Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"what--!!"

The Iwagakure squad leader let out a scream, his experience from countless battles allowing him to roll away from the centaur's spear.

His subordinates desperately helped him up, intending to escape from the other side.

However, they were stopped by the dwarven warriors who had already formed ranks.

Dwarves are sturdy and cannot be killed directly by kunai or explosive tags.

"Click-click-click—"

Behind it, countless roots spread out like a tidal wave.

The darkness illuminated the terrified expression on the Iwagakure squad leader's face...

……

By the time the Konoha ninjas inside the stronghold arrived, the battle was already over.

In less than 5 minutes, the entire Rock Hidden Scout Squad was wiped out; not a single member was able to infiltrate, let alone approach the supply warehouse.

The leader of the Konoha Chunin captains opened his mouth, attempting to communicate with the summoned creature that appeared to be the leader.

Deadwood Guardian: "..."

The Konoha captain looked around and said regretfully:

"It's a pity that we didn't leave a single survivor, so we can't get more information through interrogation."

Qingwu leaped down from the watchtower and said calmly, "Their instructions are simple: anyone who enters or leaves without following proper procedures will be attacked."

These words were not only spoken to the Konoha ninja present, but also to... the hidden spies.

Spies must use unconventional methods to transmit intelligence.

The fact that the mixed forces achieved such results tonight in his absence can be considered a deterrent.

The Jonin in charge of logistics arrived at the scene with Kakashi.

The former greeted Kakashi and then directed the Konoha ninjas to clean up the battlefield.

Kakashi yawned in relaxation:

"You should leave one or two Iwa ninja behind, so we might be able to find more Iwa ninja while trailing behind."

Qingwu said helplessly, "If only my summoned beasts were as smart as your 'Pakistani,' they can only accept simple commands."

Kakashi was speechless. "I was hoping my ninja dog could have the fighting power of a 'dwarf warrior'."

Kakashi couldn't even imagine that his ninja dogs could be compared to elite Jonin. He wished they had the intelligence and the sturdiness of dwarves.

Speaking of this, Qingwu chuckled; his dwarves seemed unusually popular.

Following Tianzang's signing of a spirit contract with a dwarf, Xiyan also chose a dwarf.

At the time, Qingwu asked curiously why she didn't sign a contract with the Great Elf. Xiyan said... if she were in danger, she could use the dwarves to hold off the enemy, which would create an opportunity for her to escape.

Hmm...that makes sense!

Tenzo's reason was "to protect," while Yugao's reason was "to be cannon fodder."

The purpose of use is different, and the dwarves' current production is sufficient, so Qingwu has no objection to this.

Kakashi, however, refused to sign a summoning contract with Silver Pegasus.

When he learned that Qingwu had acquired more "Deadwood Guardians," he immediately had an idea.

He had personally fought the Deadwood Guardian long ago, and Kakashi had a great fondness for this kind of large and extremely resilient creature.

However, Qingwu did not agree immediately.

The number of Deadwood Guardians is currently limited, so he split them in two, carrying one part with him and leaving the other in the territory under the command of Woodwood.

"When we get back this time, I'll give you a withered tree guardian."

It should be almost time when we get back. Three Deadwood Arches refresh every week, and we're sure to get even more rewards after this battlefield mission.

Upon hearing this, Kakashi turned his head and said, "If the price is high enough, then forget it. You seem to value them quite a bit."

As the withered tree guards stationed on the south side disappeared into the night, Kakashi continued:

"Centaur, dwarf, and elf should be relatively easy to communicate with, but you don't seem to cherish them much. Pegasus and deadwood should be very valuable, right?"

Qingwu joked, "It's very tall. Why don't you pay for it?"

Kakashi said seriously, "I don't lack money. Give me 10 deadwood, and I can help you beat up Onoki."

"Huh?" Xiyan and Tianzang, who arrived late, were dumbfounded. When did their captain become such a braggart?

Kakashi coughed lightly, changing the subject:

"In short, tonight's action will definitely have a deterrent effect. Iwagakure will probably not send anyone to probe us so easily next time. We need to take the initiative."

Xi Yan asked, "Do we need to split up?"

As she spoke, she naturally moved closer to Qingwu. Her cool and aloof eyes remained calm, but her steps betrayed her true feelings.

Seeing this, Tianzang also approached Qingwu from the other side.

Kakashi: "..."

