Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

He could tell that the Third Hokage was serious and sincere, and had put aside all his status and airs to come and ask for forgiveness.

"Lord Hokage...you...you flatter me."

After a long while, Qingwu finally spoke, his voice losing its usual calmness.

His emotions were complex and hard to describe; there was some relief, but also some lingering resentment.

An apology is acceptable, but some rifts cannot be completely healed with just an apology, especially fundamental differences in ideology.

"I am very surprised and very grateful that you came in person to say these words."

Qingwu carefully considered his words: "The matter of Danzo is over. There may be some misunderstandings between me and the village, but Konoha will always be the place where I grew up."

My companions and friends are all here. As long as the village doesn't let me down, I... will not do anything to betray the village.

He didn't say "forgive" or "reconcile," but simply stated his position: I will not take the initiative to become an enemy of Konoha.

The third generation understood the reservation in Qingwu's words, and a trace of sadness flashed in his eyes.

But more than anything, it's about understanding.

He knew that deep-seated problems don't arise overnight, and that a broken trust would require time and action to repair. Whether the relationship could return to what it was before remained to be seen.

However, Qingwu's statement made the worst-case scenario he had anticipated much better.

Hmm, if a Senju becomes a rogue ninja... how would the ninja world view Konoha?

"Okay...that's enough, that's enough."

The third generation leader nodded, a bitter smile of relief on his face: "Besides apologizing, I have come here today to make a request."

Finally, it's time to get down to business. Qingwu knew in his heart that all that talk about not discussing official business was nonsense. How could someone come to me for no reason?

He gestured for the third generation to continue.

The Third Hokage faces the relentless pressure from Iwagakure on the western front, the threat of Onoki's possible return to the front lines, and the opportunistic attacks from Kumogakure...

He briefly and frankly described the dire situation Konoha was facing, both internally and externally, without any concealment or exaggeration.

"Shikaku and Inoichi's analysis suggests that the key to breaking this deadlock... lies with you!"

The third generation stared intently at Qingwu. This time, there was no command in his eyes, only an almost pleading request.

"If you can go to the western front, even just to stay and oversee it, it will be enough to deter Iwagakure, buy Konoha some time to stabilize the situation."

"At the same time, it can also send a signal of Konoha's internal unity to the outside world, thereby breaking down the obstacles posed by Kumogakure, and of course, Kirigakure as well..."

"Qingwu, you... are the only hope to save Konoha from this crisis."

He paused, his voice lowering:

“I know that it is excessive to make such a request at this time. You have the right to refuse, and I will never force you as the Hokage.”

"But... I implore you, for the sake of the countless innocent villagers and ninjas of Konoha, for the sake of Kakashi, Naruto, Iruka..."

For the sake of those you cherish, please consider carefully. Konoha... truly needs you!

After speaking, the third generation bowed deeply again, and this time, he did not straighten up for a long time.

Qingwu: "..."

They've even set him up like this, what should we do?

Tianzang, Hongdou, and Zhishui all held their breath and looked at Qingwu.

The responsibility... fell on Qingwu's shoulders. This was not due to force or power, but rather a request based on morality, emotion, and responsibility.

Qingwu remained silent.

Looking at the much older man before him, hunched over and refusing to get up, countless images flashed through his mind—

The mutual support between Iruka and Uzuki Yugao during missions...

My first time joining the Shadow Guard, the sweat I shed alongside Kakashi and the others on the training field...

The innocent smiles on the children's faces that I saw at the orphanage and at Tianzang...

Tsunade's high regard for him and her generosity...

...This place is ultimately the "home" where he grew up, even though this "home" once disappointed him.

And on the western front... Onoki... and the ancient tree that's about to be upgraded, and the green dragon that's almost within our grasp...

Perhaps I could fight Onoki and level up to 60?

An idea gradually became clear in his mind.

He neither answered immediately nor refused outright.

"Lord Hokage, please get up."

Qingwu stepped forward and helped the third generation up.

The third generation straightened up, his eyes filled with childlike anticipation and trepidation.

"This matter...is of great importance."

Qingwu said slowly, "I need time to consider. It's not that I'm making excuses, but... I'm also at a critical stage myself, and there are some preparations that need to be made."

He didn't say it explicitly, but his gaze toward the Third Hokage was calm and profound.

"Half a month."

