🎉RADG: Chapter 88/90

Chapter 88: The Birth of a Yandere
Upon arriving at the port, Yami and his party rested for a day, prepared enough supplies, and boarded the ship that Asama had booked in advance.

The greatest danger at sea wasn't from humans, but from nature itself.

The technological development of this world was absurd. There was advanced surveillance, live broadcast equipment, audio and video recorders, yet ships were still made of wood. This contradiction always made Yami silently complain.

But besides him, no one else seemed concerned.

After boarding the ship, Izumi turned into a curious little chatterbox again.

Not only was she fascinated by the ship, but she was also filled with wonder at the boundless ocean.

"It's blue... it's really beautiful."

"Yeah, I haven't seen the sea in a long time."

Yugao stood beside her. The sea breeze lifted her purple hair slightly, and a gentle smile appeared on her face. It was a beautiful sight.

Click—

Yami took out his camera and captured the moment.

"I want one too! Take mine!" Izumi, seeing Yami snapping pictures, immediately struck various energetic poses and made him take over a dozen shots.

But after seeing the results, the girls' faces dropped.

Koyuki Kazahana also came over curiously to see Yami's photography... but when she saw it—

Pfft!

"S-Sorry," Koyuki said with difficulty, "I didn't mean to laugh... I couldn't help it."

The backgrounds were sharp as blades, while the subjects were all blurred like melting butter.

If not for the differences in height, clothing, and hairstyle, Koyuki wouldn't have known who was who in the photos. Everyone was a blurry mess, while the sea was perfectly in focus.

"Sigh. You all don't understand the beauty of abstract art."

Yami sighed deeply. For a moment, he felt he shared the same artistic pain as Deidara.

These people just didn't appreciate true art.

"Let me do it." Koyuki took the camera. "I'm really into film and have studied cinematography techniques."

"Okay." Izumi nodded eagerly and pulled Koyuki aside to take pictures.

After drifting for a week, they finally neared their destination.

The weather grew colder and colder, and the group changed into thick winter clothing.

Yami teased Izumi about gaining weight, causing her to fume and not talk to him for ten hours.

In the end, she was coaxed with head pats.

Koyuki looked at the two of them with envy.

She had noble status in the Land of Snow, but that status also meant loneliness. She had no friends her age.

That's why she got along so well with Izumi.

Even though Izumi kept calling her "princess," it was out of admiration and closeness. She treated her like a normal friend.

"Watch out! Iceberg ahead!"

Just as Koyuki was zoning out, a sailor's alarmed shout came from outside.

Yami rushed out to the bow and saw a massive iceberg floating several hundred meters ahead.

It must've drifted in with the currents.

The helmsman hadn't seen it in time, and it was now too late to turn the ship.

Seeing the impending collision, Asama Santaifu quickly turned to Yami. "Yami Jōnin, can you handle it?"

"Leave it to me."

Yami nodded and quickly formed hand seals.

Koyuki nervously and eagerly watched him. The trip had been smooth so far, and this was the first time she'd seen Yami take action.

Water Style: Water Dragon Explosion!

A dragon's roar burst from the sea. Countless jets of water surged into the air, forming a massive water dragon that roared as it lunged toward the iceberg.

Boom!

Before everyone's stunned eyes, the iceberg shattered into countless shards of ice with a loud crack.

Yami clasped his hands again and infused chakra.

Water Style: Wave-Riding Strike!

A powerful surge of water swept out from in front of the ship. Giant waves rolled forward, pushing away all the broken ice and clearing a wide, safe path.

"Wonderful, we're saved… As expected of a Konoha jōnin…"

Asama wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. The nearby sailors kept bowing to thank the ninja.

Koyuki stared at Yami, who remained calm as if he had done something trivial.

So this was ninjutsu...

The rest of the voyage went smoothly without any further incidents. Two days later, the ship arrived at a port in the Land of Snow.

"Welcome to the Land of Snow." Upon landing, Koyuki gave a gentle smile.

"No wonder it's called the Land of Snow... Konoha never has snow this thick."

Izumi looked around at the endless snow and ice, stretching to the horizon.

Though it was awe-inspiring, after a while, it felt bleak and desolate.

"Is it like this all year?" Yugao pulled her winter coat tighter and asked softly.

