Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Page 51

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to know that Orochimaru was also watching him!

A moment later, the office door was pushed open, and Kakashi, wearing a mask, silently walked in.

"Gone?" The Third Hokage didn't turn around.

"Yes, they've headed north," Kakashi asked. "Should we give chase?"

“…No!” The Third Hokage shook his head, his voice weary: “Let him go.”

Kakashi fell silent.

He could understand the Third Hokage's feelings.

Moreover, if a ninja of Orochimaru's caliber becomes an enemy, Konoha currently has no good way to counter him.

If war breaks out, the threat and losses to Konoha will be immeasurable.

"But he attacked the village's genin and killed the ANBU and the examiner." Kakashi couldn't help but speak up for Qingwu.

After spending several months together, he felt a bit scared after receiving the news.

Kakashi couldn't imagine how a genin could hold out against a terrifying man like Orochimaru.

You survived this time, but what about next time...?

“I know.” The Third Hokage turned around, his eyes filled with deep weariness and pain. “But Kakashi, are you aware of the situation the village is facing right now?”

Kakashi fell silent once again: "..."

"We're constantly clashing with Kumogakure, and the battle could escalate at any moment. Iwagakure is lurking in the shadows, and that old man Onoki has never been one to be trifled with..."

The third generation took a deep drag on his pipe:

"Of course, I'm not saying this to exonerate Orochimaru, but simply to clarify that Orochimaru's defection must be kept secret for the time being!"

"What?" Kakashi looked up, his eyes behind the mask filled with confusion.

Since he had already defected, in his view, a dangerous person like Orochimaru should at least be publicly identified and classified as an "S-rank rogue ninja".

The third generation leader sat down and rubbed his temples.

"If it is revealed that Orochimaru defected in order to seize Qingwu's power."

"Then Qingwu truly became the target of everyone's criticism."

"Every village wonders: what power could Orochimaru be willing to betray his country for?"

"..." Kakashi's crimson pupils contracted, and he finally understood the Third Hokage's deeper meaning. "So, letting Orochimaru go was to protect Aoko?"

"It's to protect Konoha!" the Third Hokage corrected, but a hint of tenderness appeared in his eyes. "Of course, that includes that child too."

He looked out the window again, his gaze lingering on the Fire Shadow Rock.

“I… am old, Minato is gone, Jiraiya is traveling, Tsunade has left the village, and now… Orochimaru has also defected.”

The Third Hokage's voice was deep: "Konoha's high-end combat power is almost completely depleted. I... intend to negotiate peace with Kumogakure!"

Kakashi was speechless; many questions had been clarified.

No wonder the Third Hokage released those Cloud Village prisoners who had been captured by Qingwu.

"at the same time……"

The Third Hokage continued, "The gap in high-end combat power is unavoidable. We need a new pillar, Kakashi!"

"Lord Hokage!"

“You, Qingwu, and… the children of this generation.” The Third Generation’s voice regained some strength: “You are the future of the village!”

Kakashi remained silent.

He once saw himself as the future of the village, and even had the dream of becoming Hokage, which every Konoha child shared.

However, a series of events occurred, and he... can no longer find meaning in his existence. He simply searches day after day, carrying the eyes and expectations of his companions, until...

"Kakashi!" The Third Hokage's eyes softened. "Do you know why I sent you to 'keep an eye on' that kid from the very beginning?"

"Hope!" The Third Hokage placed his hand on Kakashi's shoulder:

"The appearance of Wood Release represents the village's hope, and at the same time, everyone needs hope."

“Hope…” Kakashi repeated softly.

Since joining the Dark Division, he has become a completely different person, and he is well aware of that.

However, he himself closed himself off and distanced himself from his former classmates and friends.

But unknowingly, that "territory" full of hope and vitality was indeed subtly influencing him.

"After Qingwu woke up..." Kakashi changed the subject.

The third generation leader sighed inwardly, knowing that the child before him still needed time.

"Let Qingwu continue to participate in the Chunin Exams," the Third Hokage said. "No, he must participate, and he must win spectacularly."

He planned to "pave the way" for Qingwu. The Shadow Guard didn't need to "hide" in the shadows, but they needed more prestige to silence some voices.

"But Qingwu's injuries..."

"Medical team report: His recovery speed is incredibly fast." A hint of amazement flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes. "That child, like the First Hokage, possesses a very strong self-healing ability."

Kakashi, relieved, said, "I understand."

"Also," the Third Hokage called out to Kakashi, who was about to leave:

"To strengthen the protection of Qingwu, in addition to sending more secret agents, I also need you to continue to keep a close watch on him personally. Danzo will not give up."

"Yes."

After Kakashi left, the office returned to silence.

The third generation leader walked to the window and gazed at the stars in the night sky.

"Orochimaru, is this the path you've chosen?" he murmured to himself. "So be it..."

The hand gripping the pipe was very strong.

This moment.

He wasn't a 'Hero of the Ninja', nor was he the 'Hokage'; he was simply a 'teacher' with incredibly complex feelings...

……

[Natural Energy Recovery: 0.1]

【…】

Qingwu woke up earlier than the medical team expected.

His eyes gleamed in the darkness.

The battle resulted in significant losses, but also yielded considerable gains.

The experience points on the personal panel are a much higher percentage than expected...

Chapter 51 Level Surge

"upgrade!"

【Ding! 】

[Level +1, gain attribute points: Attack +1, Knowledge +1]

【Ding! 】

[Level +1, Attribute Points Gained: Defense +1, Knowledge +1]

【Ding! 】

[Level +1, gain attribute points: Attack +1, Strength +1]

【Ding! 】

[Level +1, gained...]

Amidst a series of system notifications, Qingwu leveled up 10 times.

It went from level 9 to level 19.

On the first day in the Forest of Death, he leveled up from level 4 to level 7.

The next day, I leveled up from level 7 to level 9.

As your level increases, the experience points required to level up will naturally increase as well.

But this battle with Orochimaru...

Qingwu checked the system records and found that he had received a total of 3000 experience points, 300 natural energy points, and 300 gold coins in the battle settlement.

In addition, there are attribute points randomly gained during upgrades.

His [Knowledge] attribute has nearly tripled since entering the Death Forest, reaching 101 points.

Natural energy finally broke 1000: 1010

The benefits don't stop there.

【Ding! 】

[Level 10 reached!]

[Level Reward: Bloodlust Magic (Basic Fire Magic)]

Before Qingwu could even check the effects of the newly acquired magic, a system notification sounded.

【Ding! 】

[Host detected to possess four types of magic!]

[Unlock Building: Magic Tower!]

"A new building?"