Kakashi and Jacques cooked the sizable portions of meat the bear had provided, the savory aroma filling the small cave and mingling with the warmth of the flickering fire. As they devoured their meal, they let out satisfied burps, and the hunger that had gnawed at them finally quelled. The flames cast a gentle glow, illuminating the rugged walls and creating a cozy haven amidst the harsh, frozen landscape outside.While enjoying their feast, Jacques couldn't help but observe Kakashi intently as he worked nearby. Kakashi was skillfully banging two rocks together, sparks flying occasionally as he concentrated on his task. Jacques watched, curiosity piqued, as Kakashi's determination and resourcefulness shone through.Laying beside him was a sturdy stick, its surface rough and unrefined, and a pair of shoelaces, frayed but still usable. It was clear what Kakashi was aiming to create: a knife. Jacques was impressed by his son's ingenuity, especially considering the dire circumstances they were in.After everything they had endured, Kakashi's drive to adapt and survive didn't surprise Jacques. However, seeing him now, fully focused on crafting a tool for their survival, sparked a sense of intrigue in Jacques.As Kakashi expertly struck the stones together, Jacques couldn't help but reflect on how much his son had grown. The boy who had once relied on him for everything was now a capable young man, transforming the environment around him to meet their needs. Each strike of the rocks echoed the growing bond between them; it was a reminder that despite Jacques' past failings as a father, Kakashi had embraced his independence, learning to fend for himself."Need any help?" Jacques offered tentatively, wanting to be part of this moment.Kakashi paused, looking up from his work, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "I think I've got it covered, but if you want to hold this," he said, gesturing to the stick, "that would be great."Jacques picked up the stick, feeling its weight and texture in his hands. In that small gesture, he sensed a spark of connection with Kakashi, a shared purpose emerging amid the bleakness of their situation. It was a reminder that, despite their struggles, they were not entirely alone; they were in this fight together.As they worked side by side, Jacques began to understand the significance of these moments—how each task, no matter how mundane, built a bond that had been sorely lacking in their relationship. The rhythm of their actions provided a semblance of normalcy, a way to carve out a small piece of stability in a world turned upside down.Kakashi paused, inspecting the handmade rock knife he had crafted. He tested the blade against a piece of his suit, slicing through the fabric effortlessly. "Good enough," he declared, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his face.With a sense of pride, Jacques handed Kakashi the wooden handle he had fashioned. As Kakashi tied it with his shoelaces, the makeshift knife began to take on a life of its own, a testament to their determination and resourcefulness.Kakashi then shifted his focus to the bear they had hunted, mentally preparing to skin it for warmth. He knew they needed the fur if they were to endure the harsh winter of Argus. The thought weighed on him as he glanced at his father, who still seemed shaken by the bitter cold.Jacques Schnee, a man once known for his strength and power, now appeared vulnerable and unprepared for the unforgiving environment.Kakashi couldn't shake the concern gnawing at him. He recalled their first steps into Argus' biome, how Jacques had shivered at the chill that permeated the air. It was a sudden sign that suggested he lacked the aura to sustain himself against the cold.'Does he even know how to use his aura?' Kakashi wondered silently.Kakashi's determination solidified. He had to ensure their survival, not just for his own sake, but for Jacques as well. He began to peel away the skin of the bear with careful precision, knowing this coat could mean the difference between life and death in the bitter, freezing winds of Argus."Father. It's late, you can sleep if you want," Kakashi said, his tone calm but firm, reassuring Jacques that he could rest without guilt.Jacques looked up, meeting his son's gaze. For a moment, he hesitated. The idea of resting was tempting, but overwhelming at the same time. He was supposed to be the one taking care of things, yet here was Kakashi, stepping into the role he had once commanded so easily."I can't just leave you here," Jacques replied, a faint edge of defiance in his voice, an old instinct telling him he needed to stay in control.Kakashi's expression softened. "I understand, Father, but you're more tired than you realize. Let me handle this. You need your strength for tomorrow."Jacques paused, his gaze dropping to the fire, the flames dancing across the stone walls. He wasn't used to this—this kind of hardship.Survival in