Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

When Suzaku Nara talked about Iwagakure on the western front, he rubbed his temples with a headache, "The Tsuchikage Onoki's attitude remains tough."

"Why is that old guy stubbornly holding on?" Qingwu didn't understand either.

"The Hokage privately conveyed his intention to reconcile and offered some good terms, but Onoki seems to be still observing."

"It sounds like... they probably want to extract more profits."

"Qingwu, your opinion is the same as mine. The western front is still in a stalemate, with no signs of retreat. The Tsuchikage Onoki is just too greedy."

"The matter of peace talks..."

"That's the problem. The Hokage spent the New Year on the front lines. If Onoki doesn't leave, the Hokage can't return to the village with peace of mind."

As expected, Onoki wasn't so easy to deal with... Qingwu thought to himself.

But he was helpless about this matter. Akimichi Tou had suggested transferring the Shadow Guard over, but the cautious Third Hokage refused.

"By the way, Senior Suzaku," Qingwu changed the subject, "during my absence, did the rest of the Shadow Guard return?"

"Hongdou sent a message a few days ago saying she couldn't stay at home any longer and would probably return in the next few days. As for Zhishui..."

Nara Suzaku paused, a strange glint in his eyes:

"The news from the Uchiha clan is that Shisui is unwell and needs to rest at home for a while. His return date is uncertain."

"..."

Chapter 252 The Goodwill of the New Mizukage

Feeling unwell? A thought struck Qingwu.

Given Shisui's physical condition and Konoha's medical standards, what injury or illness would require "rest for a period of time"? Not to mention delaying his return to the team.

It seems there has been some change within the Uchiha clan that has temporarily "retained" Shisui.

"I understand, thank you, senior."

Qingwu didn't ask any more questions, knowing that he wouldn't be able to get any more details about the Uchiha clan from Suzaku Nara.

He already had a guess in his heart.

It is highly likely that after Shisui was pressured into revealing the Mangekyou Sharingan to his clan, the Uchiha clan made other "arrangements" for him.

Back in his tent, Qingwu began to organize his thoughts.

There are two things that are more important right now.

One of his thoughts was whether he should go back to Konoha before Mei Terumi's visit and upgrade the Ancient Tree of Life.

Of course, this matter needs to be weighed. If the ancient tree's upgrade causes too much of a commotion, his presence in Konoha as a "guilty criminal" would also be troublesome.

The second issue is stopping the water flow.

He didn't know what Shisui's current situation was, but he didn't want this important teammate to be put in danger because of his family's exploitation.

However... as long as ambitious people like Danzo Shimura don't know Shisui's specific eye techniques, Shisui is still safe for the time being.

Speaking of which, has Shimura Danzo's year-long confinement period come to an end?

After thinking about Konoha for a while, and then about Kirigakure for a while, Qingwu lay down without any clear answer.

……

The next day, Hongdou rushed back to the front-line stronghold.

Upon seeing Qingwu, she started chattering incessantly, complaining about being nagged by her mother at home, missing the "freedom" on the front lines, and also sharing many interesting anecdotes from the village.

But she frowned when Shisui was mentioned.

“I went to the Uchiha clan's territory to look for Shisui twice. The first time, I was politely turned away, and they said he was sick and wouldn't see any visitors.”

"The second time I went, they wouldn't even let me into the clan's territory. They said the clan elders had ordered that Zhi Shui needed to rest and that no one was allowed to disturb him."

Red Bean pouted, clearly dissatisfied.

"I think it's just an excuse! Shisui is perfectly healthy! Something must have happened in his family that led to him being locked up!"

"Captain, do you think Shisui might be in some trouble?"

Qingwu slowly shook his head, "Probably not for the time being."

Shisui's Mangekyou Sharingan is an extremely important strategic asset for the entire Uchiha clan. The Uchiha will likely try to control and utilize him, but they will not easily harm him.

However, this kind of 'control' itself may be harmful to sensitive water-stopping devices.

Fortunately, Qingwu felt that he should be able to return to the village soon. In less than a month, he would meet up with Terumi Mei in the southern part of the Land of Fire.

When he returns, besides upgrading the ancient tree, he will naturally also help Zhishui resolve his troubles.

He might have been powerless in front of those powerful clans in the past, but now... with his prestige, neither the Uchiha nor the Hyuga clans can afford to underestimate him.

Qingwu briefly shared his thoughts with Hongdou and Tianzang, telling them not to worry too much about Zhishui.

Tianzang nodded blankly, believing whatever the captain said.

Red Bean was curious as to why the captain was so certain that they would be back soon.

Qingwu didn't elaborate, only asking them to wait patiently.

Several days passed peacefully, just as Qingwu was secretly planning what he would do upon returning home.

