Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Qingwu understood something, and his eyes lit up: "Tianxin, are you saying that Hongdou can receive the immortal techniques inherited from Longdi Cave?"

Tianxin Shenji turned to him and smiled, but shook her head and said, "It's hard to say. The inheritance of Longdi Cave is not so easy to obtain. You've already met the White Snake Immortal..."

"..." Qingwu pursed her lips. Those eccentric "immortals" were indeed difficult to deal with.

Upon hearing that she might have the opportunity to acquire "immortal arts," Hongdou's face lit up with excitement.

Princess Tianxin smiled and nodded slightly to Hongdou. In fact... what she didn't say was that immortal arts require a high level of talent, which Hongdou hadn't yet reached.

At the very least... one's physical constitution would not be able to withstand the erosion of a large amount of natural energy.

Of course, at this moment, she didn't need to say it. In her experience, a little "guidance" would be enough to help Hongdou make great progress.

She looked at Qingwu, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry:

"Lord Qingwu, if you don't mind, perhaps... I can try to guide Miss Hongdou and see if I can help her better control this remaining 'trait'."

Although I cannot teach her Sage Mode for the time being, I do have some knowledge of the application of Snake-type ninjutsu and some secret techniques for strengthening the body.

Qingwu looked at Hongdou with satisfaction, never expecting that his contract with Tianxin Shenji would bring this girl such an opportunity.

"Red Bean, what do you think?" Qingwu's eyes were full of encouragement.

Hongdou was completely stunned.

She never expected that this woman, who made her feel threatened and bitter, would actually offer to help her.

And it sounds like it could actually help me?!

Looking at Tianxin Shenji's calm face, the hostility and jealousy in her heart unconsciously dissipated by most, replaced by a complex sense of gratitude and...shame.

I was just secretly talking badly about someone in my mind...

"I...I do! Thank you, Lady Tianxin!" Hongdou bowed quickly, her voice trembling with excitement.

"No need to be so polite." Princess Tianxin smiled slightly.

"Since you are an important partner of Lord Qingwu, it is only right that I help you. However, the cultivation process may be a bit arduous, so you should be mentally prepared."

"I'm not afraid of hardship!" Hongdou clenched her fist, her eyes becoming firm and bright.

Tianzang watched with envy.

Shisui was also happy for Hongdou.

Qingwu had an idea. "Tianxin, you're very experienced. Could you also help my other teammates see where they can improve?"

He could tell that Tianxin Shenji was doing these things partly to dispel the hostility her teammates harbored towards her.

On the other hand... since she was idle anyway, she probably wanted to find a suitable reason and excuse for herself to stay in the ninja world for a long time.

Since that's the case, let's just "maximize" her value!

Princess Tianxin did not refuse. She looked at Tianzang, sensed him carefully for a while, and said softly:

"Tianzang-kun's Wood Release talent is completely different from Qingwu-sama's, but there are some similar auras, yet it is more stable... um, more refined?"

Qingwu and Tianzang exchanged a glance. What... what kind of evaluation is this?

“He… uh, he’s always lived with me. The ‘same origin’ you mentioned must be due to the influence of the ancient tree’s natural energy,” Qingwu said thoughtfully.

Princess Tianxin nodded noncommittally, "This has increased Tianzang-kun's potential, but Tianzang-kun seems to be limited by some kind of framework."

Qingwu's heart stirred. Tianzang had been training in the Root since childhood with the Wood Release ninjutsu of the First Hokage, which Danzo had obtained. After joining the Shadow Guard, the Third Hokage also gave him the ninjutsu of the First Hokage.

"Lady Tianxin, please just call me by my name."

Tianzang was sweating profusely and felt uneasy about being called "Tianzang-kun".

"Yes, we're all family, so make yourselves at home," Qingwu said with a smile.

Princess Tianxin smiled and readily agreed:

“Tenzo, perhaps you could try to be a little more ‘indulgent’ and let the form changes of Wood Release grow according to your ‘heart’ instead of completely following a fixed ‘form’.”

A flash of inspiration struck Qingwu. As expected of an 'immortal' who had lived for hundreds of years, these words were equally enlightening to him.

Starting with the entanglement of Mumu's roots, he has been trying to develop more techniques, but the framework is also derived from the techniques of the First Hokage.

Of course, this cannot be entirely blamed on him; he and Tianzang are different.

Tenzo's main focus was Wood Release ninjutsu, while he himself had too many tactics and types of troops to dedicate the energy to mastering just one.

After listening to the guidance of Princess Tianxin, Tianzang nodded thoughtfully.

He has always studied the relatively standardized and stable way of using Wood Release left by his "predecessors," and has not tried any overly imaginative variations.

Princess Tianxin's words opened a new window for him.

"As for Shisui-kun..." Princess Tianxin "looked" at Shisui, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said:

"Your power is unique and immense, but also... burdensome. I cannot offer you any guidance."

But remember, power is a tool; the mind is the master who controls it. Don't let the tool turn against you, and don't let it cause you to lose sight of your true self.

