Konohagakure.
Looking at the bustling scene before her, Hotaru's face lit up with excitement.
"Lord Mirai, is this where I'll be living from now on?"
She had grown up among the Tsuchigumo Clan, constantly on the run due to the secret technique she carried. For years, she had lived in fear, never knowing peace.
Meeting Utakata had made her life a little easier, but every day still felt like a gamble for survival.
But now...
She actually had the chance to live openly in such a beautiful place!
It was something she had never even dared to dream of before.
Seeing Hotaru's excitement, Mirai reached out and pinched her slightly chubby cheek, speaking softly,
"That's right. I've already arranged a place for you. From now on, you can live safely in Konoha—no one will dare lay a hand on you."
"However, about your secret technique, Fury—I need to have someone study it."
After spending several days with Mirai, Hotaru had already grown accustomed to his casual gestures. She nodded immediately.
"Of course. I'll do my best to cooperate."
As they walked and talked, they soon arrived at Uchiha Mirai's grand estate.
He led Hotaru to Fu's courtyard.
Since they were close in age, they could keep each other company.
After introducing the two to each other, Mirai then took Hotaru to Orochimaru's research facility.
As always, Kimimaro stood guard at the entrance.
The moment he saw Mirai, Kimimaro respectfully greeted him,
"Mirai-sama."
Mirai glanced at him, noticing his healthy complexion. His face was no longer pale, and his energy was robust—he seemed to be completely free from his Kekkei Genkai disease.
"Kimimaro, your illness... is it cured?"
Kimimaro nodded firmly. "Yes. Orochimaru-sama has mastered the method to treat Kekkei Genkai-related diseases. I'm fully recovered now."
Mirai gave an approving nod.
Seeing this, Kimimaro said no more and stepped aside.
Before long, they reached Orochimaru's laboratory. At that moment, the Sannin was meticulously cutting into biological samples with a scalpel, fully engrossed in his work.
Upon seeing Mirai enter, Orochimaru put down his scalpel. His slit-like pupils narrowed slightly as he spoke in a languid voice,
"Mirai-kun, what brings you here this time? Another task?"
Mirai raised an eyebrow. "Orochimaru, why do you sound so exhausted?"
Orochimaru shot him a look and let out a dramatic sigh. "Mirai-kun, I'm drowning in work. From the moment I wake up, there are endless things to do."
"I can hardly find joy in uncovering the secrets of the world anymore!"
Hearing his complaint, Mirai felt a twinge of guilt.
For someone as obsessed with research as Orochimaru to say such a thing, perhaps he really had assigned him too much work.
"Didn't I provide you with a list of researchers? Beruhu, Shin, Amado..."
"Don't even mention them," Orochimaru cut him off with a scoff. "Aside from that kid, Tonohe Kensuke, none of them have shown any signs of life."
Mirai stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I see..."
Orochimaru's tone turned icy. "So if you're here just to give me more work, let me make this clear—I have no time!"
"I was actually planning to make you a few servings of snake stew."
Orochimaru paused.
Then, seamlessly continuing his earlier complaint, he said, "I have no time, but I'll make time!"
"If it's a task from you, Mirai-kun, I'll do whatever it takes to complete it."
Mirai smirked, patting Orochimaru on the shoulder before gesturing toward Hotaru.
"This is Hotaru of the Tsuchigumo Clan. The medium for their secret technique is embedded in her back."
"I need you to study it and see if we can develop a device capable of storing large amounts of chakra."
Orochimaru studied Hotaru with interest, his eyes gleaming.
He had heard of the Tsuchigumo Clan's legendary technique before but had always dismissed it as exaggerated folklore.
After all, a jutsu capable of causing an explosion over 'millions of kilometers' was simply unrealistic.
But if Mirai-kun had personally brought her here, then perhaps there was some truth to the legend?
Noticing Orochimaru's intrigued gaze, Mirai chuckled.
"Forget the absurd rumors—those are obviously false. But the explosion radius is still massive."
"If Fury can cause such a large-scale explosion, it must be capable of storing immense energy."
"That's exactly the kind of technology I need. See if you can refine it."
Now understanding Mirai's objective, Orochimaru nodded.
"Got it. I'll start immediately."
"By the way, let me update you on our recent research progress."
He retrieved a small notebook and began summarizing:
The cloning process for the Mangekyō Sharingan is now highly refined.
The issue of Hashirama cells consuming their hosts has been solved at the genetic level.
The Kekkei Genkai disease has been completely cured.
Sasori has handed over his regeneration core technology and agreed to join our research team.
Sasori is a mechanical genius. Thanks to his help, we've successfully developed rail-based electric trains. Once tracks are laid, the trains will be ready for use in the shinobi world.
Tonohe Kensuke has shown exceptional talent in software development, so I've assigned him to research computers, games, and programming.
As for the Hero Water... unfortunately, we still haven't found a way to quickly convert natural energy into chakra that humans can absorb.
As Orochimaru went down the list, Mirai grew more and more satisfied.
This was the kind of research team he wanted—nothing but geniuses, with no weak links.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before the shinobi world modernized.
He was determined to fix the shinobi world's lopsided technological advancements.
Not necessarily by developing firearms, but at the very least, he wanted to introduce conveniences that would improve daily life and entertainment.
At that moment, a red-haired boy approached.
"Sasori?"
The boy nodded and spoke in a serious tone. "Uchiha Mirai, can you return my body to me?"
Orochimaru frowned and interjected, "Sasori, you should address him properly as Lord Mirai or Emperor."
Sasori sighed. "Lord Mirai, can I have my body and my puppets back?"
Mirai shook his head. "I've already given them away, so no."
"The one who has them now is Kankuro. I'll have him formally become your apprentice."
"Also... Sasori, you really need to expand your thinking."
"You're too obsessed with your old puppets. Isn't the idea of mechs that can fly and burrow into the earth far more exciting?"
"Here, let me sketch out a concept for you—see if you can build it."
With that, Mirai started drawing the mecha designs he had in mind.
After all, piloting mechs was every man's dream.
Even if they weren't particularly powerful, they would still make for incredible toys.
As he watched the sketches pile up, Sasori felt an impending headache.
He had only wanted to retrieve what was his—how had he ended up with even more assignments instead?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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