Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

The crazy idea of ​​"confessing to the Hokage" was becoming increasingly compelling to him amidst the increasingly radical atmosphere within the clan... that he absolutely had to do!

He feared his family would purge him as a traitor, but... he feared even more that if his family's coup failed, they would be utterly destroyed.

He disagreed with what some Jonin from various clans said, such as what Senju Seigo would say about targeting the Uchiha clan after taking office.

The Second Hokage did not like the Uchiha clan back then, but he still trusted his grandfather, Uchiha Kagami.

Moreover, Captain Qingwu had already stated that he did not want to become Hokage.

Even if he becomes the captain, given his friendship with the captain, can't he plead for the Uchiha clan?

why?

Why must we go to such extremes?

Zhi Shui was completely bewildered, and faced with everyone's gaze, he felt his throat go dry.

Sometimes he really wants to escape all of this!

"Stop the water!"

Uchiha Setsuna stared at him, his eyes sharp as knives:

"How are your preparations going? The timing is in the next few days. Before the Mizukage arrives, we'll find a way to create an opportunity for you to 'bump into' the Hokage. You'll know what to do then."

After saying that, Uchiha Setsuna's eyes burned with fervor: "For the Uchiha!"

"For the Uchiha!!" the others echoed in hushed tones, their eyes burning with determination.

"..." Clan Chief Fugaku wanted to say something.

He always felt uneasy, but faced with the overwhelming trend of the clan's will, he could only sigh and remain silent.

Shisui's heart was pounding; he didn't have time...

……

April

It is located on the southern border of the Land of Fire, adjacent to the coastline of the Land of Waves.

The early spring wind still carried the salty taste of the sea, but the sunlight had already brought a touch of warmth.

A small but clearly marked and heavily guarded team is slowly making its way north along the road.

In the center of the procession was a carriage that, while not luxuriously decorated, exuded a dignified air, with the emblem of the Mist Shadows emblazoned on its sides.

Before and behind the carriage were dozens of Kirigakure ninjas with sharp auras and wary eyes. The leader, a shark-faced man, was taciturn and none other than Kisame Hoshigaki.

He was dressed in the uniform of the Hidden Mist Guard, and his eyes frequently swept around, appearing to be very conscientious.

……

Chapter 254 The Power of the Uchiha is Always So Alluring

"Stop!"

Kisame Hoshigaki stretched out his hand and looked up at the sky.

A "flying squadron" descended from the sky, led by Qian Shou Qingwu.

He changed into a clean and neat Konoha standard Jonin vest, followed by a smaller number of Konoha ninja than those from Kirigakure.

Hongdou and Tianzang followed behind him. Hongdou's face showed curiosity and wariness, while Tianzang's was more serious and earnest.

Princess Tianxin remained with her eyes closed, standing quietly behind Qingwu, as if she had blended into her surroundings.

This is the official meeting point for the Konoha and Kirigakure Mizukage delegations.

Following the Third Hokage's instructions and the agreement between Qingwu and the Mizukage—

A team of elite soldiers led by Senju Seigo, who was "renowned for his merits and had a long-standing relationship with the Fifth Mizukage," came to the border to welcome and escort the Mizukage and his party to Konoha.

This task... is both an important matter and a declaration of Qingwu's "pardon".

The fact that Qingwu could leave the front lines openly and legitimately to carry out such an important diplomatic mission speaks volumes.

Qingwu naturally understood the Third Hokage's meaning, so he did not travel alone, but brought Konoha ninjas with him to join him.

Kisame Hoshigaki stared intently at him, and Seigo nodded in response, about to speak.

A corner of the curtain on one side of the carriage was gently lifted, revealing Mei Terumi's face, a blend of allure and "majesty."

After becoming the Water Shadow, her temperament did indeed change somewhat.

Mei Terumi wasn't wearing her Mizukage robes today, but rather a dark blue dress that was both practical and elegant.

Her emerald green eyes first fell on Qingwu, a bright light flashing in them, and a smile naturally appeared on Mei Terumi's lips.

"Qingwu-jun, it's been a long time! Thank you for coming to greet me."

Her voice came through the car window, less tense than when she was in the fog, and more relaxed, like that of a "friends reuniting".

"The people of Konoha are deeply honored by the personal visit of Lord Mizukage. It is our duty to come and welcome him as ordered."

Qingwu was courteous, but seemed somewhat awkward.

