Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

[Battle concluded!]

[Level +1, gain attribute points: Attack +1, Knowledge +1]

My level has increased to 57.

Unsurprisingly, the large amount of experience points and natural energy gained from the battle with Obito caused his natural energy to exceed 100,000.

【Ding! 】

[Natural energy surpasses 100000 points]

The Ancient Tree of Life (Mature Stage) meets the upgrade requirements.

[Construct: Ancient Tree of Life (Ancient Era) - Consume 100000 Natural Energy and 100000 Gold?]

[Effect: Territory Core, greatly increases natural energy regeneration, unlocks more buildings, and unlocks more features]

Here it comes! The upgrade conditions for the [Tree of Life] have finally been triggered.

The ancient period?

Qingwu pondered for a moment. It sounded incredibly impressive. The next step, after the ancient tree was upgraded, would be to build the ultimate barracks: Dragon Cliff!

Although he was looking forward to it, Qingwu decided to upgrade it after returning to his hometown since he was currently "out of town".

Who knows what kind of trouble this upgrade will cause? It's better to be on the safe side.

Immediately, he noticed that he was only 6% away from reaching level 58.

Hmm, I'm almost at level 60, so the next high-level magic reward is coming soon.

What a perfect trip!

With hopeful anticipation for the future, Qingwu drifted off to sleep.

In the following days, Kirigakure was plunged into unprecedented busyness and undercurrents.

The news of the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, officially stepping down.

Along with "The mysterious masked man manipulates the Mizukage, causing chaos," "The Three-Tails' rampage is successfully sealed," "Lady Terumi is appointed to a critical mission and turns the tide," and "Diplomatic relations with Konoha are about to be established," etc...

A series of explosive pieces of information quickly spread through various channels among the high-ranking officials and some of the core members of the Fog Shadow faction, causing a huge shock.

Elder Yuanshi quickly stepped forward and convened a meeting of all the remaining high-ranking officials and powerful Jonin of Kirigakure.

The specific content of the meeting is unknown to outsiders.

However, after the meeting, the news that Mei Terumi had been officially nominated as the sole candidate for the Fifth Mizukage received the endorsement of Genji and most of the high-ranking officials, and the formal process began.

There are dissenting voices!

However, with the support of the elder master, the current prestige and merits of Terumi Mei, and the inevitable trend of "establishing diplomatic relations with Konoha," it all seems pale and powerless.

Not to mention the invisible deterrent effect brought by Qingwu, this "natural disaster," "visiting" Wuyin.

Since fleeing that day, Suigetsu Hobutsuki has remained secluded and has not appeared again. His forces are leaderless and unable to cause much trouble.

Zabuza was unwilling, but he knew that the situation was hopeless and he could only lie low for the time being.

Kisame Hoshigaki seems to have accepted reality and was entrusted with an important task by Mei Terumi: to reorganize and clean up the Dark Side and surveillance system that had been severely damaged in the turmoil.

He accepted it silently, worked meticulously, and earned the appreciation of Terumi Mei.

Qingwu, who rarely leaves his home, did not come out to steal the spotlight at this time.

He was happy to have some free time to think about how to deal with Kamui next time he encountered Obito.

No matter how busy Mei Terumi was, she would always make time to visit, sometimes to ask about information regarding Konoha and the outside world, and sometimes to discuss the future direction of Kirigakure's reforms.

More often than not, they simply sit and chat about trivial matters, as if trying to gain some kind of spiritual support or relaxation from Qingwu.

She maintained a respectful demeanor and a hint of barely perceptible fear towards Princess Tianxin, and they didn't talk much.

……

The New Year arrived... in an eerie yet hopeful atmosphere.

The Hidden Mist Village, which had been shrouded in a lifeless atmosphere due to the "Blood Mist" policy in previous years, seemed to be different this year.

Despite the lingering pain and the unresolved ruins.

But perhaps it was the news of the new Mizukage's imminent appointment, or the rumors of "openness" and "reform," that rekindled a glimmer of hope for the future in the hearts of many Kirigakure villagers and lower-ranking ninjas.

On New Year's Eve, Mei Terumi canceled all her official duties and social engagements, and brought several exquisite water country-style sweets and sake to the villa where Seigo lived.

There were no outsiders, only her, Qingwu, and Tianxin Shenji.

The plum blossoms in the courtyard bloomed in the cold wind, creating a tranquil atmosphere against the backdrop of the dim yellow lanterns under the eaves.

"I never imagined that this year's New Year would be spent like this."

Mei Terumi poured a cup of sake for Aogo, then raised her own cup, her face showing weariness and emotion after shedding some of her pretense. "I never expected that it would be you keeping me company on New Year's Eve."

Her gaze fell on Qingwu's calm face, her eyes sparkling.

"Qingwu-jun, thank you."