An unexpected message traveled from the direction of Konoha Village to the eastern outpost at top speed and was delivered directly to Suzaku and Seigo in Nara.

The message left Nara Suzaku speechless and also surprised Seigo—

Mei Terumi, the newly appointed Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure, dispatched an advance delegation led by Jonin Ao, which departed two days ago to formally visit Konoha!

The delegation carried a handwritten letter and gifts from Terumi Mei.

The stated reason is: "To express gratitude to the Konoha ninja Senju Seigo for his assistance during Kirigakure's time of crisis, and to convey Kirigakure's sincerity in improving relations with Konoha and working together for peace."

Mei Terumi acted quickly enough that even the person involved, Seigo, didn't expect it, let alone anyone else.

The Kirigakure "Shrine Rebellion" was kept secret by Kirigakure due to the large number of secrets involved, and Mei Terumi's tenure was very short.

In recent days, news of the new Mizukage has gradually spread through channels such as spies and underground money exchange offices.

Suzaku Nara had just received news of the Mizukage's change of leadership, and then... he sent someone to Konoha?

"This Wuyin has been closed off for so many years, but it seems they are very determined to open up."

Suzaku Nara said something that seemed to come with a sigh.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that the mission's advance departure was actually a prelude and test for Terumi Miyako's subsequent formal visit, and even the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries!

What puzzled Nara Suzaku was why he put "thank you Senju Seigo" so openly?

"Qingwu, what exactly did you do during the time you were gone?"

Nara Suzaku said with a wry smile, "You little rascal, you've been hiding quite a few things, haven't you?"

I knew it; this kid's leave of absence wasn't just for secluded cultivation.

Nara Suzaku's first thought was how to help Qingwu cover up his "crime" of dereliction of duty should the Hokage hold him accountable.

With the incident exposed, Qingwu had no choice but to give a brief explanation to Nara Suzaku.

He didn't go into details, only saying that he helped Mei Terumi complete the "coup" in Kirigakure.

Suzaku Nara was deeply moved and pondered for a long time.

"So... does the Fifth Mizukage mean to 'exonerate' you?"

Nara Suzaku looked at Qingwu, who had a "I was surprised too" expression on his face, and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Otherwise, there would be no way to explain why the Kirigakure delegation openly expressed their gratitude to Senju Seigo.

Qingwu touched his nose, feeling a mix of emotions.

He hadn't expected Mei Terumi to act so quickly; she had sent out a delegation before he had even set off himself.

"You really are... Qingwu, where in the Hidden Mist..."

Nara Suzaku was incredulous for a moment, but quickly calmed down and analyzed: "Does the Mizukage know that you went to the front lines 'to atone for a crime'?"

“Hmm,” Qingwu pondered, “It was mentioned during a casual chat.”

“That’s right,” Nara Suzaku paced back and forth a couple of times. “The Mizukage should be willing to help you, sending a delegation directly to your door. This formal diplomatic approach will make Konoha unable to underestimate you.”

Yes, this favor and assistance was both timely and excellent.

Suzaku Nara was genuinely happy for Seigo.

In his view, Qingwu's contributions are unparalleled in the entire history of Konoha, and it is inappropriate for him to continue to be "punished".

"Uh, the new Mizukage is... rather sentimental and particular," Qingwu mumbled in response.

Nara Suzaku looked at him for a long time, and finally shook his head and smiled bitterly, "I don't know how much you've done or how much trouble you've caused in Kirigakure, but oh well, this is a good thing."

"If Kirigakure successfully establishes diplomatic relations by extending an olive branch this time, it will greatly improve Konoha's strategic situation."

Suzaku Nara was a smart man, and he immediately realized that if the Mizukage Mei Terumi came to visit in person, the situation in the entire ninja world would change again.

Onoki's side... Hmph!

……

On the western front, the frontline camp where Konoha and Iwagakure are locked in a standoff.

The atmosphere inside the tent was even more somber than the biting cold wind outside.

The flickering light from the pipe illuminated Hiruzen Sarutobi's weary and thoughtful face.

He had just finished reading two urgent secret reports from Konoha Village.

One report was from Koharu Utatane, the Hokage's advisor, detailing the imminent arrival of the Kirigakure delegation in Konoha and the core content of their public statements.

The other document was a secret letter sent by Mei Terumi, the new Mizukage of Kirigakure, through special channels, and forwarded by the Anbu.

In the secret letter, Mei Terumi, in her capacity as the Fifth Mizukage, formally made a request—

Given Senju Seigo's "immense kindness" and "irreplaceable bridging role" towards Kirigakure.

It is hoped that Konoha will "consider the matter" and pardon or reduce the punishment he has received for "certain past misconduct."

So that they can "freely participate" in subsequent friendly exchanges between the two villages.