Ghost-type Pokémon are naturally well-suited for the ninja profession, as they can hide within the shadows of objects.
They excel at both gathering intelligence and ambushing enemies.
Moreover, aside from Sealing Techniques, ordinary Ninjutsu have little effect on Ghost-type Pokémon.
Therefore, Hayato Ren felt at ease letting Haunter out for some "fresh air."
After all, as a Ghost-type Pokémon, Haunter's favorite activity is playing various pranks to scare people and then absorbing their fear energy.
In the Leaf Village, Hayato Ren would have Haunter exercise some restraint to avoid going too far.
But here in the "distinguished" Hidden Mist Village...
Hayato Ren encouraged Haunter to act boldly, do whatever it wanted, as long as it stayed safe.
He believed it wouldn't be long before new urban legends would emerge throughout the Hidden Mist Village.
After letting out a series of "Geng, geng, geng" laughs, Haunter's form slowly phased through the wall and disappeared from Hayato Ren's sight.
It was dusk—the twilight hour known as the "encounter with demons" time in Japan, perfect for Haunter to showcase its skills.
...
Not long after the sun had completely set, there came a knock at the door.
Hayato Ren opened it to find a server delivering that evening's dinner.
The meal consisted of several grilled fish, a plate of pickles, a bowl of miso soup, and a large bowl of rice.
Living by the mountains and waters meant the diet in the Hidden Mist Village was predominantly seafood, surrounded as it was by water.
While not particularly luxurious, this dinner was adequate as a complimentary service to stave off hunger.
After finishing his meal, Hayato Ren placed the empty dishes in the hallway. The server would collect them later when noticed.
Having traveled all day, Hayato Ren took a quick bath and then prepared to go to bed.
The private hot spring in the room would have to wait until tomorrow to enjoy.
Less than an hour into his sleep, Hayato Ren suddenly opened his eyes and spoke softly toward a dark shadow nearby:
"Is this the hospitality of the Hidden Mist Village? Or some special custom?"
After saying this, he reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.
In the warm glow of the light, a young girl who appeared to be around the same age as Konan was looking at him with an embarrassed expression.
The child had smooth, reddish-brown hair and a pair of jade-green eyes that conveyed extreme awkwardness.
It was as if a thief had been caught in the act by the homeowner.
Hayato Ren rubbed his temples and showed a resigned expression.
He had initially thought that the Mist Ninja, suspicious of him, had sent someone to keep watch. He never expected it to be just a little kid.
However, the amount of Chakra within this child was quite substantial—significantly more than that of an average Genin.
Even in the Leaf's Ninja Academy, she could be considered a genius.
After a long silence, Hayato Ren suddenly spoke:
"Kid, what are you doing coming to my place in the middle of the night instead of sleeping? Trying to steal something? Such bad behavior at such a young age. The future of Hidden Mist Village is truly worrying."
Hearing this, the kid's face immediately showed an indignant expression.
"Would I care about your worthless junk? You should ask around - am I, Mei Terumi, the kind of person who engages in petty theft? I was just curious about which fool had so much money to book my family's most expensive room for a whole month at once."
No wonder Hayato Ren had felt this kid looked somewhat familiar - it was the future Fifth Water Shadow, Mei Terumi.
What a coincidence that he had ended up staying at Mei Terumi's family inn. The arrangements of fate were truly marvelous.
"Alright, you've seen what you wanted to see. Time to leave. If you don't go now, I'll call the Garrison to arrest you."
As soon as Hayato Ren finished speaking, a sharp glint flashed in Mei Terumi's eyes.
Immediately, Mei Terumi moved with lightning speed to appear right in front of Hayato Ren, pulling out a kunai and thrusting it toward his head.
With a "swish," a gust of wind stirred the bangs on Hayato Ren's forehead.
Looking at the kunai mere inches from his eyes, Hayato Ren spoke without changing expression:
"So when theft fails, you resort to robbery and murder?"
Mei Terumi stared at Hayato Ren's calm face for a long moment before finally withdrawing the kunai.
"There have been many spies appearing in the village recently. I suspect you're one of them. Otherwise, why would anyone come to Hidden Mist Village for sightseeing during this season?"
"And you feel completely justified? Pulling out a kunai to attack an ordinary person like me for no reason, without even offering an apology?"
"Hmph, ordinary people wouldn't remain expressionless like you when facing danger. What's your purpose in coming to Hidden Mist Village?"
"If you think I'm a spy, let the Anbu arrest me, not some brat like you. If there's nothing else, get lost. If you don't leave, I really will call for help."
Mei Terumi glared at Hayato Ren with unwilling eyes before continuing:
"I'll be watching you closely."
After saying this, Mei Terumi leaped directly out of the open window beside them.
For some reason, Mei Terumi felt strongly that there was something wrong with Hayato Ren.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have conducted such a test just now.
After Mei Terumi's figure completely disappeared into the darkness, Hayato Ren went forward and closed the window.
Being targeted on the very first day wasn't a good omen.
Even if it was just a Ninja Academy student.
However, Hayato Ren wouldn't let his guard down around Mei Terumi. After all, she was the genius ninja who would possess two Bloodline Limits in the future.
The night passed without further incident.
After Mei Terumi left, Hayato Ren slept peacefully until dawn.
During his sleep, Hayato Ren suddenly felt a wet sensation on his face that woke him from his dreams.
When he opened his eyes, he saw Haunter's large face looking at him with the triumphant smile of a successful prank.
Fortunately, Ghost-type Pokémon don't have things like saliva, or this would have been terrible.
From the satisfied expression on Haunter's face, it was clear that it had enjoyed a good "feast" last night.
Disturbed by Haunter's antics, Hayato Ren no longer felt like continuing his sleep.
Thus, he got up from bed and went to the bathroom to wash up.
Just as he finished washing and was wiping his face with a towel.
A sudden knocking sound came from his room door.
Hayato Ren casually responded without much thought.
"The door isn't locked, please come in..."