This time, she omitted the title "Your Excellency," and her tone was more sincere and gentle than ever before:

"Without you, I might have died at the shrine that day, or... even if I survived, I would have struggled in endless darkness, without any hope."

Qingwu raised his wine glass and gently clinked it against hers, saying calmly, "It's all in the past."

"Yes, it's all in the past." Mei Terumi drank the sake in her cup, feeling the slightly spicy warmth slide down her throat, dispelling some of the chill of the winter night.

She put down her wine cup, gazed at the sparse, slanting plum branches in the courtyard, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "Qingwu-jun, are you... in a hurry to return to Konoha?"

Qingwu glanced at her, but instead of answering directly, asked in return:

"How long will it take for you to succeed to the throne? Once the formal procedures are completed, it shouldn't take too long, right?"

Mei Terumi shook her head slightly, a weary smile on her face:

"The fourth generation lord has closed his doors to visitors, there are no problems with Elder Yuanshi, most of the key high-ranking officials have expressed their support, and officials from Daming Prefecture will also be coming..."

She looked at Qingwu and explained, "The succession ceremony will be held in about a week, but... after that, we'll need some time to consolidate internally and reassure the people..."

"I'm afraid it will be at least February before I can finally travel to Konoha."

As she spoke, she looked up at Qingwu, her emerald eyes filled with a hint of probing and barely perceptible expectation:

"Will you... wait for me? Or do you have other important matters to attend to and need to return first?"

She seemed very worried that Qingwu would leave first, mainly because... matters concerning succession were far more complicated than she had imagined.

After all, she is one of the Kage of the Five Great Nations. Mei Terumi admitted that she had oversimplified things before.

Qingwu toyed with the warm, smooth porcelain cup in his hand, and pondered, "I've been away from the front-line post for almost two months. Although I took leave, it's not good to be away for too long..."

Mei Terumi stared at him, changed her tone, and said with a hint of grievance:

"Did I not treat you well? It's so quiet and deserted here on such a holiday. But... I came all the way here to keep you company."

Suddenly, the goddess Tashin Shinhime, who had been keeping her eyes closed, opened them and stared at Mei Terumi with her vertical pupils.

Qingwu put down her cup helplessly. "Hey, why are you suddenly back to how you were before? It has nothing to do with being aloof; it's just that I'm not suited to be away for too long."

"Ahem, you have access to Kirigakure's intelligence network, so you should know that I went to the Kumogakure front lines as punishment, right?"

"I understand." Mei Terumi nodded, a hint of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

“Indeed, your special status and prolonged stay abroad will inevitably arouse suspicion. I was not thoughtful enough. I was only thinking that if you could stay a few more days, I could ask you more questions.”

Qingwu looked at her intently, trying to discern the sincerity in this woman.

To be honest, he still preferred interacting with her as "Day Tiger," at least the clear superior-subordinate relationship allowed him to see things more clearly.

"It's not really asking for advice, just exchanging ideas," Qingwu smiled and looked up at the night sky.

"Thank you also for coming to spend the New Year with me, future Mizukage," Qingwu joked, then added with a touch of emotion:

“The Land of Water has a completely different atmosphere from Konoha. It’s special to spend the New Year here, but… no matter how nice it is outside, it’s still not ‘home,’ you understand, Mei Terumi!”

He spoke these words so naturally, without any deliberate attempt to evoke emotion, yet they sent a slight shiver through Terumi Mei's heart.

She saw another side of this strong young man—he too could feel longing and had a sense of belonging!

This made her feel that he was no longer just a distant "benefactor," but more like a... relatable, real person.

"Home..."

Mei Terumi repeated softly, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes before turning into determination:

"Yes, everyone has a place to return to. Kirigakure is the 'home' I want to protect. I will make it better as soon as possible, and then... I will visit your 'home'."

She raised her glass, but this time she didn't offer a toast. She simply looked at Qingwu, her eyes shining with a bright and sincere light.

"Qingwu-kun, when I go to Konoha, you must do a good job as a host and show me the cherry blossoms in Konoha. I heard they are very beautiful."

"It's a deal." Qingwu raised his glass and clinked it against hers from afar.

Ding!

With a light clinking of glasses, Mei Terumi downed her drink in one gulp. The blush on her face, a result of the alcohol and her emotions, was particularly captivating under the lamplight.

Princess Tianxin sat quietly to the side and closed her eyes again.

She seemed oblivious to their conversation.

However… Qingwu could sense a very faint, teasing fluctuation of natural energy emanating from her.

Qingwu glared at her.

Princess Tianxin seemed to be in a meditative state, completely ignoring him.

clang--

In the distance, from the direction of Kirigakure, came the long and deep sound of a bell.

Midnight has arrived, and Konoha Calendar Year 54 has officially become the past!

Konoha Calendar Year 55! A new year has arrived!

Happy New Year, Qingwu-jun.

Happy New Year, Mei Terumi.

……