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The train glided across the snow-covered landscape like a long serpent slithering through pure white frost.
The tracks stretched through desolate terrain, devoid of even the slightest trace of human or animal activity. For Mei Terumī, who had grown accustomed to the misty, waterlogged climate of her homeland, the endless expanse of snow felt refreshingly novel. She pressed her finger against the train window, tracing patterns in the condensation like an enthralled child.
But then again… wasn't she still a child at heart? Yet…
"Why is she even here?" Midorima muttered, propping his chin on his hand, utterly perplexed.
Their mission was to hunt down rogue ninjas hiding in the distant Land of Snow. Rumor had it the Missing-Nin numbered more than a few, with several among them boasting formidable skills. These Missing-Nin had allied themselves with the Land of Snow's royal family, a situation ripe for sparking internal conflict. As such, the mission's difficulty was far from trivial.
Midorima recalled that in the anime, Kakashi had once ventured to the Land of Snow. Back then, he hadn't managed to eliminate the main antagonist, Kazahana Dotō, and instead fled with Princess Koyuki. It wasn't until Koyuki reached adulthood that Kakashi, alongside Naruto and the others, finally thwarted Dotō's schemes.
But that was all in the future.
During the Third Mizukage's reign, many ninjas had defected from Kirigakure. After the brutal war with Konoha, some of the defeated Kirigakure, too fearful to return home, had chosen the life of wandering rogues. It wasn't surprising, then, that Fubuki Dotō had managed to recruit these Missing-Nin in a remote border nation like the Land of Snow.
"Aren't you afraid that someone will harm you? You are old partners, and you have a tacit understanding with each other." Zabuza remarked, tugging his scarf higher to obscure his face. To avoid drawing attention on the train, they'd stashed away all identifiers—Kirigakure forehead protectors, face masks, and the like.
Midorima chuckled awkwardly. It's not an old partner, but they just carried out a mission together and were considered companions who had rolled on the line of death.
"Midorima, aren't you curious?" Mei spun around to face him, her eyes sparkling. "The snow, this train… it's all so new!"
"Haha…" Midorima forced a laugh.
Just a train. If she saw a maglev, she'd probably burst into tears. This clunky locomotive's speed already tested his patience. What baffled him more was that even such a sluggish train didn't exist in the Land of Water. With its countless islands and mountainous terrain, constructing a nationwide railway there was practically impossible.
"Anyway, make sure to bundle up when we get off," Midorima warned, eyeing Mei's thin attire.
"It can't be that cold outside," Mei waved him off dismissively.
Midorima massaged his temples. He could already picture her reaction the moment they stepped into the frigid air.
After an eleven-hour ride, the trio disembarked. A bone-chilling wind whipped through the station, nearly turning Mei into a human icicle. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably as she stammered, "S-so this is c-cold?!"
"Told you," Midorima sighed, handing her a thick padded coat.
Mei rubbed her flushed cheeks and stomped her feet, but her gaze drifted curiously around the snow-blanketed city. The main streets were impeccably cleared of snow, bustling with locals who navigated the winter scenery with practiced ease. In contrast, the three outsiders stuck out like sore thumbs.
"Save the sightseeing for the inn. This isn't the place to linger," Midorima reminded Zabuza and Mei.
Zabuza adjusted his scarf wordlessly, hefting their luggage as he trailed behind Midorima. Mei cast one last wistful glance at the surroundings before nodding—duty came first.
Budget constraints led them to a cheap, out-of-the-way inn. Though remote, it offered picturesque views of snow-draped hills. A staff member escorted them to a third-floor triple room.
As ninjas accustomed to roughing it, they weren't picky about accommodations. A single occupant could guard all three's belongings, allowing flexibility in movements. This was a mission, not a vacation—a fact both Mei and Zabuza understood well.
"The Land of Snow differs greatly from the Five Great Nations. They excel in scientific weaponry," Midorima cautioned, warming his hands around a mug of hot water. "Don't underestimate their shinobi just because their chakra seems weak. Their tech-enhanced abilities can surprise you."
Once the Great Nations recognized the value of such technology and poured resources into it, the Land of Snow's gadgets would pale in comparison. But for Mei, who'd never left Kirigakure, these tools were still revolutionary. Even Midorima, who'd seen such tech in the anime, felt a flicker of curiosity—he'd never experienced its true power firsthand.
"Still, the tech itself isn't the main threat. Tools are only as dangerous as their wielders," Midorima continued. "And remember the Mizukage's warning: avoid entangling ourselves in the royal power struggle. If Dotō gains the upper hand, we abort the hunt immediately."
"Rare to see the Mizukage issue such a vague mission," Zabuza said.
"Can't be helped," Mei countered. "Kirigakure may outmatch the Land of Snow, but meddling in a succession war would give the other Great Nations pretexts to target us."
Compared to Zabuza, Mei's strength lay in her versatility. Not only was she a combat prodigy, but her intellect, political acumen, and connections far surpassed most雾忍.
As for their current mission—eliminating the Missing-Nin—the political upheaval Dotō stirred in the Land of Snow was none of their concern.
But what about running into Kakashi…? Midorima wondered. Timeline-wise, it's possible… but surely not this coincidentally?
Knock-knock.
The sudden rapping at the door snapped all three to alert.
"Your meal, sir."
Midorima exhaled in relief. No way Kakashi's here. He opened the door to accept the tray, but as he turned, three figures around his age passed behind the server.
Leading them was a silver-haired youth, face buried in a scarf, hands pocketed, slouching with an air of perpetual boredom.
That… is unmistakably Kakashi.