Qi's eyes twitched slightly, but his expression remained unchanged as he softly said, "Well, maybe? You never know."
This is a blatantly dismissive and perfunctory statement that avoids the real issues.
This made the smile on Mei Terumi's face grow even wider.
To be honest, the relationship between the three members of Team 7 is somewhat subtle. Not to mention the relationship between Kei and Kisame Hoshigaki, even with Mei Terumi, Kei still hasn't figured it out. But that's quite normal. Despite knowing each other for more than three years, Kei and Mei Terumi didn't have much contact at all during their time at the Ninja Academy.
At that time, Qi Yixin still wanted to keep a low profile. Who would have thought that the three of them would be in the same team after graduation? It was just a matter of fate.
Of course, Kei's mindset is fundamentally different now than before, but his inability to deal with Mei Terumi remains unchanged.
She's quirky and mischievous, with a touch of cunning.
If Qi could handle it, he wouldn't be called a "steel straight man".
"Teacher Qing looks so rushed; it seems this mission has indeed had a significant impact. But since it involves Cloud Ninja, and is led by a Jonin, it's understandable!"
Not wanting Mei Terumi to continue teasing him, Kei cleared his throat and changed the subject.
Of course, this is also one of the things that Qi cares about most right now. Others may not know, but surely he knows that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Third Shinobi World War is just around the corner?
Whether their team was involved in this mission in the original work, I don't know. Maybe they were, maybe they weren't. But what I can say for sure is that without their team or the corresponding strength, if an ordinary Chunin team were to take on that C-Rank Mission, the failure rate would be absolutely outrageous!
In other words, if there were a similar mission in the original work, then the Land of Whales would definitely be restored, and the island group including Kujiraai Island would fall under the control of the Cloud Ninja forces, which could greatly threaten the Kirigakure's borders!
It can be said that from the moment Qi became a formal Mist Ninja, the flapping wings of this little butterfly began to influence the entire Shinobi World. As long as he doesn't die and grows stronger in the future, the subsequent plot will definitely undergo significant changes.
To put it bluntly, whether it's Third Shinobi World War or even further back in the story, from this moment on, Keito can only be treated as general reference data.
It's even questionable whether the Third Shinobi World War will break out at the same time and in the same pattern as in the original story.
In the original story, the killing of the Third Kazekage by Sasori was the direct trigger. In this life, who knows, because of the failure of this mission, the Third Raikage of Kumogakure might just launch a reckless attack and forcefully invade Mist Ninja from the south?
Given the current state of the Shinobi World, if Kumogakure were to launch such an attack, the Third Shinobi World War could break out anytime soon!
Qi could not possibly be indifferent to this!
Mei Terumi's attention was immediately drawn to Kei's words. As an 'ambitious girl,' Mei Terumi was naturally very concerned about the current situation in the Shinobi World.
Friction among the Five Great Nations has intensified again since last year.
"Currently, the situation is still under control, but that depends on the attitude of the Cloud Ninja. War could break out at any moment."
Mei Terumi's smile faded, and a clear look of seriousness appeared in her beautiful eyes at that moment.
The previous two Shinobi World Wars both broke out suddenly when the conflict between the Five Great Shinobi Villages intensified. As long as one ninja village declared war first, the other four ninja villages would definitely be unable to hold back, or rather, would be forced to fight back.
Although Mei Terumi is still very young, she can see these things quite clearly. After all, the conflicts between the Five Great Shinobi Villages are as obvious as lice on a bald man's head.
"I hope you can restrain yourself."
Qi shook his head and said.
"Well then, I'll excuse myself first. See you later, Mei Terumi."
Then.
Qi Yi bowed slightly to Mei Terumi, then leaped away from his spot and headed back towards his clan's residence.
After Qi left.
Mei Terumi was taken aback at first, then she realized what was happening.
"This guy, haha!"
After a light laugh, Mei Terumi also returned to her spot with light steps.
Ultimately, their voices carried little weight.
Whether the Third Shinobi World will break out, and in what form, are matters that only the higher-ups of the Five Great Shinobi Villages have the authority and ability to consider.
Even though Qi didn't want the war to break out so soon, it wasn't something he could participate in or control. In the face of a war that could sweep across the entire Shinobi World, even a Jonin would appear incredibly weak and powerless, let alone Jonin!
Especially after this great battle with Jiu, Qi realized the areas where he needed to work harder. Returning to the village this time gave him a short period of time to adjust, and Qi planned to revise his training plan.
Upon returning to his clan, Qi first went to Aunt Kiko's place to let her know he was safe. After politely declining Aunt Kiko's invitation to lunch, Qi went back to his own home and just finished packing his luggage for this trip.
"Knock knock knock!"
A crisp knock came from outside the main entrance of the house.
"Huh?"
As someone who had almost no friends within his clan, Kai was initially taken aback. Could it be that it was Minazuki Ranne had come looking for him?
While muttering to himself, Qi quickly arrived at the main entrance.
"They're here!"
The door was gently pulled open.
A young man, around twenty years old, wearing a purple-blue collared robe and Mist Ninja Forehead Protector on his forehead, came into view.
"Is this Qi Jun? The clan leader wants to see you. Come with me!"
The young Mist Ninja spoke immediately upon seeing Qi.
Qi was taken aback.
Then he quickly bowed and said, "Yes!"
"Um."
The young Mist Ninja nodded calmly, then turned and led the way. Qi followed immediately after closing the door.
Silence was maintained throughout the entire journey.
Although Qi wanted to ask some questions, he ultimately held back.
After navigating several intersections.
The two arrived at the core area of their Yuki Clan's territory, where all the clan's most important secrets were kept. This was also where the current clan leader, Minazuki Shun, resided.