Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

"This one……"

Qingwu fell into deep thought.

He knew that there was a similar skill in the ninja world; the Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, had a "Water Mirror Technique," which could also create clones of the target.

However, it should not have 80% of the power of the original.

Moreover, my [Mirror Image Technique] is currently only LV1, and its strength should increase after it is upgraded to the maximum level.

However, its HP is 1, which means that it will disappear like a bubble if hit by a kunai.

This requires a bit of "skill".

The selection of copy targets allows for more precise control...

"Well, in any case, this skill is worth the [Advanced Magic] level. If used well, it can be enough to change the course of the battle."

Putting everything else aside, if we had this skill earlier, we could have copied a Raikage in his "Lightning Release: Armor" state. Even a single hit would have been enough to make the Raikage and Orochimaru suffer greatly.

Moreover, there are no restrictions on this target replication, meaning that if Otsutsuki were to appear right now, a mirror image could be replicated!

perfect!

He resisted the urge to immediately study the new magic and continued to check the panel.

[Natural Energy: 50002]

The battle rewards not only a considerable amount of experience points, but also a significant amount of natural energy.

Unfortunately, the 50,000 points of natural energy still didn't trigger the upgrade quest for the [Ancient Tree of Life]. Qingwu already had some guesses about what was going on.

It will most likely require 100,000 points.

For now, we can only hope that the trip to Yongji Cave will be fruitful.

Because, barring any unforeseen circumstances, even after the ancient tree is upgraded, building the ultimate barracks [Dragon Cliff] will likely still require the resource [Natural Essence]!

After taking stock of what he had gained this time, Qingwu closed his eyes and began to review the day's battle.

Besides upgrades and skills, there were many other gains from this great battle.

The valuable experience of fighting opponents of the Raikage and Orochimaru's caliber, and the practical testing of his Sage Mode, are enough for him to digest for a long time.

Oh, and there are also different types of troops.

Once the Sage Mode is activated, unit types have the potential to "transcend class".

Judging from the battle, the stronger the unit, the greater the impact. The Unicorn should normally be at the near-Kage level, otherwise it would not be able to withstand the attacks of the Two-Tails and the Raikage.

After activating Sage Mode and receiving the Lord attribute enhancement, the Unicorn should have reached the Kage level.

Combining their "blindness" with their own characteristics, they are the main force fighting the Raikage today.

Next is the Deadwood Guardian. After being strengthened, the Deadwood Guardian's [Root Entanglement] is much more resilient, which is also a very practical improvement.

The key point is that their numbers are far greater than those of unicorns.

Finally, while trapped within the barrier, he summoned the great elves and dwarves.

The basic units have also been strengthened, but they haven't shown any outstanding performance against enemies of the Raikage's caliber.

Of course, it's also possible that your current attributes haven't been accumulated yet.

One day, when the accumulated attribute points exceed the limit, the bonus to the troop type will definitely be stronger!

As Qingwu pondered, exhaustion overwhelmed her, and she fell into a deep sleep...

Outside the tent, the cold wind still howled.

In the distance, towards the Cloud Hidden Camp, a sense of oppression hung in the air.

The severely injured Raikage secretly returned, and the news was strictly kept under wraps, but the commander Tsuchida's furrowed brows and the heavy atmosphere in the camp said it all.

……

The next morning.

Sunlight pierced through the thick clouds, casting a pale glow over the Konoha stronghold.

Qingwu awoke from a deep sleep.

Although I still feel mentally exhausted, my natural energy has recovered somewhat, and at least I no longer have that feeling of weakness that makes me feel like I could faint at any moment.

He got up, stretched his limbs, and went outside the tent.

The base was busier than usual, with ninjas hurrying about, but their faces showed less of the solemnity of the past few days and more of a subtle excitement.

Clearly, the good news brought by the return of the Shadow Guard—that the Raikage was seriously injured—had begun to circulate within the base, boosting morale.

Qingwu went to check on Hongdou and Tianzang first.

The two were still resting, but their complexions had improved considerably, and their injuries had almost completely healed thanks to the treatment provided by the slug splitting organism.

After checking on the two and confirming that they were alright, Qingwu told them to rest and then left the tent.

