Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Seeing that Qiu Daotang was still hesitating, he added, "Even if things don't work out, we can still evacuate in time with our speed."

Nara Suzaku looked at the map, quickly did some mental calculations, and then looked up and said:

"Judging from the time and route, if the Cloud Village wants to flank us from behind, they will need to march quickly through this hilly area after landing, and they will not be able to reach our western rear until tomorrow morning at the earliest."

"If we send troops to ambush or intercept them in advance, we have a chance! The main camp really can't spare a large, organized force, but the Shadow Guard... might actually be able to."

Suzaku Nara was already impressed by Seigo's strength in fighting the Two-Tailed Matatabi alone.

Aburame Shiguro didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with the assessment.

He had also witnessed Qingwu's endless stream of summoned troops, which might actually be very effective in certain terrains.

"Alright!" Qiu Daotangdong no longer hesitated and slammed his hand on the table.

"Captain Qingwu, the task of intercepting this Cloud Hidden flanking force is entrusted to your Shadow Guard! I will have Zhuque and Zhihei do their utmost to stabilize the frontal defense. What kind of support do you need?"

"Intelligence, accurate intelligence, the latest location, troop composition, and marching route of this Cloud Hidden Force—the more detailed the better," Qingwu said.

"Also, prepare some detonating tags for us, the more the better."

“No problem! I’ll immediately have the intelligence team and the mountain clan fully cooperate to gather intelligence!” Qiu Daotangdong turned around and made the arrangements.

A moment later, the latest intelligence was gathered.

According to the information brought back and sporadic reconnaissance, the Cloud Hidden Force that landed had indeed split up.

One of the units, consisting of approximately 1,200 men, was led by an elite Jonin from Kumogakure named Kaiyui.

They are rapidly advancing southeast along the hilly area bordering the Land of Frost and the Land of Rice, aiming directly at the flank and rear of Konoha's main frontline camp.

Another, larger force headed towards the border between the Land of Waterfall and the Land of Fire.

"Kaiyuu of the Cloud Ninja... is skilled in Lightning Release, has an aggressive personality, and is a proponent of war," Nara Suzaku provided the known information.

“1,200 people… more than expected.” Qiu Daotang frowned again.

“It’s alright,” Qingwu said, taking the intelligence scroll and the sealing scroll containing the explosive tags. “We should not delay, let’s set off immediately.”

"Be extra careful!" Qiu Daotang said solemnly.

Qingwu nodded and said to the three behind him, "Mongoose, Tianzang, Snake Princess, check your equipment, replenish your ninja tools, and we'll depart in ten minutes!"

"Yes!"

……

The night was as dark as ink, and the cold wind howled.

A relatively flat open space outside the stronghold.

Qiu Daotangdong hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Suzaku Nara and Shiguro Aburame exchanged a glance, their smiles somewhat ingratiating: "Wishing you all the best, we'll be waiting for you to come back so we can celebrate the New Year together."

Hongdou was somewhat dazed. This was the first time in her life that she had spent the Chinese New Year away from the village.

Tianzang didn't feel anything; last year, in his territory, it was the first time in his life that he had experienced the atmosphere of the New Year.

For some reason, Zhi Shui felt a sense of relief, as if he had been liberated. In the clan, there were not only many rules, but also a dark cloud hanging over the clan in recent years.

Qingwu nodded without saying anything more, "Spirit Communication Technique!"

The silver Pegasus appeared in the moonlight, its pure white wings slightly folded.

"set off!"

He was the first to leap onto a silver Pegasus, followed closely by Zhishui, Tianzang, and Hongdou.

Four silver winged horses spread their wide wings and suddenly took off, carrying the four people and quickly disappearing into the dark night sky, flying swiftly towards the northwest.

“The village has finally accomplished something worthwhile,” Ayame Shiko suddenly said.

“…” Nara Suzaku was silent for a moment, “Shiguro, he killed Aburame Ryoma, you really don’t feel any resentment at all?”

“What I meant by ‘something important happened in the village’ was sending Captain Qingwu over,” Zhihei said in a deep voice. “As for the matter you mentioned… my brother also believes that the Roots were at fault first.”

He turned around. "Should I blame a comrade who just saved the base for my own mistake?"

