Seeing the strange expression on Tsunade's face, Hayato Ren had already guessed what kind of scene tomorrow would bring. However, he had long been mentally prepared.
After all, in this world, if you weren't determined to kill others, you would be killed by them.
Time quickly arrived at the next day. Under the expectant gazes of Kushina and Mikoto, Tsunade accepted a mission to eliminate bandits.
Subsequently, the group set out grandly from Konoha Village.
Since the mission location was quite distant from Konoha, the estimated travel time was about two days.
After all, no foolish bandits would cause trouble around Konoha Village - even if there were any, they would quickly be eliminated as experience points.
After leaving the village, both Kushina and Mikoto looked around with fresh curiosity.
Although the scenery here was no different from inside the village, the two girls still felt a peculiar thrill.
This was a common reaction for ninjas on their first mission outside the village - that mixed feeling of unease and excitement after leaving their comfort zone.
However, Hayato Ren's behavior was quite different. Aside from becoming slightly more alert, he showed no other reactions.
Seeing Hayato Ren like this, Tsunade couldn't help but pat his head and complain, "This is your first time leaving the village, right? Why don't you seem excited at all? You're just like that annoying Orochimaru."
Hayato Ren looked up at Tsunade and responded calmly, "What's there to be excited about? This isn't a picnic. And leaving the village's barrier means danger could come at any time, doesn't it?"
"Tch, kids who are too mature aren't likable at all. Relax, with me here, there won't be any danger."
Although she said this, Tsunade was actually quite satisfied with Hayato Ren's attitude.
As a ninja, the most important thing was to maintain respect for everything - like a lion using full force to catch a rabbit. Overconfident people ended up with grass growing taller than people on their graves.
Unconsciously, the sun was about to accompany the moon.
Tsunade looked up at the gradually darkening sky and immediately said, "Alright, let's stop here for today. Let's find a place to set up camp."
Before long, the group found a small stream and set up tents on a relatively flat open space nearby.
Looking at the schools of fish swimming in the stream, Hayato Ren silently turned his gaze to Charmander.
Charmander nodded, then raised its small claw that kept flashing with electric light and punched the stream.
With a series of crackling sounds, the fish that had been swimming leisurely in the stream instantly turned belly-up and floated to the surface.
It seemed Charmander's Thunder Punch was quite effective.
If this were in the Pokémon world, Charmander would have at least champion-level potential.
This commotion naturally attracted Tsunade and the others from nearby.
"Your Summoning Beast can use Lightning Release?"
Tsunade looked at Charmander with a face full of curiosity.
"It's an innate ability of Charmander itself, more like a Bloodline Limit than Ninjutsu," Hayato Ren explained. He had once considered teaching Charmander Ninjutsu.
A Charizard that could form a Rasengan with its hands and even use the Flying Thunder God technique—just thinking about it felt thrilling.
Unfortunately, Charmander had no Chakra within its body, making it impossible for it to learn any Ninjutsu.
"Oh, so your Summoning Beast has quite a talent then. It's still in its juvenile stage, right? It might achieve great things when it grows up."
Hayato Ren nodded and reached out to pat Charmander's head.
Under Hayato Ren's gentle strokes, Charmander narrowed its eyes contentedly.
Given that Charmander already possessed strength comparable to a Chunin, it might reach Jonin-level power after evolving into Charmeleon, with even greater potential as Charizard and possibly mega evolution forms.
Perhaps in the future, Hayato Ren could dominate the Shinobi World with Charmander—far more useful than something like the Mole of Attraction.
Even after a month, Hayato Ren still felt resentful about the Mole of Attraction skill.
Despite being a gold-tier reward from the Roulette, it turned out to be a useless ability—neither worth keeping nor discarding.
Every time he thought about it, Hayato Ren couldn't help but slap his thigh in frustration.
But tonight, the Roulette would be available for another draw, and he hoped to get something useful this time.
After collecting the fish floating in the stream, Hayato Ren began preparing dinner.
After all, who would want to chew on cold, dry rations when they could have a hot meal?
Some of the fish would be grilled, while the rest would be used to make a pot of fish soup.
On the way here, Hayato Ren had noticed many edible mushrooms in the nearby forest.
Although he had never tried mushroom and fish soup before, he imagined it wouldn't taste bad.
After dinner, Tsunade arranged the night watch schedule.
Although the Shinobi World was relatively peaceful, unexpected incidents often occurred at night, so having someone on watch was essential.
Hayato Ren and Mikoto would take the first half of the night, while Tsunade and Kushina would handle the second half.
After finalizing the arrangements, Tsunade yawned and headed into the tent.
Kushina walked up to Hayato Ren, waving her small fist in warning.
"Ren, you'd better not bully Mikoto, or I won't let you off easily."
"Don't you trust my character? Go to sleep now—we're counting on you for the second watch."
Hayato Ren looked at Kushina helplessly.
"Hmph, I know exactly what kind of person you are, which is why I came to warn you. Why didn't Teacher Tsunade assign me to watch with you?"
Seeing that Kushina showed no signs of stopping once she started talking, Hayato Ren could only shoot an apologetic glance at Mikoto nearby before firmly pushing Kushina by the shoulders into another tent.
Soon, the entire campsite grew quiet, with only the crackling sound of the bonfire remaining.
Charmander had already curled up against Hayato Ren's leg and fallen asleep.
Although Charmander now possessed the strength of a Chunin, it still needed ample sleep during its growth period.
Hayato Ren had originally intended to send Charmander back to the Summoning World, but Charmander stubbornly refused, insisting on staying by Hayato Ren's side.
Recalling the recent events, Hayato Ren's gaze toward Charmander softened even more.