Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"From the rear..." Qingwu looked up and interjected, "Stationed in the rear? Aren't we going behind enemy lines?"

With the Deadwood Guardian in hand, he was not afraid as long as he didn't encounter Onoki. He had already started calculating the experience and level he would gain.

“There are three core missions,” the Third Generation leader said calmly, without directly responding to Qingwu’s words: “Protecting the supply lines in the rear, guarding the camp and protecting the commander, and transmitting intelligence from the front lines.”

Tianzang gently tugged at Qingwu, and Xiyan whispered, "If there's a problem, let the captain ask."

Kakashi speaks:

"Does the Hokage mean we shouldn't actively intervene in the front lines? While guarding the rear is important, I believe... the village's expectations for the Shadow Guard go beyond that, don't they?"

The Third Hokage was slightly taken aback, then realized that the clever Kakashi had probably already analyzed everything from some rumors.

Indeed, that was the case. Although Kakashi didn't know that Danzo was behind this, his guess was pretty close to the truth.

The Third Hokage did not directly address Danzo's matter, but instead solemnly stated:

“Onoki has already made enemies with the Shadow Guard. Although as the Tsuchikage, he can’t ignore the whole situation and chase after you, we have to be careful.”

At this point, the Third Hokage glanced at Qingwu and continued, "Moreover, besides Onoki, Iwagakure also has Jinchuriki, so young people must not be careless."

Qingwu knew that the Third Generation was pointing out his flaws, warning him not to be arrogant or conceited.

Thinking of the tailed beasts, Qingwu put aside his contempt and bowed, saying, "Yes, Lord Hokage!"

The third generation leader said with satisfaction:

"As Kakashi said, the task of guarding the rear is also very important. Of course, once you are on the battlefield, you will belong to Nara Shikaku, and your tasks may change as the situation changes."

This statement is quite flexible, and it's a solution the third generation came up with to break the deadlock.

At the same time, he also believed that Nara Shikaku would understand his meaning.

In this way, although they agreed to let Danzo send the Shadow Guards to the battlefield, their main mission area was in their own rear.

That would significantly improve security.

Moreover, unless the war escalates to the point of a national war, the Shadow of the Village is unlikely to make a move easily.

Onoki isn't stupid; if he's going to make a move, I'll make one too.

That would inevitably escalate into the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Now that all countries are recuperating, the Third Generation believes that Onoki initiated the conflict only to seek compensation, not to completely break off relations.

Because that would not benefit either party.

Didn't you see that even the usually domineering Cloud Village started agreeing to peace talks after the conflict reached a certain point...?

"No one but me and Nara Shikaku can command you."

The third leader continued to reassure the Shadow Guard, saying, "As for the border, you only need to listen to Nara Shikaku, and for safety reasons, you can have a certain degree of autonomy."

Kakashi said no more: "Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Kakashi, always leave room for maneuver. Protect yourself and your comrades." The Third Hokage said meaningfully.

"Yes, I will definitely complete the mission!" Kakashi bowed.

The Third Hokage frowned slightly. This was not what he wanted to hear. The mission was not important at all. What mattered was that the Shadow Guard could return safely while undergoing training.

"Alright." The Third Hokage planned to send a message to Nara Shikaku to explain the situation. He was worried that saying too much to these young people would have the opposite effect.

"Go." The Third Hokage waved his hand, his gaze falling on Qingwu. "The Chunin Exams end tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Alright, once you've completed the Chunin Exams mission, your Shadow Guard team can set off."

The four bowed again, then turned and left the office one by one.

The door closed slowly, and Qingwu, who was walking last, paused for a moment.

He could feel the Third Hokage's gaze on him from behind the desk... It was Danzo!?

Qingwu turned around.

He saw the Third Generation smiling and nodding at him.

Ha... Danzo's scheme? I'll take it!

The Shadow Guards disappeared behind the door.

The third generation leader withdrew his gaze with satisfaction; Qingwu was a clever child.

Moreover, judging from their previous combat prowess, they should be fine as long as they don't encounter any of the top fighters from Iwagakure.

As they walked out of the Hokage Building, Kakashi turned to look at the three of them and said, "Make sure you're all ready before you set off."

He paused, then added, "Don't have any special psychological burden about going to the battlefield. With me here, I won't let you get into any danger."

Even in front of others, including the Third Hokage, Kakashi still prioritized the mission.

But in private, things have already changed...

