Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Kirigakure and Konoha is closely related to your situation!

She looked at Qingwu, her voice clear: "If Konoha insists on severely punishing you, or even pushing you to the opposite side of the village, then the relationship between Kirigakure and Konoha will be meaningless."

I, Mei Terumi, will never form any alliance with a village that persecutes its heroes and destroys its own foundation. I will personally and clearly tell the Hokage this.

Upon hearing this, Qingwu was startled. Looking at the female water shadow in front of him, whose aura was fully unleashed, he was momentarily speechless.

Mei Terumi's statement is no longer a simple expression of support; it is blatant diplomatic pressure!

Using the crucial establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as leverage to buy him space—this friendship and support is incredibly valuable!

"you……"

Qingwu wanted to ask if this would put a lot of pressure on you, but actually I'm fine, and the village can't do anything to me.

But she couldn't bring herself to say it. No matter what, she was doing all this for herself!

"Qingwu, you don't need to thank me."

Mei Terumi said solemnly, "The establishment of diplomatic relations between Kirigakure and Konoha is based on common interests and strategic needs, but..."

"A strong, stable Konoha with a 'special bond' to Kirigakure is in Kirigakure's best interest."

"Hmph, if Konoha itself wants to sever this bond, then the significance of establishing diplomatic relations will be greatly diminished."

"So, I'm not entirely helping you; I'm also considering the future of Kirigakure, of course..."

Her tone suddenly softened, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gone against a behemoth like Konoha."

At this point, her expression turned resentful: "Who told you... to help me so much? I couldn't just sit idly by."

Qingwu's initial quiet gratitude was largely dispelled by her unpredictable nature.

"So, Qingwu, you don't need to worry. From now on, just stay put and don't show your face. Leave the outside matters to me."

"Hmph, those old men and women in Konoha will know how to choose."

Just then, a communications eagle carrying intelligence flew across the sky and landed in the dense forest not far away.

Qingwu looked over.

Qing Xiao ran over, handed over the intelligence scroll, nodded to Qing Wu in greeting, and then hurriedly retreated.

After quickly glancing at the document, Mei Terumi laughed and said, "It seems that even without me, the higher-ups in Konoha are unable to bring themselves to execute you."

She handed the scroll to Qingwu, "The Hidden Cloud Village has officially announced a unilateral suspension of the peace talks, citing 'the unclear internal situation in Konoha and the need to reassess the risks.'"

Furthermore, Iwagakure… While the Tsuchikage Onoki hasn't officially stated anything, the Iwagakure forces are being mobilized unusually frequently, exerting pressure several times greater than before.”

Qingwu took the scroll and began to read it, when he heard Mei Terumi's soft laughter beside him, "Your Konoha is in a real mess right now."

Looking at the information on the scroll, Qingwu's eyes flashed.

The external pressure came much faster than he had anticipated.

In fact, the reason he remained calm and composed was that he had long seen through all of this.

Danzo is certainly important, but what if Onoki takes advantage of the Third Hokage's absence and runs to the front lines again?

Ōnoki would never let go of taking advantage of someone's misfortune or kicking them when they're down.

Although Konoha has already agreed to many of Iwagakure's conditions, Onoki certainly wouldn't object to more war reparations.

Moreover, the movements of Kumogakure and Iwagakure have made Mei Terumi's pressure even more significant.

It truly is a case of "a single hair can affect the whole situation"!

"Konoha, this old ship, is really always facing storms."

Qingwu handed the scroll back, unable to help but sigh.

"Therefore, they need to keep a steady hand on the helm rather than throw capable sailors overboard."

Mei Terumi casually put away the scroll. "Just wait and see. I reckon it won't be long before the Konoha higher-ups change their decision regarding your punishment."

While it's impossible to completely ignore what happened, the so-called severe punishment...

She scoffed, "I'm afraid it'll turn into a half-hearted formality, and... I might even have to end up comforting you instead."

Qingwu pondered for a moment; the situation was developing much faster than he had anticipated.

Of course, from the moment he killed Danzo, what would become of Konoha was no longer of much concern to him.

Now, it's the village that should be worried, not him.

"That's the weight of strength and influence."

Mei Terumi said, "Seigo, you're so young, yet you're no longer an ordinary ninja who needs to rely on the village. Your every move has the power to influence the entire village."

Even in a nation's decision-making, this power should be utilized effectively, but appropriate caution must also be exercised.