It was currently June, the height of summer in the Land of Fire.

"Yes, it's always like this." Asama sighed.

Though the Land of Snow had become a popular tourist spot for people wanting to experience summer skiing, for those who lived here year-round, the harsh climate was a burden.

Each year, they had to import large quantities of food and daily necessities from the mainland.

"If only the Land of Snow had spring..." Koyuki murmured, "It would definitely be more beautiful than Konoha's spring."

Yami glanced at her but said nothing.

They didn't linger at the port and took a train to Kazahana City, the capital.

Yes, a train.

The Land of Snow already had something that even the Five Great Nations lacked. However, it was coal-powered, heavily polluting, and the ride quality wasn't great.

It took just half a day to reach the City.

Heading directly to the central palace, they encountered a middle-aged man along the way.

Asama respectfully bowed. "Lord Dotō."

Koyuki also bowed politely. "Uncle Dotō."

"Asama, you finally returned with Koyuki." The man had a stern face. He nodded slightly to Asama and his niece, then turned to glance at Yami's group, frowning.

"Was my brother's funding not enough? Why are your guards just children?"

"Lord Dotō, it's not like that," Asama quickly explained. "Yami Jōnin is extremely powerful. He's a top ninja recommended by the Third Hokage, and his team is just as skilled."

"Is that so?"

Dotō gave a slight nod and left without another word.

Once inside the palace, Santaifu led the group to meet the daimyo — Kazahana Sōsetsu.

"Father!"

Koyuki ran happily to a middle-aged man who resembled Dotō.

Sōsetsu smiled. "Koyuki, did you enjoy your trip?"

"Yes! It was so much fun. I want to go again after my birthday."

"No problem. It's summer there, the scenery's beautiful."

"I wish we could see spring and summer in the Land of Snow too."

Kazahana Hayate's eyes sparkled. "Maybe... the Land of Snow will have spring one day."

"Really?"

"Yes. If that's what Koyuki wants, we'll make it happen."

"Yes! I believe in you, Father!"

After the heartwarming exchange, Hayate turned to Yami and the others. Once Asama introduced them, he thanked them politely and arranged accommodations.

"That daimyo must be a great father."

On the way to their rooms, Izumi whispered, "The way he looked at Koyuki is just like how my mother looks at me."

Yami nodded. "He is a good father."

But not necessarily a good ruler.

In a dim secret room.

"Have you found out anything about the Konoha jōnin?" Dotō's face darkened even more than during their earlier meeting.

A snow shinobi with a purple ponytail and combat gear shook his head. "We're too far from the Land of Fire. Gathering intel takes time."

"The operation is in five days. That's too late."

"But the crest on that little girl's clothing is the Uchiha clan symbol."

"Uchiha?" Dotō's frown deepened.

Everyone in the shinobi world knew the name Uchiha. He feared Sōsetsu had seen through him.

The escort mission was just a cover, and these Konoha shinobi had come to deal with him.

"Lord Dotō, I think you're overthinking it."

The ponytail ninja remained unconcerned.

"Rōga, why do you say that?" Dotō asked.

Nadare Rōga chuckled. "If Konoha had really colluded with Hayate, they wouldn't send kids. They'd send their famed elite jōnin."

"Even if she's Uchiha, she's still a child. Instead, I suggest focusing on Yami. He's young but a jōnin. Don't underestimate him."

"Then stick to the original plan," Dotō decided. "If Konoha shinobi interfere, deal with them. Just drive them off, don't kill them. We can't afford to provoke the Land of Fire right now."

Looking at the chakra armor on his body, Nadare Rōga smiled confidently.

With the chakra armor, Snow Ninja Village could still handle a mere jōnin.

This armor was the result of years of research. It enhanced chakra and projected a chakra shield around the body, neutralizing most ninjutsu.

Relying on it, Rōga was full of confidence.

After the two finished discussing, Nadare left.

Staring toward the palace, Dotō clenched his fists.

"Brother, only I can make the Land of Snow strong — strong enough to rival the Five Great Nations."

---

"Yami, are you really going to do this?"

In the courtyard, Yugao looked at Yami in shock after hearing his Sharingan awakening plan for Izumi.

"This is the only thing I can try right now."

