Just as Nawaki had appeared in a whirlwind of energy, he departed in the same manner.
Watching Nawaki's retreating figure, Hayato Ren couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"Is this guy really our teacher's biological younger brother? Their personalities are so completely different..."
Hayato Ren spent the entire afternoon memorizing the layout of the entire camp.
This way, if enemies were to launch a surprise attack here, he could immediately find an escape route.
Afterward, Hayato Ren had a generously portioned but rather mediocre-tasting dinner at the mess hall.
This led him to make a grand decision - he would try to cook for himself from now on.
When he returned to Tsunade's quarters, she was still sleeping as soundly as before he left.
So after taking a bath, Hayato Ren slipped under the covers.
The night passed without incident.
When Hayato Ren opened his eyes the next morning, Tsunade who had been in his embrace had already disappeared.
Just as he was still groggy from sleep, Tsunade's voice rang out:
"You finally woke up, you brat? Why did you sneak into my bed again last night? Don't do that next time. Hurry up and wash up - I brought you a bowl of noodles from the mess hall. If you don't eat them soon, they'll get mushy."
Hayato Ren nodded somewhat drowsily, then got out of bed and headed outside.
After finishing the bowl of rather ordinary-tasting noodles, Hayato Ren finally became fully alert.
At that moment, Tsunade suddenly said:
"Since you've been idle these past few days, I have a mission for you. Scout the surrounding area - it's an A-rank mission."
Hayato Ren naturally accepted the mission without hesitation.
Then Tsunade walked up to Hayato Ren, placed her hand on his cheek, and warned with concern:
"Your mission is only to gather intelligence - try to avoid direct confrontation with enemies. Remember, if anything feels wrong, return immediately. Be careful in everything you do - don't be reckless."
Seeing the concerned expression on Tsunade's face, Hayato Ren suddenly leaned forward, his lips lightly brushing against hers.
"Don't worry, teacher. I'll return completely unharmed. After all, I still want to spend more happy times with you."
Tsunade's face flushed slightly, then she rapped Hayato Ren on the head.
"I'm discussing serious matters with you, and you're taking advantage of me again. One of these days, I'm going to expel you, you teacher-harassing rascal."
The originally heavy atmosphere instantly lightened after Hayato Ren's "surprise attack."
After checking his equipment, Hayato Ren left the Leaf camp.
Once he entered Rain Country territory, Hayato Ren changed into different clothes.
At this time, Hayato Ren's identity had shifted from a Konoha Jonin to that of a speculative merchant who had come to the Rain Country during the turmoil to peddle goods.
Although this merchant identity was still somewhat conspicuous, Hayato Ren had no choice but to play this role.
Other identities simply didn't suit his demeanor.
Using the Transformation Technique would carry the risk of being discovered by the enemy.
Thus, the merchant Hayato Ren, leading an old horse laden with daily necessities, began wandering through the Rain Country.
...
"Kid, come here."
A Rain Ninja beckoned to Hayato Ren, while his companion wore a gleeful expression.
When Hayato Ren led his horse over to the squad of Rain Ninjas, the ninja suddenly drew his Kunai, brandished it a few times, and snarled fiercely:
"Do you know who I am?"
Staying in character, Hayato Ren put on a panicked expression and shook his head repeatedly.
Satisfied with Hayato Ren's flustered appearance, the Rain Ninja nodded and continued:
"I am Kato, the ninja in charge of overseeing this area. You're new here, aren't you? You don't know the rules."
Kato cast a greedy glance at the horse beside Hayato Ren, his eyes filled with avarice.
Kato had done this many times before, extorting considerable sums from passing merchants and civilians through intimidation.
Occasionally, some would resist his threats, but those individuals had all been killed and robbed.
Hayato Ren's body trembled slightly as he replied in a shaky voice:
"Sir Ninja, I've just arrived in the Rain Country from the Land of Fire. Being new here, I'm unaware of the local customs. Please don't hold it against me."
Kato was thoroughly pleased with Hayato Ren's reaction. He reached out with his right hand and patted Hayato Ren's shoulder.
"No problem, no problem. And I'm not taking your money for nothing. After you pay up, we'll ensure your business remains safe."
Hayato Ren looked up at Kato and asked softly:
"How much do I need to pay?"
"Normally we take half the total value of the goods from ordinary people, but since you're so cooperative, I'll only take one-third this time."
Kato responded in a tone that suggested Hayato Ren was getting a great deal.
"Understood. I'll make sure to burn that money for you when I have the time."
Hayato Ren said coldly, then swiftly drew the long sword at his waist.
Before Kato could react, a silvery-white light, like moonlight, flashed.
He saw a somewhat familiar yet strange back.
"Why does that outfit look so familiar? Wait, that's my clothes..."
After this thought crossed his mind, Kato's consciousness gradually faded.
Hayato Ren turned sideways, avoiding the blood spraying from the headless corpse in front of him, then turned his gaze to the remaining three Rain Ninjas.
Faced with Hayato Ren's sudden outburst, the three Rain Ninjas were still in a state of shock.
They never expected that what should have been a routine side income operation would result in even their captain falling.
After a brief moment of stunned silence, the three Rain Ninjas exchanged glances and immediately fled in three different directions.
Are you kidding? Even Kato, a Chunin, was taken down so easily. The few of them, mere Genin, had completely lost their will to fight.
They could only scatter and flee, hoping that the demon behind them would choose to chase their teammates instead of themselves.