As Yoruha had expected, after eliminating Kazahana Doto, the restoration of Kazahana Koyuki's rule became a simple matter.
Afterward, Yoruha helped her deal with a few stubbornly resistant ninjas from Yukigakure. With that, no one in the Land of Snow opposed her claim to the title of Daimyo.
He stayed in the Land of Snow for over ten days, personally witnessing Kazahana Koyuki's succession ceremony. Then, he prepared to leave.
At the harbor, the newly appointed Daimyo stood before Yoruha.
After looking at him for a long time, this was all she could say.
Yoruha smiled, "Until we meet again, Lady Daimyo. If you ever have any missions in the future, remember to consider me first. I'd be happy to help."
Kazahana Koyuki was briefly stunned before sighing.
"You just want to make money, don't you?"
Yoruha felt a little awkward.
"Heh… well, I'll be off. Goodbye!"
Exposed by Kazahana Koyuki, Yoruha had no choice but to leave.
Just as he was about to turn away, Kazahana Koyuki suddenly stepped forward and hugged him.
Yoruha didn't react much. He simply patted her lightly on the back.
"It's my honor to be remembered by you, Lady Daimyo."
Kazahana Koyuki let go of him, smiling through her tears.
"One day, your name will be known throughout the entire ninja world."
Yoruha merely smiled without responding. Turning around, he walked toward the ship docked at the port.
Kazahana Koyuki watched quietly as the ship gradually disappeared beyond the horizon. Only then did she finally look away.
Beside her, Asama sighed.
"Who would have thought that a mere B-rank mission would lead to us encountering such a powerful ninja like Mr. Yoruha? Truly, this is a great blessing for the Land of Snow."
"Without Mr. Yoruha, I don't know how long it would have taken to reclaim the throne."
Then, he hesitated for a moment before adding, "Your Highness, perhaps we could have asked Mr. Yoruha to stay a little longer. That way, he could form a stronger bond with the Land of Snow."
Kazahana Koyuki glanced at Asama.
She understood what he meant.
But she also knew that Yoruha had no interest in her in that way.
Besides, he was only twelve years old.
Since Yoruha had no such intentions, it was best to remain friends.
Trying to push things further might not bring them closer—it could even drive them apart.
Without saying anything more, Kazahana Koyuki turned and left.
Asama, however, couldn't help but feel it was a wasted opportunity.
He had hoped Yoruha and Kazahana Koyuki would develop feelings for each other, ideally leading to a relationship.
If Yoruha—a powerhouse like him—chose to stay in the Land of Snow, their nation's strength would skyrocket, ensuring its security for years to come.
Of course, the Land of Snow had never actually been invaded by other countries.
After all, no nation would be foolish enough to occupy a land covered in ice and snow year-round.
However, as Kazahana Koyuki's advisor, Asama naturally had to consider every possible advantage for her reign.
With Yoruha's support, Kazahana Koyuki's position as Daimyo would be even more secure.
Unfortunately, neither Yoruha nor Kazahana Koyuki seemed interested in such an idea.
Kazahana Koyuki didn't oppose it, but Yoruha had shown no inclination whatsoever.
As for the issue of age—that wasn't even a problem.
After all, Kazahana Koyuki was a Daimyo. By the time Yoruha turned sixteen, they could theoretically get married.
Asama sighed again, feeling that it was truly a pity.
As the ship sailed away, Asama Santarou shook his head and sighed.
Yoruha had completed his mission.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, the Chunin Exams had already progressed to the final round.
At this moment, the highly anticipated match between Gaara and Sasuke was about to begin.
Unlike in the original timeline, Sasuke had already mastered Chidori long ago, so he hadn't delayed the match due to extra training.
On the battlefield, Genma Shiranui announced, "Participants, enter the arena."
Countless spectators watched in anticipation as Sasuke and Gaara stepped onto the field.
This was the match they had been looking forward to the most today.
The genius of Sunagakure, Gaara, versus the genius of Konohagakure, Uchiha Sasuke.
Calling it a "clash of titans" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
The crowd erupted into cheers the moment Sasuke and Gaara appeared.
Excitement filled the entire stadium.
"Uchiha Sasuke… so he's this generation's genius from Konoha?"
"He's so handsome! Easily the best-looking contestant!"
"That's the last survivor of the Uchiha Clan? I wonder how strong he is."
The audience was eager to witness this battle.
Sasuke walked into the arena with a calm expression.
Gaara, carrying his signature gourd on his back, slowly approached Sasuke, his face dark and murderous intent brewing in his heart.
In the Kage's viewing area, Orochimaru—disguised as the Fourth Kazekage—fixed his gaze on Sasuke, his eyes filled with intrigue.
He couldn't help but praise, "The power of the Uchiha Clan…"
Beside him, the Third Hokage frowned slightly.
There was something about this Kazekage that felt… off.
But when his eyes landed on Sasuke, he smiled in satisfaction.
"I wonder how strong Sasuke is now… In the future, he will be Yoruha's greatest support."
Genma Shiranui also studied Sasuke as he approached, thinking to himself,
"So this is the last of the Uchiha… I wonder if he inherited their legendary power."
Once both competitors stood before him, Genma quickly explained the rules of the match before leaping out of the arena.
Gaara smirked coldly at Sasuke.
"Uchiha Sasuke, I told you before—I will kill you."
Sasuke frowned slightly.
"Say that again when you actually have the ability to do it."
Gaara wasted no more words.
With a wave of his hand, countless grains of sand surged out from his gourd.
A deep hum resonated as the sand rushed toward Sasuke, attempting to trap him.
From the stands, Kakashi and Guy stood together.
"So that's Gaara's technique… This is how he injured Lee."
"I wonder if Sasuke is aware of Gaara's fighting style."
Kakashi, however, kept his eyes on Sasuke the entire time.
"Don't worry. He knows."
Hearing this, Guy finally relaxed.
Elsewhere in the stands, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Hinata, Shino, Kiba, Lee, Tenten, Sakura, and Naruto all watched the match intently.
Neji, having been injured in his fight against Naruto, was still recovering in the hospital.
The group focused on Sasuke with anticipation.
Among them, they all acknowledged that Sasuke was the strongest.
But Gaara was terrifyingly powerful as well, and his jutsu was nothing short of horrifying.
They couldn't help but worry.
After all, even someone as strong as Lee had been completely crushed by Gaara.
That alone was enough to show how difficult he was to deal with.
In the arena, Sasuke watched as the sand closed in from all directions.
Instead of dodging, he charged straight toward Gaara.
"If I defeat you, your sand will be useless."
At first, Sasuke sprinted at normal speed.
Clenching his fist, the sand's movement instantly accelerated, surging toward Sasuke at an alarming pace.
But Sasuke showed no signs of panic.
Instead, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, as if he had anticipated this all along.
"Lightning Style: Body Flicker."
Sasuke raised two fingers, and in the next instant, his figure blurred into a streak of blue lightning, vanishing from Gaara's sight.
Gaara's eyes widened in shock.
Even he couldn't react in time.
He hadn't even seen Sasuke's movement before he disappeared.