Hearing Yagyu's words, asama Santarō, who had still been doubtful, was visibly shaken. He looked up and carefully sized Yagyu up for quite a while.
As a mission client, and for an A-rank mission at that,
the client naturally had some degree of authority and would also have a basic understanding of Konoha's more capable ninja.
And recently, the name Yagyu Sosuke had become extremely well known.
Just listen to how Konoha's villagers talked about him:
"In Konoha, you can always trust Yagyu Sosuke!"
"The Gale Swordsman of Konoha, don't think his strength is limited to just swordsmanship!"
"If Yagyu Sosuke doesn't die, he will definitely become the next Hokage!"
"..."
There was a lot of praise.
It sounded somewhat exaggerated.
But precisely because of that exaggeration, it made it clear just how powerful Yagyu truly was.
It was something that could not be fully described in just a few sentences.
And then there were the evaluations from his enemies.
The Sunagakure jonin who had participated in the recent war all unanimously agreed that Yagyu Sosuke had already reached a level comparable to the Five Kage.
After observing Yagyu for a moment,
a look of excitement appeared on Asama Santarō's face:
"May I ask, are you the Gale Swordsman of Konoha, Lord Yagyu Sosuke? I am Miss Yukie's manager, Asama Santarō. Please take care of me!"
After speaking, asama Santarō respectfully bowed to Yagyu:
"Please allow me to apologize for my earlier doubts and rudeness."
Hearing this, yagyu nodded, showing no sign of concern:
"It's fine. I didn't mind. Now then, please take me to meet the person I'm supposed to protect this time, Miss Fuji Kazahana Yukie."
After confirming Yagyu's identity,
Asama Santarō did not dare delay and immediately said:
"Yes, Lord Yagyu, this way please. Miss Yukie is currently filming inside."
As he spoke, Asama Santarō led the way toward the filming set.
Looking at the old man's respectful attitude,
Yagyu's thoughts drifted:
"As expected, having power really does feel good. If I were just an ordinary person, I'd probably have to be respectful even to a mere genin. Just imagining that kind of life feels unbearable."
Yagyu was not someone who was content with the status quo.
Because of that, deep down, he also had a desire for power and status.
It was just that his desire wasn't overwhelming, and he was relatively easy to satisfy.
Very soon, following Asama Santarō, Yagyu arrived at the filming site.
There, he saw Fuji Kazahana Yukie, dressed in her Princess of the Storm costume.
"Miss Yukie!"
Walking respectfully up to Fuji Kazahana Yukie, Asama Santarō introduced Yagyu:
"This is Lord Yagyu Sosuke, a Konoha Chunin who has accepted the escort mission. During the upcoming journey to the Land of Snow for filming, Lord Yagyu will ensure your safety. Please don't worry too much."
Hearing Asama Santarō's introduction, Fuji Kazahana Yukie turned her gaze toward Yagyu. When she saw that he was just a young boy, she spoke with sharp sarcasm:
"Him? A kid like him is supposed to protect me? Whether he can even survive in that country himself is questionable. Santarō, if you want me dead, just say it directly, alright?"
Hearing her words, Yagyu raised an eyebrow and did not wait for Santarō to respond.
Step.
Taking a step forward, Yagyu stood directly in front of Fuji Kazahana Yukie and said calmly:
"Since I've accepted this mission, nothing will happen to you. No matter who it is, no one will be able to harm you while I'm here. Please trust me."
With a cold laugh, Fuji Kazahana Yukie suddenly stood up and looked at Yagyu:
"Trust you? You think a single sentence like that is enough for me to entrust my life to you? What a joke!"
Letting out a sigh, Yagyu looked at her helplessly:
"I see. It seems that unless I show you some power, you won't be able to trust me."
Hearing Yagyu's words, Fuji Kazahana Yukie instinctively retorted:
"A mere brat like you, how much power could you possibly have—"
Boom.
Before she could finish, a killing intent as if from hell itself erupted from Yagyu's body, instantly enveloping the entire set.
In that instant, everyone felt as if blades were pressed against their bodies. Even though it was a warm season, it felt like falling into an icy abyss, as if they had plunged straight into the depths of hell.
Many people saw visions of their own deaths.
Fuji Kazahana Yukie was no exception.
Her entire body went numb and weak as she collapsed into her chair, completely unable to muster any strength.
Knowing when to stop, Yagyu only released his overwhelming killing intent for less than a second before withdrawing it.
Looking at Fuji Kazahana Yukie, who had just witnessed her own miserable death in that instant,
Yagyu wore a gentle, almost soothing expression:
"Now, you should be able to trust my strength. Also, whether you're willing or not doesn't matter. I've accepted this mission, and I will carry it out. After all, the client is Mr. Asama Santarō, not you."
After saying that, Yagyu casually walked to the side, pulled over a chair, and sat down without saying anything further.
Gradually, the film crew members who had been frightened by Yagyu's killing intent began to recover and resumed their work.
However, each of their expressions…everyone in the crew now looked at Yagyu with genuine awe, even fear and dread.
And because of Yagyu's display, Fuji Kazahana Yukie, who had previously been making a scene about not going to the Land of Snow, completely stopped protesting.
She had clearly been frightened by him.
Or rather, deep down, as Kazahana Koyuki, the princess of the Land of Snow, she still longed to return to her homeland and avenge her father.
So she chose to trust Yagyu's strength.
One week later.
On a luxurious ship sailing across the sea,
Yagyu stood watching Fuji Kazahana Yukie filming below.
Or rather, Kazahana Koyuki.
There was a hint of boredom on his face.
"When I go back, I should bring Ino a few autographed photos from the Princess of the Storm crew."
As he watched, Yagyu suddenly thought of Ino's cheerful face:
"I remember she really likes Fuji Kazahana Yukie as an actress."
Idol admiration.
It was something young girls naturally enjoyed.
"Hm?"
Just as he finished speaking, Yagyu raised his gaze toward the distant sea, where an iceberg had appeared:
"That iceberg... three faint chakra signatures. Those must be the three ninja from the Snow Ninja Village. Finally, something to do."
Only he knew how bored he had been during this period.
As his words fell, Yagyu withdrew his gaze from the iceberg.
Seeing that the director below was once again trying to revise the script and push for filming on the iceberg,
Yagyu could not help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
This director really was something else.
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