Yami stroked his chin. "Izumi's already old enough that awakening her Sharingan won't harm her body. But I can't put her in real danger... so I'll try something else."

"Alright then. But be sure to explain afterward. If not, I'm afraid she'll be so mad she won't talk to you anymore."

Yugao tilted her head awkwardly, her cheeks warming.

That night, after building snowmen with Koyuki all afternoon, Izumi happily returned to the residence.

Dinner had already been delivered.

"Let's go to the hot springs," Yugao said stiffly after receiving a signal from Yami.

"Okay!" Izumi's eyes lit up. There were two small hot spring pools behind the house.

"Let's go." Yami put down his chopsticks. The three changed into bathing clothes and headed to the backyard. A curtain divided the men's and women's baths.

But when they arrived, Yugao suddenly let go of Izumi's hand.

"Yugao?" Izumi looked up in confusion.

Yugao gave her a slight push. "You're bathing alone. I need to help Yami and scrub his back."

"Huh?" Izumi's eyes widened. "But... but Yami's a boy."

"So what?"

Yugao casually tied up her hair. "I've always helped Yami bathe and massaged him to ease fatigue. It's my job."

"Oh, and tonight you'll sleep alone. It wasn't convenient before, but now I'm also responsible for his bedside care."

The light in Izumi's eyes dimmed.

Just then, Yami, already soaking, poked his head out.

"Yugao, why are you taking so long? Hurry up."

"I'm coming."

Yugao walked over. Seeing Izumi still standing there stunned, she sighed and kissed Yami's forehead.

Yami kissed her cheek right back.

Boom!

Izumi's mind exploded.

"Why... why…"

"I was here first…"

A strange power surged into her eyes. In an instant, her world turned blood red.

Two tomoe spun wildly in her pupils.

"Success!" Yugao whispered, afraid to interrupt the awakening.

Gulp—

Yami swallowed.

"This... this is more than just a success..."

Izumi's terrifying expression, the dead light in her eyes, and the two spinning tomoe—

To awaken directly to Two Tomoe Sharingan, how overwhelming must those emotions be…

He had guessed this plan might work, but not to this extent.

Could it be that bull-headed provocation is the ultimate eye-opening technique?

[Host and Uchiha Izumi's Yandere bond has reached the third stage. You have obtained the special talent: Uchiha Bloodline (Ultimate)]

Yandere???

It's over…

Now it was Yami's turn to lose the light in his eyes.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Patrick Darmon for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
Chapter 89: Rebellion, Ice Release? This Is the Real Bloodline Limit!

To ensure the smooth expansion of the Shimura clan in the future, and to avoid getting chopped in his sleep, this hot spring strategy was clearly no longer viable.

Yami carried the dazed Izumi back to the room and talked until his mouth was dry, finally convincing her that the whole thing was a setup to awaken her Sharingan, and he hadn't actually gotten impatient with her.

"But…" Izumi had calmed down a bit, but still looked wronged. "But you kissed Yugao, and Yugao kissed you too…"

Smack.

Yami decisively kissed her on the lips. "I kissed you too. Is that okay?"

"Then… Izumi muttered shyly, "Is the thing she said about the bed… true?"

"Uh…" Yami nodded, "That part's real. I'm used to sleeping with a pillow."

Izumi's eyes dulled again, and her Sharingan reappeared.

Yami broke out in a cold sweat and quickly hugged her tightly with a bit of chakra strength. "Izumi, let's get engaged when we get back."

"Huh?"

The girl's reason returned.

"Engaged? Really?"

"Yes. We're childhood sweethearts. It's normal to get engaged now, right? Izumi doesn't want to marry someone else and have babies, does she?"

Although this would certainly make Danzō furious and lead to at least a dozen arguments, it was just a matter of time.

Being favored as he was, Yami knew that no matter how displeased the old man was, he'd eventually accept reality.

A blush bloomed on Izumi's cheeks, and her Sharingan started spinning into circles.

"Have babies…"

The hatchet crisis was defused. That night, Izumi was too shy to speak and clung to Yami tightly, letting him be her pillow the whole night.

Thankfully, Izumi wasn't as noisy as Karin and slept soundly.

The next day, Izumi became extremely clingy. She stopped playing with Koyuki and followed Yami around all day.

Her attitude toward Yugao hadn't changed.

