Near a tranquil lake, deep within a very damp forest.
Among the group, the brown-haired woman at the center, dressed rather revealingly, had a slight change in expression. Her eyes beneath her bangs flashed with a sharp glint.
The corners of her crimson lips slowly curved upward as she smiled in a bewitching tone.
"It seems there's a powerful fellow nearby..."
"Hmm... releasing his power so openly... does he know we're here, or is he simply fearless through ignorance?"
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged man beside her, one eye covered in bandages, hurriedly said in a low voice.
"Mizukage-sama, our top priority right now is getting to Konoha. This matter can wait until later!"
Hearing the middle-aged man's words, Mizukage Mei Terumi glanced at him lightly. She gently clenched her fist, then smiled softly.
"Since you say so, Ao, I'll hold myself back..."
"After all, someone that arrogant usually doesn't live very long..."
Hearing Mei Terumi's words, Ao could not help letting out a sigh of relief.
Meanwhile, within the group, a tall, lean figure cast a faint glance into the distance. He slowly removed the Kubikiribōchō from his back and said hoarsely.
"Someone with such an overbearing presence... I really feel the urge to fight him..."
Hearing his words, a ninja who looked like a quiet young girl pursed his lips lightly and smiled softly.
"Zabuza-sama should restrain yourself. We came out this time to redeem our crimes through merit. It would be bad if something went wrong again..."
Hearing this, Zabuza shot him a cold glance and said harshly.
"Tch, you didn't need to get involved in this at all, Haku. Why did you come along?"
Haku, who resembled a quiet young girl, did not get angry at Zabuza's unpleasant tone. He merely smiled faintly at him and