Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"It'll be soon...almost there."

Qingwu silently prayed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Just then, Princess Tianxin, who had been "torturing" Hongdou with her eyes closed in the middle of the open space, suddenly stopped.

The pair of strange vertical pupils that had been tightly closed slowly opened, looking towards the entrance of the Death Forest in the distance.

Her senses were connected to the maze surrounding the territory, and she had already "seen" something unusual, or rather, people!

"Lord Qingwu!"

The ethereal voice of Tianxin Shenji rang out, interrupting Hongdou's attempt at another attack and attracting the attention of Qingwu and the other two.

"Hmm?" Qingwu looked at her.

"We have a guest," said Princess Tianxin calmly. "It's... that elderly human I fought last time."

Qingwu was stunned for a moment before realizing who she was talking about, "The Third... Hokage?"

"It's him, all alone, without any attendants, wandering around the outer edge of the maze, seemingly... hesitating."

The Third Generation, all alone?

Upon hearing this, Qingwu, Tianzang, and Zhishui were all taken aback. Hongdou also stopped what she was doing, panting as she looked over with surprise on her face.

In the past two months, quite a few Konoha ninjas have tried to visit the territory.

There was a representative from a family, and a secret service, but they were all "politely" stopped by the maze and guards on the outskirts of the territory.

People like Kakashi, Naruto, Anko, Iruka, and others who are considered "one of their own" have unimpeded access.

But this was the first time I'd seen a "big shot" of the Third Hokage's caliber, and he was alone...

What does he want to do? To interrogate someone? It doesn't sound like it.

Negotiations? Does that require the Hokage to personally intervene?

And at this delicate time...

Qingwu hesitated for a moment. Rationally, he didn't really want to see the Third Hokage.

The two have developed a rift, with huge differences in their beliefs. Meeting would only result in awkwardness... and might even lead to arguments.

But emotionally...

Recalling the care and support the Third Hokage had shown her during her childhood, Qingwu could never bring herself to completely harden her heart.

"After all, he is the Hokage, and he has come in person... so let him in."

Qingwu slowly stood up and nodded to Tianxin Shenji: "Thank you for your trouble, Tianxin."

"Yes, my lord!"

Princess Tianxin nodded slightly, her figure slowly fading as if blending into the surrounding environment, and went to guide.

"As expected of an immortal, both flying and invisibility are incredibly powerful abilities," Tianzang exclaimed.

He immediately thought of the upcoming arrival of the third generation and subconsciously straightened his back.

Hongdou quickly straightened her tattered clothes, wiped her sweat, and stood awkwardly back beside Qingwu.

"team leader……"

Although Qingwu has stepped down and the Shadow Guard is now defunct in name only, she still habitually refers to herself as the Shadow Guard.

Qingwu nodded without saying anything more.

Shisui clenched his fists unconsciously, his remaining left eye filled with tension and... an indescribable anticipation.

Soon, a somewhat hunched figure dressed in black casual clothes slowly walked from a distance.

It was the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was not wearing the Hokage's robes.

Princess Tashin did not return, probably because she felt it concerned Konoha's internal affairs and chose to avoid it.

Compared to a few months ago, the Third Generation looked much older; his hair, which was originally just gray, was now completely silver.

The wrinkles on his face were deeper, and his eye bags were puffy, revealing a deep weariness and a kind of dejected exhaustion.

He walked very slowly.

His back was slightly hunched, as if he were carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders.

When he saw the entire Shadow Guard standing under the ancient tree, he paused slightly, and a complex emotion flashed in his eyes.

I was even... a little dazed.

These... were the Hokage's personal guards he had once "created" with his own hands, but now...

despair!

The third generation finally stood before Qingwu.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment.

Tenzo, Anko, and Shisui instinctively wanted to bow, but the Third Hokage stopped them by raising his hand.

His gaze remained fixed on Qingwu's face.

Those once wise and dignified eyes now appeared somewhat cloudy and flickering.

