Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Judging from the original work, the shadow of the Root can be seen in the Land of Wind, the Land of Rain, and even some of the surrounding small countries.

Qingwu shrugged: "If it's Danzo... I have no reason not to do it."

When he first awakened "Wood Release", he was almost taken advantage of by Danzo. He only managed to make Danzo hesitate after he clung to the Hokage's coattails.

But Qingwu knew very well what kind of person Danzo was. That guy was hiding in the shadows, and he would seize any opportunity to take a bite out of her.

Since that's the case, we should try to recover some of the "interest" first.

My thoughts are becoming clearer...

……

Two days later.

The main gate of Konoha Village.

Qingwu and Tianzang waited for their companions to arrive.

The Shadow Guards have been granted permission to leave the village, but... Kakashi claims he has no interest in going to the capital, while Yugao says she wants to take advantage of her vacation to train hard and improve.

As a result... only he and Tenzo went to represent the Hokage's Shadow Guard.

Tenzang was familiarizing himself with the hand seals for the "Spirit Communication Technique" on the side.

Qingwu saw this and said in a low voice, "No need, you can make any hand seals or shout whatever you want, just communicate with it."

Tianzang has already signed a psychic contract with... a certain "dwarf warrior".

Speaking of this, Tianzang's choice also surprised Qingwu.

He originally thought that in the selection of basic troops, Tianzang would definitely choose the Great Elf who could attack from a distance and was "beautiful".

Unexpectedly, Tianzang ultimately chose the "dwarf".

In Tianzang's words, he had witnessed the dwarves' "toughness" on the battlefield, and his spells were more inclined towards protection.

"You'd be better suited to be a 'Guardian Ninja'."

That's what Qingwu said at the time.

Tianzang replied, "If Qingwu goes, I'll go with you."

Well, so easily you "betrayed" the Hokage?

"Hey, your Shadow Guard team is pretty punctual!" a voice rang out.

Qingwu turned to look at it.

Sarutobi Asuma, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, waved to the two of them. He was wearing a green Jonin vest, with a chakra short blade hanging at his waist, and his expression was relaxed.

As expected, it was him… Qingwu thought to herself.

Sarutobi Asuma – son of the Third Hokage, graduated at age 9, became a Chunin at age 12, and a Jonin at age 16…

Asuma, now 17, is going through a rebellious phase and prefers to leave Konoha and stay away from his father, who is the Hokage. He will likely remain in the position of "Guardian Ninja" for many years to come.

Thinking about Asuma's information, Qingwu reached out to greet him, "Asuma-senpai!"

He wasn't wearing the Shadow Guard's ANBU uniform today either; he and Tenzo had both changed into Konoha tactical vests.

"Qingwu, you're already a Jonin..."

Standing next to Asuma was Kurenai Yuhi, dressed in a dark red casual outfit, looking capable and elegant.

She nodded to Tianzang, her gaze fixed on Qingwu:

"I'm three years older than you, and even with my expertise in genjutsu, I'm only a Special Jonin. You're quite the impressive kid."

Last year during the Chunin Exams, Kurenai Yuhi was one of the examiners for Seigo and his classmates.

Although I personally witnessed the battle between Qingwu and Orochimaru, I know that this kid is very strong.

But... it hadn't been long before Qingwu had already moved ahead.

This left Kurenai deeply moved...

Chapter 111 Asma: Want one?

"Senior Hong!" Qingwu smiled faintly.

There are differences in closeness; so far, he is not familiar with Asuma or Kurenai.

Tenzo also greeted them, bowing somewhat reservedly to the two: "Asuma-senpai, Kurenai-senpai."

"Well, don't be so polite!" Asuma waved his hand casually. "We're all on the same side."

He paused, as if he had thought of something, and took out a cigarette case from his pocket. "Want one?"

"Huh?" Tianzang was dumbfounded.

"I don't smoke!" Qingwu glanced regretfully at the cigarette pack.

In another life, I did smoke, but... once I finally "quit," I never thought about "picking it up" again.

"Asuma!!"

