Just as Hayato Ren was still pondering the identity of the hunchbacked man, Mei Terumi, who had been blocking his path, turned around with a relieved expression.
It had to be said that Mei Terumi was quite impressive. Just moments ago, she had used her small frame to shield Hayato Ren behind her.
Mei Terumi was someone you could count on—when trouble arose, she would truly step up.
Mei Terumi patted her small chest, still somewhat shaken, and said:
"How unlucky to run into that guy. Thankfully, he didn't transform, or we would have been done for."
Hearing this, Hayato Ren couldn't help but ask curiously:
"What exactly is that person's background? I feel like everyone around here seems to be afraid of him."
"I don't know his name either, but he's been around since before I was born."
"Isn't that obvious? How old are you, and how old is that guy?"
"Hey, Uncle, don't interrupt! Let me finish. That guy has always had a bad reputation in the village. Whenever a child misbehaves, parents use him to scare them: 'If you don't behave, the hunchbacked man will come for you.' It's said that he isn't human but a giant turtle that became a spirit."
At this point, Hayato Ren finally understood the hunchbacked man's identity: he was the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails, Isobu.
The dark circles under his eyes were likely similar to Gaara's—caused by Isobu preventing him from sleeping due to an imperfect seal.
After that brief incident, Hayato Ren and Mei Terumi smoothly returned to the inn.
Hayato Ren had also found the target of his mission.
Even though the Three-Tails had become a free Tailed Beast during the Third Ninja World War, as the Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails, obtaining information about him would be enough for Hayato Ren to complete his mission.
...
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Hayato Ren set off with Mei Terumi.
"Uncle, why are you so insistent on finding that monster? Don't say I didn't warn you—if something really happens, I'll sell you out in a heartbeat."
"As a writer, the most important thing is inspiration. I feel that guy could give me some good ideas. If you're scared, you don't have to come; I can go alone."
Even though Hayato Ren's provocation was rather crude, it was enough to deal with the inexperienced Mei Terumi.
She snorted coldly.
"Hmph, who's scared? I'm going to become a powerful Ninja in the future—how could I possibly be afraid?"
"Since you're dreaming, why not dream bigger? Why not aim to become the Water Shadow?"
Hayato Ren was met with Mei Terumi's gaze, which looked at him as if he were a fool.
"Uncle, you're really naive. The First Mizukage came from the Yuki clan, the Second and Third Mizukage from the Hōzuki clan. Only those from noble families can become the Water Shadow. For a ninja like me born from commoners, becoming a Jonin is already quite an achievement."
Hayato Ren hadn't expected that the future Fifth Mizukage's childhood dream would be so modest.
But it made sense - Mei Terumi's determination to compete for the position of Water Shadow in the future was driven by her desire to change the Bloody Mist policy of the Hidden Mist Village.
At this time, although the Hidden Mist Village was relatively more isolated compared to the other four great ninja villages, it was generally quite peaceful overall.
Thinking of this, Hayato Ren reached out and patted Mei Terumi's head, speaking with sincere conviction:
"There's a saying that asks 'Are kings and nobles born with their status?' I believe you can definitely become the Water Shadow in the future."
Hearing this, a somewhat silly smile appeared on Mei Terumi's face.
"How rare, Uncle. I never expected to hear such words from you. I've decided - if I become the Water Shadow in the future, you'll have to become my assistant."
Looking at Mei Terumi's smiling face, Hayato Ren seemed to see Kushina's shadow.
When she was young, Kushina had also smiled like this while asking him to be her right-hand man.
Just as Hayato Ren was lost in memories, Mei Terumi suddenly lifted her foot and gently kicked his shin.
"Uncle, you're thinking about another woman, aren't you? How rude! How dare you space out in front of a once-in-a-millennium beauty like me? You really don't know what's good for you."
Hayato Ren could only respond with a slightly awkward smile.
How could Mei Terumi's intuition be so accurate? It was almost beast-like.
Or perhaps this was women's special talent? Though the current Mei Terumi was still just a little kid.
"In that case, please lead the way for our adventure, future Mizukage-sama."
Although she knew Hayato Ren was just flattering her, Mei Terumi still felt a secret thrill of pleasure.
Hmph! So what if you're a famous writer? So what if you have evidence of my mischief?
Don't you still need to rely on the great Mei Terumi-sama?
Truly worthy of you, Mei Terumi, effortlessly subduing this guy.
A sudden image appeared in Mei Terumi's mind:
Hayato Ren kneeling before her, crying and shouting,
'Mei Terumi-sama, please take me under your wing!'
Watching Mei Terumi suddenly start giggling to herself, Hayato Ren showed a bewildered expression.
Then, the pair - one tall, one short - headed toward the outskirts of the Hidden Mist Village.
After all, as a Jinchuriki ostracized by the villagers, the hunchbacked man naturally lived in a place far from human habitation.
Following Mei Terumi's lead, Hayato Ren found himself on a rather desolate path.
Although there were no weeds on this path, suggesting it was walked daily,
the road was full of potholes and scattered with various small puddles.
An ordinary person could easily stumble if not careful.
Coupled with the Hidden Mist Village's humid weather, both Hayato Ren and Mei Terumi's shoes were soon covered with yellow mud.
After walking for quite a while, Mei Terumi suddenly pulled Hayato Ren into a clump of bushes.
Immediately after, Mei Terumi gently leaned close to Hayato Ren's ear and whispered:
"We've reached the vicinity of that monster's home. We can't take small paths anymore, or we'll definitely be discovered. Listen to my commands later and don't act recklessly."
Looking at Mei Terumi's serious little face, Hayato Ren couldn't resist reaching out to give it a gentle pinch.
With a "smack," Mei Terumi mercilessly swatted away Hayato Ren's hand and said irritably:
"I'm discussing serious matters with you. If you don't cooperate with me, we'll turn back right now. This is no joking matter. If we anger that monster, both of us will meet our end here."
Hayato Ren nodded and responded:
"In that case, I'll entrust my little life to Lady Mei Terumi."