Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 117 Going to the Battlefield

Today's exams are over.

As Qingwu left the venue and arrived at the entrance of the Death Forest, he encountered the Dark Guard who had come to deliver a message.

"The Hokage summons you?"

"I see!"

Qingwu changed direction and headed towards the Hokage Building.

Not long after, the door to the Hokage's office was pushed open, and four figures entered one after another.

The third generation leader raised his head, his gentle gaze sweeping over the four people.

The teenagers are at the age of growth and development, and compared with when the Shadow Guard was first established last year, everyone has changed quite a bit.

Kakashi's former sharpness has been somewhat tempered;

Qingwu stood with her eyes lowered, her demeanor appearing even more composed;

Tenzo straightened his back and became respectful towards the Hokage.

The setting sun stood quietly at the end, her dark attire further emphasizing her cool and aloof demeanor.

"Hokage-sama!"

Led by Captain Kakashi, the four of them bowed in unison.

The third generation head nodded slightly, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible emotion: "You've come."

Knock knock knock—

The Third Hokage tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, then turned his gaze to the Hokage Rock outside the window, remaining silent for the time being.

The office was quiet for a moment, with only the soft rustling of leaves in the wind outside the window.

The four members of the Shadow Guard exchanged glances.

They could sense that the old man in front of them seemed to be... hesitating?

After a moment, the Third Hokage finally broke the silence and slowly said, "I called you here today because there is something that the Shadow Guard must carry out."

Kakashi said in a deep voice, "Hokage-sama, please give your orders!"

The Third Hokage turned his gaze away from the window and back to the four members of the Shadow Guard. His tone became more serious: "The border conflict has escalated, and the war is becoming increasingly intense."

Qingwu looked up in surprise.

He wanted to go to the battlefield all last year but couldn't, and now it's come to him on its own?

As he expected, the Third Hokage continued, "Therefore, as Hokage, I have decided—the Shadow Guard, set out!"

Of the four, Xiyan trembled.

Go to the battlefield...

When they graduated, the Third Shinobi World War had already ended, but they never expected that they would still have to walk onto the legendary and terrifying battlefield.

The atmosphere in the office grew even heavier with the third generation's announcement of "going to war."

Kakashi calmly asked, "Hokage-sama, what is the mission of the Kageshield?"

A hint of approval flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes... If it weren't for those events, Kakashi would have been one of the most outstanding leaders of the next generation.

"You will be placed under the command of Nara Shikaku and stationed in the rear," the Third Hokage said.

From the rear… Qingwu looked up and interjected, “Stationed in the rear? Aren’t we going behind enemy lines?”

With the Deadwood Guardian in hand, he was not afraid as long as he didn't encounter Onoki. He had already begun to calculate the experience and level he would gain.

"There are three core missions," the Third Generation leader said calmly, without directly responding to Qingwu's words: "Protect the supply lines in the rear, guard the camp and protect the commander, and transmit intelligence from the front."

Tianzang gently tugged at Qingwu, and Xiyan whispered, "If there's a problem, let the captain ask."

Kakashi speaks:

"Does the Hokage mean we shouldn't actively intervene in the main battle? While guarding the rear is important, I believe... the village's expectations for the Kage Guard go beyond that, don't they?"

The Third Hokage was slightly taken aback, then realized that the clever Kakashi had probably already analyzed everything from some rumors.

Indeed, that was the case. Although Kakashi didn't know that Danzo was behind this, his guess was pretty close to the truth.

The Third Hokage did not directly address Danzo's matter, but instead solemnly stated:

"Onoki has already made enemies with the Shadow Guard. Although as the Tsuchikage, he can't ignore the overall situation and chase after you, he has to be careful."

At this point, the Third Hokage glanced at Qingwu and continued, "Moreover, besides Onoki, Iwagakure also has Jinchuriki, so young people must not be careless."

Qingwu knew that the Third Generation was pointing out his flaws, warning him not to be arrogant or conceited.

Upon thinking of the tailed beasts, Qingwu abandoned his contempt and bowed, saying, "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

The third generation leader said with satisfaction:

"As Kakashi said, the task of guarding the rear is also very important. Of course, once you are on the battlefield, you will belong to Nara Shikaku, and your tasks may change as the situation changes."

This statement is quite flexible, and it's a solution the third generation came up with to break the deadlock.

At the same time, he also believed that Nara Shikaku would understand his meaning.

In this way, although they agreed to let Danzo send the Shadow Guards to the battlefield, their main mission area was in their own rear.

That would significantly improve security.

Moreover, unless the war escalates to the point of a national war, the Shadow of the Village is unlikely to make a move easily.

Onoki isn't stupid; if he's going to make a move, I'll make one too.

That would inevitably escalate into the Fourth Shinobi World War.

Now that all countries are recuperating, the Third Generation believes that Onoki initiated the conflict only to seek compensation, not to completely break off relations.

Because that would not benefit either party.

Didn't you see that even the usually domineering Cloud Village started agreeing to peace talks after the conflict reached a certain point...?

"No one but me and Nara Shikaku can command you."

The third leader continued to reassure the Shadow Guard, saying, "As for the border, you only need to listen to Nara Shikaku, and you can have a certain degree of autonomy for your safety."

Kakashi said no more: "Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Kakashi, always leave room for maneuver. Protect yourself and your comrades." The Third Hokage's words were pointed.

"Yes, I will definitely complete the mission!" Kakashi bowed.

The Third Hokage frowned slightly. This was not what he wanted to hear. The mission was not important at all. What mattered was that the Shadow Guard could return safely while undergoing training.

"Alright." The Third Hokage planned to send a message to Nara Shikaku to explain the situation. He was worried that saying too much to these young people would have the opposite effect.

"Go." The Third Hokage waved his hand, his gaze falling on Qingwu. "The Chunin Exams end tomorrow, right?"

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

"Alright, now that you've completed the Chunin Exams mission, your Shadow Guard can set off."

The four bowed again, then turned and left the office one by one.

The door closed slowly, and Qingwu, who was walking last, paused for a moment.

He could feel the Third Hokage's gaze on him from behind the desk... It was Danzo!?

Qingwu turned around.

He saw the Third Generation smiling and nodding at him.

Ha... Danzo's scheme? I'll take it!

The Shadow Guards disappeared behind the door.

The third generation leader withdrew his gaze with satisfaction; Qingwu was a clever child.

Moreover, judging from their previous combat prowess, they should be fine as long as they don't encounter any of the top fighters from Iwagakure.

As they walked out of the Hokage Building, Kakashi turned to look at the three of them. "Make sure you're all ready before you set off."

He paused, then added, "Don't have any special psychological burden about going to the battlefield. With me here, I won't let you get into any danger."

Even in front of others... including the Third Hokage, Kakashi still showed that he prioritized the mission.

But in private, things have already changed...