As Ren Uchiha's words fell, a gust of wind blew past, scattering the moonlight mist and causing the campfire to flare up.
With the crackling sparks flying, the profile of the boy under the giant full moon was etched deeply into the eyes of the three people present. Despite being covered in bandages and looking like a mess just off the front lines, that arrogant curl of his lips carried a suffocating charisma!
Looking at Ren's confident smile, Mei's emerald eyes grew momentarily dazed. In that gaze, she felt as if she were being drawn into the grand vision of the boy's ideals. But she quickly snapped out of it, a playful smile touching her lips as if she'd thought of something interesting.
"Is that so?"
"In that case, I acknowledge you as my rival, Ren Uchiha."
She curved her emerald eyes, tucked a stray reddish-brown lock behind her ear, and looked up at the moon. After a moment of thought, she flashed a brilliant smile:
"Let's reintroduce ourselves. My name is—"
"Mei. Mei Tsukigami."
"Though it might be discouraging, neither you nor I have reached the moment where we truly stand on the world's brightest stage yet. However..."
"As long as you harbor this mad ambition of becoming the world's conqueror, then one day, we will surely meet again on the battlefield."
A gentle light flickered in her eyes, but deep within, a rational and cold killing intent flashed.
"When that time comes, I will show you no mercy."
Ren still had his Sharingan active. He could see every subtle shift in the expression of this girl named 'Mei Tsukigami.'
This name, this hair, this look, and this iron will. Ren finally recognized her. Mei Terumī. The future Fifth Mizukage!
Ren almost wanted to laugh. Looking at her youthful, cute face, he nearly blurted out: "You're actually a pretty good person!"
The feeling of suddenly gaining a powerful enemy who wanted to scatter his ashes was, frankly, a bit of a thrill. But hey, can we not wait? Can you just do it now?
Ren arched an eyebrow, his tone mixed with pride and provocation: "Is this a declaration of war?"
Mei shook her head with a hint of regret. "Ren Uchiha, your battle in the village was brilliant. Your Shurikenjutsu, your relentless Fire Style, and your combat IQ... even in my village, you'd be a top talent. But I'm sorry—at your current level, you aren't my match. Nor are you a match for the true geniuses of our generation like Minato Namikaze, Mangetsu Hōzuki, Sasori, or Killer B."
Mei's gaze turned serious. "But with an ambition like yours and the Uchiha name, you might catch up. You can consider this a declaration of war. Against the future you—I declare war!"
Ren felt helpless. Mei probably already had her two Bloodline Limits; she could kill him easily if she wanted. But since she wasn't attacking now, he just smirked inwardly. You won't have to wait that long. I'm going to the Jashin Cult to deliver myself right now. You'll never get the chance to kill me!
Still, he wouldn't pass up the chance for a "backup" insurance policy. He looked at Mei and smiled confidently:
"Very well, Mei Tsukigami. I'll look forward to the day you come to kill me. I hope that when you try to block my path, you can make me feel satisfied (jìnxìng)!"
The words 'look forward to', 'that day', and 'satisfied' hit Mei's ears and made her brain shudder. They rearranged themselves into a confession that made her heart race.
Mei blinked rapidly, her pupils shaking and her fair ears turning beet-red instantly. She turned away and huffed awkwardly:
"W-whatever! It's not like that makes me happy or anything!"
Ren's smile froze. What are you blushing for? I'm trying to set an execution date here! Nani?!
He shook his head and turned to Hidan, who had climbed up from the ground. He slapped Hidan's shoulder and grinned:
"Hidan. The Jashin Cult is trash. Killing everything won't solve anything. It's a parasite draining the Land of Steam's lifeblood. You're educated; you should understand this."
Hidan nodded heavily, his eyes losing their light. He knew, but he had no other choice—until now.
Ren laughed and slapped his shoulder again. "Don't worry, I'm here! What the Steam Ninjas won't touch, I will! Those they won't kill, I'll kill! The cult they're afraid of? I'll destroy it! Just stay behind me and watch me release my light!"
Ren gave him a quick side-hug, thumped his own chest, and let go. He didn't say anything more and turned to walk away.
"Don't bother seeing me off, Hidan. Go home and wait for the good news."
Ren raised a hand in a final wave. Alone, he stepped into the grand moonlight, past the campfire and the three of them, heading toward the path of solitude and certain death.