Naruto was somewhat surprised by Princess Koyuki Kazehana's strong reaction.
But after thinking about it, it wasn't strange at all.
In this world, strength ultimately bought dignity.
Under the existing power structure, the daimyō of the Daimyō Manor and the leader of a ninja village were considered the two highest authorities of a nation.
One governed the country, while the other governed the village.
One maintained internal stability, the other handled national defense.
One provided funds, the other spent them.
The Daimyō's authority resided in the Daimyō Manor, while the ninja village's power belonged to the village itself.
Their powers didn't overlap. In fact, they often made concessions to one another to maintain balance.
After all, both sides possessed what the other needed.
Thus, although the relationship between the Daimyō Manor and the ninja village appeared fragile on the surface, it was actually extremely stable.
Naruto didn't want to be arrogant, but he clearly understood what his strength represented.
Frankly speaking, if Naruto's reputation were just a little greater, then even if he wanted to establish another Konoha within the Land of Fire itself, the Land of Fire's daimyō would likely have no way—or no courage—to refuse.
For Naruto to establish a ninja village in the Land of Snow was nothing short of an enormous blessing for Princess Koyuki Kazehana.
As long as she paid, she would gain long-term national stability.
Was there anything more cost-effective than that?
She had no idea how much certain tycoons in another world would be willing to pay just for "stability."
Of course, Naruto's expectations and Princess Koyuki Kazehana's expectations were not necessarily the same.
So Naruto reminded her, "The force I establish might not develop very quickly."
"It doesn't matter!" Princess Koyuki Kazehana placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and said earnestly, "As long as you're willing to stay, it's already a blessing for the Land of Snow."
Naruto's fearsome reputation preceded him.
Even if he didn't establish a ninja village at all, just letting others know that Naruto was living in seclusion in the Land of Snow would be enough to deter any village from provoking it.
Moreover, Naruto genuinely intended to develop a ninja village.
To Princess Koyuki Kazehana, Naruto's very existence was the fundamental reason the Land of Snow would never be invaded.
That would allow her to develop the country peacefully.
Although the Land of Snow was relatively barren and considered a remote corner of the world,
it was still far better than the Land of Wind… cough.
This wasn't meant to target the Land of Wind—it was simply an objective observation.
Seeing Princess Koyuki Kazehana's wholehearted support, Naruto felt relieved.
At least this meant he wouldn't need to negotiate with other daimyōs.
It saved him a great deal of trouble.
After thinking for a moment, Naruto said, "Establishing a ninja village requires suitable terrain, and it needs to be spacious."
Yes—terrain.
Rugged mountains or flat plains.
Obviously, flat land was preferable.
As for the idea that rugged terrain was better for defense?
That was nonsense.
Defense was handled by barrier techniques.
And Naruto didn't think he needed to defend against anyone at all.
With system missions backing him, people should be grateful if Naruto didn't go around causing trouble.
Princess Koyuki Kazehana fell silent in thought.
After pondering for a long time, she couldn't think of any truly suitable locations within the Land of Snow.
If she had to name one…
The Daimyō Manor itself had excellent geography.
But would placing the ninja village too close to the Daimyō Manor cause problems in the future?
That was something she couldn't ignore.
Princess Koyuki Kazehana didn't doubt the trust between herself and Naruto.
But the establishment of a nation—or a power—couldn't rely solely on the relationship of one generation.
What if their descendants failed to understand that bond?
What if two supreme authorities were located too close to one another?
Even the strongest relationships eroded over time.
As a ruler, Princess Koyuki Kazehana couldn't possibly overlook that.
Her brows furrowed—and then, a bold idea suddenly surfaced in her mind.
Naruto noticed her change in expression and looked at her in confusion.
Even Karin sensed something was off and nudged her.
"Koyuki-nee, what are you thinking about?"
Princess Koyuki Kazehana pursed her lips and suddenly asked, a little hurriedly,
"Naruto-kun… why don't you establish the ninja village directly within the Daimyō Manor?"
Naruto: "?"
Karin: "?"
Both Naruto and Karin were completely inexperienced in matters like this.
Actually, calling them novices might have been generous.
But Princess Koyuki Kazehana's words were clearly abnormal.
Among the Five Great Nations, which daimyō manor and ninja village were located together?
Even if relations were good now, what about future generations?
And the generation after that?
Time eroded everything.
As a monarch, Princess Koyuki Kazehana couldn't possibly be unaware of this.
That was why Karin felt an ominous premonition.
She suddenly recalled something and stared at Princess Koyuki Kazehana in shock.
Dressed in her royal attire, Princess Koyuki Kazehana stood shyly before Naruto.
Bad news.
Karin sighed and asked, "You're not planning to merge the Daimyō Manor and the ninja village… are you?"
Hearing this, Princess Koyuki Kazehana instinctively looked at Naruto.
He seemed completely oblivious.
Still, she didn't deny it. She nodded gently.
"Yes. That way, the Land of Snow would be more united, wouldn't it, Naruto-kun?"
Karin sighed again.
"Then it depends on whether Naruto agrees."
Naruto frowned slightly.
"What do you mean? Combining the Daimyō Manor and the ninja village would mean centralized power. At that point, who would be the daimyō—me or you?"
A faint smile appeared on Princess Koyuki Kazehana's gentle face.
She replied softly, "Our child would be."
Naruto: "..."
Oh.
I see.
"So that's it…" Naruto finally understood.
"No wonder Karin reacted like that."
Princess Koyuki Kazehana grew nervous after seeing his reaction.
She asked anxiously, "Then… Naruto-kun, what do you think of me?"
No matter what Naruto thought, she personally believed Naruto was exceptional.
Handsome, powerful, talented, and kind to those around him.
Aside from being somewhat of a playboy, he had no real flaws.
Not everyone could accept such a trait in a partner.
But Princess Koyuki Kazehana didn't mind.
In fact, she felt nothing about it at all.
She was born into royalty—her views were naturally detached.
As long as she and Naruto had a child, that child would inherit the Land of Snow.
That was unquestionable.
As for everything else… did she really need to care?
Naruto looked at her and gave an extremely objective evaluation.
"You're a princess who seems rather timid. Even if you became queen, you wouldn't really be able to control your ministers…"
"Ah…" Princess Koyuki Kazehana lowered her head, disappointment clear in her voice.
"That's true."
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