Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Yesterday, Qingwu left quietly, and only Zhishui guessed what he had gone to do.

He was present at the agreement made with Orochimaru six months ago, so he rushed over as soon as he heard the news of the captain's return.

"It's nothing, it's snake blood," Qingwu replied casually.

Kakashi frowned slightly, but since he was no longer the captain of the Shadow Guard, he didn't ask any further questions.

"Kakashi-senpai, Shisui, please have a seat."

Qingwu stood up to greet them, poured three cups of water from the kettle beside him, and casually asked, "How are the peace talks going?"

The tent was very simple, with only a low table and two cushions.

Kakashi plopped down on the futon without any hesitation, picked up his water cup, took a swig, and smacked his lips:

"Nothing has changed. That old fox Tsuchida spends all his time at the negotiating table, haggling with Elder Mitomon Homura. However, his troops are all holed up in the Land of Lightning, probably because they're afraid of the Shadow Guard."

Kakashi paused, then looked at Qingwu: "Why do I feel like... you've changed again? You haven't improved again, have you? Are you trying to kill everyone else?!"

Qingwu inwardly praised Kakashi's keen senses, but his face remained expressionless: "Senior is joking. Improving one's strength is not so easy."

He changed the subject: "How long will you be staying here, senior?"

Kakashi waved his hand, "Not necessarily, it depends on the progress of the peace talks."

Shisui could tell that the captain was unwilling to talk about "personal matters," and tactfully refrained from pressing the issue, continuing along the topic:

"There has indeed been progress. The Daimyo's office in the Land of Lightning has exerted a lot of pressure, and there seem to be dissenting voices within the Hidden Cloud Village as well."

Kakashi took over the conversation with a slightly more serious tone: "I heard that Tsuchikage's attitude at the negotiating table has softened considerably, although he still insists it's a 'ceasefire' rather than a 'defeat'."

However, significant concessions have been made on specific terms such as the amount of compensation and the exchange of prisoners, Elder Mitomon Homura and Lord Suzaku judged.

If all goes well, a preliminary framework agreement should be reached in one or two weeks at most.

Qingwu nodded. "That's good."

Although he personally hoped the war would continue, on the other hand, the war was costing the lives of countless ninjas, and his thinking had now changed.

Shisui said, "However, the final signing of the agreement will probably require the Hokage's personal involvement, since it involves peace talks between two countries."

"Hmm." Kakashi's tone carried a hint of helplessness. "So the stalemate on the western front will continue. As long as the Tsuchikage Onoki doesn't withdraw his troops, the Hokage can't leave."

On the other hand, both sides are waiting for the final result from the eastern front.

It can be said that we have entered a period of calm.

With the Hokage and Tsuchikage present, the conflicts and friction between Konoha and Iwagakure were kept within a certain range.

Mentioning the western front, Kakashi seemed to remember something, "Oh right, Akimichi Tou-senpai suggested before that we should transfer your Shadow Guard to the western front."

Qingwu was greatly encouraged.

The battle in Kumogakure is basically over. If we go to Iwagakure, we can definitely "farm" some more experience points and natural energy.

Moreover, the participation of the Shadow Guard made it easier to end the war on the Western Front.

Shisui pondered for a moment and said, "If our Shadow Guard goes to the western front, we should be able to put some pressure on Iwagakure."

“That’s right,” Kakashi said, shrugging. “But the Hokage rejected it.”

"Huh? Why!? Kakashi-senpai!" Shisui was somewhat surprised.

Given the deterrent power currently being demonstrated by the Shadow Guard, it is theoretically feasible to exert pressure on the western front.

"The Hokage said..."

Kakashi looked at Qingwu: "You were already being 'punished' on the eastern border. It would be illegitimate and unreasonable to transfer you to the western border so abruptly."

Qingwu pursed his lips; he had probably guessed this as well.

"Moreover, if you go, it may disrupt the delicate balance between the east and west lines and provoke Iwagakure to overreact, which would be counterproductive."

Kakashi shrugged: "What the Hokage means is that the most important thing right now is to maintain stability and wait for the peace talks on the Eastern Front to conclude."

Once the peace agreement on the eastern front is signed, the threat from Kumogakure will be eliminated, and Iwagakure, left to fend for itself, will naturally retreat. Therefore... there's no need to create unnecessary trouble at this time.

Upon hearing this, Shisui said softly, "The Hokage-sama has considered everything carefully. Now is indeed not the time to escalate the conflict."

Qingwu sighed inwardly, understanding the Third Generation's concerns.

As the Hokage, one needs to consider the overall situation. Sometimes, being conservative and avoiding uncontrollable risks is the right choice.

Although... he personally prefers to take the initiative, he also respects Konoha's decision.