What Izumi feared most wasn't sharing Yami, but being abandoned by him.

Now that she'd received his promise of engagement, her worries vanished.

After understanding her true feelings, Yami was relieved.

At least she wasn't fully yandere. Otherwise, things would be much harder to manage.

After not seeing her friend for a day, Koyuki came looking for her.

So Yami's job became babysitting the two girls, taking them out every day to build snowmen and have snowball fights.

He also noticed that there were shinobi monitoring the area. He knew who was behind it.

But for now, he had no intention of alerting the enemy. He'd settle the score all at once later.

As for Dotō, having received intel, he began to look down on Yami more and more.

Spending all day playing with kids, how dangerous could he really be? He didn't seem like any threat to Dotō's rebellion.

Soon, it was Koyuki's birthday.

All of Kazahana City was newly decorated, filled with beautiful ornaments. To allow the public to offer their blessings to Princess Koyuki, Sōsetsu arranged several free banquets throughout the city for a grand celebration.

Yami, Yugao, and Izumi were invited to the palace alongside the Land of Snow's ministers to attend the banquet.

Koyuki, dressed in an ornate gown, walked down the red carpet guided by attendants. The ministers showered her with praise, making the little girl a bit shy.

In contrast, Sōsetsu wore a constant smile, clearly in a very good mood.

"Koyuki, happy birthday."

He hung a finely crafted hexagonal crystal pendant around her neck and said warmly, "Keep it safe. It's the treasure of the Land of Snow and the key to your wish."

"Wish?" The little princess's eyes sparkled. "Koyuki understands. I'll keep it safe!"

"Good girl."

Kazahana Sōsetsu smiled and nodded.

The officials each presented their carefully prepared gifts. Izumi gave a small round fan with the Uchiha clan's emblem.

Yugao presented a wooden sculpture carved with swordsmanship, in Koyuki's likeness.

Koyuki loved both gifts.

After thanking them, she turned to Yami expectantly and asked softly, "Yami-kun... your gift?"

"I didn't prepare one," Yami said plainly.

Koyuki looked disappointed but didn't protest. She just pouted in grievance.

"But I can get one for you right now."

"Huh?" Her eyes brightened again. "What is it?"

Yami didn't reply. Instead, he walked up to Dotō, who was eating alone.

"It's him."

The entire banquet fell silent. Everyone stared at Yami like he was insane.

"Hahaha!"

Asama suddenly laughed, clapping in exaggerated fashion. "Yami Jōnin has quite the sense of humor! That joke was colder than the ice outside!"

Sōsetsu also laughed, prompting the officials to follow suit, and the tense atmosphere relaxed again.

But a moment later, Sōsetsu could no longer laugh.

Yami suddenly attacked Dotō, wrapping his chakra-covered hand around the man's throat.

Before everyone's eyes, Dotō's appearance shifted.

"A Snow Ninja?!"

"This is a fake Lord Dotō?!"

The officials gasped, and Sōsetsu's expression darkened.

"Where's the real Dotō?!"

Today was his niece's birthday, and Dotō had promised to come. But instead, a body double appeared. Sōsetsu's thoughts turned grim.

"Ha! Kazahana Sōsetsu, so what if you see through it now? Snow Ninja Village will reclaim everything we've lost!"

The impostor laughed maniacally. "Lord Dotō and Rōga will avenge me! Konoha shinobi, if you dare—"

Crack!

Before he could finish, Yami snapped his neck.

Suddenly, a disturbance erupted outside the palace. The noise grew louder and louder until a bloodied guard rushed in.

"Daimyō! Dotō and Snow Ninja Village have rebelled! They're storming the city gates! Our forces can't hold them back!"

Events were unfolding far faster than Sōsetsu had anticipated. The banquet hall erupted into chaos.

"Why would Lord Dotō rebel? Why would Snow Ninja Village support him?!"

"We're doomed! What should we do?!"

Even if Snow Ninja Village was tiny, with barely over a hundred ninja, they were still ninja. Ordinary samurai and soldiers couldn't compete.

"Gather all forces in the palace. I'll lead the defense. Yami Jōnin, please take Koyuki and Asama out of Kazahana City and return to the mainland. Asama will double the mission payment."

"Father, I don't want to leave you!" Koyuki realized the gravity of the situation and ran to her father's side, clutching his robe.

