Not long after Spike Avalanche left, a figure emerged from beneath the snow—it was none other than Kakashi.
During the intense ninjutsu clash between the two, Kakashi had swiftly executed a strategy. First, he created a shadow clone, then used the Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Technique to sink into the ground, completely erasing his presence.
When the smoke cleared, the shadow clone acted as a decoy, pretending to flee. Spike Avalanche, without suspicion, pursued it. Meanwhile, Kakashi emerged from underground, executing his plan seamlessly.
Watching the direction in which Spike Avalanche had disappeared, Kakashi murmured, "This won't fool him for long. I need to make my escape."
He surveyed the snowy terrain. Running directly would leave an obvious trail of footprints.
With no other choice, Kakashi utilized a minimal amount of chakra to create two more shadow clones, sending them in different directions. This time, he used only enough chakra to sustain them for about five minutes before they would dissipate on their own.
With that in place, Kakashi wasted no time and quickly retreated.
Shortly after, a memory flashed in Kakashi's mind—his shadow clone had been dispelled by Spike Avalanche. His expression tightened as he quickened his pace.
By the time Spike Avalanche returned to the original spot, ten minutes had passed. He was now faced with three sets of identical footprints heading in different directions.
"Damn it, that brat got away! How am I supposed to report this to Lord Doto?"
Spike Avalanche clenched his teeth in frustration but was helpless. He lacked the ability to use cloning techniques and couldn't pursue all three trails at once.
"If I see you again, brat, I swear you're dead!" he growled before resigning himself to return to the daimyo's mansion in the Land of Snow, ready to face Doto Kazahana's wrath. However, he wasn't too worried—Doto still had use for him at this point.
Meanwhile, Kakashi had reached a secure location where he had previously left Princess Koyuki Kazahana. Before his shadow clone had dissipated, it had ensured her safety in a well-hidden cave.
Upon arriving, Kakashi found the cave warmed by a fire that his shadow clone had kindled. The freezing temperatures of the Land of Snow were deadly, and without the fire, Koyuki might not have survived.
Kakashi chose not to wake the sleeping girl. Instead, he sat cross-legged, focusing on recovering the chakra he had expended. During his battle with Spike Avalanche, he had utilized four shadow clones, a Chidori, Earth Release techniques, and even his Sharingan to copy enemy movements. Though the chakra consumption of each technique individually was manageable, the cumulative strain had taken its toll.
Fortunately, his fusion with the White Fang's soul had progressed. Despite his exhaustion, it wasn't anything he couldn't handle.
Four shadow clones, one Chidori, an Earth Release technique, and the Sharingan's activation—Kakashi let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "My chakra reserves are really nothing special."
After thirty minutes of rest, he felt significantly better. It was now around two or three in the morning. Opting to stay put for the remainder of the night, Kakashi retrieved some rations from his pack and began to eat.
While he could rely on soldier pills, excessive use was harmful to the body. Unless absolutely necessary, Kakashi avoided them. His body was still in a crucial stage of development, and he couldn't afford long-term damage.
Once he had finished eating, he took a brief nap to regain his strength.
Three days later, a silver-haired young man clad in black walked alongside a seven- or eight-year-old girl with delicate, refined features. Together, they entered the Land of Craftsmen.
These two were Kakashi and Koyuki Kazahana.
"Brother Kakashi, is the Mr. Mifune we're looking for here?" Koyuki asked curiously.
During their journey, Kakashi had employed his past life's experience with children to keep Koyuki occupied, helping her momentarily forget the sorrow of losing her father. The alternative—dealing with a constantly crying Koyuki—was something he wasn't prepared to handle.
"Yes, Koyuki, Mr. Mifune should be here. Let's get something to eat first, then ask around," Kakashi suggested.
"Okay, Brother Kakashi," she responded obediently.
Kakashi wasn't sure what this Mifune looked like. However, according to Koyuki's father, as long as they asked around in the Land of Craftsmen, they would find him.
Upon entering a restaurant, Kakashi ordered some food and casually inquired, "Do you know where Mifune lives?"
The shopkeeper paused, eyeing Kakashi with curiosity.
Kakashi had removed his forehead protector, but the White Fang's tanto remained strapped to his back.
The shopkeeper seemed to recognize something, nodding in understanding. "Are you looking for the samurai Mifune-san? Seeing that you carry a sword, you must be here to become his apprentice? His home is at the end of this street—just take a turn, and you'll find it. His door is easy to recognize; it's decorated with paintings of many samurai swords."
"Thank you," Kakashi replied. He had no intention of correcting the misunderstanding—the idea of him being a wandering swordsman rather than a shinobi was probably safer.
"You're welcome! Mifune-san is a great man. Good luck," the shopkeeper said cheerfully before returning to his work.
Kakashi turned to Koyuki. "Once we finish eating, we'll go find Mr. Mifune. Sound good?"
Koyuki's face darkened slightly but nodded in agreement. Kakashi paid it no mind.
After their meal, they found themselves standing before a house adorned with paintings of samurai swords. Kakashi knocked on the door gently.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Mifune home?" he asked.
Soon, the door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged man. He wasn't particularly burly, but his hands bore the calluses of a seasoned swordsman. Kakashi immediately sensed the air of danger surrounding him.
And then, recognition struck him—this face was familiar. Mifune?
Could it be? The leader of the Land of Iron? Why was he in the Land of Craftsmen?
Doubts filled Kakashi's mind, but he remained silent.
The man studied Kakashi before speaking. "You're looking for me?"
"Yes," Kakashi responded. "I was entrusted by the daimyo of the Land of Snow, Kazahana Sosetsu, to bring his daughter, Koyuki Kazahana, to you."
Mifune's expression shifted. "Sosetsu? What happened? Why would he send Koyuki to me?"
The samurai now recognized the young girl beside Kakashi. Years ago, when he had visited the Land of Snow, he had seen Koyuki as a child.
"I regret to inform you that Kazahana Doto has staged a coup. At this moment, it is highly likely that Kazahana Sosetsu has…" Kakashi trailed off, but Mifune understood his implication.
"Damn it!" Mifune cursed, his face darkening.
Koyuki clung to Kakashi's arm, fear evident in her expression. It was as if he was her only source of safety.
Mifune took a deep breath, calming his anger. "Come inside."
Kakashi didn't hesitate. He led Koyuki inside, trusting that Mifune's character wouldn't put them in harm's way.
At least, he hoped so.