Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 110 Guardian Ninja 2

The third generation did not hide anything.

Instead, it was a very frank narration:

The daimyo had previously extended invitations to some Konoha ninjas to attend a New Year's banquet before the New Year.

This includes the recently famous "Shadow Guards," with particular emphasis on the name "Qingwu."

However, the Shadow Guard belongs to the Hokage, so they can only be invited through the Hokage first.

As a result, the third generation leader politely declined, citing "having other matters to attend to."

The Hokage and the Daimyo... are inherently in a "cooperative" relationship, with neither being superior to the other.

Daming Prefecture never mentioned this again.

As for the third generation, he wasn't worried about any daimyo trying to win him over.

As for ninjas... no one would choose to serve a daimyo, especially a powerful one, because the daimyo can't offer them anything.

Money? For many ninjas, it's just a number.

Promotion channels, ninjutsu, guidance, and growth are the most direct needs of a ninja.

Of course, what the Third Hokage didn't know was that if the Daimyo were willing to offer Seigo a sufficiently high "salary," Seigo might actually be tempted...

Qingwu opened the document and glanced at it, then said softly, "Guardian Ninja...selection?"

The Third Hokage chuckled, "Indeed, the New Year's banquet is over, but the Guardian Ninja Selection is quite a grand event. If you're interested, you can go and take a look."

"Uh..." Qingwu was actually quite tempted. The capital city... he had never been there before.

However, he didn't know in what capacity he would go.

As if guessing his thoughts, the Third Hokage said, "The Shadow Guard doesn't have any missions lately, so you can all go."

Having already become quite familiar with the Third Hokage, Qingwu jokingly asked, "If the Daimyo invites our Shadow Guard to join the Guardian Ninja, we..."

"Hahaha..." The third generation laughed heartily, pointing to the document and saying:

"The official letter from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire originally requested that Konoha recommend young, promising ninjas to participate in the selection."

"If you are not a member of the Shadow Guard, you will definitely be invited to fill the 'Twelve Guardian Ninjas' selection held in the capital this time."

"Because... the Daimyo is very interested in your performance in the Land of Grass and the Land of Tea, especially... your defeat of the Tsuchikage..."

The third daimyo casually raised an eyebrow at Qingwu, "After the news reached the capital, the daimyo personally inquired about it with me several times."

"Rumors...that's really ridiculous," Qingwu said sheepishly.

"Hehehe," the Third Hokage said with a laugh, "It's a good thing to go and broaden your horizons. If your Shadow Guard attends, you are representing the Hokage."

"Of course," the Third Hokage changed the subject, "if you feel it's more advantageous for you to become Guardian Ninjas, I won't stop you."

The Third Hokage wasn't worried about this at all. Any daimyo with a brain wouldn't have any designs on his personal Shadow Guard.

"This time... there will be Root ninjas going along," the Third Hokage suddenly said meaningfully.

"Hmm?" Qingwu looked up at the old man, guessing the purpose of his words.

"Go ahead," the Third Hokage said with a smile.

"After the battle with Iwagakure, your reputation is known throughout the entire ninja world."

"Konoha needs to demonstrate the power of its new generation to the Daimyo."

"And the daimyo also needs a 'hero' to boost domestic morale and deter neighboring countries, and you are the most suitable candidate."

"What are the selection criteria?" Qingwu asked curiously.

"The standard procedure consists of three parts: a combat test, a mission simulation, and a loyalty assessment!"

"The Root... Will Danzo get involved?"

The Third Hokage had clearly anticipated that Qingwu would show Danzo no respect whatsoever.

"Indeed, Danzo... always likes to meddle in everything."

This time, the third generation leader didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "I hope you can ruin his plan."

Danzo certainly liked to meddle in everything.

Judging from the original work, the Roots can be found in the Land of Wind, the Land of Rain, and even some of the surrounding small countries.

Qingwu shrugged: "If it's Danzo... I have no reason not to do it."

When he first awakened "Wood Release", he was almost taken advantage of by Danzo. He only managed to make Danzo hesitate after he clung to the Hokage's coattails.

But Qingwu knew very well what kind of person Danzo was. That guy was hiding in the shadows, and who knew when he would seize an opportunity to take a bite.

Since that's the case, we should try to recover some of the "interest" first.

My thoughts are becoming clearer...

……

Two days later.

The main gate of Konoha Village.

Qingwu and Tianzang waited for their companions to arrive.

The Shadow Guards have been granted permission to leave the village, but... Kakashi claims he has no interest in going to the capital, while Yugao says she wants to take advantage of her vacation to train hard and improve.

As a result... only he and Tenzo went to represent the Hokage's Shadow Guard.

Tenzang was familiarizing himself with the hand seals for the "Spirit Summoning Technique" on the side.

Qingwu saw this and said in a low voice, "No need, you can make any hand seals or shout whatever you want, just communicate with it."

Tianzang has already signed a psychic contract with... a certain "dwarf warrior".

Speaking of this, Tianzang's choice also surprised Qingwu.

He originally thought that in the selection of basic troops, Tianzang would definitely choose the Great Elf who could attack from a distance and was "beautiful".

Unexpectedly, Tianzang ultimately chose the "dwarf".

In Tianzang's words, he had witnessed the dwarves' "toughness" on the battlefield, and his spells were more inclined towards protection.

"You'd be better suited to be a 'Guardian Ninja'."

That's what Qingwu said at the time.

Tianzang replied, "If Qingwu goes, I'll go with you."

Well, so easily you "betrayed" the Hokage?

"Hey, your Shadow Guard team is pretty punctual!" a voice rang out.

Qingwu turned to look at it.

Sarutobi Asuma, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, waved to the two of them. He was wearing a green Jonin vest, with a chakra short blade hanging at his waist, and his expression was relaxed.

As expected, it was him… Qingwu thought to herself.

Sarutobi Asuma – son of the Third Hokage, graduated at age 9, became a Chunin at age 12, and a Jonin at age 16…

Asuma, now 17, is going through a rebellious phase and prefers to leave Konoha and stay away from his father, who is the Hokage. He will probably be working as a "Guardian Ninja" for many years to come.

Thinking about Asuma's information, Qingwu reached out to greet him, "Asuma-senpai!"

He wasn't wearing the Shadow Guard's ANBU uniform today either; he and Tenzo had both changed into Konoha tactical vests.

"Qingwu, you're already a Jonin..."

Standing next to Asuma was Kurenai Yuhi, dressed in a dark red casual outfit, looking capable and elegant.

She nodded to Tianzang, her gaze fixed on Qingwu:

"I'm three years older than you, and I'm only a Special Jonin because I'm skilled in genjutsu. You're quite impressive, kid."

Last year during the Chunin Exams, Kurenai Yuhi was one of the examiners for Seigo and his classmates.

Although I personally witnessed the battle between Qingwu and Orochimaru, I know that this kid is very strong.

But... it hadn't been long before Qingwu had already moved ahead.

This left Kurenai deeply moved...