As soon as Amane stepped onto the island where the Hidden Mist Village was located, she frowned.
Although very faint, the faint scent of rust was still too strong for Amane, who had been in Root since birth.
[The fact that smelling this makes me feel somewhat relaxed... has my body deteriorated to such an extent?]
Amane couldn't help but sigh at how terrifying habits could be.
"This is just after landing on the island. Should I say it lives up to its name as the bloody mist Village?"
"You've been talking a lot recently."
The man, formerly codenamed Ding and now named Nakamura Iku, couldn't help but remind her.
Since leaving Root, Amane had been talking more and more, a stark contrast to her past self during underground training.
"I think this fits my persona better, especially in front of you. Don't you agree?"
Amane's current persona was that of someone who had been displaced since childhood due to being implicated by a Bloodline Limit Clan. Such a person, if protected by a reliable individual, would naturally direct their heart towards that person.
After speaking, Amane took out an air ball from her small bag and began blowing it up, as if she was very fond of this toy.
These past few days, she would occasionally take one out and blow it up. At first, Nakamura Iku would say a few words, but later he just let her be. After all, having grown up in such an environment, it was understandable for her to be obsessed with certain things in the vibrant world outside.
It was just a balloon.
Nakamura Iku frowned. Although he felt Amane was right, he also felt something was off.
[Why do I feel like this child is enjoying this situation? Is she immersing herself in her persona so quickly? This talent is indeed impressive, but precisely because of this, I must rein her in.]
"Hmm, but don't forget your experience is still zero. The more you speak, the more mistakes you make; the less you speak, the fewer mistakes you make."
"Lord Nakamura, do we really have to join them?"
She spoke while looking at Nakamura Iku with timid eyes.
"…"
Alright, Nakamura Iku had to admit that children had an advantage in this regard. It was genuinely difficult to distinguish between sincerity and pretense, and even though he knew it beforehand, he was now somewhat self-doubting.
According to intelligence from local outposts, the area near the Hidden Mist Village was already a battlefield. Ordinary civilians had long been relocated, and Ninja, depending on their faction, either remained in the Village or acted as the attacking force.
Those remaining in the Village were on the side of the Fourth Mizukage, advocating for the past bloody mist policy.
And the Terumī Clan, supported by the Lord Gensui of the Land of Water, was the one surrounding the Village, constantly harassing it, or sending skilled individuals into the Village.
As for the specifics of this civil war and the reasons behind it, that was not something the Root Organization could currently investigate.
"Who!"
With a fierce shout, the surrounding treetops were instantly filled with Ninja wearing Hidden Mist Forehead Protectors.
[Let me see, judging purely by Chakra, two of them are Chunin-level.]
Amane was now using the Sensing Technique as much as possible, not for the purpose of cultivation, but to make her ability in this area a "selling point."
Indeed, among the Hidden Mist Ninja surrounding her and Nakamura Iku, a gaze was directed at her, and then signals were given to their companions.
"You're too rude, Amane."
Nakamura Iku's voice carried a hint of displeasure.
"I'm sorry..."
Amane replied weakly.
"I apologize, she doesn't quite understand the rules yet. My name is Nakamura Iku, a wandering Ninja. I heard that Lord Gensui has revoked the persecution of Bloodline Limit Clans, and that compensation can be obtained if corresponding evidence is provided, is that correct?"
The killing intent from the surroundings slightly diminished.
"Yes, that's correct. But since you've come here, you should know the situation. We dare not casually take you to see Lord Gensui right now, even if you were to demonstrate a Bloodline Limit Ninjutsu as proof."
Nakamura Iku nodded in understanding, then used his sword sheath to push Amane from behind him to his side, signaling her to stand properly.
"It's her. But she doesn't have a Bloodline Limit; her uncle's wife does."
Many of the Hidden Mist Ninja's gazes turned sympathetic towards Amane. Such incidents were not uncommon since this policy came into effect.
People from Bloodline Limit Clans were still a minority, but the policy offered a lot of money, so those who understood, understood.
"It would be difficult to gather evidence. Here, it's just this child and my word. So, neither she nor I expected any compensation from Lord Gensui. I just want this child to have a stable home, and for that, I am willing to offer combat assistance."
The Hidden Mist Ninja exchanged glances, seemingly conveying their opinions to each other.
Amane and Nakamura Iku were, to be honest, still very suspicious, but what this man named Nakamura Iku said was particularly straightforward, giving the impression of an upright and principled individual.
Some even began to imagine the story of the two before they arrived here; the imagery was that strong.
But could they truly be trusted?
"What evidence can you provide to prove you are not hostile or from another country's forces?"
A very beautiful woman walked out from the thin mist ahead, and with her came a strange feeling of being seen through.
Amane's eyes widened, and she was incredibly shocked. Why, after simply finding a base according to intelligence, did they encounter the future Fifth Mizukage?!
The beauty standing before her at this moment had long, reddish-brown curly hair, and her face had less of the mature charm seen in the anime, and more of a youthful, vibrant feeling. Who else could this be but a younger Mei Terumī?!
And the young man in blue clothes next to her was... Amane had just turned her attention to him when she was drawn by the eye patch Qing wore and the two earrings covered in talismans.
[Sealing Jutsu, this jutsu structure is connected. Protection and detection obstruction!]
Amane, who now considered herself somewhat proficient in Sealing Jutsu, immediately understood the principle and function of Qing's jutsu. A flash of insight instantly sparked in her mind.
Amane had a flash of inspiration!
Ignoring Amane's sudden burst of inspiration, Nakamura Iku and Mei Terumī began their verbal sparring.
"Northern Yuelan Island..."
"That place has been destroyed. Senior handsome man, don't think this little lady is easy to fool. As Ninja, we always meet all sorts of people during missions, and some like to fabricate difficult-to-verify stories to gain trust."
Mei Terumī revealed a charming smile.
Amane thought that if she were a man and had transmigrated to this world ten years earlier, she would definitely have made Mei Terumī her target.
Mei Terumī's name absolutely had to be on the list of beauties in Naruto, and at least in the top three.
"...Then I have nothing to say, because that's the truth. Amane, let's go."
With that, he turned and walked away.
"Wait."
At this moment, Mei Terumī called out to the two with a smile.
"You are indeed suspicious, but we just noticed that your strength is quite formidable. Alright, I can make the decision to let you join, but your every move must be under our surveillance. How does that sound, senior handsome man?"
[The surrounding Hidden Mist Ninja are somewhat poised for action. It seems this initial infiltration isn't going very smoothly.]
If Amane could see it, how could the veteran Root member beside her not know?
But it had come to this, so they could only accept.
"Then let time prove everything."
Nakamura Iku turned his head.
However, at this very moment, a loud explosion came from the horizon.
Mei Terumī and Qing's expressions changed, and at the same time, information came through Amane's constantly maintained sensing.
"Many people are rushing over from that direction."
Amane pinched Nakamura Iku and quickly said.
"Oh, I didn't realize this Young Lady's sensing range was quite far. It's time to test you both. The Kaguya Clan is currently attacking this outpost. If you're interested in helping, follow us!"
After speaking, Mei Terumī and Qing, along with all the Kirigakure Ninja who were there, left the area. It seemed the situation was indeed urgent.
"Don't leave my side."
Nakamura Iku said, then picked up Amane and followed.