"Lord Hokage..."

Qingwu broke the silence with his voice, which was neither humble nor arrogant, but not particularly warm either.

Looking at the tall, handsome young man before him, whose brows had matured considerably, the Third Hokage was filled with mixed emotions.

This is Senju Seigo, whom he once placed high hopes on and regarded as the future pillar of Konoha.

In just a few years, it has grown to the point where the village has to look up to it, and even... the Hokage has to humbly come to it for help.

"Qingwu..."

……

Chapter 272 The Hokage Bows His Head

"Qingwu..."

The third generation opened his mouth, his voice hoarse, as if he hadn't drunk water in a long time.

He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and made a move that left everyone present speechless—

He, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, the expert in ninjutsu, and the longest-serving Kage, actually bowed deeply to Qingwu!

"What happened before... I was wrong!"

The deep voice, accompanied by this astonishing act, resounded like thunder in everyone's ears.

Tianzang's pupils suddenly contracted, his mouth slightly opened, and he froze completely on the spot.

Hongdou was so shocked that she covered her mouth, her eyes wide open, as if she had seen the most incredible thing in the world.

Shisui was the most agitated; his remaining left eye instantly turned red, and he bit his lower lip hard to keep from making a sound.

Qingwu was also stunned. He had imagined many scenarios after they met: a heated argument, hypocritical pleasantries, even a cold threat...

But he never expected it to turn out like this!

The third generation head, an old man who valued the "village rules" above all else throughout his life, actually...

Why would someone like him, a junior who has "rebelled" and "disrespected his elders," perform such a grand ceremony and personally admit his mistakes?!

"Lord Hokage, this is..."

Qingwu instinctively turned aside, refusing the bow, and stepped forward to help him up, her heart filled with turbulent emotions.

The third generation insisted on finishing the bow before slowly rising.

He raised his head, his face showing no humiliation or reluctance, only a weariness and relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

And...deepest sincerity!

"No need to avoid it, Qingwu, you deserve this courtesy."

The third generation's voice was still hoarse, but it became much calmer after he bowed.

"The matter of Danzo is complicated and complex. After careful investigation and repeated consideration, I have come to a general understanding of it."

"He colluded with Orochimaru a long time ago, continuing to conduct human experiments without permission, coveting the bloodline limit, and even poisoning his own village's ninjas..."

"Furthermore, after the incident, they even attempted to murder the secret agents to silence them... Their actions... deserve to be punished!"

"You avenged your friend and rid the village of a scourge. Although your methods were somewhat excessive, they are understandable, and your merits outweigh your faults!"

His gaze swept over Zhishui, who was standing to the side with tears streaming down her face, and a trace of pity flashed in his eyes:

"It was I who... was blinded by the so-called 'rules' and misled by Danzo's years of friendship and sophistry, and failed to see clearly and stop it in time."

"Moreover, it was I... who, when you needed the village's support the most, chose to doubt and... the so-called 'balance,' tacitly condoning those rumors that were detrimental to you."

"I even considered... punishing you severely."

"This... is my dereliction of duty as Hokage. I have let you down, I have let Shisui down, and I have let down all the ninjas in Konoha who trusted the Hokage."

He finished speaking in one breath, his chest rising and falling slightly, but his eyes looked at Qingwu with utmost sincerity:

"I have come here today not on official business, nor to command you from the position of Hokage."

"As an old man who is nearing the end of his life and has made a grave mistake, I sincerely apologize to you, to Zhishui, and to the Shadow Guard!"

"All that has happened in the past is my fault. Konoha... owes you a great deal."

"..."

quiet!

Deathly silence!

The third generation's candid and heartfelt apology and admission of wrongdoing struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer blow.

Especially the green wutong tree.

The resentment and alienation he had accumulated towards the Third Hokage and the Konoha leadership left him somewhat at a loss in the face of this sincere, almost humble, apology.

It was as if I had punched empty air.