the wilderness wasn't his life, and for the first time, he felt the weight of just how far out of his element he was. Business deals and boardroom politics were his arena, not scraping by in the harsh cold, not relying on sheer willpower to stay alive.Rinko had stepped up, adapting to the environment effortlessly, as if he had always been prepared for this kind of life. Jacques, on the other hand, felt the heavy burden of inadequacy.He had built empires, wielded influence, and commanded power—but here, none of that mattered. In this cave, in this freezing wilderness, he was just a man, depending on his son for survival."Maybe you're right..." Jacques finally muttered, the weight of the situation sinking in as he reluctantly gave in. He lay back, feeling the warmth of the fire against his face as Kakashi continued to work on the bear skin.Jacques closed his eyes, trying to push away the frustration and the gnawing sense of failure.Rinko had just finished cutting and scraping off the remaining flesh and fat that clung to the bear's skin. His hands moved with precise skill, every motion deliberate as he worked to ensure the hide would be usable. The cold wind outside the cave howled, but inside, the warmth of the fire kept them protected for now.He inspected the skin closely, making sure it was clean and smooth enough to be used as a coat.The firelight flickered across the cave walls, casting long shadows as Kakashi worked. He could feel the exhaustion creeping in, but there was no time to stop.TomorrowThe next day, Rinko and Jacques continued their trek toward Argus, the snow steadily piling up as it fell from the sky, blanketing everything in white. Each step they took seemed more challenging than the last, as the cold gnawed at Jacques' exposed skin, despite the makeshift coats they had fashioned from the bear skin.Kakashi had fashioned a spear for himself, a simple but effective weapon for hunting or protection, and he handed a knife to Jacques. The older man accepted it with a reluctant nod, though it was clear that survival skills were far from his expertise.As they crossed a different mountain pass, Kakashi spotted something in the distance—a railway leading toward Argus. His eyes lit up with recognition. This would guide them straight to the city, no longer leaving them to second-guess their direction."We're close," Kakashi said, his voice carrying a small note of optimism as he allowed himself a brief smile.Behind him, Jacques stumbled slightly, shivering as the cold overtook him. "Rghh... Cold..." Jacques muttered through chattering teeth. His face was pale, and his steps had grown sluggish.Kakashi turned quickly, seeing his father's condition. His heart sank. Jacques had been struggling with the cold for some time now, and it was clear that even the bear skin wasn't enough to keep him warm in these brutal conditions. Kakashi couldn't bear to see him like this.He stepped closer, placing his hand on Jacques' shoulder, and his father looked up in surprise. "What are you doing?" Jacques asked weakly.Kakashi didn't respond immediately. Instead, he concentrated, letting his aura flare gently, channeling the warmth from his body to Jacques'. A soft glow enveloped the two of them as Kakashi focused on sustaining the warmth, providing his father with much-needed relief from the biting cold.Jacques' eyes widened in amazement as he felt the warmth spread through his body. For the first time in hours, he didn't feel the overwhelming chill that had been threatening to sap his strength. "Rinko..." he muttered, his voice filled with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude."We'll make it, Father," Kakashi reassured him, determination burning in his eyes. "I won't let the cold take you."Jacques felt a strange warmth surging inside him, as if Rinko's aura had unlocked something dormant within him. His body no longer felt weighed down by the relentless cold, and with renewed strength, he nodded, feeling a spark of resolve to press forward.Just as Kakashi turned to continue their journey, the sound of an engine cut through the snowy silence. It started low, a distant hum, but quickly grew louder, unmistakable in the quiet expanse. A motorcycle.Kakashi's senses sharpened, and his heart sank. They had been followed.Grabbing Jacques by the arm, he led them to a highpoint, where they could see the snow ahead and the open stretch behind them. As Kakashi peered into the distance, his jaw tightened. The figure on the motorcycle was unmistakable—Raven Branwen.Kakashi bit his tongue, frustration and anger flaring inside him. He hadn't anticipated them catching up so soon. Somehow, they had tracked him and Jacques, and now they were closing in fast."There he is!" one of the bandits yelled, their voices carried on the cold wind as the motorcycles roared closer.Kakashi's grip tightened around his makeshift spear. Though rudimentary, it was sharp enough to kill if it found the right