"Ah, this is the scent of freedom. It's truly uplifting," Yuhi Kurenai exclaimed with cheerful steps, her face filled with ecstasy.
At that moment, Hayato Ren rather spoiled the mood by saying, "You might be mistaken—I just passed gas."
As soon as these words were spoken, the joyful expression on Yuhi Kurenai's face immediately fell.
"Teacher!!! Can you not ruin my beautiful mood when I'm feeling so great?"
Konan and Nohara Rin nearby couldn't help but laugh.
Hayato Ren reached out and pinched Yuhi Kurenai's plump cheeks. The texture was quite pleasant, soft and smooth like Crystal Mud.
"We're on a mission right now, not going on a picnic. Be serious—there might be an enemy lurking in some bushes ready to take your head off."
"Hmph, it's just a mere C-rank mission. For me, it's a piece of cake. And how could a beauty like me have a 'dog's head'?"
Yuhi Kurenai lifted her head, responding rather narcissistically.
In response, Hayato Ren could only tap her head lightly, signaling her not to get too carried away.
However, in terms of appearance, Hayato Ren's team was unmatched in the Leaf, with the only possible rival being Tsunade's team from back in the day.
...
After several days of long travel, Hayato Ren finally brought the three youngsters to the mission location.
Hidden deep in the mountains three hundred meters away was a group of bandits—the target of this mission.
"Hehe, this will be the great Yuhi Kurenai's famous battle." Everyone, witness history!"
Yuhi Kurenai, unaware of what she was about to face, was exceptionally excited.
Hayato Ren didn't dampen her spirits. Instead, he magically produced a large stainless steel bucket.
"Alright, let's eat something to replenish our energy before we set off."
Hayato Ren opened the lid, revealing the bucket filled to the brim with snow-white Tofu Pudding.
As a staunch supporter of sweet flavors, Hayato Ren always favored sweet Tofu Pudding.
If something wasn't sweet, it had to be zongzi.
Hayato Ren took out four large bowls, filled each one generously with a ladle, and then added strawberry sauce.
The snow-white Tofu Pudding topped with red strawberry sauce immediately whetted the appetites of Yuhi Kurenai and the other two.
Yuhi Kurenai was the first to pick up a bowl and take a big bite, giving a thumbs-up as she praised, "Not bad, Teacher. You can be quite considerate occasionally."
Nohara Rin and Konan also picked up their respective bowls of Tofu Pudding and began eating.
However, before eating, Konan cast a meaningful glance at Hayato Ren.
Clearly, Konan had begun to suspect Hayato Ren's "ulterior motives."
Under normal circumstances, this strawberry-flavored Tofu Pudding could indeed be considered a delightful dessert.
But, considering what Konan and the others were about to do next...
At this moment, Yuhi Kurenai remained completely unaware, eating bowl after bowl with great appetite.
Meanwhile, Hayato Ren wore a "benevolent" smile as he instructed:
"Eat as much as you like since there's physical work to be done later."
...
"Alright, you've eaten and rested enough. Now it's time to carry out the mission. I have only one requirement for you: leave no one behind."
Hayato Ren spoke these ruthless words with a warm smile.
At this point, Nohara Rin asked nervously:
"What if there are women and children among them?"
Hayato Ren stepped forward and patted Nohara Rin's head, responding softly:
"I don't think I need to repeat what I just said. Private Second Class Nohara Rin, step forward!"
Hearing this, Rin instinctively stepped forward, straightened her posture, and looked at Hayato Ren.
"Repeat the duty of a ninja."
"The duty of a ninja is to follow orders."
After receiving the satisfactory answer, Hayato Ren reached out and patted Rin's shoulder.
"Correct, a ninja's duty is to follow orders. Don't disappoint me, Rin."
After watching the three youngsters embark on their mission, Hayato Ren softly spoke to the shadow behind him:
"Gengar, please keep an eye on them for me. Make sure nothing unexpected happens."
The shadow behind Hayato Ren suddenly began to twist, and then a over-two-meter-tall Gengar emerged from it.
For some unknown reason, Hayato Ren's Pokémon always grew significantly larger than average individuals after reaching adulthood.
This was true for Charizard and Tyranitar, and now for Gengar as well.
Half a year ago, Hayato Ren successfully obtained a Linking Cord, allowing Haunter to evolve into its current form.
However, it was somewhat unfortunate that Hayato Ren still hadn't obtained a Mega Stone and Key Stone.
It was worth noting that all three of his Pokémon were capable of Mega Evolution.
Moreover, according to Hayato Ren's estimation, both Charizard and Tyranitar would be capable of single-handedly taking on the One-Tail after Mega Evolution.
This was truly regrettable.
Returning to the main topic, after hearing Hayato Ren's request, Gengar nodded.
After letting out a series of "Geeee, geeee, geeee" laughs, Gengar disappeared into the darkness.
After evolving into Gengar, it finally broke the bad habits from its Haunter and Gastly days, no longer occasionally "attacking" Hayato Ren with its tongue.
However, that peculiar laughter had been passed down through the Gastly evolutionary line to Gengar.
After Gengar left, Hayato Ren took out a lounge chair and lay down on it.
With Gengar around, even if Konan and the others encountered a Jonin, they wouldn't face any danger.
Therefore, Hayato Ren could rest assured.
Besides, this was merely a simple C-rank mission.
There weren't even any ninjas among this band of mountain thieves - Konan alone could achieve a "three-seven split."
Three minutes to destroy seven mountain thief strongholds.
This was because Konan could now create Exploding Tags herself.
....
An hour later, Konan walked slowly toward Hayato Ren, holding Yuhi Kurenai with one hand and supporting Nohara Rin with the other.
Konan's face still wore the same calm and composed expression as before.
The faces of Yuhi Kurenai and Nohara Rin turned deathly pale, completely drained of blood.
At that moment, Hayato Ren, who was lying on the recliner, suddenly spoke up.
"Not bad. As a reward, how about I treat you to some Tofu Pudding?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the eyes of Yuhi Kurenai and Nohara Rin widened instantly.