Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Page 244

Knowing that old man's personality, he would never be willing to go back so slinking away.

"Lord Hokage!"

Nara Shikaku stood aside and calmly analyzed:

"Iwagakure is now in a dilemma. We are not confident in launching a full-scale attack on them, and it could potentially trigger a large-scale war, which is not in Iwagakure's interest."

"But if we retreat, Tsuchikage Onoki will lose face, and there will be voices in the country questioning whether he has made a great effort but returned empty-handed."

"Right now, Onoki's best option is indeed to wait for us to give him a way out, what do you think..."

"Are we just going to waste our time here with him?" Qiu Daotang asked in a deep voice.

"Peace on the Eastern Front is a good thing, but we also need time to rest our troops and handle internal affairs."

"Lord Hokage, you also need to return to the village as soon as possible to preside over the formal signing of the agreement with Kumogakure and to deal with inquiries from the Daimyo's office and other parties."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sighed. He understood perfectly well.

More than anyone else, he wanted to end the stalemate on the western front and return to Konoha as soon as possible, but Onoki was like a stubborn, obstructive rock, blocking the doorway...

After a long period of contemplation, a resolute glint flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes:

"Shikaku, send a message to the Tsuchikage Onoki in my name. The wording should be polite but firm."

"Reiterate Konoha's love of peace and its unwillingness to continue the conflict with Iwagakure, while... perhaps we can subtly mention..."

If Iwagakure is willing to withdraw its troops first and guarantee not to invade the Land of Fire's borders again, Konoha can consider granting Iwagakure certain... conveniences in terms of mission assignments and border trade.

Nara Shikaku instantly understood the Hokage's meaning: "consideration," not a promise, and certainly not compensation!

This preserves the image of Konoha!

However, the third generation continued, "Also, mention the results of the battle on the Eastern Front and the reparations. Just state them calmly, without emphasizing them. Let him weigh it himself."

Akimichi Touya paused for a moment and looked at the Third Generation.

He understood that the Third Hokage meant that the compensation given by Kumogakure could be "abandoned" and used as compensation for Onoki instead.

"..."

Although Akimichi Tou was somewhat displeased, feeling that the peace on the Eastern Front was something they had fought for with countless lives, he couldn't say anything in front of the Hokage at this moment.

This is a strategic retreat, and also a political deal.

Offer some tangible benefits in exchange for Onoki backing down and ending this pointless standoff.

Although it's frustrating, these costs are worthwhile compared to continuing to waste national resources and time here.

"Yes, Lord Hokage, I understand."

Nara Shikaku accepted the order and immediately began drafting a secret letter. He understood the Hokage's helplessness and compromise, a testament to the wisdom of a seasoned politician.

……

The secret letter was quickly delivered to the Iwagakure camp through special channels.

Onoki sat in his seat, looking at the carefully worded but clearly intentional secret letter in his hand, a hint of uncertainty appearing on his wrinkled old face.

Did Konoha back down? No, it's just that the cunning Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't want to waste any more time!

Trying to appease yourself with vague "potential future benefits"?

Onoki sneered inwardly.

As for the compensation from the Eastern Front Cloud Village... to be honest, he didn't think much of it.

In order to end the conflict and reach a peace agreement as soon as possible, the compensation that Konoha received from Kumogakure was not much to begin with.

"Hmph, you old monkey!"

Onoki felt he had grasped Konoha's weakness, and this standoff should continue.

Although he had to admit that Iwagakure was also under a lot of pressure.

But in situations like this, it comes down to who loses their composure first.

Compared to the clan-based ninja village structure of Konoha, although he also had to endure pressure from the Daimyo of the Land of Earth, Iwagakure was, in general, his "one-man show"!

Let's see who can't stand the stalemate first!

Onoki narrowed his eyes and tossed the secret letter onto the table.

Only by acquiring enough benefits can he save face and give Iwagakure an explanation when he returns!

……

The standoff on the western front looks set to continue.

Meanwhile, in a coastal town in the Land of Water, Qingwu once again set foot in this country known as the "Land of Blood Mist".

"Is this the Land of Water?"

Although Princess Tianxin had her eyes closed, she seemed to be able to see everything. "It's a completely different scene."

Unlike the richness of the Land of Fire and the ruggedness of the Land of Lightning, the Land of Water is shrouded in a damp sea fog that never dissipates, and the air is salty and fishy, making it a completely different sight.