mark. He positioned himself on the highpoint, calculating the distance and the timing as the bandits sped towards them. Jacques, still winded from the trek, watched in awe. There was no fear in his son's eyes, only a cold, determined focus.The first rider came within striking distance, swinging a blade in a wide arc, but before it could land, Kakashi moved with lightning speed. His spear found its target, stabbing the rider off his bike."Oof—!" the bandit grunted as he hit the ground, but the strike didn't pierce through his aura. Kakashi's teeth clenched in frustration, realizing they had aura protection. He needed to adapt, and fast.Without hesitation, Kakashi dropped the spear darted for the fallen motorcycle, yanking it upright and revving the engine to life."Hop in!" he shouted to Jacques, who, despite the shock, wasted no time climbing onto the bike behind his son.Kakashi took a deep breath, his mind already shifting to their next move. They couldn't outrun all of Raven's bandits forever, but for now, they had to escape.The engine roared as Kakashi twisted the throttle, the snow kicking up behind them as they sped down the path.His heart pounded in his chest—he had never driven a motorcycle before. His hands gripped the handlebars tightly, trying to keep control as the wheels slipped and slid across the icy terrain.But there was no time to think, no time to hesitate. He had to adapt quickly, or the risk of losing his father was all too real.Jacques held on tightly from behind, the wind biting at his face as the cold numbed his fingers. He could feel the tension in Kakashi, the uncertainty, but also the fierce determination that drove him forward."Watch the turn!" Jacques shouted, seeing the sharp bend ahead.Kakashi leaned into the curve, feeling the bike wobble dangerously beneath him. For a split second, it seemed as if they would tip over, but with a sharp intake of breath, he corrected the balance just in time. His hands gripped the handlebars with fierce determination, the cold wind biting at his face as he pushed the bike to its limits. His instincts were razor-sharp—adapting fast was the only thing keeping them alive.Behind them, the roar of engines grew louder. The bandits were gaining, their shouts and the hum of their motorcycles echoing ominously through the snowy landscape. It wouldn't take long for them to catch up if Kakashi didn't figure out a way to lose them."YOU CAN'T RUN FOREVER, SCHNEES!" Raven's voice pierced the air like a war cry, sharp and mocking. Jacques, still gripping tightly to Kakashi, turned back, his eyes widening in horror as a series of Dust fire blasts lit up the sky behind them. The fiery orbs exploded in rapid succession, each one getting closer.Kakashi caught the flashes in the side mirror. His pulse quickened."Hold on!" he yelled over the roar of the engine, pulling the bike sharply to the left, barely dodging the first fire blast. The ground trembled beneath them as the blast hit the snow, sending chunks of it flying. Heat and fire mixed with the freezing cold, the stark contrast fueling the adrenaline coursing through Kakashi's veins.Jacques gripped tighter, fear rolling off him in waves. In all his life, he'd never faced anything quite like this. The Schnee name, the wealth, the power—it all felt useless now. Nothing could protect them out here, in the wild, where survival depended on raw skill and instinct. And Kakashi was showing he had both.The barrage of blasts continued as the bandits pressed their attack, their engines roaring louder as they closed the gap. Kakashi twisted the handlebars again, swerving hard as another fire blast whizzed past them. He zig-zagged through the snowy path, each move calculated and precise. But deep down, he knew they couldn't keep this up forever."YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE ME, SCHNEE?" Raven's voice rang out again, closer, more menacing.Kakashi's mind raced. They were outnumbered, and there was no way to outrun the bandits indefinitely. He scanned the terrain ahead, desperately searching for any advantage. His eyes locked onto a steep slope ahead, leading into a dense forest below. It was risky—one wrong move, and they could crash—but it was their best shot at shaking off the pursuers."Father, stay low!" Kakashi ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos. He swerved to avoid another blast, the snow and ice kicking up around them. They needed a plan, and fast.Suddenly, one of the bandits pulled up beside them, attempting to ram into their bike. Kakashi reacted in a flash, jerking the bike sideways and slamming into the bandit's ride with force. The bandit lost control, spinning off course and crashing into a snowbank, his bike buried in a plume of snow. But more were on their tail, relentless.Jacques' voice cut through the noise, laced with panic. "We can't outrun them forever!""I know," Kakashi muttered through gritted teeth. His eyes flicked between