Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Although he spoke politely, it almost implied that the You Nu family was willing to side with Qing Wu in this matter, or at least not take advantage of his misfortune.

Aburame Shiguro added, "Lord Hokage, the rapid stabilization of the western front owes much to Aoko's indirect contribution. We must... be cautious!"

The top powerhouse clans of Konoha—Hyuga, Inuzuka, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame…

They all, without prior arrangement, pleaded for Qingwu or explained the pros and cons in various ways!

Although the wording, perspectives, and intensity differ, the core message points to one thing: Qingwu should not be severely punished, at least not now!

This scene deeply shocked all the ninjas present, whether they were from the Anbu or other clans.

Only then did they truly realize that this boy named Senju Seigo had unknowingly amassed such a complex network of relationships and influence in Konoha.

It's incredible that several major wealthy families would speak out for him at such a sensitive time!

Whispers began to circulate among the crowd. Some Konoha ninjas who had returned from the battlefield were also trying to "exonerate" Qingwu and believed that Root was too shady.

The Third Hokage looked at the clan heads and representatives who were the pillars of Konoha, his heart churning with turmoil.

Anger, frustration, helplessness, weighing options, and a bit of dissatisfaction at being "held up" were all intertwined.

Although these people have their own stances and considerations, their words, taken together, create enormous pressure, especially at this critical moment when they are beset by internal and external troubles.

He looked at Qingwu again.

The young man remained calm and composed, showing no smugness or apprehension in the face of the pleas from various families.

"..."

The Third Hokage then looked at Danzo's corpse on the ground, at Kakashi who remained kneeling, and at the heavily injured Shisui.

"..."

The Third Hokage closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled.

"enough."

The Third Hokage's voice rang out, not loud, but carrying the authority of a Hokage, silencing all the whispers.

He looked at Qingwu, his gaze complex:

"Senju Seigo, you murdered Elder Shimura Danzo, slaughtered your Root colleagues, and publicly defied the Hokage. Your actions are serious and you should be severely punished."

However, considering your past merits, the circumstances of tonight's events, and the petitions of the clan leaders... your death sentence can be commuted."

Qingwu remained expressionless. Ever since he publicly resigned as captain of the Shadow Guard, he had become indifferent to these so-called "punishments."

Previously... it was because he lacked the strength and needed to consider his friends.

Now, he believes that even the Third Hokage can't do anything to him. At worst, he can just close his territory and become a local tyrant right under Konoha's nose.

The third generation was furious when he saw Qingwu's appearance.

He knew that tonight's argument had reopened the rift that had been repaired, and that, due to their differing beliefs, this rift seemed irreparable.

"..."

The third generation leader ignored him and turned to the various clan leaders and representatives, continuing:

"The death penalty will be waived, but from this day forward, Senju Seigo is confined to the Forest of Death. Without the Hokage's or the permission of the high-level council, he is not to step out of the territory even once!"

"Furthermore, his position as captain of the Shadow Guard... is hereby approved!"

"The final characterization and punishment of all their actions will be decided after the advisor and I have thoroughly investigated the entire course of events tonight and held a high-level meeting to discuss the matter."

The third generation's verdict, seemingly severe, involving both confinement and stripping of power, actually left a huge room for manipulation.

The postponement of the "final determination and punishment" means that there is still room for maneuver.

Being confined to the territory was less of a punishment and more of a way to temporarily remove Qingwu from the village's vortex of trouble, giving both sides time to cool down.

As for the captain's position, Qingwu resigned on his own.

Kakashi and Shisui both breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this. Although the outcome wasn't ideal, it was the best they could hope for.

They felt that... given Qingwu's achievements and current influence, coupled with the efforts of various families, the high-level meeting would likely end with a high-profile decision that would ultimately be softened.

Qingwu looked at the Third Hokage with some surprise. He had thought that tonight would be the night for a complete falling out with Konoha, but unexpectedly...

It seems that the various families held no less weight in the Third Hokage's heart than Danzo.

"Qingwu Jonin, before the decision is made, you must reflect on your mistakes within your territory and refrain from causing any more trouble! Can you do that?"

The third generation has changed his title and adopts a businesslike attitude.

Qingwu was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, I will stay in the territory until the final decision is made, but I have one condition."

Since the ancient tree needs to be upgraded, he doesn't plan to go out for the time being.

"You still dare to make demands?" The Third Hokage frowned.

“My teammate, Uchiha Shisui, is seriously injured and needs the best treatment. I hope he can stay in my territory and I will take care of his treatment and care.”

It is common knowledge that Qingwu knows medical ninjutsu, not to mention that he also has slugs.

"Furthermore, Kakashi-senpai has nothing to do with this matter and should not be implicated in any way," he added.

The Third Hokage glanced at the dying Shisui, then at Kakashi, pondered for a moment, and nodded:

"Alright, you'll be in Shisui's care for now! Kakashi... assist the Anbu in handling the aftermath of tonight's battle and cooperate with the investigation. You are not allowed to leave the village until the investigation is complete."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied.

