The Pure Land World was silent as Uchiha Madara contemplated the power of Uzumaki Heiming's Rinnegan.
For someone like him, understanding the full extent of a technique like time regression was daunting.
"If my Rinnegan ability wasn't Tengai Shinsei, it might've been something like the Limbo Prison Realm. How could someone like me, Uchiha Madara, be overshadowed by that Black Zetsu brat?"
He smirked faintly, though his thoughts remained deep.
"This time regression ability—if mastered completely—makes Heiming virtually invincible."
Even the legendary Ōtsutsuki Kaguya wouldn't be able to stand against such a power.
"Heiming's strength transcends the conventional. The only ones who might compete are the unseen aliens lurking in the universe."
---
On a ship headed for the Land of Snow, Naruto Uzumaki stood on the deck, gazing at a row of people clad in white uniforms waiting on the shore.
At the forefront stood Spike Avalanche, now a loyal servant to Koyuki Kazahana, arranged by Naruto to welcome the princess home.
For Naruto, this journey wasn't just about protecting Koyuki—it was an opportunity to test and refine his Rinnegan powers. The immense energy of the eyes was too destructive to wield recklessly.
"I need a place like the Land of Snow," Naruto thought. "Far from the Ninja Continent. If something goes wrong, I'll have time to regroup."
Nine-Tails, lounging lazily in Naruto's subconscious, chuckled, "Naruto, I see Koyuki glancing at you quite often. You sure she doesn't have feelings for you? Maybe you should just marry her and take the Land of Snow while you're at it."
Naruto sighed, his hands resting behind his head. "You're a chakra beast, Kurama, not a matchmaker. Focus on your role."
This trip had yielded unexpected benefits. Koyuki had promised her unwavering support should Naruto ever need her, and Spike Avalanche proved to be a sharp and ambitious subordinate—someone Naruto believed could be put to good use.
---
When the boat docked, Naruto gestured grandly.
"Princess Koyuki, welcome home. These ninjas are here to escort you to your rightful place as ruler of the Land of Snow."
Koyuki blinked in surprise, pretending disbelief. "You defeated my uncle and united the snow ninjas under your command? Amazing, Naruto."
Naruto offered a small, knowing smile. People were often easy to sway when guided by strength and resolve.
As Koyuki disembarked, Spike Avalanche led the assembled Snow Ninjas in kneeling.
"Welcome home, Princess Koyuki!"
The grand display caught Koyuki off guard. While she'd always been a star, the respect and reverence of a nation's ninjas left her flustered.
Naruto stayed behind her, letting Koyuki soak in the moment. However, even amidst the joyous occasion, Naruto's mind was calculating.
For the Snow Country to truly be an asset, its leadership needed to be firmly loyal to him. Koyuki was genuine, but Naruto couldn't rely on goodwill alone.
Later, Koyuki approached Naruto hesitantly.
"Naruto, my father left behind a treasure hidden in the Rainbow Ice Wall. I'd like to see it. Will you accompany me?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "You're the rightful ruler now, Princess. Command your ninjas to protect you. I'm sure they'll handle it."
Koyuki pouted playfully, hands on her hips. "You're my bodyguard until I officially ascend the throne. Isn't that what the mission entails?"
Naruto smirked at her persistence. "Fine," he said, "I'll join you."
---
The secret treasure of the Land of Snow turned out to be a geothermal heating generator capable of warming the entire nation.
As the machine activated, the famed Rainbow Ice Wall reflected dazzling rainbow hues. Images of Koyuki's childhood dreams, shared with her late father, flickered across the icy surface.
"I want to be a kind and virtuous princess," her younger self said. "And maybe a star too!"
The people of the Land of Snow cheered as spring slowly began to replace the eternal winter.
Koyuki felt a sense of peace watching her father's vision come to life. She turned to Naruto, offering him a rare, sincere smile.
---
A few days later, Koyuki's inauguration ceremony was held with great fanfare. Dressed in elegant robes, she ascended the stage as the people of the Land of Snow celebrated their new ruler.
Naruto observed the proceedings from a distance, amused.
"She looks more like a bride than a ruler," he thought with a chuckle.
As he mused, a figure approached and knelt beside him.
"Lord Naruto," Spike Avalanche said respectfully. "The princess's inauguration has been arranged perfectly. I trust you are pleased?"
Naruto frowned slightly. "Why are you reporting this to me? I'm not the ruler of this country."
Spike Avalanche hesitated, then spoke with conviction. "Forgive me, Lord Naruto, but it is only right that I pledge my loyalty to someone of your power. You saved my life, and I owe you everything. My blade, my will—they are yours to command."
Naruto's eyebrows rose in mild surprise. "And what exactly do you think I want from you?"
Spike Avalanche swallowed nervously, but pressed on. "The Land of Snow may be small, but its ninjas are strong. Under your leadership, we could achieve greatness. With your guidance, even Princess Koyuki's reign could flourish."
Naruto chuckled softly. Spike Avalanche's ambitions were clear, but his loyalty was born from fear and survival instinct rather than genuine trust.
"Listen well," Naruto said, his tone even. "Princess Koyuki is the rightful ruler of this land. Your job is to support her, not plot against her."
Spike Avalanche flinched, sweat dripping down his brow. Had he overstepped?
"But," Naruto continued, "a ruler cannot lead without strong support. If you truly wish to serve this country, prove your worth by ensuring its stability. Protect Koyuki and her vision for the Land of Snow."
Spike Avalanche's expression shifted from panic to determination. Naruto's words, though kind, carried an unmistakable authority that left no room for doubt.
"I understand, Lord Naruto," he said, bowing deeply. "I will not fail."
As Spike Avalanche left to carry out his duties, Nine-Tails chuckled within Naruto's mind.
"Manipulating people comes naturally to you now, doesn't it?"
Naruto shrugged. "People like him are predictable. Show them strength, and they'll follow. But loyalty born of fear must be handled carefully. For now, he's useful."
Nine-Tails grinned. "You're learning. Slowly but surely."
---
Koyuki, standing atop a tall platform, caught Naruto's gaze and waved at him, her face glowing with happiness.
Naruto sighed softly, watching her.
"She's shouldering a heavy burden," he murmured.
"And you're helping her for entirely selfless reasons, I'm sure," Nine-Tails teased.
Naruto smirked. "Everything I do serves a purpose, Kurama. The Land of Snow is a stepping stone, but I won't let it fall into chaos. Koyuki deserves her chance to lead."
As the people cheered for their new princess, Naruto turned and walked away. His journey was far from over, and the world had yet to see the full extent of his ambition.
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