"Koyuki, be good," Sōsetsu said gently. "Once this is all over, I'll have Asama bring you back."

"No... no!" Koyuki cried, shaking her head.

At that moment, Yami finished wiping his hands with the handkerchief Izumi handed him and asked casually, "Mr. Daimyō, you're not planning to hire us to quell the rebellion?"

Sōsetsu paused. "But there are hundreds of Snow Ninja. Even if not all show up, there must be at least a few dozen. And my brother Dotō is strong as well."

"Strength isn't the issue," Yami replied. "The question is, how much will you pay?"

Yugao had already drawn her sword. "Please trust in Yami-kun. Even if Snow Ninja deploys every last shinobi, he can wipe them out."

She had full faith in Yami. If he could massacre elites from Kumo like chopping vegetables, these backwater ninja were nothing.

Sōsetsu looked at their confident expressions. They didn't seem like fools. He felt reassured.

"In that case... If the rebellion is quelled, I'll pay ten times the S-rank commission."

"Not enough. I want one more thing — the technology for making Chakra Armor."

"Deal."

Kazahana Sōsetsu nodded. "But if you really can't win, please take Koyuki with you."

"Sure."

The agreement was made quickly, and Yami assigned tasks to Izumi and Yugao.

"Protect the daimyō and Princess Koyuki. Leave the enemies outside to me."

Then Yami ran out of the hall alone.

"You're letting him go alone?!" Kazahana Sōsetsu exclaimed.

Yugao shook her head. "If we go, we'll just get in his way. It's better to stay here and protect you. Where's the best vantage point?"

"This way." Kazahana Sōsetsu led them to the top floor of the palace. Through the windows, they saw flames erupting across the city.

The rebels had broken through the gates. Around fifty ninja advanced with two chakra-powered chariots heading straight for the palace.

Civilians scattered in panic, while one small figure charged alone against the current toward the invading ninja.

Upon seeing Yami, a female Snow Ninja frowned and raised her hand. "Fire!"

Multiple square grids opened on the chariot, launching hundreds of kunai.

Yami formed a seal and slammed his hand into the ground.

Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!

Boom!

Multiple earthen walls rose up with carvings of dream tapirs, looking almost cute.

All the kunai were blocked. Just as the woman was about to give a follow-up order, roaring flames tore through the earth walls and surged forward like a raging sea.

Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation!

Ice Shield: Ice Prison Technique!

Panicked, several Snow Ninja quickly formed seals and combined their techniques to defend.

But the intense heat melted their ice barriers rapidly. Steam filled the air. The temperature was unlike anything they had experienced before.

"This isn't good! Our ninjutsu can't hold against this!"

Despite their chakra reserves, the flames devoured ice and snow alike, losing none of their momentum.

Ice Shield: Dragon Crushing Tiger!

Ice Shield: Black Dragon Blizzard!

Nadare Rōga and Dotō leapt to the front, combining their Ice Release techniques to suppress the fire.

But they felt no joy.

Just how strong was this kid?!

"Yami Jōnin!"

As the steam cleared, Dotō shouted, "I know your mission was just to escort Koyuki. This is an internal matter of the Land of Snow, it has nothing to do with you!"

"I'll pay your commission and even offer more. Just leave with your team!"

Yami withdrew his hand seal and sneered. "Weren't you the one who sent spies to monitor us?"

Dotō's expression darkened.

"You noticed long ago?"

"Been waiting for you to gather everyone here," Yami said, catching a snowflake in his hand. "Now I can crush you all at once."

Swish!

Yami vanished and reappeared in the midst of the Snow Ninja at a speed invisible to normal eyes.

Zzt!

Electricity crackled from his body. His Kusanagi blade hummed with lightning as he cut down multiple enemies in a flash. Blood flew.

Then more flew.

Sōsetsu, watching from above, trembled with excitement. He couldn't even track Yami's movements — only the ever-growing pile of fallen Snow Ninja.

"So strong... this is the power of Yami...!"

Yugao shook her head. "This isn't even his full strength. He hasn't used Flying Thunder God or Scorch Release. That fire jutsu was the only technique he's cast."

It might not even count as a warm-up.

"Yami..." Koyuki stood on a small stool, clasping her hands in prayer. "Please suppress the rebellion and come back safely."