Chapter 118 Farewell

Three days later.

At the entrance to Konoha Village, the morning light was bright, and the wind carried the coolness of the early morning.

The Shadow Guards are assembled.

Kakashi nodded. "Let's go!"

"Wait a moment."

A loud shout came from afar, "Kakashi—"

A figure dressed in a green bodysuit arrived quickly and punched Kakashi in the shoulder:

"I just got back from a mission and you're leaving already? Kakashi, youth really doesn't waste a single moment!"

Kakashi staggered back two steps, his eyes filled with helplessness. "Kai, you used too much force."

Qingwu curiously examined Might Guy. Even though he was close to Kakashi, he had never actually seen this "Konoha rare beast" many times.

"I heard you're going to the battlefield?"

Might Guy only had eyes for Kakashi. "When are you coming back? I'm still waiting to settle things with you, Kakashi—"

Kakashi took a step back and picked at his ear. "Keep your voice down, Guy. You don't need to shout when we're this close."

Qingwu chuckled inwardly. Kakashi, with his deadpan demeanor, needed a friend like Might Guy.

He could clearly sense that Kakashi was speaking words of rejection, but he was actually more relaxed than usual.

"Green Wutong Tree—"

Just then, Iruka ran over carrying a bag.

"You haven't had breakfast yet, have you?"

Iruka smiled and handed it over, "This is enough for the four of you."

Qingwu felt a warmth in his heart. In order not to worry his friend, he had not appeared in public after the Chunin Exams, but he did not expect that Iruka would still find out.

It must have been Hongdou who told him?

Just then, Mitarashi Anko and Yuhi Kurenai appeared together.

The former also handed over a bag, saying, "Here, these are soldier rations I made myself. Keep them; you'll need them."

Qingwu blinked and looked at Hongdou.

Hongdou blushed, a rare occurrence for her: "Although I've never made this before, I did make some under Mom's guidance. The taste might not be great, but it works."

Xi Yan's pupils widened in shock. She and Hong Dou were already good friends in private, but she had never seen Hong Dou have such an expression and reaction.

And... why is it only Qingwu who has it, and I, as her friend, don't... Xiyan felt a little wronged.

Kurenai stepped forward and handed over a small scroll, her voice soft:

"I see you're still carrying a backpack. This is a space scroll that can temporarily store things you don't use often."

As if sensing something, Hongdou turned to look at Xi Ri Hong. This older sister...

Space scrolls are quite expensive, and most ninjas wouldn't dare to buy them.

Qingwu was also a little surprised, not expecting that Xi Ri Hong was actually a wealthy woman.

"The battlefield is not that simple; be careful in everything you do."

Kurenai Yuhi glanced at the group, nodded to Kakashi and Tenzo, and then said to Qingwu, "Remember what we said when we ate the barbecue: 'Return safely!'"

"Thank you, I will." Feeling the care from her friend, Qingwu felt a warm glow in her heart.

Yugao, standing to the side, felt a little emotional. Seeing that Captain Kakashi and Qingwu had people remembering them and coming to see them off, and then looking at herself...

When the red beans appeared, she thought they were a gift for her.

Thinking of this, Uzuki Yugao looked at Anko with a hint of resentment in her eyes.

Unfortunately, Hongdou's attention was currently focused on Qingwu and Xi Ri Hong, and she... felt a great threat.

Kurenai gave the scroll to Seigo and then went to talk to Kakashi and Might Guy.

Hongdou breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed... like they were just ordinary friends.

Qingwu was unaware of Hongdou's thoughts. He and Xi Ri Hong were just ordinary friends who had interacted a few times. They might have gotten along somewhat, but it was far from an ambiguous relationship.

After storing the soldier's rations in a spatial scroll, Qingwu expressed his gratitude to Hongdou and Iruka.

There is someone... who seems to have been forgotten.

It is not Yugao, but Tianzang.

He was all alone. Having grown up in the roots and in solitude, he tasted loneliness clearly for the first time.

However, Tianzang felt no resentment, only a little...envy.

He subconsciously took a half step back, his eyelids drooping to conceal the hint of loneliness in his eyes.

Iruka, who was hugging Qingwu, happened to see this. He coughed lightly and said with a smile, "Tianzang, you can have some of the breakfast I brought too."

Tianzang paused for a moment, then looked up and awkwardly forced a smile. "Yes, I heard it just now."