Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Chapter 265 Qingwu, here I come!

"Brother Qingwu, did you beat up that annoying guy again?"

In Naruto's mind, Kakashi, Iruka, Tenzo, Seigo, and others are all good people.

He was still somewhat clueless about killing, but the person Qingwu beat up must have been a bad guy.

Kakashi shook his head helplessly and sent the boisterous Naruto away, "Naruto, go out and play for a while. Teacher has something to say to Qingwu."

"Oh." Naruto didn't understand, but he still obediently ran out.

"Blockade? What do you mean?" Qingwu looked at Kakashi.

"Yes, the Hokage has ordered that the entire perimeter of the Forest of Death be sealed off by the Anbu, ostensibly to enforce a 'lockdown order'."

Kakashi said, "No one is allowed to enter or leave at will."

Qingwu's eyes turned slightly cold, the meaning of which was quite clear—the so-called confinement had taken on the characteristics of surveillance and isolation.

The taste has changed compared to what was said last night.

This feeling of being "watched over" is very uncomfortable.

However, after glancing at Zhishui, who was lying on the bed breathing steadily, he forcibly suppressed his agitation.

"I see."

Qingwu's voice was calm, revealing no emotion. "Since it's the Hokage's order, then so be it."

"Qingwu..." Kakashi hesitated, sensing the displeasure beneath Qingwu's calm exterior.

"I'm fine." Qingwu shook his head: "I'll leave Naruto to you. For the time being... let him stay outside."

Kakashi sighed inwardly and nodded: "Don't worry, I'll take care of Naruto."

It's really not appropriate for Naruto to come and go at this time, and since he has already taken Naruto as his disciple, it's perfectly legitimate for him to take him anywhere.

"I have no plans to leave the territory for the time being."

Qingwu thought for a moment and then said, "Tell Iruka not to speak up for me, and Kakashi, you should do the same. Don't go looking for trouble. I'll be fine."

It's just a house arrest; Qingwu can probably guess what the higher-ups are thinking. They want to deal with it but find it difficult!

It doesn't matter. Once the ancient tree is upgraded, it won't be you isolating me, but... me isolating you.

Kakashi gave Qingwu a deep look and nodded: "I understand. You... be careful too. Let me know if you need anything."

He glanced meaningfully at the outside.

Qingwu understood; Kakashi was also among the ANBU team responsible for surveillance.

"Don't worry." Qingwu gave Kakashi a reassuring look.

After seeing Kakashi and Naruto off, Qingwu's smile slowly faded, and his gaze became deep.

"An undercover operation?"

"Surveillance?"

He muttered to himself, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"Fine, then I'll reluctantly stay here and 'reflect on my mistakes.' When I want to leave, I'll see how you manage to restrain me!"

He looked up at the ancient tree of life, which exuded an increasingly ancient and vast aura, and a sense of tranquility filled his heart.

……

The events in Konoha spread like wildfire throughout the ninja world, causing a huge shock and countless speculations.

Danzo Shimura, the Dark One of Konoha, leader of Root, and Hokage's assistant, was killed by a descendant of the Senju clan of Konoha!

Also wiped out were a large number of elite Root forces!

The motive for the killing is suspected to be related to the Uchiha clan, but the details are unclear.

The Konoha leadership has not yet issued an official response to this matter.

However, news of Qian Shou Qingwu being confined to his quarters, dismissed from his position as captain of the Shadow Guard, and awaiting a final decision from higher-ups still leaked out through various channels.

This adds even more mystery to this shocking event.

Suddenly, the name Senju Seigo was once again thrust into the spotlight, closely associated with terms such as "Konoha infighting" and "inferiority overthrowing superiors."

Shortly after the news broke, another piece of intelligence also attracted the attention of all parties:

The Kirigakure delegation, which was originally scheduled to arrive in Konoha in a few more days according to the normal itinerary, suddenly accelerated its pace under the leadership of the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi.

Just two days later, she arrived outside Konoha Village in a small entourage.

What's even more intriguing is...

Upon arriving at the gates of Konoha Village, Mizukage Terumi Mei did not immediately submit documents or visit the Hokage, as is customary in diplomatic protocol.

This beautiful young Mizukage, under the watchful eyes of the Konoha ninjas and countless secretly observing individuals, only uttered a few words to the Konoha reception staff:

"I'm tired from the journey, so I need to visit an old friend first. We can discuss the formal visit later!"