"Stop!"

Nadare Rōga watched his forces fall one after another, unable to even scratch Yami, and roared with fury.

Ice Release: Ice Puppet!

Several puppets made of solid ice appeared and rushed at Yami to stall for time. While he broke them apart, Langya completed another jutsu.

Ice Release: One-Horned White Whale!

A massive white whale formed from snow and chakra surged toward Yami.

"This is Ice Release?"

Yami's eyes showed disdain.

Real kekkei genkai were formed by fusing chakra natures within the body. The Snow Country's so-called Ice Release was just weather-based ninjutsu manipulating the environment.

"Let me show you... the real bloodline limit!"

Yami sheathed his sword, conjured several spinning fireballs in his hands, and threw them at the ice whale.

Scorch Release: Extremely Steaming Murder!

The burning heat melted the whale instantly.

Nadare Rōga leapt high, activating the chakra armor's power. Purple light surged, absorbing the fire jutsu's energy. The punch canceled the remaining flames, but—

He flinched as the heat seared his hand.

Chakra could be absorbed, but not the heat already created.

"Lord Dotō, this brat's tough! Let's take him down together!"

"Understood."

Dotō shed his luxurious cloak, revealing his own chakra armor. He stepped beside Langya and locked eyes with Yami coldly.

There was no more talking. They'd have to defeat Yami with sheer force.

The two began forming seals at the same time.

(To be continued.)

Special thanks to Patrick Darmon for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
Chapter 90: Crystal Dragon Breaks the Sky
As the prince of the Land of Snow, Dōto held a status of nobility.

But ever since he was a child, he had harbored ambition—not to remain a prince, but to become the daimyō.

He concealed it well, rarely involving himself in governmental affairs, instead focusing on training ninjutsu within Snow Ninja Village.

Dōto understood clearly that only by attaining overwhelming power could he succeed in rebellion.

Years of training had made him even stronger than Nadare Rōga. With the Chakra Armor, Dōto believed he could stand on equal footing with the Kage of the five great nations.

He didn't believe Yami could take them both on alone.

"Ice Release: White Whale Covers the Sea!"
"Ice Release: Twin Dragon Storm Kill!"

The snowy mountains outside Kazahana City rumbled. Several giant ice whales roared forward as two black tornadoes took form instantly. Everything they passed—buildings, trees, even vehicles—was reduced to debris.

The Chakra Armor on both men glowed, clearly indicating that such large-scale ninjutsu was only possible due to the armor's enhancement.

Even Yugao and Izumi, watching from the sidelines, were shocked by the scene.

"What powerful ninjutsu..."

Yugao imagined herself in Yami's place. All she could do was avoid battle under such pressure.

Suddenly, she recalled Yami's earlier conversation with Sōsetsu and asked, somewhat tentatively, "These ninjutsu... are they enhanced by that Chakra Armor?"

"Yes," Sōsetsu sighed. "It's a weapon developed by Snow Ninja Village. It boosts chakra output and improves defense. But I already ordered research to be stopped and cut off all funding. I didn't expect them to continue in secret…"

Sōsetsu wasn't devoid of ambition, but he understood one thing clearly:

A man's possession of a treasured weapon invites calamity.

Even if powerful Chakra Armor was developed, it would only attract the covetous eyes of greater nations.

The Land of Snow would never surpass the five great nations with armor like this—it would only bring disaster.

Due to its remote location, the Land of Snow had avoided the ninja world wars. This armor, to them, was unnecessary. Not having it was more important than having it.

So when Yami brought it up earlier, Sōsetsu realized the technology had leaked. That's why he agreed to hand it over without resistance—because now he knew it was no longer a secret.

"Miss Yugao… Will Yami be okay?"

Staring at the approaching destructive storm, Sōsetsu asked worriedly.

"Don't worry."

Yugao calmly replied, "The counterattack is coming."

Just as she finished speaking, flames soared into the sky.

Yami's entire body glowed red, as if cloaked in molten magma.

"Lava Release: Scorching River Rock Technique!"

Magma erupted from the ground, burning several Snow Ninja who couldn't find footing in time.

The descending whales landed in lava, evaporating into massive clouds of steam.

