Ren's answer surprised Mei Terumi.
Having received accurate intelligence Mei Terumi knew that Kirigakure had suffered no losses and that they had come to Ren with the intention of taking advantage of him.
Today, after Ren's Mei Terumi, Terumi Mei tried to apply what she learned to other situations, wanting to put her new skills to the test, but her attempt failed miserably.
Especially when Ren's initially surprised and worried gaze gradually turned into a mocking one.
Mei Terumi knew her little scheme had been seen through, so she quickly said something.
"Actually, it's not necessarily necessary for me to go back. What's done is done, and even if I, as the Mizukage, rushed back, I couldn't undo the damage. It's just a pity that the village suffered heavy losses in order to participate in Konoha's grand event!"
Mei Terumi felt completely exposed, showed no embarrassment and immediately began to complain.
In the eyes of the villagers, face is just a tool, including Ren's.
If saving face brings benefits, they will become more concerned about it than anyone else. But once losing face brings advantages, face becomes something that can be discarded at any time.
"Kirigakure truly lives up to its reputation as Konoha's best ally. Please allow me, on behalf of Konoha, to express our highest respect to Kirigakure, Mizukage."
Between material compensation and emotional compensation, Ren chose the latter without hesitation.
Outside Konoha.
On a large tree, neither too close nor too far from the encampments of each ninja village.
After a spatial fluctuation, Obito's figure appeared, followed by a White Zetsu emerging from the tree trunk.
"Lord Madara, we have located Nagato and Konan. They appeared in the Land of Water tonight and engaged in a fierce battle with the three of you. We dare not approach them, so this is all the information we can obtain."
After listening, Obito casually remarked.
"That's enough, as long as it doesn't affect our affairs!"
Gazing at the faintly visible Konoha in the distance, a hint of reminiscence flashed in Obito's eyes.
However, he quickly disappeared, Obito ultimately did not choose to enter Konoha to visit the graveyard.
The next day, early in the morning.
Naruto had already gotten up early, waiting for the match to begin.
The first match is between Naruto and Gaara, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 AM, which is three hours away.
Filled with anticipation, Naruto stepped out of his house, intending to have a good meal first.
Before any important event, Naruto always has to have a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen first. Now that Naruto is well-off and doesn't have to worry about money, his favorite food is still Ichiraku Ramen.
Ichiraku Ramen holds a special place in Naruto's heart; it was the only place that never refused to serve Naruto.
And Uncle Teuchi was the first person who did not reject or hate Naruto.
When we arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, a long queue had already formed, and the line even had to bend around a corner so as not to obstruct traffic.
Thanks to its low prices and distinctive flavor, Ichiraku Ramen has always been a very popular business.
After Naruto reached the last spot in line, other people gradually joined the queue behind Naruto.
The queue moved at a moderate pace, with most people opting for takeout rather than dining in, given that Ichiraku Ramen's shop isn't very large.
As Naruto followed the group to the corner, he noticed someone in front of him glance at him and then turn around to look at him several times.
Then, he pulled the person in front of him aside, whispering to them while pointing at Naruto.
Naruto had seen this situation many times and was used to it, whether it was because the Nine-Tails was the mainstream, because he was Minato Namikaze's son, or because he was Ren's disciple.
Naruto has completely accepted himself; he is himself no matter which one he is. However, people's understanding of him is very one-sided. What he needs to do is change people's perceptions.
Of course, most importantly, Naruto, who is now able to use the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, can sense that the two people in front of him have no ill intentions!
Naruto, with a bright smile that had evolved into a "plus" version after Kabuto's guidance, asked this person.
"Uncle, is there anything I can help you with?"
The two men were also taken aback, then took out a newspaper and pointed to a photo on it.
Are you Naruto Uzumaki?
"That's right, it's me!"
Naruto readily admitted it.
"Go for it! We absolutely cannot lose to Sunagakure!"
"That's right, Konoha is the strongest ninja village. If you lose, we'll make sure you can't stay in Konoha!"
One of the two men was quite kind and encouraging to Naruto, while the other threatened Naruto with a fierce expression.
However, Naruto, who possesses a sense of good and evil, knew that the other party was merely bluffing and had no malicious intent whatsoever.
Naruto smiled genuinely and nodded firmly.
"Don't worry, I'll definitely win!"
After saying that, Naruto blinked his eyes and looked at one of them.
"Uncle, could I borrow your newspaper to read?"
"No problem, just remember to return it to me. I'm going to keep this issue of the newspaper carefully!"
Naruto took the newspaper with some curiosity, wanting to see how it described him.
Naruto quickly scrolled to his own profile, which included introductions of the other contestants.
To Naruto's surprise, the contestants were not featured on the front page of the newspaper; in fact, they were relegated to the back.
Filled with curiosity, Naruto flipped to the front page of the newspaper. As he quickly scanned it, Naruto mouth slowly opened, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.