SWNOVELXO Chapter 45: Yukie's past
My name is Koyuki Kazahana, and my story is woven into the fabric of the Land of Snow, a place where the winter stretches endlessly, and the sun's warmth is but a fleeting memory. I was born into the Kazahana clan, rulers of this land, and with that birthright came both privilege and burden. My family has always been steeped in tradition and expectations, with my father, the late daimyo, embodying the will of the people. But the truth of my past is not as simple as it may seem; it is a tale of loss, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of identity.
From an early age, I was sheltered within the high walls of our castle, surrounded by luxury yet stifled by expectation. My father was a kind man, deeply loved by his people. He often told me stories about the warmth of spring and the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but the chill of winter held us captive. As the only child of the Kazahana clan, I was groomed to be the future leader. My lessons were rigorous, and I learned the art of diplomacy, the importance of tradition, and the need for strength. But while I excelled in my studies, my heart ached for something beyond the confines of our castle walls.
The day my life shattered into a million pieces began like any other. The sun was obscured by thick clouds, casting a dreary pall over the Land of Snow. I was a child then, innocent and blissfully unaware of the storm that was about to descend upon us. My father, Soutetsu Kazahana, the kind and noble daimyo, had gathered the villagers for a winter festival, hoping to bring joy and warmth to our cold land. Little did we know that darkness loomed just beyond the horizon, waiting for its moment to strike.
As the festivities began, I felt a sense of hope and happiness. Laughter echoed through the palace grounds, filling my heart with warmth. My father had always believed in the power of community and the importance of bringing people together. I stood by his side, watching the villagers dance and celebrate, their faces glowing with joy. But that joy was abruptly shattered when the unmistakable sound of chaos erupted from the outskirts of the village.
The rogue ninjas, led by my uncle Doto, descended upon us like a horde of locusts, their intentions clear as they wreaked havoc on our celebration. I remember the panic that spread through the crowd, a palpable fear that snaked its way into my chest. Doto had always been power-hungry, but I never imagined he would betray our family in such a cruel manner. My heart raced as I watched him draw his weapon, his eyes cold and determined, as he sought to seize control of the Land of Snow.
In that moment, everything changed. My father, Soutetsu, stepped forward, a shield between the villagers and the oncoming threat. "Koyuki, stay close!" he called, his voice steady even in the face of impending danger. I felt paralyzed, torn between the urge to run and the instinct to stay with him. The chaos swirled around us, but I could only focus on the figure of my father, standing strong against the forces that threatened to tear our family apart.
The battle that followed was a blur of screams and clashing steel. I watched in horror as my father fought valiantly, deflecting blows and protecting the innocent. But Doto was relentless, driven by a twisted ambition that I could hardly comprehend. I saw the moment he landed a fatal strike, a single, devastating blow that shattered my world. Time slowed as I watched my father collapse, the light fading from his eyes. My heart sank, and a scream escaped my lips, but it was drowned out by the chaos surrounding me.
As Doto declared himself the new ruler, a wave of despair washed over me. In that instant, I knew I could not stay. The palace, once my home, felt like a prison filled with memories of love and laughter turned to ash. I fled, tears blurring my vision as I ran into the depths of the snow-covered forest. The world outside had become a maze of uncertainty, but I couldn't bear to watch Doto seize everything my father had worked for, everything I had loved.
Naruto POV
"With the help of the one who came with you, Kakashi Hatake, I escaped from Dato and lived as Yukie Fujikaze, an actress," she revealed, her voice steadier now. "I was terrified that if I tried to return home, Dato would kill everyone around me. So, I decided to stay away and remain just an actress. My father always said that spring would come to our land. ", she said
Her words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of lost hopes and sacrifices. I could see the pain in her eyes, and it made me even more determined to help her reclaim her home and confront the fears that haunted her.
Seeing the tears streaming down her face, I wrapped my arms around her in a comforting hug. "Don't worry; nothing will happen to you or anyone else because of your uncle. I will defeat him," I promised, my voice steady with conviction.
As I spoke, I leaned in and kissed her gently. To my relief, she accepted it without hesitation, returning the kiss with a mix of gratitude and newfound hope. In that moment, it felt as if we were forging an unbreakable bond, united in our determination to face the challenges ahead together.