"Two bloodline limits?" Nadare Rōga's face darkened. Two advanced releases, both heat-based—perfectly countering Ice Release.

"Let's see how you dodge this one!"

Dōto roared. The tornado transformed into a black dragon and charged toward Yami from the air, completely bypassing the magma on the ground.

"Why dodge?"

Yami's hands formed seals, and shattered buildings around him rose into the air, crystallizing into emerald-green shards that merged to form two massive dragons.

"Crystal Release: Crystal Dragon!"

Another bloodline limit?

Dōto felt like he was going insane. How could one person possess so many advanced releases? Were all shinobi from the five great nations this monstrous?

If Yami wanted to, he could still pull out Storm Release, Ice Release, and Lava Release.

His chakra control talent had reached the Ultimate rank.

Thanks to his "Professor of Ninjutsu" talent as revealed by the Third Hokage, his ability to develop and master bloodline limits was beyond belief.

Each advanced release came with multiple supportive techniques, greatly expanding his arsenal.

In the sky, the black dragon clashed with the crystal dragon. Within moments, the two black dragons disintegrated into snow and wind.

The crystal dragon pressed on, descending with force.

Kazahana Dōto and Nadare Rōga channeled all their chakra into defense, forming a massive barrier.

But Yami's next wave came instantly.

"Lava Release: Meteor Volcano!"

Chunks of molten rock burst into the air and rained down like blazing meteors, crashing down on the Snow Ninja ranks at blinding speed.

The entire enemy formation collapsed.

They had the numbers, but not the strength. Their chakra quality, nature transformation, and ninjutsu mastery were all inferior. Within minutes, casualties began piling up.

Dōto pushed his Chakra Armor to the limit, struggling to hold off the shrinking crystal dragon.

Then came a fireball.

Crack!

Another meteor.

Crack!

The barrier cracked again.

Several fire meteors struck simultaneously.

The chakra shield shattered like glass. The core of the armor also collapsed.

With his amplification gone, Dōto lost his edge. He could no longer resist the crystal dragon. His arms broke with a crunch, and the massive beast slammed him into the ground.

"Crystal Release: Crystal Pentagonal Prison."

The dragon's crystalline body morphed, encasing Dōto in an unbreakable crystalline prison. Nadare Rōga wasn't as lucky. Over ten fire meteors slammed into him, reducing him and his armor to ash.

"It's nearly over."

After eliminating the two ringleaders, Yami looked toward the scattered survivors.

He threw a special kunai.

Minutes later, even the special jōnin-level enemies like Mizore Fuyukuma and Fubuki Kakuyoku were all eliminated.

In total, seventy-six Snow Ninja who participated in the rebellion were slain.

The cost… was half of Kazahana City reduced to rubble.

Some of it was the enemy's fault, but most of it was Yami's.

His large-scale ninjutsu was too destructive for use within a city.

Fortunately, most civilians had already evacuated due to the chaos. There were no civilian casualties.

"Let's go," Yugao said to Sōsetsu.

Finally snapping out of his daze, Sōsetsu nodded. "Yes. Quickly."

Led by guards, the group returned to the battlefield.

Seeing the crater several meters deep, they truly grasped the scale of destruction.

"Sir Yami, thank you for saving the Land of Snow," Sōsetsu bowed solemnly.

"Thank you, Yami!" Koyuki followed suit.

Asama and the other ministers and guards bowed deeply as well.

Had Yami not stepped in, they would have been wiped out by the Snow Ninja. As the most loyal retainers under the daimyō, they knew exactly what Dōto would've done to them.

To them, Yami was a savior.

"No need. I did it for the money," Yami replied flatly.

Although they had all rewarded him with bond points, none of them were shinobi, so there was no real gain.

He pointed toward the sealed crystal and asked Sōsetsu, "Your brother's in there. What do you want to do with him?"

Since this was technically a mission, Yami had spared Dōto and left the decision to Sōsetsu.

"..."

Sōsetsu thought for a moment, then glanced at the lingering flames.

"Sir Yami, how long will your jutsu last?"

"Can you keep him sealed for now? Rescue efforts are more urgent."

"Alright. We'll talk tomorrow."

Yami kicked the crystal, sending it rolling toward the palace like a soccer ball.

