Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 136 Silent Protection

Its daybreak.

Qingwu went to a tall tower and filled the empty upgradeable skill slots.

Immediately, he glanced at his personal panel.

Although the battle with Jinchuriki Rōshi was difficult, the battle ended with a large amount of experience points and natural energy rewards.

My level increased from 34 to 39, a full 5 levels.

"Almost there."

Qingwu felt a little regretful, as she was only one level away from reaching level 40, at which point she could receive the skill rewards for the next level milestone.

Currently, most of his magic is supportive, and he only has one basic air magic spell, [Magic Arrow], for offensive purposes.

Therefore, he desperately hoped that the next intermediate spell he would obtain would be an offensive one.

Back in the cabin, he gave Tianzang some instructions.

He then found Mitarashi Anko in the village and asked her to visit Yugao at the hospital and talk to her when she had time.

Mitarashi Anko readily agreed.

They returned to their territory.

Qingwu changed out of his black combat uniform and into a light-colored, casual outfit.

After thinking for a moment, he took off his Konoha headband and threw it into the sealing scroll along with his bag and water bag.

This large capacity scroll was a gift from Yuhi Kurenai last time, which was a great help.

He carefully tucked the scroll away, took one last look at his territory, and had a brief telepathic exchange with Mumu.

Having done all this, Qingwu didn't linger any longer and summoned a silver winged horse to sit on.

Tianzang waved from below.

Qingwu nodded in response, and the silver flying horse soared into the sky.

His desire to find Tsunade was so strong that he didn't want to waste his breath talking to the gatekeeper.

Most importantly, he had wanted to do this ever since he used [Purification] to remove Orochimaru's "Curse of Heaven".

……

When the third generation received the report, Qingwu had already been gone for a quarter of an hour.

Just as he was about to ask the Anbu for more details, Kakashi came to him.

A moment later...

The Third Hokage lit his pipe and sighed, "So he went to find Tsunade? Why didn't he come and ask me?"

Immediately, the Third Hokage remembered... that Qingwu had asked him to contact Jiraiya last time, but there had been no response since.

"never mind."

The third generation leader gave a helpless, bitter smile. Perhaps... the young man doesn't trust the old man in this regard.

"Anyway, the Shadow Guard is on vacation for now, so how they arrange their time is their own business."

The Third Hokage said to Kakashi, "But... what if Qingwu exposes his identity and Orochimaru targets him?"

Qingwu hasn't told anyone about the removal of the curse mark, not even his teammates in the Shadow Guard.

Kakashi thought for a moment and replied seriously, "He can even hold his own against the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, so Orochimaru... probably can't do anything about him either, right?"

The Third Hokage shook his head slightly. He had read the battle report; the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, hadn't exactly attacked with full force that night, but...

He accepted Kakashi's explanation.

If he could fight face-to-face with a Jinchuriki in that form, then it wouldn't be easy for Orochimaru, that traitor, to take down Qingwu. Besides, Qingwu is always clever; if he can't win... he can always run away.

Thinking of this, the Third Hokage felt a little relieved and was about to talk to Kakashi about the Shadow Guard.

Unexpectedly, Kakashi spoke first, "I met the teacher's child yesterday."

"Huh?" The Third Hokage paused, then realized what was happening. "You saw Naruto?"

A hint of guilt appeared in Kakashi's eyes. "Before... I didn't even live like a human being, neglecting too many people and things around me."

The third generation smiled with satisfaction.

He didn't know why Kakashi had the idea to go find Naruto.

But Kakashi, with his normal human emotional fluctuations, is exactly what he has always wanted to see.

"Then... you should leave the Anbu first, I have other plans."

"Then... I would like to apply to leave the Shadow Guard and become a regular Dark Guard."

The two spoke at the same time, each saying what they had already prepared.

After he finished speaking, both of them were stunned for a moment.

"My lord, you want me to leave the Anbu?"

"You want to stay in the Dark Side?"

They spoke at the same time again.

"..."

"..."

Kakashi chose to stop talking this time and let the Third Hokage speak first.

However, it seems that the third generation thinks the same way.

"Cough cough... Hehehe hahaha."

The third generation leader burst into laughter, a rare occurrence.

Since Minato Namikaze passed away, he has been busy dealing with various matters every day. In the past two years, Kumogakure and Iwagakure have successively gone to war with Konoha, and he has never been able to relax.

He hadn't laughed so heartily and contentedly in a long time.

Kakashi didn't laugh along; he remained silent, awaiting the Hokage's decision.

The Third Hokage, having laughed enough, lit his pipe and said, "You want to go protect little Naruto?"

Having lived most of his life and witnessed the growth of countless young men in Konoha, Kakashi could not hide the unwavering determination in the depths of Saitama's eyes.

Without needing to say more, one could tell what the child was planning.

Kakashi looked up, his gaze behind the mask clear and resolute, without the slightest hesitation, and nodded emphatically: "Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the third generation tapped the rim of his pipe with his fingertips, shaking off a few specks of ash.

After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "I agree."

"Thank you, sir!" Kakashi hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

He had thought that since the Third Boss hadn't agreed to his resignation as captain of the Shadow Guard yesterday, he would have to spend more time explaining today.

"Originally, we wanted you to hone your skills as the captain of the Shadow Guard for another two years before promoting you directly to the deputy captain of the Dark Guard."

The Third Hokage said regretfully, "But it's fine this way. I believe that you, Kakashi, have something else you want to do more than your current position."

Yesterday, the Third Hokage realized that Kakashi was no longer suitable to stay in the Anbu.

Despite the Hokage's apparent concern, Kakashi remained unmoved and calmly replied, "Yes!"

Previously, he was just a squad leader in the Anbu, and the Anbu directly under the Third Hokage no longer has the position of Captain-General.

In other words, if he becomes the vice-captain, he will have taken a step to the top of the Dark Division.

However, as the third generation leader said, he himself felt no regret whatsoever. As for promotions and such, he never cared about them.

The third generation leader looked at him, smiled slightly, and waved his hand:

"Fortunately, it's time to rest and recuperate. The task of looking after Naruto is perfect for you. So, Kakashi, your position is restored to Anbu squad leader, and your squad will be dedicated to Naruto's safety."

"Thank you, Hokage."

"Okay, go ahead." The Third Hokage waved his hand.

Watching Kakashi turn and leave, the Third Hokage stroked his pipe with his fingertips, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

He watched Kakashi transform from that proud, genius boy into an ANBU ninja trapped in darkness.

Now I have finally found the path I want to take, and even if this path has nothing to do with power and influence, but is just about quietly protecting others, that is enough.

The task of looking after Naruto is far removed from the shadows and assassinations; in other words, it is actually an ANBU unit, but it does tasks that most ANBU units would not want to do.

He was very satisfied with this arrangement.

Kakashi was also very satisfied...

As Kakashi stepped out of the Hokage's office, his gaze behind the mask was clearer than ever, and his steps became more resolute.

He didn't return to the Shadow Guard, but instead walked straight towards the alley at the edge of the village.

There was a small figure waiting for him...