Zhishui's body trembled slightly, and he nodded solemnly: "Thank you for your guidance, Immortal. I will keep it in mind."

Qingwu was amazed; she truly lived up to her reputation as the Goddess of the Field Heart, who was said to be able to see through people's hearts.

He was certain that this was the first time that Princess Tianxin had met Shisui, but she seemed to be able to see through what Shisui had experienced and what he was about to experience.

"Alright, that's all for today." Qingwu clapped his hands.

"Go back and eat. You can all cultivate yourselves this afternoon. Hongdou, you should ask Tianxin for guidance."

"Tianzang, come with me. Let's try some variations of Wood Release."

"Shisui, think about this carefully. Although the war has temporarily subsided, we cannot relax our efforts to improve our strength."

The teenage years are a crucial period of growth and development, and this time should not be wasted.

"Yes, Captain!" the three replied in unison.

……

Time passed, and it was late autumn and early winter of Konoha 54.

Under the guidance of Tanokami-hime, Anko's strength improved significantly in just a few months.

She was naturally talented and had a good foundation—otherwise, she wouldn't have been accepted as a disciple by Orochimaru.

Now, with the guidance of Princess Tianxin, her physical skills have become even more formidable and unpredictable.

They have also initially mastered a secret technique that uses natural energy to slightly stimulate the body and temporarily increase speed and explosive power.

Chakra control has become more refined, and there has been significant progress in snake-style ninjutsu.

Although their overall strength is not yet at the level of a Jonin, their strength has already firmly reached the level of a Special Jonin. With the help of their summoning beasts, their combat power should not be underestimated.

If things continue down the current path, Hongdou will inevitably become much stronger than in the original story.

Tenzo's Wood Release techniques also underwent some changes; he began experimenting with more flexible and imaginative Wood Release forms.

Although its power is not yet as great as standard Wood Release ninjutsu, it is unpredictable and versatile, and excels in support and control.

Thanks to living in the territory and being "baptized" day and night by the ancient tree of life, Tianzang's potential is much greater than in the original work.

In the past few months, Shisui has focused his energy on familiarizing himself with and developing the Mangekyou Sharingan. No one knows exactly how strong he is.

Qingwu himself was not idle either. While he was working with Tianzang to develop the transformations of Wood Release, he would occasionally "disappear" for a few days.

When they disappeared, they used the alias "puppet" to "take orders" at underground gold exchange offices.

The advantages of doing this are: on the one hand, you can accumulate gold resources, and on the other hand, you can steadily increase experience points and natural energy through battle settlements.

Although the growth rate was much slower than during the war, it was better than nothing in "peacetime".

Nara Suzaku at the front lines turned a blind eye to his occasional "disappearances".

Given Qingwu's reputation at the front lines, no one would make things difficult for him in this matter.

After months of protracted negotiations, the peace talks on the Eastern Front finally made a breakthrough as winter approached.

Under the combined pressure of the Daimyo's continued pressure from the Land of Lightning, the growing war-weariness within the Hidden Cloud Village, and the decisive advantage gained by the Hidden Leaf Village on the eastern front,

Tsuchikage, representing Kumogakure, and Homura Mitokado, representing Konoha, signed a preliminary ceasefire agreement in the Land of Iron.

The agreement includes:

...cease fire immediately, including any minor friction;

...The border was demarcated, with the current line of actual control clearly defined as the temporary demarcation line, and both sides withdrew to establish a buffer zone;

...war reparations: Kumogakure will pay Konoha a sum of war reparations, payable in installments;

...prisoner exchange, with both sides exchanging all prisoners of war unconditionally;

...and most importantly, normalization of relations, restoration of communication channels between the two countries, and further negotiations on future trade, mission assignments, and other matters.

The agreement did not contain the phrase "the defeat of Kumogakure".

But the "payment of war reparations" has clearly demonstrated who the victor is in this border conflict.

Konoha successfully drove Kumogakure back, consolidated its eastern border, and obtained a large sum of reparations, thus basically achieving its strategic objectives.

Of course, Konoha also made some concessions.

For example, the amount of compensation was less than initially requested, and compromises were made on some details.

After all, Konoha itself is under pressure from fighting on two fronts and urgently needs to end the war on the eastern front to concentrate its forces on dealing with Iwagakure on the western front.

At the same time, the Land of Fire also yearns for peace.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi's prudent strategy proved effective.

Once a sufficient advantage is gained, it is better to withdraw in time to obtain tangible benefits and border peace, rather than pursuing the possibility of a counterattack triggered by pushing the Cloud Village into a desperate situation.

……

Chapter 239 Going Home?

Regardless of internal considerations, the outcome for the outside world is that Konoha won.

On the eastern front, Konoha successfully repelled the fierce attack of Kumogakure and launched a strategic counter-offensive, driving out the invaders and even obtaining compensation.

When the news spread, the entire village of Konoha, including its eastern outposts, western outposts, and Konoha Village, rejoiced!