This young Mizukage, who was born with a high level of political awareness, spoke with a hint of earnestness.

"I see."

Qingwu nodded. In chaotic times, strength reigns supreme; this was something he had long understood.

However, how to use this strength to forge their own path amidst the clash of various forces requires further consideration.

"I hadn't planned to go out in the first place."

Qingwu chuckled, "Now, there's even less of a rush. Sealing off the Death Forest? We don't need them; I'll seal it off myself."

Terumi Mei was taken aback upon hearing this, then suddenly burst into laughter... It must be said, as expected of Qingwu, how could this guy possibly suffer a loss.

"Alright, I should go to Konoha to make a show of it."

She straightened her robes, and without avoiding Qingwu's presence, quickly regained her noble and composed demeanor.

"Well, I should at least go and see the Third Hokage."

Mei Terumi realized that her worries were somewhat unnecessary, and since that was the case, she decided to change her strategy.

Since we're already here, let's go and meet with the distraught Konoha leadership.

Not only can it satisfy my mood, but it can also get information immediately. Yes, let's do it this way.

Be careful in everything.

Seeing that Mei Terumi seemed to have forgotten about staying, Seigo secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After thinking for a moment, he still reminded him, "You are welcome to visit anytime. Starting today, I will be closing off the territory. Please send me a message before you come."

"Do not worry."

Mei Terumi smiled at him, and then her figure flickered and she appeared in the forest.

Ao and Zabuza appeared behind her, following closely behind.

The two of them arrived first from Mizukage Mei Terumi, and were already familiar with Konoha. Naturally, they would act as Mizukage's guards and guides.

"..."

Qingwu stood there, watching her departing figure. Her heart was not at peace; there was gratitude, but also... a reassessment of their relationship.

……

……

Konoha Village, Hokage Building

The atmosphere was beyond heavy; it was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked at the urgent intelligence report on the table, his face turning slightly pale.

Three pieces of intelligence!

A document from Nara Shikaku, the commander of the western front.

The language used was unprecedentedly severe, indicating that Iwagakure was frequently being reassigned and that although Onoki had not appeared, the pressure on him had increased dramatically.

Nara Shikaku said that a large-scale conflict could break out again at any time on the western front, and requested the village to provide support as soon as possible!

There is also a peace negotiation team from the Hidden Cloud Village.

The Hidden Cloud Village officially sent a diplomatic note, citing reasons such as "the instability of Konoha's evidence, the damage to the authority of its high-level officials, and doubts about its ability to fulfill its obligations," and indefinitely postponed the peace talks.

The last one came from the receptionist at the village entrance.

Intelligence reports that the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, after "visiting an old friend," suddenly changed her mind and demanded an immediate meeting with the Hokage, and has already gone to the Hokage Building.

These three pieces of information were like three mountains, pressing down on Hiruzen Sarutobi so much that he almost suffocated.

"Did you see that? Hiruzen! Did you see that?!"

Koharu Utatane's voice was as sharp as ever: "Kumogakure is about to turn against us, and Iwagakure is about to make a move, all because Danzo is dead."

Because of that Senju Seigo, even the Mizukage is coming to demand an explanation. Konoha... we..."

"Shut up, Koharu!" Mitokado Homura shouted sternly, a rare occurrence for him. What kind of time is this to still be unable to distinguish right from wrong!

But his own hands were trembling slightly. He looked at the Third Hokage and said in a dry voice:

"Hiruzen, we can't hesitate any longer. We must make a decision immediately. Iwagakure and Kumogakure, let's put that aside for now..."

"The only way to break through now is through Hidden Mist!"

"The Mizukage has come in person. This is our last chance. We must keep her calm and we must establish diplomatic relations!"

"Otherwise, Konoha will fall into unprecedented isolation and crisis."

The third generation closed his eyes, his chest heaving violently.

What's going on? What's going on?!

Not long ago, Konoha was in a state of isolation, with Kirigakure taking the initiative to establish diplomatic relations, Kumogakure negotiating peace, and Iwagakure withdrawing its troops.

With the addition of Sunagakure, an ally, the situation is extremely favorable.

How could this be...?

He suddenly opened his eyes. That brat already wielded such influence?!

Mitokado was anxious; he was well aware of the seriousness of the situation.

External pressure surged in like a tidal wave.

Internally... Thousand Hands Green Willow is the biggest destabilizing factor, but it has also become a key excuse and bargaining chip for external pressure.