He was about to go to Akimichi Tangdong to find out the latest developments at the front when he saw Shisui standing not far from his tent, seemingly having been waiting for a while.

Shisui changed into clean clothes.

His face was still somewhat pale, but his eyes were clear, though... there seemed to be a subtle, complex emotion hidden deep within them.

"Zhishui, is there something you need?" Qingwu stepped forward and asked.

When not on missions, people still habitually address each other by name in private.

Zhi Shui nodded, but did not speak immediately. Instead, he gestured for Qing Wu to go to a relatively quiet place.

The two walked to the leeward side of a watchtower at the edge of the stronghold, where they could overlook the area below with a wide view and little disturbance from others.

After a moment of silence, Shisui suddenly spoke, his voice soft but carrying an unusual seriousness:

"Captain, can I ask you a question?"

"Go ahead and ask." Qingwu was a little surprised, but nodded.

"...What kind of person do you want to become in the future?"

Shisui turned his head, his dark eyes quietly watching Qingwu, not missing a single change in his expression.

This question was somewhat unexpected for Qingwu.

He paused for a moment, then smiled. "What kind of person do I want to be? Hmm, probably... someone who won't be bullied and can truly be free to do what they want?"

To be honest, he was a little stumped by the question.

Having transmigrated to this point, I wouldn't say I've been living in a daze, but I've always been struggling to survive. If I had to say, I'd say I'm strong enough to stand on my own two feet in this dangerous world!

However, to Zhishui, this answer was very general and also very "personal".

There were no grand pronouncements or ambitious goals; they were more like the wishes of ordinary people.

A fleeting hint of disappointment flashed in Shisui's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

He paused for a moment, then asked, "Captain... don't you want to become Hokage?"

Qingwu frowned slightly, turned to look at Zhishui, and found that the other's gaze was unusually serious, even carrying a hint of... expectation? Inquiry?

What exactly does this kid mean?

"Hokage?" Qingwu shook his head. "I haven't thought about it. The responsibility is too heavy, and there are too many troubles. I'm actually a bit lazy and prefer a more relaxed and free life."

Perhaps this is why he felt an immediate connection with Tsunade when they first met!

The position of Hokage represents power, but also endless constraints, responsibilities, and calculations, which he genuinely has little interest in.

Shisui listened quietly, the light in his eyes gradually dimming until it turned into a deep, still pool.

He lowered his head slightly, a few strands of black hair falling down, obscuring part of his expression.

"……Yeah."

He said something in a low voice, his emotions unreadable.

"Why are you suddenly asking this?" Qingwu asked, somewhat curious.

Zhi Shui has always been calm and reserved, and rarely asks such personal questions about future aspirations.

"It's nothing." Shisui raised his head, his face already regained its usual calm, even showing a faint smile:

"I'm just suddenly a little curious. After all, Captain, you have such strength and potential, and you're a descendant of the First Hokage... Many people would think that becoming Hokage is a natural goal."

"What is logical does not necessarily mean it is right, nor does it mean it is what I want."

Qingwu shrugged. "Not everyone wants to be Hokage. Well, let someone more suitable for the position take it."

As he said this, the image of Minato Namikaze flashed through his mind, followed by the faces of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsunade, and others.

Finally, Naruto's silly grin even flashed by inexplicably.

Qingwu shook his head, dispelling these thoughts.

"Someone more suitable..."

Shisui repeated the sentence in a low voice, and said nothing more.

He looked at Qingwu, his eyes now clear and firm as before. "I understand, Captain. Thank you for your answer."

"You're welcome." Qingwu felt that Zhishui was acting strangely today.

But I can't quite put my finger on what's strange about it. Could it be a post-war syndrome? Or the mental shock from using the kaleidoscope?

Oh, right, this guy's got some newfound insight.

Qingwu suddenly seemed to sense something.

He was unaware that Shisui's kaleidoscope had only been activated during yesterday's battle.

However, if Shisui knew about his Mangekyou Sharingan's eye technique—Kotoamatsukami—then the reason for asking these questions would gradually become clear.

Is the hope of changing the family's fate... pinned on me?

Yes, that must be it.

Qingwu was just thinking about how to ask and probe Zhishui's meaning when...

Shisui bowed, took his leave, and departed.

"..."