“Hmm,” Qingwu said, “Let’s find a place to stay first and find out what’s going on.”

He was considering whether to appear directly in front of Mei Terumi, but then felt there might be a better way.

After all, his fame is so great now that, in a sense, he can represent Konoha.

As Tenzo said, creating a diplomatic crisis at this time could change the situation on the western front, and even the entire ninja world.

At that time... they will likely face criticism from Konoha's higher-ups.

After settling into a sparsely populated inn, Qingwu began to consciously gather information.

Using his transformation technique, Qingwu gained a more direct understanding of the current situation in Wuyin through street gossip, tavern rumors, and bits and pieces of information from gambling dens.

First and foremost, it was a policy of oppressive rule!

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, intensified his "Blood Mist Policy," resulting in an extremely high mortality rate during graduation exams, frequent persecution of families with bloodline limits, and constant internal purges.

Then, people's hearts became unsettled!

Not everyone supports this cruel policy.

Many Hidden Mist ninjas, bloodline clans, and some insightful individuals who saw Hidden Mist heading towards self-destruction secretly harbored resentment and rebellious forces.

Mei Terumi is a representative force that cannot be ignored.

Finally, there's external infiltration!

Although Kirigakure is a closed-off country, the various ninja villages still send spies to gather information, and chaos occasionally breaks out in this land.

"Mei Terumi's actions... are bigger and more frequent than I imagined!"

During the investigation, Qingwu gradually developed a relatively clear plan, but it required a prerequisite!

"Tianxin, to what extent can your illusion magic achieve... 'disguise'?"

Princess Tianxin understood immediately: "Lord Qingwu, do you need a new identity?"

"Yes, but there's someone by Mei Terumi's side who possesses the bloodline limit—the Byakugan! Although it doesn't belong to him."

Qingwu did indeed have the idea of temporarily concealing his identity, partly to avoid his sensitive identity directly causing diplomatic trouble.

on the other hand……

He hoped to remain hidden in the shadows, waiting for Obito to appear, rather than actively exposing himself to that madman too early!

Princess Tianxin smiled slightly:

"Completely alter a person's aura, appearance, and even fighting style, so that even the most perceptive ninja cannot detect any flaws, including the Byakugan?"

"Can you do it?" Qingwu still had some expectations for the "old fairy" in front of her who had lived for hundreds of years.

"If the other party has not reached the level of a 'celestial being' or has an extremely special eye technique, then deep disguise for a short period of time is possible."

"You can hide a disdainful look?" Qingwu's eyes lit up.

"Lord Qingwu said that the Byakugan does not belong to that person, which means he cannot unleash its full potential."

Qingwu nodded, explaining that it was the same reason why Kakashi couldn't fully unleash the potential of his Sharingan.

"My illusionary smoke can not only create external illusions, but also affect the chakra fluctuations of the target to a certain extent, simulating different properties."

Princess Tianxin said confidently:

"With Lord Qingwu's own transformation technique, it should be enough to deceive most people. However, if he uses his signature Wood Release or summoning beast during battle, he will still be exposed."

"I don't plan to use those." Qingwu had already made up his mind: "This time, I'll only use physical techniques, and, well, I'll call it... Day Tiger!"

His physical skills don't easily reveal his weaknesses, and his physical skills are by no means weak.

Thanks to the "upgrade feedback" from the ancient tree of life several times, as well as the long-term, subtle strengthening effect of natural energy, his physique has been steadily improving.

Using physical skills allows one to demonstrate sufficient strength to gain trust while concealing one's identity to the greatest extent possible.

perfect!

"Then let's begin."

Princess Tianxin extended her fair finger and gently touched Qingwu's forehead.

A cool, gentle, and strange energy was injected.

Caught off guard, Qingwu felt the natural energy flowing within her body, as if gently covered and guided by an invisible veil...

A moment later, it transformed into a fluctuation of chakra energy.

At the same time, under the subtle adjustments of Tianxin Shenji's illusion magic, his appearance became more rugged, angular, and his eyes sharp.

This is quite different from his original refined and composed appearance.

Even their height and muscle definition were subtly altered under the influence of the illusion.

Qingwu was astonished; it was unbelievable…

His long-lost chakra... has returned?!