"What are you doing?" Kakashi said speechlessly, "I am the captain."

"So we're going to split up?" Qingwu looked at the two people on his left and right with a strange expression and asked Kakashi.

Kakashi pondered for a moment and said:

"Yes, it's too wasteful for four people to act together. This supply line on the west side of the rear stretches for hundreds of miles. We'll pair up and patrol and eliminate any Iwa ninja lurking around the area."

He paused, then added:

“The Iwagakure forces deep behind enemy lines are not weak; at the very least, they are Chunin-level. So… I and So, two Jonin, will each take one, to ensure that each group has enough combat power to cover the rear.”

As soon as the words were spoken, Xiyan and Tianzang stood even closer to Qingwu, their meaning self-evident.

Kakashi's eye twitched beneath his mask. "Are you looking down on me as the captain?"

Only then did Xiyan seem to realize something and look towards Tianzang on the other side. In her haste, she found an excuse:

"Tenzo, it's such a waste to have two Wood Release bloodlines together."

Chapter 124 Grouping, Clearing Supply Lines

"Huh? I..."

Tianzang was tongue-tied and couldn't find the words to refute him.

But he always lived with Qingwu, and he didn't want to be separated from her at times like this.

Qingwu realized what was happening and turned to look at Xiyan with a puzzled expression. It was easy to understand why Tianzang wanted to be on his team, but what did Xiyan mean by this?

"What are you looking at!"

Concealed by the fox mask, Xi Yan said in a cold and hard tone, "I lent you money, so it's necessary for me to keep an eye on you."

"Oh, it means you're afraid I won't be able to repay the money," Qingwu suddenly realized.

Kakashi didn't want to waste time on this. "Let's settle it like this. Tenzo and I will be in the same group. Let's go back and rest first, and we'll talk about the specifics tomorrow morning."

Kakashi yawned again as his peaceful sleep was interrupted by a night raid.

Qingwu confirmed that Kakashi had indeed changed.

In the past, Kakashi would only appear cold and aloof in all aspects except for missions, but now... he is increasingly revealing his relaxed nature.

"Disperse!"

The Konoha ninjas were left behind to clean up the battlefield, while the four members of the Shadow Guard left first.

Silent all night.

The next day, Kakashi somehow obtained a map and pointed to two directions with his finger:

"Tenzang and I will focus on the southern section, investigating potential hazards around the supply line transfer stations, and also keeping an eye on whether Iwagakure will make any large-scale mobilizations."

"And Elephant and Fox, you're in charge of the northern section of the supply line, clearing out the hidden scouts and supply raiding squads lurking in the mountains. Any objections?"

After asking about some terrain details, Xi Yan shook her head and said, "No objection."

The mountainous terrain was her and Qingwu's "home turf," and Kakashi's arrangement was very reasonable.

Qingwu nodded as well.

He didn't really care; no matter where he went, his troops could expose the Iwagakure forces that were caught off guard.

"Yes!" Tianzang glanced at Qingwu, his tone somewhat aggrieved.

He couldn't understand how Xi Yan had managed to steal the spot next to Qing Wu.

"Remember, taking the initiative is not reckless action." Kakashi's tone became more serious.

"Send a signal immediately if there is any unexpected situation. No one is allowed to fight alone. Fox, you are good at assassination and reconnaissance, and you have more experience than Elephant. When the two of you work together, you should focus on understanding and assessing the enemy's situation before deciding whether to take action."

Qingwu retorted, "Hey, do you think I'm a reckless person in the captain's eyes?"

"Anyway, if I see the Tsuchikage, I'll definitely run as far away as possible the moment I see him," Kakashi retorted with a single sentence.

Because he fought against the Tsuchikage, Onoki, that day.

"Tianzang is in my group. He is responsible for using Wood Release to defend and restrain others, creating opportunities for me to attack."

"Yes!"

"Remember, never be careless." Kakashi seemed still uneasy and added, "Anything can happen on the battlefield."

"Yes!" the three responded in unison.

Looking at the three of them working in perfect harmony, Kakashi coughed lightly with a sigh of relief. "Alright, each of you prepare for twenty minutes, then we'll split up and head out."

……

Over the next week, the Shadow Guard continued to take the initiative.

Qingwu and Xiyan are a pair.

Relying on its own natural senses and the Great Spirit's far-reaching vision, it accurately located the lurking Rock Cave.