Qingwu gave him a deadline: "Give me half a month. After half a month, whether I agree to go to the front line or not, I will give you a clear answer."

Half a month later, the ancient tree will be upgraded, and the ultimate barracks [Dragon Cliff] can be built.

Most importantly, you can receive feedback from the natural energy of the upgraded ancient tree, as well as physical enhancement.

At that time, whatever decision he makes, he will have more confidence and more composure.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes. He was truly anxious; the situation in Konoha was deteriorating rapidly...

However, it's not impossible to try. The fact that Qingwu didn't directly refuse and was willing to consider it is already a huge turning point.

"Okay, half a month!"

The Third Hokage nodded emphatically: "Konoha will do its utmost to withstand the pressure and stabilize the situation. I... await good news!"

He didn't say anything more, gave Qingwu a forced smile, and then glanced at Zhishui, Tianzang, and Hongdou with a complicated look in his eyes.

Then he turned around and slowly walked back the way he came.

That figure, still hunched over, seemed a little more relaxed.

Only after the Third Generation's figure completely disappeared from sight did the tense atmosphere within the territory ease slightly.

"team leader……"

Shisui's voice was still a little choked up, as if he wanted to say something. The Third Hokage's actions had shocked him too much.

"Nothing needs to be said."

Qingwu patted his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over his companions, each with a different expression.

Hongdou was the first to react; she stomped her foot hard, her face full of fighting spirit.

"Captain, if you go to the western front, you must take me with you! I haven't been slacking off lately; I'm looking forward to testing my new techniques on those stoneheads in Iwagakure."

Tianzang stepped forward and said earnestly, "Captain, count me in!"

Although Shisui had lost an eye, his eyes still shone with determination: "Captain, the Shadow Guard... will always be the Shadow Guard."

Looking at these familiar yet resolute faces, Qingwu felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

In fact, after he stepped down as captain of the Shadow Guard, the Third Generation did not assign any new tasks to the Shadow Guard, so it can be said that the Shadow Guard had become a mere shell of its former self.

But no matter how the outside world changes, the bond between them, forged in life and death, remains unchanged.

"We'll see when the time comes."

Qingwu neither agreed nor refused.

Given his current relationship with the village, it's uncertain how he will choose to proceed.

However, if he were to go, he wouldn't go alone; having companions by his side would make many things more convenient.

After chatting with the three of them for a while, as it got dark, Hongdou said goodbye and left. It wasn't appropriate for her, a girl alone, to stay too late.

Tenzang, understanding the situation, helped Shisui, who was still adjusting to the sight, back to the wooden house.

They knew that after the captain finished talking with the Hokage, he might need some time to think alone.

Under the ancient tree, only Qingwu remained.

A white figure appeared silently behind him; it was none other than Tianxin Shenji.

She gazed in the direction beyond the territory, and a rare moment of emotion flickered in her strange, vertical pupils.

"I never imagined that a Kage from a human ninja village could put aside all his dignity and pride and go to this extent."

Princess Tianxin said, "In my past understanding, the higher the position, the harder it is for people to admit their mistakes."

Especially... bowing down to a junior with far less experience than himself, this Hokage of Konoha... is rather special.

Qingwu rubbed his temples:

"I didn't expect it either. To be honest, just now... I was very surprised. I originally thought he would try to pressure me with talk of righteousness and responsibility from the beginning."

Or... to say something high-sounding, but I never expected him... to choose this method. To be honest, if I were in his shoes, I... couldn't do it.

"But it's very effective, isn't it?" Tianxin Shenji said meaningfully, "I can sense that your resolve has wavered a little?"

"Perhaps." Qingwu didn't deny it, gazing towards the distant direction of Konoha Village, his expression complex.

"He admitted his mistake because Konoha is now truly on the brink of disaster and needs my power to save lives; that's the reality."

"But the fact that he came in person and bowed so deeply to apologize shows that, at least in his heart, the survival of the village is indeed more important than personal face and so-called rules."

"This... is probably the 'Will of Fire' that he insisted on. However, sometimes this will can lead people to make wrong choices."

Princess Tianxin could tell that Qingwu still had reservations about Danzo's previous actions.

"Such contradictory human emotions," she commented.

She paused, then changed the subject: "Are you really going to the front lines to continue helping Konoha?"

"Whether I go or not is up to me." A sharp glint flashed in Qingwu's eyes.