What he does in private is one thing, but in front of many people and in public, he remains the same as always.

Why are you being so polite with me?

Mei Terumi, however, was not buying his act. She smiled, her gaze sweeping over Anko and Tenzo behind him, pausing briefly on Tenkokoro before looking away.

"The scenery along the way is quite different from that of the Water Kingdom. Lord Qingwu, would you mind commuting in the carriage? I have some questions about the itinerary that I would like to ask you."

This invitation wasn't unexpected.

It was perfectly reasonable for the officer in charge of welcoming them to discuss the itinerary and provide information with the Mizukage in the same car.

But the sense of intimacy implied in it was obvious to anyone present who wasn't blind.

Hongdou's eyebrows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and she pursed her lips.

Tianzang blinked and looked at the captain curiously.

Princess Tianxin... showed no reaction.

Qingwu hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

He instructed Tianzang and Hongdou behind him: "You two take men and follow the convoy, keep a watchful eye on things. Tianxin, you come with me."

Bringing Princess Tianxin onto the carriage was to avoid suspicion.

After all... it's just the two of them, and Mei Terumi's status is different now.

"Yes, Captain!" Tianzang replied immediately.

“Yes…” Hongdou pursed her lips and reluctantly replied.

Qingwu led Tianxin Shenji onto the spacious carriage.

The interior of the car was simply and comfortably furnished. Terumi Mei sat in the main seat, while Aogo and Shinji sat opposite her.

With a shout from Kisame Hoshigaki outside, the convoy continued its slow journey.

The curtains were drawn, blocking out the view from the outside world.

The formality that belonged to the Mizukage seemed to have dissipated somewhat from Mei Terumi. She relaxed slightly, leaning against the soft cushion, her blue eyes smiling as she looked Qingwu up and down.

"You've only been gone a short time, how come you seem to have gained weight? Looks like you're more comfortable on the front lines than in the Water Kingdom?"

She started by talking about topics that were more like casual conversation between friends.

"The front lines are quiet, it's a good time to rest and recuperate."

Qingwu gave a simple answer, then looked away from the car window and asked the question that had been piquing her curiosity:

"Kisame Hoshigaki... seems quite obedient to you?"

He knew that in the original work, Kisame had probably already made contact with "Uchiha Madara" in private, and that the masked man had also tried to recruit Kisame.

I never expected that Mei Terumi could recruit someone like that to her side.

Mentioning Kisame, a complex emotion flashed in Mei Terumi's eyes:

“He was a pure ninja, loyal to the village and the greater good. I gave him trust and space to use his abilities, and he reciprocated with loyalty.”

More or less, Mei Terumi was somewhat wary of those who had once been loyal to the Fourth Mizukage, even though she didn't know that Kisame had been in contact with the masked man.

But to be honest, the "Village of Blood Mist" had a profound impact on Mist Village.

The talent pool in Wuyin is dwindling, and there is a risk of a talent gap.

We must win over a powerful ninja like Kisame Hoshigaki to our side.

"pretty good."

Qingwu remained noncommittal.

Kisame Hoshigaki's loyalty stemmed from his distorted pursuit of "truth" and "meaning." In the original work, he agreed with Obito's "Eye of the Moon" plan, believing that it was the only way to end the false world.

Now, Mei Terumi's reforms and Kirigakure's changes may, in Kisame's eyes, constitute another possibility of "reality".

But how long this can last is hard to say.

However, it is indeed a good thing that Kisame is currently in Kirigakure.

Perhaps... the Akatsuki organization has lost a "key general"? Thinking of Kisame, Qingwu thought of another person—Uchiha Itachi.

Itachi is still just a kid who has just graduated from school... He'd heard Shisui mention him.

If... I happen to help Shisui change his fate, perhaps... that "little pervert's" fate will also change?

There are also Hidan, Orochimaru, and others...

Tsk, is it possible that because of my existence, the Akatsuki might not be able to gather enough people to carry out the 'Eye of the Moon' project?

That's going to be interesting!

"Hmm," Mei Terumi sighed softly, seemingly unwilling to discuss Kisame any further.

She abruptly changed the subject, a hint of mockery and inquiry in her eyes:

"Speaking of which, Qingwu-kun, I'm officially visiting Konoha this time as the Mizukage. How do you think Konoha will receive me? Especially... your Hokage?"

"The highest-level state guest ceremony," Qingwu said calmly.