Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 97 Hehehe...

Onoki stopped moving.

He looked at the suddenly appearing Third Hokage, his eyes narrowing slightly: "Sarutobi... you came really fast."

"After all, it's my own child causing trouble outside, so as a parent, I have to come and check on things."

With that, the Third Generation gestured for Qingwu in the air to come down.

Qingwu breathed a sigh of relief and retrieved Pegasus, landing behind the Third Generation.

Ōnoki thought for a moment, then slowly dissipated the Dust Release barrier in his palm.

He had fought Hiruzen Sarutobi during the Fourth Shinobi World War and knew that he needed to be more careful in using chakra when facing such a powerful enemy.

"Lord Tsuchikage has traveled a great distance to the territory of my ally, the Land of Fire, and even attacked my subordinates. Don't you owe me an explanation?"

The third generation leader slammed his golden staff heavily on the ground, his words sharp and incisive.

Qingwu couldn't help but glance at the Third Generation's back. This usually mild-mannered "conservative" actually had such a tough side when dealing with outsiders.

"An explanation!?" Compared to the Third Hokage's calm tone, Onoki seemed like a young man who could explode at the slightest provocation. "You want me to explain to you?"

Onoki stood atop the rock giant's head, looking down at it from above:

"Your Shadow Guard destroyed three of my Iwagakure's strongholds and killed my border commander, and you expect me to explain myself?"

"Kari and Sumashi infiltrated the border of my Land of Fire with the intention of assassinating the Hokage," the Third Hokage said calmly. "My Konoha is merely... responding to your test."

"Sarutobi, are you threatening me?" Onoki's face darkened.

"No, I'm just stating the facts," the Third Generation said.

"That's the end of today's matter. The dead on both sides were due to their inferior skills, and the destruction of their stronghold was due to Iwagakure's transgression first. If Lord Tsuchikage wishes to continue..."

With a whoosh, the divine robe was removed, revealing the black combat suit underneath.

"...My old bones can still keep you company."

The air freezes.

Two powerful figures at the Kage level faced off, their invisible auras clashing.

Standing behind the Third Generation, Qingwu could feel two immense pressures, as heavy as mountains, clashing.

"..."

Onoki remained silent, weighing his options and also harboring some apprehension.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's personal appearance signifies that Konoha has placed this young Shadow Guard member in a position where loss is absolutely unacceptable. Taking forceful action is tantamount to declaring war on Konoha.

After the Third Shinobi World War, Iwagakure suffered heavy losses in its battles with Kumogakure, making it unsuitable for a full-scale war.

At this point, Onoki had to admit that he had underestimated Konoha's determination.

It was originally thought that the weakened Konoha would be too busy dealing with the provocations of Kumogakure to make some concessions in the negotiations with Iwagakure's probing.

Onoki's original intention was to take a piece of the rich Land of Fire to help Iwagakure recover.

did not expect……

After a long silence, Onoki let out a cold snort.

"What a fine Konoha... what a fine Shadow Guard."

Onoki gave a deep look at Aogo behind Hiruzen Sarutobi. "Kid, you got lucky this time, but next time, no one will come to save you."

After saying that, he turned around and dispelled the rock giant beneath his feet. Then, with the blessing of the Light and Heavy Rock Technique, his short body transformed into a stream of light and soared into the sky, disappearing into the northwestern horizon.

The pressure suddenly disappeared, and Qingwu breathed a sigh of relief, only to find that his back was soaked with cold sweat.

"Lord Hokage, how could you...?"

"Didn't I just say that parents worry about their children?" The Third Hokage turned around, his eyes filled with satisfaction as he looked at Qingwu. "It seems I arrived just in time!"

"He... the Tsuchikage just gave up like that?"

"No," the Third Hokage's expression turned serious:

"I arrived a little late because I went to the border to direct the deployment first. Onoki just didn't want to clash with me directly here, but the troop movements on the border haven't stopped."

Qingwu clicked his tongue in amazement. These shadows... none of them are simple!

"Wars between nations are something you shouldn't consider for now, Qingwu, as you're still young."

The Third Hokage looked up at the sky. "The fact that Onoki has personally taken action means that Iwagakure has already listed you as a top-level threat. From today onwards, you must be even more careful."

"Yes!" Qingwu bowed.

"Also..." The Third Hokage suddenly looked towards a shadowy spot in the ravine: "Shouldn't that cowardly fellow come out by now?"

"Huh?!" Qingwu was startled; his natural senses hadn't detected anyone over there.

"Hehehe..." A hoarse, chilling laugh came from the shadows.

"As expected of a teacher, your perception is still so sharp..."

A figure slowly emerged.

A pale face, golden snake eyes, purple eyeshadow, and a playful smile on his lips.

Qingwu's pupils contracted sharply... Orochimaru!!

He dared not imagine what would have happened to him if the Third Hokage hadn't arrived in time, with the Tsuchikage Onoki in front and Orochimaru lurking in the shadows behind!

Orochimaru glanced at Qingwu briefly before fixing his gaze on the Third Hokage, his eyes flashing with a complex mix of emotions—nostalgia, hatred, longing, and apprehension…

"Teacher, it's been a long time!"

"Orochimaru..." The Third Hokage stopped calling him "traitor" and lowered his voice, "What are you doing here?"

"I was just passing by. Hmm, the teacher might not believe me if I say that. I came to see if there's a little devil who can break the curse seal and to check the situation."

Orochimaru chose to tell the truth, "But it seems there's no chance today."

"You will never have the chance to get close to Qingwu again!" the Third Generation Leader roared.

"Don't be so nervous, teacher." Orochimaru chuckled.

"I only came here today to watch a show. The duel between the two shadows was quite a spectacle, but now that the show is over, I should leave."

After Orochimaru finished speaking, he gave Qingwu a deep look.

His gaze was like a venomous snake eyeing its prey, sending chills down Qingwu's spine.

"Qingwu-kun, your ability... is very interesting. We will meet again."

After saying that, Orochimaru's body slowly sank into the ground and disappeared.

The room fell completely silent.

The third generation remained silent for a long time before finally sighing:

"Orochimaru, Onoki... You're not even 14 years old yet, and you're already being targeted by two terrifying figures, Qingwu. This path will be more difficult than you imagine."

"..." Qingwu also felt a wave of powerlessness. Two Kage-level warriors!

Moreover, judging from what just happened, he overestimated Mumu's current strength. Uh, no, Mumu may already be equivalent to an ordinary Kage-level?

But Onoki is no ordinary Kage-level character.

Mumu, who shares the same level as herself and is also only level 30, is clearly no match for someone like Onoki.

Fortunately, even after becoming a hero unit, Mumu still has room to grow.

and……

The upgrade conditions for the [Tree of Life] within the territory have been triggered.

It's time to go back.

Thinking of this, Qingwu looked up and asked:

"Lord Hokage, our Shadow Guard's mission this time has been fraught with difficulties; it can no longer be considered a regular S-rank mission, can it?"

"Hmm? Qingwu, aren't you worried about powerful enemies? Your first thought is actually the mission reward?"

"Yes!" Qingwu chose to be direct, "Lord Hokage, I... I'm really short of money!"