After that, Shinju questioned Gekkō for information about the mysterious person.
As expected, the guy knew absolutely nothing.
Even the mysterious person in his memories was nothing more than a vague black silhouette.
"Strange… just who exactly is that person?"
Shinju sensed that the other party was a formidable enemy and muttered to himself.
...
Half a day later, the Byakuya Gang was escorted into the Konoha prison.
At the same time, the clone stationed in the Land of Snow returned to Shinju's main body.
All of the clone's memories from its time in the Land of Snow flooded straight into Shinju's mind.
Only then did Shinju understand that the actress Fujikaze Yukie was actually the former princess of the Land of Snow—Kazahana Koyuki.
On this journey, with the help of Naruto's group, she successfully defeated her uncle, Kazahana Doto, who had launched a coup. In the end, she used the hexagonal crystal to activate the geothermal system within the Land of Snow, melting years of accumulated snow and allowing greenery to emerge across the once-white country…
However, what concerned Shinju the most was the chakra armor manufacturing technology mastered by Doto.
Kakashi-sensei had said that when he visited more than ten years ago, chakra armor had already begun to take shape. After over a decade of development, it was now usable in real combat!
This technology had been brought back by Shinju's clone in the form of memories!
At the same time, a sample of the chakra armor was on its way back together with the film crew…
After reading the memories related to the chakra armor, Shinju wore a strange expression.
"How is the Land of Snow's technology so advanced? The chakra armor they developed can not only defend against various attacks but also amplify ninjutsu…"
"Wait…"
Shinju suddenly realized that Doto of the Land of Snow had mastered advanced chakra technology. The reason the Byakuya Gang had managed to evade his pursuit these past few days was also due to support from special chakra-based technology.
On top of that, both sides had Ice Release ninja…
Could the Byakuya Gang and Doto of the Land of Snow be connected in some way?
With that thought, Shinju headed to the Konoha prison to interrogate the Ice Release ninja from the Byakuya Gang…
...
Elsewhere, in the Land of Snow.
Fujikaze Yukie—now Kazahana Koyuki—had officially become the new daimyo of the Land of Snow.
The Princess Gale film crew had also completed all sequel filming and set off on their return journey.
On the ship, Naruto said proudly, "So, how about it? My final move, 'Sage Art: Multi-Release Rasenshuriken,' was super cool, right?! (´◊ω◊｀)"
"Sure, my hand seals and chakra control were a bit rough, but the power was undeniable! That's all thanks to Shinju's special training! ❛‿˂̵✧"
Kakashi, reading Icha Icha Paradise, replied perfunctorily, "Yeah, yeah, not bad."
Naruto kept talking to himself. "This time the enemies were really tough. That Kazahana Doto and those Ice Release ninja under him were all stronger than ordinary jonin… their chakra tech is seriously amazing."
Kakashi looked up at this point.
"They started developing chakra armor more than ten years ago. It's not surprising they could make such powerful ninja tools."
"After Shinju took office, Konoha also launched the Scientific Ninja Tools Program. I hear the research institute has already achieved some results…"
At the mention of Shinju's name, dissatisfaction appeared on Naruto's face.
"That Shinju guy really is something… his clone dispersed on its own, and he didn't even think about using Flying Thunder God to bring everyone back together…"
Hinata explained on Shinju's behalf. "Maybe the clone wanted to deliver the information back to the main body as quickly as possible."
Naruto said, "With Shinju's ability, he could've easily brought us all back…"
Nearby, Kakashi closed his book and couldn't help but speak up.
"Are you a boy or what? Once the mission's done and you're brought back to the village, you'll have to keep taking missions. (′д｀σ)σ"
"But leaving you on the ship lets you enjoy a public-funded romance trip. Shinju really went to great lengths for you two!! (ー_ー)!!"
Naruto suddenly realized the truth. "So that's how it is! Σ( ° △ °|||)︴"
"And I actually thought that about Shinju just now… (º Д º*)"
"I really should be dead! (*꒦ິ⌓꒦ີ)"
After saying that, Naruto promptly slapped himself across the face!
Hinata, standing beside him, shyly covered her mouth and laughed.
...
Konoha Prison.
Shinju grabbed the Ice Release ninja from the Byakuya Gang and used the Mind Body Switch Technique to read his memories!
A few seconds later, Shinju opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing past!
"As expected, the Ice Release ninja of the Byakuya Gang came from the Land of Snow—he was even personally dispatched by Doto!"
"Could it be that Doto wanted my ninjutsu data?" Shinju guessed, but quickly denied it himself.
"No, that doesn't make sense. I've had no contact with him whatsoever…"
Another possibility formed in Shinju's mind, but it required him to make another trip to the Land of Snow—to revive Kazahana Doto and read through his memories!
...
Within the Land of Snow, at the royal palace.
Kazahana Koyuki formally took control of the Land of Snow, brimming with ambition and ready to make sweeping reforms, restoring vitality to a nation that Kazahana Doto had driven to the brink of collapse!!
Inside the palace, an official was reading out Kazahana Koyuki's decree.
"From today onward, the Land of Snow will open its borders, actively engage in trade with all nations, and at the same time—"
Before he could finish reading half of it, Shinju's body abruptly appeared in the grand hall!
Seeing the densely packed officials in ceremonial robes, Shinju realized he had come to the wrong place. He said awkwardly,
"Please continue, I'll take my leave first… (´°Δ°`)"
With that, Shinju vanished in a flash.
Inside the hall, the ministers were displeased, feeling that Shinju was clearly looking down on their Land of Snow!
"This guy is completely lawless!"
"Guards, seize him and throw him into the Land of Snow's prison!"
"No, wait! This is the daimyo's palace! To dare act so wildly here—behead him on the spot as a warning! (▼ヘ▼#)"
Listening to the ministers' increasingly outrageous remarks, Kazahana Koyuki couldn't hold back anymore.
"Enough, enough. He's the one who helped me defeat Doto and brought spring to the Land of Snow. He's our country's benefactor…"
The ministers hesitated. "But…"
Kazahana Koyuki waved her hand with commanding authority.
"No buts! He is the eternal benefactor of the Land of Snow! Everyone must treat him with respect whenever they see him! ヽ('⌒´メ)ノ"
Seeing her firm stance, the ministers could only back down…
...
Elsewhere, Shinju located the site where Naruto's group had their final battle with Doto…
According to the clone's memories, at the end of that battle, Naruto's Multi-Release Rasenshuriken completely blew Doto's body apart. It would take some careful searching…
In the end, through Shinju's tireless efforts, he finally gathered enough bodily material required for Edo Tensei.
After that, Shinju carried out his routine sacrifice of a clone and shouted loudly, "Edo Tensei!"
"Whoosh—"
Dust slowly wrapped around Shinju's clone, and soon, Doto—who had died less than half a day ago—was revived in an Edo body!!
Doto said, "What's going on? Didn't I just go down there? How did I come back up again?! Σ( ° △ °|||)︴"
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