Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 104 New Year, Jonin Meeting

This New Year didn't mean much to Qingwu.

Maybe... it's just that I've grown a year older?

He has no relatives left.

As for the Senju clan...

The family dispersed as it pleased, and after all these years, some blood relatives might not even recognize each other when they meet.

Listening to the lively sounds coming from the village.

Qingwu and Tianzang sat on the roof of the wooden house, with some food laid out, chatting casually.

"I heard there will be wishing lanterns at the Hokage Rock today. Tenzo, what's your wish?"

"..."

"Tianzang, every child has a wish."

"My wish... is that we can all live here without any worries."

"..." Qingwu turned to look at Tianzang, it really was a simple wish.

"Qingwu, what is your wish?"

"As for me... well, I'll probably still focus on making more money."

Yes, it's also very "simple"...

"clang--"

"Clang—Clang—"

"Clang—clang—clang—"

The sound of the year-end bell came from the direction of the village.

Tianzang said in a low voice, "I've heard that the year-end bell tolls 108 times, and each toll corresponds to a kind of trouble. I... wish Qingwu that you will never have any troubles."

"108..." Qingwu complained, "Are there really so many kinds of troubles in the world..."

"What else!" Kakashi's voice came from behind.

"Captain!" Tianzang hurriedly stood up and bowed.

After spending so much time together, Kakashi's personal charm has "conquered" this kid who initially ignored everyone.

Kakashi glanced at the food between the two of them. "How can we celebrate the New Year without rice cakes?"

As he spoke, he opened the paper bag in his hand and added a few more snacks.

"Tenzo, you don't need to call him captain normally." Kakashi gestured for Tenzo to sit down again.

"Yes...senpai!" Tenzo mimicked how Qingwu usually addressed Kakashi.

"Kakashi-senpai, what brings you here?" Qingwu tasted the rice cake that Kakashi brought and found it to be quite delicious.

"I...I've come to keep you company on New Year's Eve!" Kakashi said, pointing in the direction of the village. "After the New Year's Eve bell, many families will begin their New Year's Eve vigil."

"Thank you, senior!" Tenzo was deeply moved by Kakashi's concern.

Since the Shadow Guard was established, he has indeed felt a completely different team atmosphere from the one he had in Root, which is the fundamental reason for his great change.

Qingwu pursed his lips, perhaps... Kakashi also feels lonely.

This place has become a pretty good spot for me.

Sure enough, after the year-end bells rang, another person arrived.

Iruka, also carrying a paper bag, called out from outside the wall, "Qingwu, are you there? I'm here to keep you company on New Year's Eve!"

A moment later, the four of them sat down in a circle under the tree—the roof of the wooden house was too small to accommodate them all.

Iruka also brought several lanterns.

Qingwu and Tianzang helped out, and the three of them enthusiastically hung the lanterns on the newly grown saplings around the ancient tree.

Kakashi rested his arm on his knee, watching the scene unfold before him with a relaxed expression, a smile playing on his lips beneath his mask…

That night, four souls who should have been lonely found solace in each other.

They talked a lot.

Many of these statements have nothing to do with the ninja profession.

That night, they didn't seem like teenagers with blood on their hands, but just a few ordinary teenagers.

On the morning of the first day of the lunar new year, the eldest Kakashi led the three of them to the shrine.

The area in front of Konoha Shrine was packed with people.

In front of the shrine, they encountered Yugao and Anko, who had come with their parents.

The Shadow Guards gathered together and wrote ema (votive plaques) wishing each other "successful missions" in the coming year.

The New Year... is indeed an extraordinary holiday.

Even girls like Xiyan and Hongdou have lost much of their sharpness.

The girls dressed in Japanese-style clothing seemed to have become gentler.

Then, he encountered Izumo Kamizuki, Tetsuko Koko, and Iwashi Tei, among others from the same year.

Oh, right, and Moonlight Gale.

As soon as the kid arrived, he went straight to Xiyan.

but……

Xi Yan's gaze remained fixed on Qing Wu.

Then Moonlight Gale was punched twice by Red Bean and coughed incessantly, making everyone burst into laughter.

Then came the final lottery draw.

The girls were the most enthusiastic about this part, and each person's draw would attract everyone's attention.

Only Kakashi… After drawing his lot, he casually stuffed it into his pocket and said indifferently, “It’s just a formality; strength is the real protection.”

Look, King B is putting on an act.

Can……

As the only Jonin among them, Kakashi's boasting is not entirely unreasonable.

After some playful banter, everyone dispersed.

Qingwu and Tianzang returned to their territory.

"Happy New Year!"

The two exchanged blessings.

The New Year's sun shines on the distant Fire Shadow Rock, and the bells toll melodiously...

……

Week 2 of the Tree of Life upgrade.

The trunk of the ancient tree has begun to "swell"!

It's not simply getting thicker.

Strange patterns appeared on the surface of the tree trunk, as if it were breathing.

With each breath, the natural energy within the territory became even more concentrated.

The most significant change is in altitude.

Previously, the ancient tree of life evolved from the seedling stage to the growth stage, growing from the height of a person to more than 8 meters.

And now, the tree trunk is like a dragon, growing taller and taller every day!

10 meters...15 meters...20 meters...25 meters...

At the same time, the newly grown saplings within the territory are also constantly growing taller.

Tenzang practices Wood Release under the ancient tree every day, and he says he has made great progress.

Qingwu thought to himself—it would be difficult for Tianzang to reach the level of the First Hokage's Wood Release, but with the change and bonus of the territory, Tianzang will definitely become stronger than in the original story!

Sometimes Qingwu thinks...

If he didn't prefer peace and quiet, he might have carved out a section of his territory to create a training ground... well, the kind that charges a fee.

Maybe I can earn some extra money.

Because the natural energy within the territory can not only affect Wood Release chakra, but also greatly benefit physical growth and training.

Otherwise, Iruka, who often stayed in his territory to train, wouldn't have improved so quickly in last year's Chunin Exams.

Qingwu did not cultivate as diligently as Tianzang.

Having learned from the experience of the last ancient tree evolution, he was waiting for the upgrade of the [Heart of the Barrier] that would come after the evolution was complete, as well as... energy feedback!

……

Muye Village

The first Jonin meeting after the New Year celebration.

The third generation leader tapped his pipe, surveyed the room, and spoke in a steady voice:

"I have gathered you all here today to discuss an important appointment."

"Based on the Konoha Ninja Promotion Regulations, and an assessment of recent achievements and strength."

"I propose that Senju Seigo, a member of the Shadow Guard and a Special Jonin, be officially promoted to Jonin!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a low commotion arose in the conference room.

Although it was expected.

However, when this suggestion was officially made by the Hokage, it still shocked many people.

Thirteen... uh no, I'm fourteen now.

Even so, a fourteen-year-old Konoha Jonin is a rare feat in the entire history of Konoha...