Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic.

Of course, that's something for the next phase.

Right now, he needs to accumulate even greater strength to ensure that he has enough initiative in future turmoil.

"The path ahead... is gradually becoming clearer."

The green parasol tree whispered, "Knowing the direction is always better than being blind."

He temporarily suppressed the matter and then summoned the spirit of the goddess Tianxin.

As the smoke cleared, Tianxin Shenji stood silently before him, still with that ethereal and otherworldly appearance.

"Tianxin, take a look at this."

With a thought, Qingwu drank from the crown of the ancient tree a cocoon that emitted a soft glow and seemed to have liquid flowing inside.

The strange, vertical pupils of the Heavenly Princess, which had been tightly closed, slowly opened a crack.

When her gaze fell upon the "natural essence" of the ancient tree's specialty, a hint of undisguised longing and amazement flashed in her eyes.

That is not greed, but an instinctive yearning for a higher level and purer natural energy.

"This is……"

Tianxin Shenji's ethereal voice trembled slightly.

"How is it different from the natural essence of Ryuchi Cave?" Qingwu asked.

This was his main purpose in summoning the Goddess of the Field Heart. After all, it's always good to have a backup plan, so that if something went wrong with the "Divine Tree Fruit," he wouldn't completely lose the opportunity.

Therefore, if "natural origin" is to be considered as a backup option, it is necessary to understand how close the natural energy of the three sacred sites is to the origin.

He had previously obtained the natural essences of Ryuchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest, but at the time the system only classified them as ordinary natural essences.

Perhaps we can gain some useful information from the native Tashin Shinhime.

After experiencing it up close for a while, Princess Tianxin parted her lips and said:

"Such a pure and vast aura of natural origin... is somewhat similar to the 'natural crystals' accumulated by the White Snake Sage over a long period of time in Ryuchi Cave."

"But...it seems gentler, closer to the initial vitality of all things."

"Lord Qingwu, what happened here? There are still some on the tree... is this a gift from your divine tree?"

"Hmm, you could say that." Qingwu nodded and handed the cocoon of light to her: "Here, see if it helps your cultivation of immortal arts."

Princess Tianxin was clearly stunned.

She saw that there weren't many of these light cocoons on the tree canopy, and even a blind person could tell how precious the energy they contained was.

"My lord, this... is far too precious. I have not rendered any service worthy of this item..."

For a moment, Tianxin Shenji was at a loss, and she showed a rare hesitation, but the longing in her eyes was undeniable.

Qingwu smiled and said, "Honors? Let's not talk about that. We're partners and friends. Isn't it normal to share good things?"

There's still more to say about Princess Tianxin.

Qingwu said earnestly, "Take it. If it can help you become stronger, it will be a good thing for me too. After all, you are my good helper."

He was being half-true and half-false. He did need help, but there was another reason... which was the location of Ryuchi Cave.

He had already offended the White Snake Immortal during his last trip to Ryuchi Cave, and without a guide, he wouldn't be able to find the sacred place in the alternate dimension.

Well, if there's not enough natural essence in the future, he'll still have to set his sights on the three holy lands.

Of course, if the [Dimensional Gate] can be upgraded to the maximum level as soon as possible, he will be able to visit the three holy lands.

But having more options is always a good thing.

Tianxin Shenji gave him a deep look, her vertical pupils seemingly filled with complex light.

Then, without further hesitation, she reached out her slender white hand and carefully accepted the cocoon of light.

"Thank you so much, Lord Qingwu, for your generous gift..."

Her tone was softer than usual, even carrying a subtle hint of... belonging?

Perhaps she herself didn't fully realize it.

For someone like her, who hailed from Ryongji Cave and was accustomed to the deceit and treachery of the world, this generous sharing was incredibly moving.

However, before she could finish speaking, the cocoon began to pulsate as if it were alive.

Then, it transformed into a stream of liquid energy, slowly merging into her brow. In an instant, a soft emerald green halo emanated from Tianxin Shenji's body.

Qingwu was slightly taken aback, this scene was somewhat similar to his first encounter with the natural essence of the Wet Bone Forest.

And so it was; before I could even react, it began to absorb things on its own.

From this perspective, Princess Tianxin's physical talent is also remarkable... at least she is the kind of person who can easily resonate with natural energy.

After a while, the halo subsided, and Tianxin Shenji opened her eyes and solemnly bowed to Qingwu.

"This item has been of great benefit to me. I will remember your kindness!"

Qingwu waved his hand, about to reply, when she suddenly turned her head slightly, as if listening to the sound of the wind, and then said to Qingwu:

"My lord, the Third Hokage has arrived again and is waiting outside. He seems... somewhat anxious."