"Since that's the case..." The Third Hokage gave Qingwu one last deep look, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "You'd better watch yourself!"

"Anti-combat units, clean up the battlefield and properly settle the fallen."

"Also... go to the Root base. The remaining Root personnel will be temporarily placed under the unified supervision and investigation of the Dark Division."

"All family members... disperse."

The Third Hokage gave the order and took Danzo's body away first, and everyone else began to move silently as well.

The ANBU ninjas began collecting the Root members' corpses and cleaning up the traces of the battle.

The clan leaders and ninjas, each with their own complex emotions, gradually dispersed.

Hiashi Hyuga nodded slightly to Aoto and turned to leave. Aoto saw Hizashi Hyuga pulling a child in the crowd.

Inuzuka Tsurugi gave Qingwu a thumbs up and then left with his clansmen. Qingwu secretly thanked... Inuzuka Kiba's mother.

After the representatives of the Ino-Shika-Cho families bowed to the Third Generation Leader, they quietly withdrew.

Yu Nu Zhiwei and Zhihei nodded to Qingwu, silently expressing their support, and then left.

Soon, apart from the necessary ANBU, only Qingwu, Tianxin Shenji, Kakashi, and the heavily injured Shisui remained on the scene.

Qingwu walked to Zhishui's side and carefully picked him up.

"team leader……"

Zhishui glanced at Qingwu with her remaining left eye, filled with guilt, gratitude, and worry. Then, due to excessive blood loss and as if relieved, she finally fell into a coma.

“Qingwu…” Kakashi walked over, hesitating to speak.

"Kakashi-senpai, don't say anything more."

Qingwu interrupted him, looked at Kakashi, and said seriously:

"Thank you for your kindness, senior, but I'll take care of this myself. You take good care of Naruto, and... take good care of yourself too."

Kakashi looked worried: "This is a huge matter. The uproar... I'm afraid it won't subside so quickly. What about the high-level meetings..."

Qingwu slowly shook his head: "It's alright, let's take Zhishui back to the territory first."

Once out of the Anbu's sight, Kakashi suddenly asked in a low voice, "Qingwu, do you know where Tsunade is?"

Qingwu looked at him and instantly understood what Kakashi meant. "You mean..."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade is currently the highest-ranking person in your Senju clan, and she values ​​you highly, even giving you a slug."

Kakashi looked around and said seriously:

"Given Lady Tsunade's status and prestige, if she could return and speak on your behalf at the high-level meeting, then there would be a chance for this matter to turn around."

Qingwu thought about it carefully, "Senior, I appreciate your kindness, but... there's no need."

"Qingwu, why are you so stubborn?"

Kakashi grew anxious. "Do you even realize how serious the consequences of Danzo's death are?!"

As he spoke, he arranged the rest of his schedule:

"In that case, after I cooperate with the investigation, I can apply for an outing mission. Ostensibly, I'll take Naruto on a trip to broaden his horizons, but in reality, I'll visit Lady Tsunade along the way..."

After a moment's hesitation, Qingwu insisted, "Kakashi, really, it's not necessary."

Their relationship grew closer, especially after Kakashi's actions tonight, which moved him deeply. So... the title of "senpai" didn't seem necessary anymore.

Kakashi didn't seem to mind Qingwu calling him by his first name, but frowned and said, "Why? If Lady Tsunade were to intervene, there would be much less resistance at the high-level meeting."

Qingwu knew he was doing it all for her sake, so she patiently explained:

"Kakashi, you saw the result tonight."

"With so many clans involved, including Hyuga, Inuzuka, Ino-Shika-Cho, and Aburame, I was ultimately only placed under temporary confinement."

"But you know it's only tentative; the key is the high-level meeting," Kakashi said worriedly.

"Qingwu, have you ever considered that if the two advisors have strong opinions against you because of the death of their old friend, the Hokage will definitely be affected?"

"Kakashi, don't rush, let me finish." Qingwu gestured for him to calm down. "Danzo is dead, I'm alive, and my strength is undeniable. I'm still of great use to Konoha, right?"

“…Yes!” Kakashi couldn’t deny it.

"So, those advisors and high-ranking officials, unless they're stupid, won't really push me out. What good would it do Konoha if I became a rogue ninja?"

"Qingwu, please don't say things like that anymore." Kakashi felt a lump in his throat.

When Qingwu went to the Root last time, he said something similar. Fortunately, Lady Tsunade was there last time.

"Alright, I won't say anything, Kakashi. I've just calmed down and thought it through. As long as the village doesn't go to extremes to offend me, the final decision will be at most a symbolic punishment. What do you say?"

"That makes sense, but... you're only thinking from your own perspective."

Kakashi disagreed:

"Qingwu, Danzo died at your hands. We can't just look at your status and interests; we also have to consider the rules the village has always upheld."