Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

That means...

Qingwu touched the back of his neck. "Damn it, maybe I've become Orochimaru's 'resurrection point' too?"

Despite his words, Qingwu himself wasn't actually that worried.

On one hand, his natural energy level is clearly higher than that of the cursed seal, and the Third Hokage even said that his cursed seal would not go out of control.

On the other hand, the water-based [Healing] spell may not be able to completely remove the curse mark, but [Healing] is only a basic spell.

He didn't believe that once he learned a more advanced "purification" technique, he would be able to overcome the curse seal.

"You'll need to stay at the hospital for another night," a medical ninja from the medical team said as they entered.

Although the Third Hokage personally planted the sealing technique, the cursed seal had never appeared before, so it needed to be left to be observed.

Qingwu shrugged, indicating that he didn't care.

Anyway, in the qualifiers draw, he will most likely get a bye today.

Anyone who believes that the lottery is fair and just is a fool.

The medical ninja then said to Qingwu, "Your ward is next door, I'll take you there."

Hongdou suddenly grabbed his hand, "Qingwu, stay... with me."

The sound was as soft as a mosquito's buzz.

Qingwu chuckled and patted her on the shoulder, "I'm a boy!"

"No, it's alright!" Hongdou's face flushed red, a rare occurrence for her. "I, we'll just chat."

After saying that, she turned to the medical ninja and asked, "Is it alright?"

The medical ninja coughed lightly, ignored her, and turned to leave.

"All right!"

Qingwu sat back down.

However, the thought of spending the night in the same room still created a somewhat romantic atmosphere.

"Maybe I should just leave."

Qingwu felt unwell and stood up, saying...

"Don't!"

Hongdou's eyes darted away, but she still took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Qingwu, just now... did I look really ugly?"

"Hmm?" Qingwu thought for a moment, "I think it's prettier."

That pure wildness, paired with the fishing net outfit of red beans, has a unique flavor, doesn't it?

"You...when did you become so glib?"

This incident seems to have brought the two old classmates closer together, and Hongdou has also shown another side of herself.

The two talked about their classmates from school days, then about their teachers, and both sighed with emotion.

Neither of them slept that night.

The time was spent chatting.

The following day, the two, having received permission to leave, returned to Training Ground No. 3.

The preliminary rounds were delayed yesterday due to the red bean incident and were not fully completed.

We'll continue today.

Iruka started talking nonstop as soon as he saw the two of them.

Although he didn't get a bye yesterday, he was drawn against a genin from Yugakure and easily advanced.

The initial victory boosted Iruka's confidence for the upcoming exams.

Qingwu and Hongdou smiled at each other.

Actually, Iruka was being a bit too self-deprecating.

We've trained together for so long.

Qingwu estimated that as long as he didn't encounter Konoha's secret ninjas or the remaining two from Kumogakure, Iruka had a chance of winning.

Perhaps the Chunin level is a bit of a stretch.

However, considering that we are currently in wartime, Iruka's chances of being promoted to Chunin would greatly increase if he won just one match in the main tournament.

"Whoosh!"

When the time came, Namiya Reito reappeared on the field and announced the start of the draw.

There were even more people watching the game from the stands today.

First, news of the duel between Hongdou and Yunren yesterday had spread; second, since Qingwu didn't make a move yesterday, many people came to see him today.

"Beep beep beep beep!" The candidate's name was locked on the big screen.

Qingwu VS Darui!

"Haha." Qingwu was overjoyed. "Iruka, let me remove one of your toughest bones first."

Darui is the strongest among the Cloud Ninja. According to current information, he is said to have mastered the bloodline limit of "Storm Release".

"This is interesting."

As Qingwu landed in the arena, a female ninja leaning against the railing had a fleeting look in her beautiful eyes.

"Red, I heard you fought alongside this brat?" Asuma, standing to the side, kept his distance, a cigarette dangling from his hand.

Kurenai waved her cigarette smoke in annoyance. "Asuma, stay away from me."

"Tell me, what's so interesting about this kid?" Asuma deliberately started a conversation.

"We're only three years older than Qingwu, yet we call him a brat," Yuhi Kurenai muttered before explaining.

"I've looked into that Cloud Ninja's Storm Release; it's a combination of Lightning Release and Water Release, with numerous variations and strong penetrating power. And the ability that Qingwu has displayed..."

Kurenai thought for a moment, somewhat dazed, "It should be more defensive, right? He can hold off Orochimaru's attacks for a while."

“Oh, I see, so this is a battle between spear and shield,” Asuma concluded, trying to get on Asuma’s good side.

"No!" Kurenai Yuhi grinned mischievously. "It was just a crushing defeat."

Are you kidding me? He could hold off Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin, for so long. How could he possibly win against him in the Chunin Exams?

In the arena, Qingwu and Darui had already taken their positions.

Darui was a dark-skinned, silver-haired boy who wore a cloud-covered headband.

He abandoned his usual lazy expression and stared intently at Qingwu across from him with a serious look.

Although Qingwu's surname "Qianshou" was not displayed on the big screen, Qingwu's name was mentioned the most in this year's exam.

Holding the broadsword on his back, Darui felt a little more at ease.

If he were to face Konoha's Anko, he might have a chance of winning, but... he had heard about Qingwu's 'fearsome reputation' many times from his teammates.

"Darui, good luck!"

hope clenched his fist in the stands.

He knew better than anyone how terrifying that black-haired boy from Konoha was.

But at the same time, I also hope for a miracle...

Chapter 58 Storm Release

"Game start!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Darui moved.

It wasn't teleportation, but his speed was so fast that he left afterimages!

The silver hair drew lightning through the air, and he instantly appeared to Qingwu's right, slashing horizontally with his greatsword!

"Kumakuya's ninjutsu!"

Many spectators were secretly shocked.

The key is Darui's age.

This means that another genius has emerged in Kumogakure!

"Lightning Release: Lightning Slash!"

The blade was crackling with blue lightning, tearing through the air.

The speed and power of this strike have reached the peak of Chunin level.

But Qingwu only turned slightly to the side.

The blade grazed the hem of his clothes, striking empty air.

Darui's pupils contracted—the opponent wasn't just relying on summoned beasts; their speed was also faster than expected!

No, it's not about speed.

It's a prediction.

The moment before the blade struck, Qingwu had already turned to the side, as if he had already seen through the trajectory of the attack.

"White eyes?" The thought flashed through Darui's mind, but he immediately dismissed it, as his opponent's eyes were perfectly normal.

Is it combat instinct? Or...?

"Your attack was all too obvious."

Qingwu said calmly, raising his right hand with his palm facing upward.

Dense roots sprouted from his palm.

"!!" Upon seeing this, Darui immediately flew back.

"Wood Release..." At the same time, everyone in the stands, who had been watching Qingwu's actions, finally saw it.