Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 8 Hiruzen Sarutobi

The third generation leader nodded with a satisfied smile.

After offering a few words of encouragement, he said, "You may all leave, but Qingwu will stay."

Iruka's expression was very complex, a mixture of envy and disappointment.

He knew that after today... their temporary team was destined to disband.

Even Yugao has joined the Dark Division.

Qingwu might also be invited, but he... is a weakling.

Snapped!

Only the Third Generation and Qingwu remained in the office. The Third Generation lit his pipe.

"Qingwu, according to the report, the enemy was repelled thanks to you."

The third generation exhaled a puff of bluish-green smoke.

A gentle voice came from within the swirling smoke: "Could you demonstrate your Wood Release technique?"

Qingwu, who had been pondering how to respond, hurriedly replied, "This place... isn't a good place."

"Oh?" the Third Hokage asked with interest. "Why?"

Qingwu said awkwardly, "My technique requires a spacious environment to be released."

After activating his personal panel, he gained the ability to store units in the unit slot. The Deadwood Guardians had already been stored away, while the Centaurs were left in the territory to guard them.

Qingwu was unsure whether the sapling of that ancient tree of life would be damaged.

But given his current strength, he feels safer only if he carries his strongest fighting force with him at all times.

With the Drywood Guardians around, he wouldn't be completely helpless if he encountered Root ninjas again!

"I see." The Third Hokage seemed unconcerned. "It's a large-scale ninjutsu; that's truly an amazing ability."

Tapped his pipe, and the Third Hokage looked over with gentle yet profound eyes, then suddenly said:

"Qingwu, do you know why the First Hokage was called the 'God of Shinobi'?"

Qingwu cautiously asked, "Is it... because his Wood Release... is very strong?"

The Third Hokage shook his head: "No, it's not just because of power, it's because the First Hokage used his immense power to do the most correct and most difficult thing."

Qingwu: "..."

Third Generation: "The First Generation used his power to end the war and establish a village where everyone can live in peace..."

Over the next ten minutes, the Third Hokage instilled in him the "Will of Fire".

Qingwu's eyes brightened slightly at the opportune moment.

"Good boy," the third generation's smile softened even more.

"Your ancestors founded the village and served as the First and Second Hokage."

"Later, they even implemented a 'village-first' integration policy, abandoning their family identities to assimilate into the entire Hidden Leaf Village."

"The Second Hokage was my teacher. Lord Tobirama actively dissolved clan boundaries, with 'protecting Konoha' as his core will..."

It was another round of topics about responsibility and protection, which made Qingwu drowsy.

But he can't show it yet.

"Qingwu, the Senju clan has already integrated into the village, so even as the Hokage, I shouldn't force you to do anything."

Here we go, finally getting to the main topic.

Qingwu was greatly encouraged.

"But it's different now that you've awakened the Wood Release bloodline limit, Qingwu. The village needs your strength."

The third generation head tapped his pipe again and said with a smile:

"Like Yugao, join the Dark Division. However... the difference is that I will train you as a member of the Shadow Guard."

"!!" Qingwu looked surprised.

My brain immediately started working over time: What does "Third Generation" mean?

The Shadow Guard is the Hokage's bodyguard team, which is different from the regular Anbu.

Could it be...?

The Fourth Hokage died on the night of the Nine-Tails, and the Third Hokage, who regained power, wanted to silence the controversial voices by having a member of the Senju Shadow Guard who knew Wood Release.

Indeed, the situation was not stable after the third generation returned to power.

Danzo may have been involved; undercurrents are swirling among the major clans of Konoha.

Therefore, the Third Hokage has only claimed to be acting as Hokage temporarily, and he will step down once a suitable successor is found.

Well, Old Deng may not be a bad person, but once he gets used to power, it's probably not so easy for him to let go.

Just like the Senju clan's disbandment, it was originally intended to set an example for all Konoha clans.

However... even after the death of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, power in Konoha remained controlled by the various clans...

"Lord Hokage, can I... refuse?" Qingwu's face revealed the innocence of a young boy.

He wanted to use the Third Hokage to temporarily make Danzo's side hesitant to act rashly.

But he didn't want to get too close to the Third Hokage.

That would mean losing freedom, and also prevent them from devoting more energy to their territory.

"Oh? Can you tell me your reasons?" The Third Hokage's tone remained gentle.

"Well..." Qingwu scratched his head, then thought of a reason:

"Lord Hokage, my Wood Release technique is still unstable. I need to train in a place with many trees to truly master it."

"Is that so..."

"Yes, Hokage, the Forest of Death is perfect. There is probably no place in the entire ninja world with more trees than there."

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Qingwu found an excuse to frequently visit the Death Forest in the future.

"The path of cultivation cannot be rushed," the Third Hokage said. "Qingwu, as far as I know, before you awakened Wood Release, um..."

"Hokage-sama, I was quite mediocre before!"

When Qingwu spoke up, the Third Hokage secretly wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, realizing he had almost said something that would hurt the boy's pride.

"Well, what I mean is, you lack a good teacher, a mentor." The Third Generation patiently explained:

"My intention was that after you join the Dark Side, I can grant you... partial access to the 'Book of Sealing'."

"Yes, you are the only person in Konoha who knows Wood Release right now. The part of the Book of Seals about Wood Release is only meaningful to you."

"And there's Yamato, right? Oh, it should be called A now?" Qingwu thought to himself.

"As a descendant of a teacher, I also have an obligation to help you."

"Qingwu, although I don't know Wood Release, I believe I can still be of great help to you in terms of the theory of ninjutsu."

The Third Hokage was right; the nickname "Professor of Ninjutsu" wasn't given lightly.

If Qingwu truly awakened Wood Release and intended to follow the path of a ninja, then the Third Hokage's arrangements were perfectly reasonable.

Qingwu could even sense that the Third Generation's words came from the heart.

Wood Release holds extraordinary significance for Konoha.

The third generation leader did indeed want to keep him by his side and train him.

however……

"Lord Hokage!" Qingwu said respectfully, "Thank you very much for your kindness, but... my Wood Release seems... somewhat different from that of the First Hokage."

The third generation leader was taken aback. "What's different?"

"Well... I can't quite put my finger on it; it needs more time to study," Qingwu said earnestly.

"Alright then, there are still more than two months until the Chunin Exams. I'll train in my own way during this time."

"After the Chunin Exams, I'll join the Anbu and specifically seek guidance from the Hokage... Is that alright?"

There was no other way; Qingwu still wanted to buy some time, no matter what.

There are still many things he is exploring regarding the "golden finger" (or similar ability).

At least figure out your own "upgrade" path, as for what happens then...

We'll see how things go then; who knows what might happen in the meantime.