The three chatted about some trivial matters from the front lines and rumors from the village, with Kakashi doing most of the talking and Qingwu and Shisui listening.

Qingwu noticed that Kakashi had changed a lot.

It seems that his interaction with Naruto has completely brought out his true nature.

Neither Kakashi nor Shisui told Qingwu about the Uchiha clan members coming to their door.

As night deepened, Kakashi yawned and got up to say goodbye.

Shisui also stood up and said apologetically, "Captain, you should get some rest."

After seeing the two off, Qingwu lay down again.

Sleepiness is creeping in!

Continuous battles, improved strength, future plans... all sorts of thoughts churned in my mind, but were ultimately suppressed by a deep sense of exhaustion.

He quickly drifted off to sleep.

……

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, bringing a touch of warmth.

Qingwu opened her eyes.

After a good night's rest, I have fully recovered.

His body's natural energy had recovered to 80%, and after stretching his muscles and bones, he felt quite good.

Since the Shadow Guards don't have any missions right now, he plans to go find Tianzang to find out about the kid's Wood Release training.

Well, it can also give me some inspiration.

The "wooden dragon" and "wooden man" he released earlier by wrapping around the wooden roots were imitations of the First Hokage's Wood Release ninjutsu.

After washing up, Qingwu changed into a set of loose, clean clothes and was about to go out when... a clear and gentle wave of energy came from her.

—The psychic contract was signed just yesterday.

The contractual connection established with Princess Tanshin fluctuated, not out of an urgent, intense will, but rather a desire for "communication" tinged with inquiry and a hint of expectation.

Qingwu paused, a strange smile appearing on his face.

This goddess of Ryuchi Cave is really... proactive. She only signed the contract yesterday, and she wanted to come out and see the outside world first thing this morning?

However, he didn't dislike it.

Perfect timing! He also wanted to meet this new "partner" and, incidentally, test the details of her abilities.

In the environment of Ryongji Cave, where the two sides were enemies, many details were not clearly visible.

"Ninja Art: Summoning Technique!"

Without hesitation, Qingwu quickly formed a spirit communication seal with both hands and pressed it to the ground.

Unlike the grand spectacle of communicating with slugs, this time the smoke from the communication was very faint and gentle.

As the smoke cleared, a white figure quietly appeared in the open space in the center of the tent; it was none other than Princess Tianxin.

She was still wearing that simple white robe, its hem fluttering in the breeze, her bare feet gleaming with a jade-like luster in the morning light.

Her face was delicate and serene, except for her unusual vertical pupils, which gave her a mysterious air unique to non-human beings.

"Good morning, Lord Qingwu!"

Princess Tianxin bowed slightly, her voice still carrying the ethereal quality of a secluded orchid in a quiet valley, but her tone was calm and respectful:

"Please forgive my intrusion. I just wanted to confirm the stability of the contractual connection, and also... see if you need any assistance."

Qingwu smiled.

However, he did not intend to expose Tianxin Shenji. Just as he was about to respond, the curtain was suddenly flung open from the outside!

"Captain! I heard you came back last night? Are you up yet? There's a special grilled fish for breakfast today, I got you a portion... uh?"

Hongdou burst in excitedly, carrying a large food platter, shouting as she went.

However, her words came to an abrupt halt, as if she had been suddenly choked.

Her eyes widened as she stared intently at the strange woman who had suddenly appeared in the center of the tent, her mouth slightly agape, almost dropping the food plate in her hands.

Hongdou got up very early today and went to the logistics department to grab the freshest grilled fish, thinking of sending it over to the team leader.

She knew that Qingwu had returned very late yesterday and must still be hungry.

The girl's thoughts were simple and straightforward; she simply felt that the captain was a good person and wanted to be kind to him.

But to her utter surprise, early in the morning, she would see a woman in the captain's tent!

She's such a beautiful and elegant woman; she doesn't look like an ordinary person at all!

A state of high alert instantly went off in Hongdou's mind!

She looked Tianxin Shenji up and down warily.

Strange vertical pupils, bare feet, and a white robe that doesn't look like typical ninja attire at all... Every detail exudes an air of "something's not right"!

but……

This woman is so beautiful! Her skin is as white as snow, and her temperament is as ethereal as a fairy.

Just standing there, she made herself look like a boisterous, tomboyish girl!

And... how did she end up in the captain's tent? The captain just got back yesterday! What's their relationship?!

A jumble of chaotic thoughts instantly flooded Hongdou's mind, causing her face to flush red and then pale. Her eyes darted back and forth between Qingwu and Tianxin Shenji, filled with confusion.

And... a hint of grievance and bitterness that she herself didn't fully realize.

"Team leader...who...who is she?"