Then, she completely ignored the embarrassed and bewildered expressions of the Konoha reception staff.

Completely disregarding diplomatic etiquette and Konoha's arrangements, he turned around and led his people in one direction.

That direction was clearly the Forest of Death!

The first thing the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, did upon arriving in Konoha was not to meet with the Hokage to discuss establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Instead, they headed straight for Senju Seigo, who was under house arrest by the Konoha leadership!

This move was like a thunderclap, exploding in the sky above Konoha and quickly spreading far and wide through countless intelligence channels.

……

Hokage Building.

The Third Hokage donned his formal Hokage robes. He had received word that the Mizukage delegation might arrive ahead of schedule and was preparing to personally greet them.

However, when the Anbu reported the movements of the Mizukage, Terumi Mei, the Third Hokage's expression instantly turned extremely gloomy.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who were standing to the side, also looked extremely grim.

"Outrageous! What does she mean by this? Does she even care about Konoha? Does she even care about the Hokage?!"

The Third Hokage was unusually enraged, his voice carrying the suppressed fury of a storm.

"This is a blatant slap in the face to Konoha! Is she supporting Senju Aogo?!"

Xiaochun, who had just switched dorm rooms, was so angry that she was trembling all over.

Mitokado Homura's face was ashen, but he still retained the last shred of his sanity: "Hiruzen, now is not the time to lose your temper."

Although Mizukage's actions were rude, they also sent us a clear signal—

He said in a deep voice, "Her relationship with Qingwu Jonin is closer than we imagined. She's using this as a warning to us..."

If Konoha imposes severe punishment, then the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kirigakure and Konoha... will likely face unexpected complications.

"Is she really threatening us?" Xiaochun from the dorm asked shrilly.

“It’s a statement, but also a form of pressure!” Mitokado Homura looked at the Third Hokage. “Hiruzen, it seems we need to reconsider the plan we agreed on earlier.”

The third generation remained silent, his pipe creaking in his hand.

What's wrong with this ninja world? What's wrong with the young people these days? Does that Mizukage even understand that she doesn't represent an individual, but a nation?

"At least, the matter of punishment should not be mentioned again before the Mist Village delegation leaves."

Mitokado Yan said tentatively, "In fact... for the sake of relations between the two countries, we may need to do some... appeasement."

He was the one who made the suggestion that night, and now he's the one advising the Third Generation to calm down.

Mitomon Homura had no choice but to realize, based on the Mizukage's reaction, that Senju Seigo's influence might be even greater than they had imagined.

If things are like this with Mist Village, what if... things change with Cloud Village as well? After all, he has been personally handling the peace talks with Cloud Village, and he doesn't want any unexpected complications!

The third generation remained silent, gazing out the window towards the direction of the Forest of Death.

His gaze seemed to pierce through all obstacles, revealing the boy who was once a loyal subordinate, but now... is drifting further and further away.

A tremendous sense of powerlessness and suffocation surged into his heart once again.

The old friends are hiding, but the murderer cannot be severely punished.

Pressure was exerted by various powerful families.

Now, even the Mizukage of Kirigakure has come to openly support the murderer!

How incredibly frustrating it must have been for him to be Hokage!

But... for the sake of the village's overall situation, and for the hard-won opportunity for peace, what else could he do?

To put it bluntly, isn't it because Konoha Village isn't strong enough right now?

Why? Why exactly?

I've worked diligently for so many years, so why does the village's high-end combat force always seem to have all sorts of problems?

"Pass the word down..."

After a long silence, the Third Hokage seemed to have aged several years, his voice low and hoarse, "Lord Mizukage, your journey must have been arduous, so it is understandable that you would like to visit an old friend."

Konoha... understands. All arrangements for hospitality will be discussed after the Mizukage... finishes his visit.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged a glance, both seeing deep helplessness and humiliation in each other's eyes.

……

The Forest of Death.

The ANBU ninjas responsible for "guarding" the perimeter were all stunned when they saw the graceful yet imposing figure walking straight towards them.

Mei Terumi walked right through their cordon without hesitation, not even glancing at them, and headed into the forest.

The secret agents looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

To physically stop them? The other party is the dignified Mizukage!

Moreover, judging from their demeanor, they are clearly not to be trifled with. Their orders were to "prevent anyone inside from leaving" and "monitor," but they were not told to prevent the Mizukage from entering.