the approaching bandits and the descending slope ahead. This was it—their only chance. The narrow pass opened up before them, leading directly toward the treacherous slope."Hang on!" Kakashi shouted, his voice filled with urgency. Before Jacques could protest, Kakashi swerved sharply and gunned the engine, plunging down the steep, snowy slope. The world seemed to tilt as they raced downhill, the icy winds biting at their faces as gravity pulled them faster and faster.Behind them, the bandits struggled to follow, their bikes less suited for the sudden, steep descent. The trees ahead grew larger, and Kakashi knew the dense forest could give them cover. They just had to make it there in one piece.Some of the bandits struggled as one by one, each motorcycle rammed into different sets of trees. Raven's bandits grew thinner. She clenched his jaw.It was now Vernal and Her... AGAIN.Snow sprayed up around them as they tore through the slope, the roar of the engine mixing with the howl of the wind. Kakashi's eyes were sharp, calculating every bump and curve of the treacherous path. The bandits were still in pursuit, but their shouts were growing fainter, the rough terrain slowing them down.For now, they had the advantage. But Kakashi knew it wouldn't last long.Behind them, Raven and Vernal's motorcycles still roared down the slope, their relentless pursuit unwavering. Raven, her eyes cold and focused, extended one hand forward. She was preparing a Maiden blast, her power surging with dangerous intent."Hold on!" Kakashi's eyes darted at the side mirror for a moment as he barely had time to warn Jacques.BOOMThe explosion rocked the air, a fiery blast racing toward them. It struck the back wheel of their motorcycle, the impact sending a violent shock through the frame. The bike jerked uncontrollably, and before Kakashi could regain control, the snow beneath them gave way. Both he and Jacques were thrown from the vehicle, tumbling through the cold, hard snow."Oof—!" Kakashi grunted as he hit the ground, rolling painfully across the slope."Ugh—!" Jacques, less agile, landed awkwardly beside him, his breath knocked out as he rolled to a stop.The motorcycle, their only means of escape, flipped and skidded down the hill, eventually disappearing into the thick snowbanks below. Kakashi scrambled to his feet, his breath fogging in the cold air as he scanned the slope. Their escape was gone, and Raven's blast had left them vulnerable.Raven and Vernal descended the hill with precision, their eyes locked on the fallen Schnees. Raven's smirk was cold, filled with confidence. She knew she had them now.Kakashi quickly pulled Jacques to his feet, both of them panting heavily from the fall. His mind raced. They were exposed, with little time to find cover or come up with a new plan.Suddenly, as Jacques laid his eyes to Raven and Vernal, he panicked. Without a word, he bolted, running desperately for his life, leaving his son behind in the snow. Kakashi watched, unsurprised, as his father fled."Hmph. At least you'll get to live," Kakashi muttered under his breath, resigned to the situation. He sighed as he stood up, turning to face the looming threat of Raven and Vernal.Vernal smirked, her eyes gleaming with confidence as she and Raven dismounted their bikes. "Heh, you're so screwed," she taunted, cracking her knuckles in anticipation.Kakashi, unphased, formed a fighting stance.Vernal steadied herself, her smirk never faltering as she cracked her knuckles again, this time more eagerly. "No weapon, huh? This just got easier."Kakashi didn't respond. He simply adjusted his stance, hands raised, ready to strike. He had faced worse odds before. And right now, his focus was sharp, unshakable.Vernal lunged at him, swift and aggressive, her fist aiming for his ribs. Kakashi sidestepped, deflecting her punch with his forearm before delivering a sharp jab to her side. She grunted but retaliated instantly, sweeping her leg toward his knees.Kakashi leaped over the kick, narrowly avoiding the hit as he quickly countered with a powerful palm strike to Vernal's chest, sending her stumbling back. His movements were fluid, each one calculated with precision.Raven watched from a distance, arms crossed, her eyes narrowing as she observed Kakashi's skill. "Impressive," she muttered under her breath.Vernal wiped a trickle of blood from her lip, glaring at Kakashi with newfound respect—and frustration. "You're more trouble than you look.""Nobody passes," Kakashi declared, his voice cold and unwavering. "You'll have to get through me before you get to the old bag."His eyes, now dark and serious, bore into Vernal. He wasn't going to let them touch his father, no matter what. Vernal wiped the snow off her face, grinning fiercely. "You're gonna regret that."Kakashi stood firm, his stance steady, prepared to face both Raven and Vernal. He knew he was outnumbered, but he also knew that underestimating him would be their mistake.[End]