"Phew."
After exiting the Anbu base, a cool breeze brushed Ren's face, instantly making him feel comfortable, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Today's mission was actually specifically taken by Tiger Mask Anbu to help Ren quickly integrate into the team and get used to the Anbu's pace.
Normally, missions of this difficulty would be given to teams with lower strength, as their team's missions were basically all S-rank.
But S-rank missions weren't available every day, so to save time, Tiger Mask, as the captain, took on this mission.
It must be said that the Anbu's work pace was indeed fast; if an ordinary newcomer came in, they would definitely be disoriented, but fortunately, Ren's strength was there, so he quickly got used to their rhythm.
Unlike other squads, the First Squad's specialization was high-difficulty missions, so they didn't need to do boring tasks like patrolling or guarding.
Every morning, they would sign in, and if not needed, they could leave; if an urgent mission arose, someone would summon them in advance. Overall, their freedom was quite high.
Walking on Konoha's bustling streets, looking at the lively shops on both sides and the coming and going crowds, Ren immediately felt a strong sense of everyday life.
Although today wasn't a major festival, due to the Hokage's succession ceremony held during the day, Konoha was exceptionally lively today.
"Boss, one takoyaki, please."
Ren walked to a shop, bought two portions of takoyaki, and then followed the crowd step by step, a smile in his eyes.
Eating delicious food and strolling the streets—he hadn't experienced such a leisurely day in a long time.
In these past few years, Ren hadn't dared to relax for a moment, fearing that he might be caught in an accident and disappear someday.
As a Genin, he worried about being targeted by Danzo.
As a Chunin, the war began again, and he worried that he might be instantly killed by a concentrated attack from the enemy at any moment.
As a Jonin, Ren began searching for Tailed Beasts to continue getting stronger, successively met Isobu and Chomei, and gained their recognition, naturally entering the Kage-level in strength.
Now, through Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi, with numerous forbidden jutsu at his disposal, his previously stagnant strength began to slowly increase again.
Although Ren had not yet reached the strength of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, according to the current situation in the world, those who could pose a life threat to him could be counted on one hand. Feeling the powerful strength within his body, Ren could finally relax.
For the next period, he couldn't relax; on the contrary, he had to work even harder to get stronger, because time wouldn't wait for anyone.
"Kabuto, there's takoyaki here, come quickly!"
"Don't run so fast, Arisa!"
A burst of playful shouts brought Ren back to his senses. He saw a little girl running towards him, constantly looking back, which made her not notice an empty soda can on the ground. She stepped directly on it, her foot slipped, and she fell backward.
"Arisa!"
The woman in the distance immediately changed her expression dramatically, suddenly bursting out with superhuman speed and rushing forward, but the distance between them was too great. No matter how fast she was, she could only watch helplessly as the back of the girl's head fell towards the ground!
Just as she despaired, a water whip suddenly flew out, wrapped around the girl just as she was about to hit the ground, quickly tightened, and pulled her up.
The entire incident happened in a flash. By the time the girl reacted, she was already standing back in place.
"Arisa!"
The woman hurried forward, knelt down, grabbed the girl's shoulders with both hands, and asked anxiously.
"How are you? Are you hurt?"
"Dir... Director!"
Seeing the other person, tears immediately welled up in the girl's eyes. She tightly hugged the woman, buried her head in her arms, and began to sob.
"It's alright, it's alright, everything's fine now."
The woman patted the other's back, constantly comforting her.
"Arisa-nee, are you okay?"
A small figure ran from a distance, looking at the girl, who was lying in the woman's arms, and asked anxiously.
Upon hearing this voice, the girl immediately looked up, her eyes teary, then emerged from the woman's embrace, hugged the other person, and continued to cry.
"Ah, Kabuto!"
The woman, seeing this scene, stood up, looked forward, then bowed, saying somewhat excitedly.
"Hello, thank you very much for your help just now."
"Oh, no."
Ren quickly dispersed the water whip, then hurried forward to help the other person up, saying somewhat helplessly.
"Please stand up, it was just a small favor, no need for this."
"How can that be?"
The woman stood up, turned, and gently called out to the girl not far away.
"Arisa, come here quickly."
"Yes, Director."
The girl walked to the woman's side with a sob. The latter knelt down and said with a serious expression.
"Arisa, if it weren't for this big brother just now, you would have been in danger. Quickly thank him."
The girl wiped her eyes, then took two steps forward, bowed to Ren, and said clearly.
"Thank you, big brother."
"You're welcome."
Ren bent down, patted the other's head, and smiled.
"Next time, make sure to watch where you're going, okay? If you get hurt, you'll have to go to the hospital for a shot."
"Huh?"
The girl, upon hearing this, immediately instinctively covered her left arm and said somewhat fearfully.
"Yes, I won't do it next time!"
Seeing her like this, both couldn't help but smile.
"Have some takoyaki."
Ren handed over the other unopened portion of takoyaki in his hand. Looking at the steaming takoyaki, the girl's eyes immediately lit up. Just as she was about to reach for it, she suddenly remembered something and turned to look at the woman.
"…Take it."
The woman smiled and nodded. The girl immediately let out a cheer, thanked Ren, then took the takoyaki and turned to run towards the boy.
"Kabuto, come eat takoyaki, it's delicious!"
"Hmm?"
Looking at the white-haired boy with glasses who appeared before him, a faint look of surprise appeared in Ren's eyes.
Seeing Ren's expression, the woman mistakenly thought he was surprised by their eating manners and said somewhat awkwardly.
"I'm sorry, I rarely take them out on the street, so they might be a bit rude."
"It's fine."
Ren turned his gaze to the woman. Her soft yellow hair was hidden under a white hood, she wore round-rimmed glasses, and exuded a gentle and elegant aura.
"May I ask who you are…?"
The more Ren looked, the more familiar she seemed. To confirm his suspicion, he couldn't help but ask.
"Me?"
The woman adjusted her glasses, then bowed slightly to Ren, saying softly.
"I am Yakushi Nonou. Please to meet you."