"Then we'll be going first. You two be careful over there."
Early the next morning, everyone who had woken up early arrived at the Konoha Camp entrance. Nara Shikaku waved goodbye to the two, with Hyuga Hizashi standing beside him, looking a bit dejected.
"Alright, seniors, please be careful on your journey."
Minato Namikaze and Ren nodded to the two. At this time, both of them had already changed into civilian clothes. After all, it was a covert reconnaissance mission, so it was always better to be low-key.
"Oh, by the way, Senior Hizashi, I forgot to mention something. Yesterday, on my way here, I ran into Senior Hiashi. He asked me to say hello to you."
"Hmm? My brother… "
The somewhat dejected Hizashi perked up, muttering to himself for a moment before looking up and giving Ren a smile.
"Thank you, Ren."
"Alright, we should go. These next two days are going to be busy."
Shikaku's words immediately caused Hizashi's spirits, which had just recovered a little, to deflate again. He dejectedly followed behind Nara Shikaku, and after bidding farewell to the two, he left.
"Let's go too, Ren. Today's mission has a high possibility of combat with ninjas from other countries. Stay vigilant at all times."
"Yes!"
Ren responded. The two did not linger there but directly leapt into the jungle, heading towards the Land of Rain.
On the way, Minato Namikaze briefly explained some of the situations in the Land of Rain and their mission to Ren.
Although it sounded like they only needed to scout around, besides reconnaissance, they also had other tasks, such as incidentally updating information on some of the Land of Rain's terrain and topography, which would help Konoha Ninja quickly occupy advantageous positions after entering the Land of Rain later.
Of course, they were only responsible for a part of the area. The other three elite squads had already been sent out by Minato Namikaze. Each squad consisted of one Jonin and three Chunin, and they were responsible for the other three areas.
"Hmm? Is it raining?"
Ren touched the raindrops falling on his cheek, looked up, and noticed that the sky had unknowingly become overcast. Large raindrops were falling from the sky. It seemed there would be another heavy rain soon.
"Normal. We have already entered the Land of Rain. It rains continuously here all year round, which restricts the country's economy and people's livelihoods. Coupled with the Land of Rain's strategic location, the living standards of the people here are very low. We've arrived, let's go in and sit down first."
As they conversed, the two had already arrived in front of a small town. The buildings here were mostly single-story, with very few two-story ones, and they all looked exceptionally old.
Fortunately, not far from them, there was a ramen shop. On the signboard, besides the iconic bowl of ramen symbol, the words behind it were no longer legible.
The two didn't mind. Upon approaching, they found the wooden door ajar. Minato pushed the door open and walked in, with Ren following closely behind.
It was a bit dim inside, as it was still only faintly light outside. The light in the back kitchen was on, and some sounds came from within, as if someone was there.
After Minato found a table and sat down, Ren walked directly to the back kitchen door. He didn't go in, but just called out to the inside.
"Hello, is anyone there?"
The sounds inside paused for a moment, and then an old voice came through.
"Yes, just a moment, I'll be right there."
Ren didn't mind, he just sat back next to Minato Namikaze, waiting for the owner to appear. After a short while, an old man pushed aside the back kitchen curtain and walked out. His steps were steady, his eyes clear, and he looked energetic. Upon seeing the two sitting at the table, he walked directly towards them.
"Two guests, what would you like to eat?"
"Hello, old man. Could we have two bowls of noodle soup?"
Minato Namikaze said with a smile to the old man. The old man didn't waste time, leaving a "Just a moment" before walking directly to the back kitchen. Soon after, they heard the sound of water boiling.
"Minato brother, this ramen shop is a bit interesting."
Seeing no one else around, Ren whispered to Minato Namikaze.
Minato Namikaze just shook his head, gesturing towards the back kitchen with his eyes, and Ren could only give up.
Soon, two steaming bowls of noodle soup were brought out. With green onions, cilantro, chilli oil, and a poached egg, it made the two eager to eat.
Ren was about to pick up his chopsticks when he noticed the old man standing by his side hadn't left, but was looking at them with a hesitant expression.
"Is there anything else, boss?"
Minato Namikaze looked at the old man gently and asked politely.
"You… are from out of town, aren't you?"
"Hmm?"
The two exchanged confused glances. In their opinion, they hadn't revealed any flaws, right? Does the Land of Rain have a dialect?
"Any local can tell."
The old man sat down on a nearby chair and said calmly.
"Your clothes don't look like they're from around here; they seem to be from the Land of Fire. Plus, your accents don't sound quite right; likely, you're not from here."
"Impressive."
Minato Namikaze praised, then looked at the old man with admiration and said.
"Old man, you're right, we're indeed not locals. We're travelling merchants, just finished a small deal, and are planning to rest here for a while before returning to the Land of Fire to restock."
"So that's how it is."
The old man seemed to understand, then stood up and nodded to the two.
"In that case, please enjoy your meal. I won't disturb you."
"Alright."
The two watched the old man walk into the back kitchen. Ren glanced at Minato Namikaze but didn't speak, just silently ate the ramen in his bowl. After they finished eating, they greeted the owner and then left.
As soon as the two left the shop, the old man walked out from the back kitchen, watching their retreating figures, his eyes flickering with sharp light.
Two Ninja, currently it's unclear if they are from Sunagakure, Iwagakure, or Konoha. These people coming here definitely mean no good. I'd better report to the Village quickly.
The old man returned to the back kitchen, pulled out paper and pen, and began to write. Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze and Ren were walking on the street, watching the gradually increasing crowd. Ren spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"It seems that the old man should be an intelligence point for the Hidden Rain Village."
"More or less, but based on the Chakra fluctuations on him, he should only be a Jonin, so it doesn't matter if he knows. The Land of Rain becoming a battlefield for the three great nations is already an unavoidable matter."
"Mmm-hmm."
Ren was about to say something when his expression suddenly changed, and he turned to look in one direction.
"What's wrong?"
Minato Namikaze saw Ren's reaction, and his expression also became serious.
"There are intense Chakra fluctuations over there. Ninjas are fighting."
"Is that so…"
Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice.
"Let's go, we'll go check it out."
"Yes!"
Ren nodded. In an instant, the two disappeared from their original spot, leaving only the startled and panicked civilians.