Koyuki stood on the royal balcony, gazing out over the endless snow-covered landscape of the Land of Snow.
The cold wind blew gently, tousling the strands of hair near her forehead.
Sakiya stood nearby, holding Nanako with one hand, while Ino accompanied them to Koyuki's side.
"Oh? You're not busy today?" Sakiya teased. "Didn't expect to find you just standing around, admiring the scenery."
Koyuki tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and smiled sweetly.
"Good morning, Sakiya-chan~ I was busy the past few days, but today, I finally made time to relax a little."
As she spoke, she lifted the crystal necklace around her neck, her smile turning playful.
"So, Sakiya-chan, how about a treasure hunt?"
For some reason, whenever she spoke to Sakiya, Koyuki couldn't help but act a little childish and mischievous.
"Treasure hunt!?"
Both Sakiya and Nanako's eyes lit up, and they shouted in unison:
"Of course, we're going!"
Sakiya sighed, already knowing these two had been influenced by Ino's enthusiasm.
"Your Highness—no, I should call you Your Majesty the Queen now, shouldn't I?" She raised an eyebrow. "You finally become queen, and now you want to go treasure hunting?"
Koyuki turned to Ino with a knowing smile, holding up the crystal necklace in her hand.
"This was the last gift my father left me," she said softly. "They say it's the key to unlocking the royal treasury. It's also one of the main reasons Doto was after me."
Ino hesitated, seeing the gentle yet sad smile on Koyuki's face.
"...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"You don't have to apologize," Koyuki interrupted, flashing a playful grin before turning on her heel and heading for the door.
"Now then, shall we go find some treasure?"
Sakiya and Nanako pumped their fists into the air.
"Yes!!!"
They hurried after her.
As Koyuki walked ahead, Ino watched her back, feeling a strange sense of… sadness.
"...Honestly…" she murmured.
The four of them strolled leisurely along the snow-covered road, greeted warmly by the citizens of the Land of Snow.
"Your Majesty!"
"Good morning, Your Majesty!"
Koyuki smiled and waved back at them.
Though there were plenty of palace guards, she had chosen not to bring them along. With Sakiya by her side, extra protection wasn't necessary.
So, it was just Koyuki, the Sakiya sisters, and Ino enjoying their walk.
As they made their way down the road, something caught their attention. In an open space ahead, they spotted Sakura.
Koyuki blinked in surprise. "Is that… Sakura?"
Sakiya glanced over. "Oh~ yeah, it is."
Nanako nodded in agreement.
Sakura appeared to be building a snowman—though it was still in progress and looked rather odd.
Watching her work so seriously, Ino couldn't help but be amused. She called out loudly:
"Sakura!!!"
Sakura immediately looked up, startled. When she saw Ino, Sakiya, Nanako, and Koyuki approaching, her face turned slightly red.
"Ino… Sakiya… Nanako… Koyuki…" she greeted hesitantly.
Ino grinned, sidling up beside her and nudging her playfully.
"Oh~ making a snowman all by yourself? That's a little lonely, don't you think?"
Sakura clenched her fists and shot back, "Mind your own business! You're so annoying, Ino!"
Sakiya stepped closer, placing a hand on her chin, pretending to evaluate the snowman seriously.
"Hmm… it's not done yet, but it's not bad. Next time, let's have a snowman-building contest!"
She looked at Sakura with a competitive glint in her eye.
Sakura's cheeks flushed even more, and she quickly shook her head.
"N-No! I was just making this for fun."
Ino smirked. "Hehehe~ Sakura's embarrassed."
"Stop that! You're the worst, Ino!"
"Hahaha~"
Koyuki covered her mouth and laughed at their antics.
Nanako looked serious and determined.
"I want to compete too!"
"I said no!" Sakura huffed.
After teasing Sakura for a while, they tried inviting her to join their treasure hunt, but she remained too flustered to accept. So, Sakiya and the others continued without her.
Not long after, they heard a loud commotion in the distance—booming explosions echoed through the air.
Curious, the group moved closer to investigate. When they arrived, they found a large crowd gathered around a natural arena-like basin.
Inside, golden and blue lightning clashed violently, illuminating the battlefield. Each impact sent shockwaves through the air, shaking the ground beneath them. Swords crackled with energy, and spiraling bursts of power carved deep scars into the terrain.
"Their battle…" Ino recognized it immediately. "Naruto and Sasuke."
Her eyes flickered with admiration—and a hint of envy—at their strength.
"They're moving so fast, I can barely see them," Koyuki murmured in awe.
Nanako's eyes shone with excitement. She clenched her fists, inspired.
Sakiya ruffled her hair, grinning.
"Don't worry. Those two have reached their peak, but you? You're just getting started. You're my little sister—you'll surpass them one day!"
Nanako looked up at her, filled with determination.
"I will!" She pumped her fist.
Sakiya bumped her own fist against Nanako's.
"That's the spirit! Get stronger, Nanako!"
After exchanging quick greetings with Shikamaru and Choji, they resumed their journey.
It took some time, but eventually, they arrived at their destination—a massive crystal wall shimmering like a frozen rainbow.
In the center of the wall was a keyhole, perfectly matching Koyuki's hexagonal ice crystal pendant.
Without a word, she removed her necklace, holding the crystal carefully. She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and pushed it into the slot.
The moment the crystal locked into place, a brilliant iridescent glow spread across the wall.
Then… nothing.
Koyuki's heart sank.
"Did… did it not work?" she whispered.
"Look!" Ino gasped.
Koyuki turned, eyes widening. The ice and snow around them were beginning to melt.
"This is…"
"A brilliant creation," Sakiya murmured, nodding in admiration. "Your father left behind something incredible."
As the frozen land thawed, Koyuki's eyes welled with tears. Her father's voice echoed in her mind.
"Koyuki, one day, the Land of Snow will bloom with the colors of spring. Do you believe me?"
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
"I believe you…"
She finally understood. The true treasure her father left behind was hope—the future of their land.
A miracle.
A spring that would never fade.
Ino watched the scene unfold, moved by the depth of Koyuki's emotions.
"What an incredible father…" she whispered.