could only travel by sleds pulled by sled dogs. Twenty-four powerful animals were being harnessed to three sleds, their breath visible in the frigid air.
Sandayū approached him as they prepared to depart. "The dogs are our lifeline out here," he said, patting one of the animals affectionately. "Treat them well, and they'll never let you down."
Kakashi nodded, his visible eye crinkling slightly. "I can see why. Their instincts must be invaluable in this terrain."
As they set off, the cold hit them like a physical force. The team huddled deeper into their winter gear, their faces barely visible above their scarves. Twenty-four sled dogs pulled three sleds across the snowfields, surrounded by desolate mountain peaks and glaciers frozen for countless years.
The journey was mostly silent, broken only by the rhythmic panting of the dogs and the soft crunch of snow beneath the sled runners. Kakashi found himself mesmerized by the beauty of the landscape, so different from the forests he was accustomed to. The cold wind stung his exposed eye, and he could feel the vibrations of the sled through his body.
This is a different kind of endurance, he compared the steady pace of the dogs to the speed of a ninja. Slower, but perhaps better suited to this environment.
As noon approached, the team stopped for a brief rest. They cared for the dogs first, checking their paws for ice buildup and offering them water. As they shared a simple meal of dried meat and hard biscuits, Sandayū, who was sharing a sled with Kakashi, pointed to a snow-covered ridge ahead.
"Once we cross that," he said, his voice carrying a hint of apprehension, "we'll reach the forbidden area of the Land of Snow, where there is a permanent camp."
"Forbidden area?"
Sandayū nodded. "Although the Land of Snow is a small country, its territory is vast. However, most of the land is uninhabitable due to the harsh temperature. This permanent camp marks the boundary between the habitable land and the forbidden zone."
As they approached the ridge, the dogs began to struggle against the steep incline. The team encouraged them with calls and whistles.
After crossing the ridge, the atmosphere seemed to change subtly. He felt his ninja instincts heighten, sensing something different about this 'forbidden' territory. He scanned the horizon, his senses alert for any sign of danger.
Finally, Kakashi and the group saw the camp. It was a large encampment with two rows of wooden cabins that could house about a hundred people. The warehouses were stocked with ample supplies, requiring only monthly resupply from outside. Despite the harsh conditions, the camp seemed well-organized and prepared for long-term occupation.
Sandayū explained that the permanent camp was built under the direction of his younger brother who had designated the area north of the camp as the forbidden zone.
"We should set out for the rescue right away," Nadare said, his tone brusque. "If we don't, your brother might starve."
At that moment, a sturdy young man walked out from the camp. "Yoshiro's exploration team brought over a month's worth of food, and it's only been half a month, so they shouldn't be worried about food yet."
The man bowed slightly. "Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I'm Nagashima, the deputy leader of this camp."
Nadare clicked his tongue in annoyance at Nagashima's retort, showing slight displeasure. Kakashi observed the interaction silently, noting Nadare's impatience growing. Strange.
"Before the rescue team departs, it would be better for everyone to understand the situation in detail," Nagashima continued, seemingly unperturbed by Nadare's reaction. "Follow me."
Under Nagashima's guidance, they entered one of the cabins. The interior was sparse but functional, with maps and charts covering one wall. A haggard-looking man sat at a table, his eyes sunken with fatigue.
"This is Shiraishi," Nagashima introduced. "He's also one of the team members, but due to certain reasons, he returned halfway. Let him explain the situation."
Shiraishi began to speak, his voice trembling slightly as he recounted the events that occurred after joining the expedition.
"On that day, there were seventeen of us in total, heading directly north. We moved swiftly on sleds pulled by dozens of sled dogs and reached a point about 30 kilometers from this camp."
His voice grew more agitated as he continued. "But then, all the sled dogs suddenly stopped. The usually gentle dogs became agitated, barking frantically at the northern sky. We tried everything to calm them, but it was no use. They refused to move further north."
Kakashi listened intently, his analytical mind already working on the puzzle. What could have spooked the dogs so badly?
"Unable to continue," Shiraishi went on, "Captain Yoshro decided to send me back with the dogs, but before I left, the captain wanted to collect rock samples from the area. We used a drilling machine to bore through the ice and obtain rock samples from beneath the surface."
Nagashima took over at this point, leading Kakashi and Nadare to a nearby long wooden table. "These are the rock samples collected from 30 kilometers north of the camp," he explained.
Kakashi examined the reddish-striped rocks closely, recognizing them as ordinary sedimentary rocks. However, Nagashima carefully picked up one of the striped rocks and said, "Do you see these wave-like patterns?"
"According to our camp's biology expert, this isn't just a rock. It's a fossilized piece of organic tissue with muscle-like textures."
Kakashi leaned in closer, his eye widening slightly. "You're saying..."
Nagashima nodded. "This rock was once flesh from a living organism. In fact, all the 'rocks' on this table are likely chunks of flesh from a massive, evolved lifeform!"
Kakashi and Nadare were both visibly shocked. If the rocks they casually collected were parts of a creature's body, just how massive must this creature have been? And could the entire ice field be made up of this creature's fossilized remains?
The largest creature Kakashi had ever seen was the Nine-Tails, but even that didn't compare to the sheer scale of what Nagashima was suggesting.
Nagashima continued, "This discovery reminds us of ancient tales—beings like the Sea God or even Yog-Sothoth. Could they be connected?"
Kakashi remained silent. Nadare, however, sneered dismissively.
"My mission is to rescue people, not study fossils," he said sharply. "Besides, it's already dead. Don't you agree, Kakashi?"
Kakashi didn't respond. Sensing the tension, Nagashima quickly redirected the conversation.
"Let's focus on the challenges of this mission," he said. "We last heard from the team when they were 45 kilometers northwest of the camp, near a cave. With the snowstorms, their trail has likely disappeared."
As Nagashima explained the challenges ahead, Sandayū's face fell, the enormity of the task clearly weighing on him. But Kakashi remained calm, his mind already formulating a plan.
"Where are the camp's sled dogs?" Kakashi asked suddenly.
Nagashima blinked, surprised by the question. "In the kennels, just behind the main cabin. Why do you ask?"
"Take me to see them," Kakashi said, his tone suggesting he had an idea forming.