Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 114 The First Direct Encounter with Danzo

guard……

Qingwu guessed that Kurenai Yuhi probably thought of Asuma, who had become a Guardian Ninja.

With the atmosphere set, he also shared some of his own insights.

"I used to think... that I needed to become stronger and have enough power in order to better protect what I wanted to protect."

Qingwu said softly, "Now I understand that being able to sit here peacefully and eat barbecue is a victory in itself."

Upon hearing this, Tianzang nodded vigorously. Coming from the Root, he understood even more how hard-won "stability" was.

Kurenai raised her eyes, gave Qingwu a deep look, and smiled, "You see things more clearly than many Jonin."

She poured herself some more wine, but this time she didn't fill it to the brim.

"Ninjas are always on dangerous missions, so having a peaceful meal and a drink like this is a luxury."

The corners of Yuhi's eyes were slightly red, adding a touch of gentle languor to her usually calm and intellectual demeanor.

"Let's have a drink." Kurenai Yuhi gently raised her half-glass of wine.

Qingwu raised his glass and smiled, "What are we toasting this time?"

Kurenai's gaze swept over the two of them, her voice soft yet earnest, "May we... always return safely!"

Ding!

The crisp clinking of glasses, mixed with the sizzling of the hot plate, sounded exceptionally peaceful in the warm yellow light...

……

It was already late at night when I came out of the barbecue restaurant.

The streetlights cast long, warm beams, and the lingering effects of sake still lingered on Yuhi's flushed face.

She carefully observed Qingwu's face and asked in surprise, "You little rascal, do you have such a high alcohol tolerance?"

Qingwu smiled. "It's getting late, senior. We'll take you back."

Kurenai Yuhi nodded slightly, about to speak—

The light on the entire street seemed to have been suddenly dimmed by an invisible hand.

The air suddenly turned cold.

A dark figure slowly emerged from the darkness at the alley entrance, his steps unhurried yet so imposing that it made one's breath catch in their throat.

One-eyed, bandaged, dressed in all black, he resembled a demon in the dead of night.

Danzo Shimura! !

Tianzang tensed up instantly and instinctively stood in front of Qingwu.

The effects of the alcohol on Yuhi Hong instantly wore off, and she felt a little relieved when she realized she was still in the village.

Danzo's cold gaze fell on Qingwu, without the slightest attempt to conceal it. His voice was hoarse and calm, "Qingwu, Jonin, want to have a word?"

Qingwu was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Tianzang, Senior Hong, you two go first."

"But--"

"It's alright," Qingwu interrupted Xi Ri Hong, "No one would be that stupid to make a move here."

These words were spoken to Tenzo and Kurenai, but even more so to Danzo.

Danzo stopped speaking and looked at Tenzo, who was blocking Qingwu's way.

Tenzo clenched his fist, and when Danzo glanced at him, his breath hitched. The memories etched into his bones made him unable to lift his head in front of Danzo.

Qingwu stepped forward half a step and stood calmly in front of the two, reminding them, "I believe the Hokage will arrive soon."

Tenzo and Yuhi Kurenai exchanged a glance before slowly turning around, but they kept looking back, their eyes wary.

After the two figures disappeared into the depths of the alley, Qingwu calmly asked, "Lord Danzo, what can I do for you?"

"Qingwu Jonin," Danzo spoke, his voice hoarse and low, chilling to the bone, "You did a very good job in the capital."

Qingwu remained unfazed. "Lord Danzo, I was merely completing a mission."

"Mission accomplished?" Danzo sneered, taking a small step forward, his oppressive aura surging. "You ruined my Root members' plan to infiltrate the Guardian Ninja!"

Qingwu pondered Danzo's purpose in coming, but calmly stated, "I am unaware of Root's arrangements. I only obey the Hokage's orders and carry out missions!"

"What a fine way to obey the Hokage!"

Danzo's tone was laced with suppressed malice, "You think that just because Hiruzen is protecting you, I can't touch you?"

Qingwu did not back down under Danzo's pressure, replying, "I only believe that the Hokage-sama will determine the order of the village!"

Danzo stared intently at him, his single eye blazing with murderous intent.

If it weren't for the fact that the young man in front of him was highly regarded by Hiruzen Sarutobi, he would have already seized the opportunity to strike.

After a moment of silence, Danzo gradually withdrew the murderous aura that was almost overflowing.

He glanced at Qingwu one last time, his voice icy:

"Very well, let's see if you can keep hiding under Hiruzen's wing forever. And... next time you block Root's path, even Hiruzen won't be able to protect you!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Danzo's figure disappeared into the alleyway with the tapping sound of his cane.

"..." Qingwu exhaled a long breath of stale air, and the pressure receded like the tide.

He had been on guard the whole time. If Danzo took a risk and Mumu wasn't there, he wasn't absolutely certain he could hold out until the Third Hokage arrived.

Thinking of this, he became even more eager to go back immediately and create the fifth-tier soldiers.

Although ordinary Wood Guardians cannot compare to Wood, who has evolved into a hero, if there are enough of them, they can still have a certain ability to protect themselves when facing Kage-level opponents.

"Whoosh, whoosh!"

The setting sun is red, and the heavens have returned.

The former let out a soft breath. "He's gone? Qingwu, what did he want with you?"

Qingwu thought for a moment, then said casually, "It's probably a warning."

"Since that person has personally taken action, then what about you in the future..." Kurenai Yuhi hesitated, unable to finish her sentence.

Tenzo whispered, "If we anger Lord Danzo, he will take action."

After a pause, Tenzo added, "Even in Konoha."

Following Tianzang's words, Qingwu thought of... Zhishui.

In the original story, wasn't it Danzo who gouged out Shisui Uchiha's eyes in Konoha?

Thinking of this, Qingwu also felt the pressure.

Previously, he believed that as long as he had the support of the Third Hokage, Danzo would be unable to do anything to him.

But wasn't Shisui also backed by the Third Hokage?

The results of it?

After Danzo took action, in order to maintain the stability of the village, the Third Hokage never publicly held Danzo accountable.

Danzo's "roots" still exist.

Not only was their power not substantially weakened, but their influence was even further expanded during the subsequent Uchiha clan massacre...

"I see!"

Qingwu's mood turned heavy.

He wasn't so arrogant as to think he was more important to the Third Hokage than Danzo.

If things ever reach an irreconcilable point, it remains to be seen what choice the third generation leader will make in order to "consider the bigger picture."

No, based on his current understanding of the Third Hokage, the Third Hokage's bottom line regarding Danzo is probably "not to openly break ties and not to cause internal strife."

As long as Danzo doesn't openly challenge the Hokage's authority, Root will remain a very useful weapon.

Meanwhile, Danzo was also aware of the Third Hokage's bottom line; he would not openly attack him unless absolutely necessary.

A realization dawned on Qingwu's mind.

Relying entirely on the Third Hokage's "limited maintenance" and Danzo's "self-restraint" is not safe at all.

Ultimately, one must be strong oneself to succeed.

Only when his territory grows strong enough to speak with Konoha as an equal can he truly be free!