Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 102 Bonds

We've been through life and death together.

Kakashi's attitude towards Tenzo improved considerably, and he asked softly, "Tenzo, what is your objection?"

"I...I don't need that much money," Tianzang said in a low voice.

46 taels of silver is enough for an ordinary family to live a luxurious life for ten years, but for Tianzang, who comes from the Root, it is just a number.

Kakashi then changed the subject, "Of my personal 600,000 taels, I'll allocate 400,000 taels for special expenses for the squad."

"Huh?" Xi Yan looked up. Did the Shadow Guard captain have to go to so much trouble?

"Primarily used for intelligence gathering, replenishing ninja tools, and... the special needs of certain team members."

As Kakashi spoke, his gaze swept over Qingwu.

"!!" Qingwu was stunned. Was Kakashi subsidizing him in a roundabout way?

Tianzang said, "That's exactly what I mean. Qingwu needs money, and I can give him my share."

Xi Yan gritted her teeth and spoke:

"I need a new sword. The original 'Moon Shadow' chipped during the battle with Iwagakure. It's better to reforge it than repair it. I'll use a chakra-conducting metal from the Land of Iron with a blade attachment. The budget is 300,000 ryo."

She paused, then added, "The remaining 160,000 taels can be given to Qingwu for now."

Kakashi's voice carried a hint of amusement, "It seems... everyone is willing to help certain team members."

"..." Qingwu felt a warmth in her heart, but also some pressure.

He didn't actually want to accept favors from others.

Just as he was about to speak.

Kakashi spoke first: "Qingwu, don't borrow money from me again."

"Hmm?" Qingwu said helplessly, "I didn't..."

"Qingwu contributed the most to this mission," Kakashi said, looking at Qingwu. "You even lost your mask, which shows how dangerous the situation was."

"Whether it's killing the most enemies or covering the retreat of teammates, Qingwu should get the most points. Any objections?"

"No!"

"No!"

Xiyan and Tianzang hurriedly responded.

They were able to escape from the encirclement of enemies thanks to Qingwu's spirit beast.

Kakashi first nodded, then shook his head and said:

"Xiyan, Tianzang, you should spend your money on yourselves. As the team leader, I have an obligation to set aside a portion for the team's special funds."

Before Yugao and Tenzo could say anything more, Kakashi said firmly, "It's settled then. This is the captain's order!"

"yes!"

"yes!"

Yugao and Tianzang said no more.

Kakashi made it clear that he wanted to pay for it himself, and saying anything more would be ruining the captain's "helping others."

Qingwu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If it's just Kakashi's "sponsorship," then there's not much pressure. Anyway, I can pay Kakashi back when I have more money, or... I can just buy him "Icha Icha Paradise" directly?

It seems that aside from Jiraiya's masterpieces, Kakashi doesn't really have any other expenses!

Kakashi opened the money box, gave Yugao and Tenzo their share first, and then took out 200,000 ryo for himself and put it away.

The rest, including the boxes, were handed over.

Qingwu didn't stand on ceremony and silently accepted it.

Kakashi sponsored him under the guise of "team funds," so there was no point in refusing.

"Without you, we might all...die this time!"

As they parted, Kakashi whispered to Qingwu.

Although they didn't say "thank you" aloud, their actions showed it all.

……

Qingwu, carrying a sum of nearly one million in cash, walked down the main street of Konoha with Xiyan and Tianzang.

As they approached Xiyan's house, Xiyan tossed them a bag, saying, "Here, it's the same as last time."

"Huh?" Qingwu was still wondering when Xiyan's slender figure disappeared at the alley entrance.

"..." Upon opening it, he found that, just like when they teamed up last time, Xi Yan had given him another 100,000 taels.

At that time... none of them had joined the Dark Division.

"call……"

Qingwu didn't say much, but kept his teammates' friendship in his heart.

Back in his territory, Tianzang placed all the money he had received under the tree and whispered, "Qingwu, I...I..."

"Keep it," Qingwu said with a troubled expression. "The captain is right, you should keep your own money for your own use."

"I...I...just consider it as my accommodation fee," Tianzang stammered.

"At the grassroots level, money is allocated centrally. I have never received so much money before, and I have nowhere to spend it."

Qingwu thought for a moment and suggested, "You can donate it to a hospital or an orphanage."

Tianzang's eyes lit up:

"I didn't know it could be done like this. I hadn't thought of that before, but... I can do those things later. Qingwu, didn't you want to buy those rare materials? You can use them first."

For Tianzang, helping other children was a good idea, but compared to that, Qingwu was the person he wanted to thank the most.

Qingwu said, "The captain and Xiyan have already given me enough funds, so I don't need money for the time being."

"..." Tianzang took off his mask, and his mood visibly dropped.

"..." Qingwu said helplessly.

"How about this, you keep half for emergencies, and lend me 100,000 taels of the rest to donate to the orphanage, how about that?"

"Qingwu, you're so smart. From now on, you'll be in charge of managing and distributing my mission rewards."

Upon hearing that Qingwu was willing to "lend" him money, Tianzang became as happy as a child again:

"I've saved up all my previous guards' wages, and I don't really need the money. How about I lend you 200,000 taels?"

Tianzang's idea was simple: he wanted to surpass what Xiyan had given Qingwu...

Qingwu shook her head and didn't say anything more. "Okay, rest. I'll go to the orphanage with you tomorrow."

Once Tianzang returned to his own "big cage," Qingwu stood in front of the [Ancient Tree of Life] and decisively issued the "upgrade" command.

【Ding! 】

[Upgrade requirements for the Ancient Tree of Life are being checked...]

Lord Level Requirement: ≥30 (Already achieved: Current level 32)

[Natural Energy Reserves: ≥5000 (Achieved: Current Natural Energy 5620/5620)]

Gold Reserves: ≥5000 (Achieved: Current Gold Coins: 10000)

Outside Takigakure Village, the battles outside, where I killed Kari and briefly fought Onoki, gave me two more experience points and more energy.

As for the gold coins, he didn't exchange them all at once; he kept some money on hand.

[Confirm to start upgrading the Ancient Tree of Life?]

The upgrade process is irreversible and is estimated to take 30 days.

Qingwu exhaled softly; the time was getting longer and longer!

"confirm!"

The moment the command was given, he felt a void within his body.

Checking the panel, I found that 2500 points of natural energy were consumed in one go.

Similar to the last upgrade of the ancient tree, the remaining resources should be slowly consumed during the upgrade process.

Qingwu felt relieved and carefully examined the changes in the ancient tree.

"Buzz—!!"

The ancient tree then emitted an unprecedented... tremor!

It wasn't a painful tremor, but rather a joyful resonance!

The already deep lines on the tree trunk now seemed to come alive, writhing, extending, and intertwining...