superior naruto

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The Rainbow Ice Wall, Land of Snow

The Rainbow Ice Wall, named for its ability to reflect light into a spectrum of colors, was a breathtaking sight. It consisted of six massive stone steles, each ten meters tall, standing in a circular formation. Though clearly man-made, no one knew what they were made of or how they had been constructed.

Koyuki and Sandayū Asama approached the ice wall, finding a raised platform—like an altar—at its center. On the platform was a groove that perfectly matched the hexagonal crystal Koyuki carried.

Sandayū hesitated. "Princess, should we not gather more people before proceeding? Dotō claimed this was a secret treasure…"

Koyuki shook her head, her gaze fixed on the groove. "No. Naruto said there's no gold or silver here. I believe him."

Sandayū frowned. "The Rainbow Ice Wall is a mystery even to us. How can a boy visiting the Land of Snow for the first time know its secrets?"

Koyuki smiled softly. "You make a fair point, but… I trust him."

With that, she placed the hexagonal crystal into the groove.

Click, click, click…

A series of mechanical sounds echoed through the air. The ice covering the six steles began to crack, starting with the three in front and spreading to the ones behind. The surface ice shattered, revealing smooth, mirror-like stone beneath, etched with intricate, mysterious patterns.

The snow and ice around the steles began to melt rapidly, the sound of flowing water filling the air. A powerful surge of chakra swept through the area, and soon, the once-frozen landscape was transformed into a lush, vibrant spring.

Sandayū stared in awe. "This… this is incredible!"

Koyuki covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. Naruto had been right. This was the true treasure her father had left for the Land of Snow.

Suddenly, a massive projection appeared in the center of the six steles. Koyuki's eyes widened as she saw her younger self and her father, Kazahana Sōsetsu, appear in the image.

Young Koyuki, dressed in a beautiful cherry-red kimono, smiled brightly. "If you believe in the future, spring will surely come. What do you want to do when spring comes, Father?"

Sōsetsu chuckled warmly. "What kind of princess do you want to be, Koyuki?"

Young Koyuki thought for a moment, her expression serious. "I want to be a kind, strong, and just princess."

Sōsetsu laughed heartily. "That's a tall order, but if you hold onto your dreams and never give up, you'll surely make them come true."

In the projection, Sōsetsu placed the hexagonal crystal around young Koyuki's neck and patted her shoulder. "Stand tall, Princess Koyuki."

Young Koyuki pouted. "But there's one more dream I'm worried about."

Sōsetsu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's that?"

Young Koyuki's eyes sparkled. "I want to be an actress!"

Sōsetsu burst into laughter. "Hahaha! My daughter, the princess and the actress!"

The projection faded, but Koyuki's tears continued to flow. Her childhood dreams had come true, but her father was no longer here to share this moment with her. If not for Dotō's greed, she might have been standing here with her father, admiring the spring he had brought to the Land of Snow.

Sandayū, still staring at the projection, asked, "Princess, what is this?"

Koyuki wiped her tears. "This is the most precious treasure my father left for the Land of Snow."

Meanwhile, on the Road Out of Snow Country

Naruto and his team were refueling their vehicle, preparing to leave the Land of Snow. Naruto opened the envelope Koyuki had given him, expecting to find the autograph she had promised for Hinata. But when he saw its contents, his jaw dropped.

It was an autograph—signed on a photo of Koyuki kissing Naruto's forehead.

When was this taken?! Naruto thought in a panic. He didn't remember anyone else being in the room at the time. Was there a hidden camera?!

"Naruto!" Hinata's voice called from outside the vehicle.

Naruto had told Hinata he had something for her, and now he was scrambling to hide the photo. There was no way he could let her see this. He quickly stuffed the photo back into the envelope and hid it deep in his backpack.

"Naruto?" Hinata called again.

Naruto jumped out of the vehicle, forcing a smile. "Ah, hey, Hinata! The thing I was going to give you… I can't find it right now. I'll give it to you later, okay?"

Hinata nodded obediently. "Oh… that's okay."

Just then, Kakashi approached, holding a stack of photos. "Hinata, I have something for you."

He handed her a signed photo of Koyuki with the entire team, including Sandayū and the director of Princess Gale. Naruto's eyes widened. Wait, Kakashi got autographs for everyone?

Kakashi continued distributing the photos. "Sasuke, this one's for you."

Sasuke took his photo with a bored expression, barely glancing at it.

Hinata noticed something was missing. "Kakashi-sensei, where's Naruto's?"

Kakashi shrugged. "Oh, Koyuki said she already gave Naruto his."

Naruto's heart sank. This is bad. Really bad.

Hinata turned to Naruto, her eyes sparkling. "Naruto, what did she give you? Can I see?"

Naruto laughed nervously. "Ah… it's nothing special…"

But Hinata, excited and curious, activated her Byakugan. "I'll help you find it! It'll be quick."

Naruto's face paled. "No, no, it's fine—"

Too late. Hinata's eyes locked onto his backpack. "Found it! It's in here!"

Before Naruto could stop her, she grabbed the envelope and opened it. The photo of Koyuki kissing Naruto's forehead was now in full view.

Kakashi and Sasuke glanced over, their expressions unreadable. "Ohhh…" they said in unison.

Naruto closed his eyes, bracing for the worst.

But Hinata's reaction was not what he expected. "Wow! Koyuki is so kind!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration.

Naruto blinked. Wait, she's not mad?

Hinata turned to him, beaming. "Is this for me?"

Naruto nodded dumbly. "Uh… yeah…"

Hinata's smile widened. "Thank you, Naruto! You're the best!"

She happily returned to her seat, clutching the photo.

Naruto let out a sigh of relief. I guess I dodged that one…

Kakashi leaned over, his voice low. "Don't get too comfortable. Hinata's not angry because she doesn't want you to keep that photo for yourself."

Naruto groaned. "…Thanks for the reminder."

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