Kurenai raised her delicate eyebrows, clearly displeased with Asuma's act of offering a cigarette to a "child".

"Hehe..." Asuma scratched his head and awkwardly put away his cigarette case.

"Qingwu," not long after the four set off, Kurenai Yuhi leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Kakashi... how is that guy now?"

Kakashi was a year younger than Kurenai and the others, but he graduated earlier.

However, since they were classmates and grew up together, they had all tried to comfort Kakashi about his experiences and changes.

However, apart from Might Guy, who could occasionally talk to Kakashi, Kakashi completely ignored the other classmates.

"The captain... he's much better now." Qingwu knew what Xi Ri Hong was asking.

"Ugh……"

Girls are always emotional, Kurenai sighed, "That guy... his fate is really unfortunate."

Qingwu nodded; Kakashi's past was no secret.

He's practically a cursed lone star!

"When we were in the Land of Tea, the captain seemed to have let go of some of his psychological burden after killing that Jonin from Iwagakure, Suma Shi."

"Is that so... I've heard of that person, the one from Kannabi Bridge back then... Never mind, let's not talk about it."

Kurenai sighed, "Qingwu, you are a member of the Shadow Guard and someone Kakashi approves of. If you have the chance, keep an eye on him and don't let him do anything foolish."

"..." Qingwu recalled the scene he witnessed when he descended from the sky that day. On that day... Kakashi had probably already resolved to die.

"Don't worry, senior!" Qingwu said, "The captain is stronger than we imagined."

Kakashi is a very relaxed person.

Having gone through life and death with the Shadow Guard, things have changed a lot.

Perhaps it's because she doesn't yet know how to get along with her former classmates, but Qingwu believes that day will come soon.

Because the atmosphere of the Shadow Guard is different from that of the previous "dark" Dark Division.

The environment can subtly change a person...

“You and the captain are both…gentle people,” Qingwu said with a smile.

Kurenai paused for a moment, then smiled. "I think you're much gentler than we imagined."

Starting with Kakashi, the two quickly became acquainted.

Kurenai Yuhi recounted amusing anecdotes from last year's Chunin Exams, while Seigo shared stories of what happened during the Shadow Guard's mission.

...And watching Qingwu and Xiri Hong walking together... they chuckled softly, oblivious to everyone else.

The cigarette in Asuma's mouth... doesn't taste good anymore!

He stubbed out his cigarette, turned his head and said, "Kid, how about we have a competition?"

"Huh?" Tenzo was once again dumbfounded when faced with Asuma.

Asuma was probably thinking of showing off his "muscles" in front of women. "Kid, training is the most important part of being a ninja. You can't slack off at any time."

"..." Tianzang didn't know what to say, so he could only bow and say, "Yes, Senior Asuma!"

"Very well, let's have a contest of Body Flicker Technique!" Asuma finished speaking and leaped up to the treetop with a 'whoosh'.

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"

Then he used Wind Release chakra to empower himself, and disappeared from sight in a moment.

"..." Xi Ri Hong and Qing Wu were startled and stared at the treetops in silence for a long time.

"call out--!"

Tianzang leaped onto the treetop and gave chase.

"Pfft..." Kurenai Yuhi suddenly burst out laughing.

Asma had been pursuing her for more than a year or two, so she knew, of course, that Asma wanted to impress her.

But at the same time, she also felt...it was so childish and stupid!

Everyone's gone, doesn't that mean Qingwu and I won't have a chance to be alone? But...

Kurenai Yuhi blushed slightly as she turned to look at Seiwu, thinking to herself: Luckily, Seiwu is several years younger, otherwise...

……

September of Konoha Calendar Year 53

The capital of the Land of Fire.

The third day of the selection process for replacement members of the Twelve Guardian Ninjas.

Qingwu stood in the center of the arena, his breathing steady, with only the dust on the corner of his clothes proving that he had just gone through a battle.

Opposite him, Danzo's elite ANBU were kneeling on the ground.

His right hand was twisted unnaturally, the mask was mostly shattered, revealing a pale face and a venomous look in his eyes.

The stands were completely silent.