There was nothing more for them to do. Sōsetsu arranged for the guards and ministers to begin rescue and cleanup operations. For safety, he also asked Yami to take Koyuki and stay close for the night.

The next morning, after the situation stabilized, Sōsetsu had Yami and his group summoned.

Dōto was removed from the crystal and bound tightly in iron chains.

"Dōto, it's too late..." Sōsetsu looked at his brother with a complicated expression.

"Hmph."

Dōto looked away. "I lost. I didn't expect you to stoop so low as to hire powerful Konoha shinobi."

"But I'm telling you, Sōsetsu. Only I can make the Land of Snow great again!"

Sōsetsu blinked. "When was the Land of Snow ever great?"

"You...!"

Dōto was furious. "Kill me if you want. I won't scream. If I beg, I'm not Kazahana Dōto!"

Sōsetsu sighed and walked off his throne. "You're still my brother... how could I bear to watch you die?"

Dōto's eyes lit up slightly but he quickly masked it.

He was certain. His brother was too soft. Even now, he couldn't bear to execute him.

Perfect.

He didn't believe Yami would stay in the Land of Snow forever. Once Yami left, he'd find a way to escape.

The throne would still be his.

As he fantasized about his return, Sōsetsu led Koyuki out of the hall by the hand.

"I can't bear to watch you die, so I'll go."

"Sir Yami, please do it quickly. Make it painless."

"No, big brother!"

Dōto froze in disbelief.

You can't bear to see me die, so you walk away? What kind of logic is that?

Yami and Yugao were both stunned.

They thought Sōsetsu was going soft, but he completely played Dōto.

Even they were fooled.

Yami said nothing more. His blade flashed.

Dōto's head flew through the air.

Izumi closed her eyes at the sight.

Yami gently coaxed her, "Izumi, we're shinobi. Sooner or later, you'll have to face this."

"Be strong. Open your eyes. The more you experience, the more you'll get used to it."

Her body trembled. Slowly, she opened her eyes and forced herself to look at Dōto's headless body.

"I understand, Yami..."

"Good girl. Our Izumi is the bravest."

Yami held her hand, giving her strength.

He made a decision. When they returned to Konoha, he'd take Izumi on a few missions to fight bandits and train her mental resilience.

A few more days passed. Sōsetsu finished restoring order and announced that he would not pursue the other Snow Ninja who hadn't joined the rebellion.

Rebuilding Kazahana City would take time.

Once everything settled, Sōsetsu revealed the secret of the crystal pendant he gave Koyuki.

Yami and the others were invited to witness it.

The group left the city and followed a trail into a valley.

"This place…"

"It's Koyuki's favorite spot when she was little," Sōsetsu smiled. "Remember?"

"Yeah."

Koyuki nodded. "But none of this was here before…"

Several massive ice walls surrounded a strange machine.

"Come, Koyuki. Insert the pendant. You can fulfill your dream."

Under Sōsetsu's guidance, Koyuki placed the crystal into the device.

The machine activated, and colorful lights shimmered from the surrounding walls.

Yami formed a Rasengan. The rainbow-colored light reflected in it, making the chakra swirl beautifully.

"So pretty…" Koyuki leaned closer, mesmerized.

"The best part is coming."

Feeling upstaged, Sōsetsu quickly chimed in.

This was a massive geothermal generator. Once activated, it converted energy into heat, raising the surrounding temperature.

The eternal snow began to melt, revealing blooming flowers and green fields beneath.

"Amazing…" Izumi covered her mouth in awe.

"Is this… spring in the Land of Snow?" Koyuki clapped joyfully. "Father, there's spring in the Land of Snow too!"

"Of course." Sōsetsu's eyes welled with tears. "Even though it only lasts a few days and takes five years to recharge… this is our spring."

"Koyuki, your dream has come true."

"Thank you, Father!" Father and daughter embraced with tears and smiles.

But then…

"So... you spent a fortune, cut Snow Ninja's funding, nearly destroyed the entire country, all to see a lawn for a few days every five years?"

Yami's voice broke the mood.

Sōsetsu, who had been basking in the joy, suddenly froze.

As Yami's words sank in, the scenery no longer looked beautiful.

The smile on Koyuki's face faded. Then she burst into tears.

"Waaah! It's all my fault! I don't want spring in the Land of Snow anymore!"

(To be continued.)