Nara Suzaku smiled and said no more. He already knew the attitudes of Shiguro and his brother Shiki.

“Slug…” Akimichi Tou said, “Senju surname + slug, there is no one more righteous than him, the claim of him being a traitorous ninja is indeed laughable.”

Although those from prominent families thought Qingwu's actions were somewhat excessive—Shimura Danzo was, after all, a high-ranking official in Konoha.

But then again, while they shed blood and sweat on the front lines, they also deeply abhorred the Root's actions of turning against their own people!

……

Muye Village

Hokage Building.

"Is it so late, are you in such a hurry to leave?"

The third generation leader took a puff of his pipe and said helplessly.

News came back from the front lines that the battle with Yunyin was about to reignite, and he truly hoped that his disciple could help him.

Tsunade stretched and said, "Yugao's condition has stabilized. I've fulfilled my promise to that kid. What would I be doing here if I didn't leave?"

"..." The Third Hokage didn't know what to say.

Tsunade has always been a very opinionated person and has never been bound by the "Will of Fire".

Moreover... he probably knew why—since her lover and younger brother died on the battlefield, Tsunade had avoided war.

“Old man, I’ve come not only to say goodbye, but also to say some things.”

"You said."

"Leave the war to that kid. Slug Immortal trusts him, and I trust him too. But what I want to say is, don't let the people on the front lines lose heart."

"...You mean Danzo? I've already placed him under house arrest!"

"That's not enough. You'd better go there yourself. Use whatever means are necessary, give him warnings, and don't let him cause any trouble. Otherwise... you should know that kid better."

The Third Hokage remained silent.

Through the massacre of the Roots that night, he truly gained a completely new understanding of Qingwu.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." The Third Hokage was somewhat annoyed.

On one hand, it was because Danzo had made things this way, and on the other hand, it was because everyone was speaking up for that kid—he felt... the Shadow Guard wasn't entirely his anymore.

"That's settled then." Tsunade didn't say anything more, turned around and waved her hand nonchalantly: "I'm leaving!"

boom!

The office door closed, and a long sigh came from inside.

……

Roots, underground base.

After completing her treatment, Pharmacist Nonou prepared to leave.

"Don't you want to know how Dou is doing?" a hoarse voice asked.

Several photos were thrown to the ground with a "whoosh".

Nono stopped and squatted down to pick up the cards one by one.

Seeing her increasingly sharp and capable face in the photo, her lips unconsciously softened.

"Come back and do my bidding, and I will reunite you and your son."

Nonou put away the photo and looked at Danzo: "Master, you promised me."

“The roots have suffered huge losses, and this is the time when we need people. Nonou, the village has given you everything, and you must know how to repay the kindness.”

"..." Nono remained silent.

“An orphanage!” Danzo said softly.

Nonou shuddered. Danzo had not only threatened her with Kabuto Yakushi, but had also brought up the orphanage again.

She understood that if she didn't agree to Danzo's request, the orphanage would likely face the same trouble as before. Last time it was because Iruka happened to be present, but what about next time...? What if this continued...?

She was powerless to resist!

Just then, an old voice came from outside: "Open the door!"

Then came the shouts of the Anbu: "How dare you! With the Hokage in front of you, are the Root ninjas no longer Konoha ninjas?"

Clang!

The door opened, and the Third Generation walked in.

Seeing that Nono was also there, the Third Generation said gently, "Dean, you should go back first."

Nono hesitated, but feeling Danzo's gaze, she could only bow and retreat.

She knows exactly what matters most to the Hokage!

The door closed, and it was dark; neither of the two old friends spoke.

After a long silence, the Third Hokage said, "You are not allowed to step out of the Root headquarters for a year."

Danzo was taken aback; he was unaware of the situation.

Since it involved the face of the higher-ups, the Third Boss did not publicly punish him, and since he held a very high position, only the Third Boss had the right to say such things to him.

"Hiruzen—you!"

"Also, from now on, you are not allowed to touch anyone related to Qingwu."

"But--"

"Danzo, I am the Hokage, and Root is also part of Konoha."

"..."

"Were you trying to cause trouble for the dean?" The Third Hokage knew his old friend all too well.

"..."

"How old are you? Why aren't you saying anything? Are you sulking? Hmph, remember what I said: don't provoke anyone related to Qingwu, including the dean."