After returning from the Senju Clan compound, Akira found himself deep in thought.
He still wasn’t strong enough.
If he revealed his abilities now, would that old schemer Danzo set his sights on him?
At the same time, he kept thinking about what Uzumaki Mito had said.
“Was she trying to tell me that even if I exposed my abilities, it wouldn’t matter…
because she’d be standing behind me?” At that moment, Akira understood.
He finally grasped what Mito had meant.
Even if someone tried to make a move against him, he had nothing to fear.
A supreme powerhouse was backing him.
For some reason, that realization made his heart feel heavy.
They had only met for the first time, yet that old woman had already given him such a promise…
Taking a deep breath, Akira’s gaze became resolute.
“If I have the ability…” “I’ll never let the Senju Clan fade into history.” “And I’ll never let Kushina die during the Nine-Tails’ attack!” For the first time, Akira felt a genuine desire to become stronger.
And now…
The perfect opportunity was about to arrive.
… Early the next morning, Akira followed his usual routine.
After creating a String Clone with his Devil Fruit ability to attend school in his place, his real body headed out to train.
However, just as he reached the village gate, he noticed something unexpected.
The delegation from the Land of Lightning had already arrived in Konoha.
Sakumo Hatake was personally receiving them.
“You’ve traveled a long way.
Welcome.” “Our Hokage has been waiting for you for quite some time.” “This way, please.” “Very well.” The Hidden Cloud leader smiled politely.
“Our Lord Raikage is also looking forward to the moment we sign the treaty.” As the group walked farther away, their voices gradually faded.
Watching from the distance, Akira sneered.
“The Raikage is looking forward to it too?” “I doubt it’s peace he’s looking forward to.” Such hypocritical faces…
They were nauseating.
Since they’d already arrived…
There was no point in going training for now.
Just as Akira was about to head back toward the academy, he spotted a familiar figure.
“Mikoto?” “Huh?” Uchiha Mikoto turned around.
The moment she saw Akira standing on the street corner, her eyes lit up with delight.
“Akira!” Ignoring everyone around her, she ran straight toward him.
“It’s been so long!” “Yeah.” Akira smiled as he looked at her.
“Several months have passed before we knew it.” “You’ve become even more mature.” “Really?” Mikoto shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“You’ve gotten stronger too, haven’t you?” “Of course.” Akira puffed out his chest confidently.
“Who do you think I am?” “Now that you’re finally back, come with me.” “I’ll treat you to a proper meal as a welcome-home celebration.” “Okay.” Mikoto nodded eagerly.
The past few months had been unimaginably difficult.
If she hadn’t been strong enough, she might have broken down crying long ago.
“Who is he?” A cold male voice interrupted them.
Both turned around.
“He’s Akira.” Mikoto frowned slightly.
“My good friend.” “Is there something you need?” “You should remember your identity.” Uchiha Fugaku looked at her with clear dissatisfaction.
“As a member of the Uchiha Clan, you shouldn’t be associating so casually with outsiders.” More importantly…
She was the flower he’d already set his eyes on.
“That has nothing to do with you.” Mikoto’s expression cooled.
“My personal life is my own.” “Clan Heir, you should hurry back to the clan instead.” Without waiting for another word from Fugaku, she grabbed Akira’s hand and instantly disappeared.
Fugaku slammed his fist into the nearby wall in fury.
She actually dared defy him?
“Young Clan Heir…” A young Uchiha standing nearby drew a finger across his own throat.
The meaning couldn’t have been more obvious.
Should they eliminate the troublesome boy?
“I’m not that petty.” Fugaku shot him a glance.
“I’ll win her back with my own abilities.” “Let’s return to the clan.” “Yes, sir.” … Meanwhile, Mikoto dragged Akira all the way to the riverside where they often spent time together.
“He’s the one I told you about.” She pouted unhappily.
“The Uchiha Clan’s heir.” “I don’t even like him.” Yet despite that…
Her family still wanted to match the two of them together.
Why?
Shouldn’t something as important as love be decided by the people involved?
After all…
It was a decision that would affect an entire lifetime.
“If you don’t like him, then just reject him.” Akira casually took various cooking utensils out of a storage scroll.
“You’re your own person.” “You have the right to choose your own path.” “I know…” Mikoto sighed as thoughts of her family crossed her mind.
“But…” “Forget it.” “I don’t want to talk about them anymore.” “So, what are we eating today?” “Let’s roast two rabbits.” Akira glanced at the pair of rabbits cuddling together in the distance and smiled.
“That way they can stay together forever.” “Huh?” Mikoto blinked.
Following his gaze, she looked at the rabbits before the corner of her mouth twitched.
“You’re awful.” …But I like it.
A faint smile spread across her lips.
With a flick of her wrist, two shuriken shot through the air, pinning both rabbits to the ground.
“I’ll go get them.” “Alright.” Akira nodded.
After Mikoto left, he quietly took a small bottle from inside his clothes.
It was the only truly valuable item he’d obtained from the lottery over the past several months.
Item: Genetic Enhancement Serum Effect: Enhances the user’s bloodline.
There is a 30% chance of evolving the bloodline and a 50% chance of eliminating its inherent flaws.
Evaluation: You’re not planning to drink this like juice, are you?
Careful—you might burst a blood vessel~ “What’s that?” Mikoto returned after cleaning the rabbits and curiously looked at the small bottle in Akira’s hand.
A blood-red potion?
“Oh.” Akira answered without changing his expression.
“It’s a drink.” “Try it.” “You’ve worked really hard lately.
It actually tastes pretty good.” “Really?” Out of complete trust in Akira, Mikoto didn’t hesitate.
She set the rabbits down, took the bottle, and drank it in one gulp.
“It’s strawberry flavored~”