Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 106 Ancient Tree Upgrade Completed

Xi Yan said in a complicated tone, "I really don't want to be left too far behind by my teammates."

From today,

The Shadow Guard already has two Jonin—Kakashi and Qingwu.

Only she and Tenzo were still Chunin.

And Tenzo possesses a rare Wood Release bloodline limit...

It's obvious that she'll likely be the weakest of the four in the future.

This has become a source of distress for her.

However... Red Bean's oblivious nature prevented her from noticing Evening Glory's subtle thoughts.

Red Bean said, "It doesn't matter if we get fat first. As long as we train hard, we'll become renowned female ninjas in the ninja world sooner or later!"

"Yes, just like Lady Tsunade," Anko added.

The woman who said this probably doesn't know that in the future... she will be the one who gains the most weight.

...For Hongdou at the moment, what she envies most about Qingwu is not becoming a Jonin, but... that he has already made a name for himself on the battlefield.

"If I could be like Qingwu... the teacher would be very surprised."

Red Bean muttered softly.

Although Orochimaru has defected, in the girl's heart... he remains an irreplaceable mentor.

At least for now!

For this emotional dependence to turn into resentment, it may require some catalysts in the growth process.

……

Uchiha Clan Territory

"A fourteen-year-old Jonin..." Fugaku Uchiha asked the boy before him, resting his chin on his hand.

"Shisui, what do you think?"

Uchiha Shisui was a gentle-looking young man, somewhat different from the other Uchiha...

"Well deserved!" Shisui said calmly, "Senior Qingwu's achievements and strength are worthy of the title of Jonin."

Fugaku Uchiha gave the boy a deep look. "What do you think about the Hokage-sama letting you join the Anbu?"

"..." Shisui paused for a moment, "I think it's a good thing. There are too many misunderstandings between the village and the family. I can be the bridge that connects them."

Fugaku Uchiha's expression softened; the boy shared similar thoughts.

Compared to the Uchiha clan members who were always shouting for battle, Shisui was one of the few "normal people" in Fugaku's eyes.

"Then... let's do it!"

"Yes, Chieftain!"

"Also, tell Inahi and the others not to think I don't know what they're up to. I won't allow... them to provoke that Senju kid."

"yes!"

He watched as the still water receded.

Fugaku Uchiha rubbed his temples.

After last year's Chunin Exams, Inahi, Tetsuka, and the others had been trying to "test" Senju Seigo's fighting strength.

Later, the Senju clan member joined the Shadow Guard, and Inaho and the others didn't have a chance for a while.

now……

Senju Seigo has become a Jonin, so I believe... those troublesome juniors should have realized their mistake by now!

……

—Roots, underground base

"Lord Danzo!"

Ryoma Aburame knelt on one knee. "Should we... take some action?"

"No……"

Danzo closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the gloom from before had returned to calm:

"Hiruzen used the name of my Root organization and claimed to have conducted a joint assessment."

"Oh……"

"He's the Hokage, so of course you can say that."

"As for taking action... to touch that kid now would be tantamount to openly turning against Hiruzen."

"Besides, that kid's currently riding high in the village, there's no need for that!"

"wait……"

"Wait until he relaxes his guard, wait until he makes a mistake, wait until he reveals a weakness..."

Ryoma Aburame lowered his head. "Yes!"

"I heard... that brat went to the orphanage again?" Danzo suddenly asked.

"Yes, some... money was left behind!"

"Hmph, that ignorant and useless so-called kindness! I knew it! Last time, Yakushi Nonou didn't put her heart into completing the mission at all!"

"Sir, then..."

"Don't worry about it for now. Don't think that... this will make Nonoyu escape my control."

For people with dark hearts, everything they see will seem to have ulterior motives.

After a pause, Danzo asked, "How is Kabuto Yakushi?"

Ryoma Aburame replied, "He has a high level of talent, and his abilities in disguise and intelligence gathering are no less than those of Nono Yakushi."

"Very good!" Danzo stood up and said, "War with Iwagakure is inevitable. Send Kabuto out next month."

Aburame Ryoma was startled: "But he's still young."

"Being young...isn't that more likely to make the enemy complacent?" Danzo sneered. "Besides...Nonou will know that I sent that child out."

"..." Ryoma Aburame secretly marveled at Danzo's methods, then bowed his head: "Yes!"

……

—Death Forest, within the territory

Tenzo's eyes sparkled. "Qingwu, congratulations on your promotion to Jonin. That's amazing."

Qingwu laughed and said, "It's just a title; I won't slack off on any of the tasks I'm supposed to do."

"The Hokage really thinks highly of you." Tenzo smiled with pride.

Now, he has gradually emerged from the shadow of the Root, and naturally has a greater appreciation for the village and the Hokage.

"Yes..." Qingwu sighed softly.

He now understands somewhat why there were so many ninjas in the original story who sacrificed everything for the village.

He was "superficial" before.

It wasn't just the baptism of the "Will of Fire" that he received; up to now... the Hokage has truly been exceptional towards him!

As a transmigrator, he should have been different from the other Konoha ninjas.

But his experiences over the past six months have led him to a tendency to be "assimilated"...

Shaking his head, Qingwu focused his attention on the ancient tree that was still changing.

Some things can only be truly seen by climbing to the top!

……

The third week of the Tree of Life upgrade.

The tree canopy began to "transform," and the changes were the most spectacular, with each leaf beginning to shimmer with a bright green light.

Then, the edges of the leaves shimmered with a pale golden sheen.

Exquisitely beautiful, each piece is like a natural work of art.

At the center of the top of the tree canopy, a "cocoon of light" has formed.

Qingwu didn't know what was inside, but judging from the rich natural energy emanating from it, it must be something good.

Even more remarkably, the tree canopy began to autonomously regulate the microclimate within its territory.

Outside the territory, it was still snowing, but inside, it was as if the ancient trees had absorbed the excess sunlight and transformed it into gentle light and heat.

From then on, the territory seemed to have formed its own independent little world.

Is it spring-like all year round?

Qingwu is increasingly looking forward to seeing what changes will occur after the ancient tree is upgraded.

……

The fourth week of upgrading the ancient tree.

All the previous changes began to converge and solidify.

The rich natural energy gradually seeps into the tree and is no longer visible.

The special patterns on the tree trunk have completely stabilized, and the cocoons on the canopy are getting brighter and brighter, as if they are about to mature.

The last day.

Qingwu stood under the ancient tree, staring at the countdown on the panel.

The ancient tree, which was only 8 meters tall during its growth period, has now reached a height of more than 40 meters.

It's as tall as a dozen or so stories...

【Ding! 】

Upgrade complete!

[Ancient Tree of Life: Growth Period → Maturity Period]

【…】