Qingwu raised an eyebrow and, calculating the time, realized that the agreed-upon two-week period was indeed up.

"Let him in."

Tian Xin nodded, dispelling the illusion from a distance and guiding the Third Generation inside.

Soon, the Third Generation, alone, returned to the center of the territory after half a month.

As soon as he entered, his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the ancient tree trunk that seemed to connect heaven and earth, and then he looked at the dragon cliff that appeared on the mountain peak not far away.

"This is……"

The third generation's eyes were filled with indescribable shock.

How long has it been? Just half a month! Such a huge change has occurred here? Just how many secrets is Qingwu hiding?

He forced down the turmoil in his heart, walked up to Qingwu, and forced a smile onto his face.

"Qingwu Jonin, it seems you've made quite a bit of progress in the past two weeks." The Third Hokage said meaningfully, "Your strength also appears to have improved."

"Lord Hokage, please speak plainly." Qingwu, not wanting to beat around the bush, asked directly, "The half-month period has ended. What's the situation with the intelligence on the western front?"

The third-generation leader looked slightly embarrassed. He had indeed come to urge them, but he hadn't expected to say so soon.

However, the thought that Qingwu had emptied Konoha's coffers gave him a bit of confidence.

His expression turned serious: "To be honest, the situation... is very bad. The Iwagakure army has infiltrated the Land of Waterfalls and the Land of Frost, and has raised the possibility of joining forces with the Hidden Cloud Village."

The most troublesome thing is... the Tsuchikage, Onoki, secretly arrived at the front lines two days ago.

"Oh? Onoki has already gone?" Qingwu was slightly surprised.

This old fox, who had only been spreading rumors before, probably saw through Konoha's outward strength but inner weakness and wanted to take advantage of the internal strife to thoroughly test Konoha's true strength.

"Yes." The Third Hokage nodded, his tone heavy.

"According to Shikaku's intelligence, as soon as Onoki arrived, Iwagakure's lines suddenly pressed forward, putting great pressure on our defenses and causing considerable casualties."

"Furthermore, the alliance with Kumogakure is not without reason. Kumogakure has been frequently mobilizing troops on the border recently, and Suzaku has also requested support..."

"I have already prepared for the worst..."

"Ahem... If it's inconvenient for you here, I... will personally go to the western front, and then have Kakashi and the others go to the eastern front to support Suzaku."

After saying all that, the Third Hokage looked at Qingwu with expectant eyes... Hmm, I've made my hints clear enough, haven't I?

However, he was met with a pair of "confused" big eyes.

Qingwu wasn't ignorant; he was deliberately manipulating him.

Now that he has the Golden Dragon in his possession and has received a significant energy boost from the upgraded Ancient Tree, he no longer takes the likes of Onoki seriously.

"cough……"

The third generation leader couldn't stand it anymore. He realized that it was better to be direct when dealing with Qingwu.

"Qingwu, you said half a month ago that you needed time to prepare, and now the deadline has passed, and... Konoha has also fulfilled its promise."

He was referring to those financial satisfactions.

"Qingwu, the safety of ten thousand ninjas on the western front, and countless villagers of Konoha... I implore you, take action!"

Now that he had already apologized last time, the Third Hokage seemed to have become even more willing to go all out.

As he spoke, he was about to bow again.

Qingwu reached out to help him up, stopping him. Looking at the old man in front of her who was devoted to the village, she felt little emotion.

But there was less resentment than before, replaced by a more... detached tranquility.

"There's no need for that!"

Qingwu slowly spoke: "Half a month ago, I promised I would consider it. Now, I can tell you my answer."

The third generation held his breath.

“I will go to the western front,” Qingwu said.

A gleam of surprise instantly flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes. He'd made the right bet! The financial drain—was worth it!

But Qingwu's next words made his heart tighten.

"But not as a Konoha ninja, nor for Konoha's sake." Qingwu looked westward, as if piercing through layers of mountains.

“A long time ago, outside Takigakure Village, I almost died at his hands.”

Qingwu's words carried a hint of regret: "Yes, it's time for things to come to an end between him and me."

The Third Hokage silently thought to himself: "Back then, it was I who appeared in time to save you."

Of course, there's no need to say such things nowadays.

Qingwu looked at the Third Generation, her tone leaving no room for doubt: "Therefore, I will go, but how and when to fight is up to me."

"The Konoha ninja only need to watch and clean up the mess. Can you accept that?"

Without relying on the power of Konoha, how could he face the Iwagakure army and the Tsuchikage alone?

If anyone else had said this, the Third Hokage would have thought they were crazy, but since it came from Qingwu, it wasn't so hard for him to accept.