Hearing Mirai Uchiha's words, Orochimaru looked somewhat puzzled. "So we're going after that child then?"
Although Jugo was certainly unique, had he really reached a level worthy of Mirai's personal attention?
Seeing Orochimaru's confused expression, Mirai Uchiha offered no explanation, only stating indifferently, "Bring Kimimaro along too."
"Alright then."
Orochimaru nodded. Under envious stares from Guren, Kidomaru, and the others, he led Kimimaro and Mirai Uchiha outside the cave.
Once they were outside, Mirai Uchiha came to a halt. "Hold on."
As his words faded, a Perfect Susanoo over hundreds of meters tall materialized out of thin air.
[Roar!]
The Perfect Susanoo flapped its wings, sending violent gusts of wind sweeping across the ground, carrying Mirai Uchiha, Orochimaru, and the others soaring into the sky.
Orochimaru gazed down at the rapidly shrinking landscape, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Mirai-kun, this is the power of the Mangekyo Sharingan? Truly enviable!"
Mirai Uchiha replied calmly, "In the future, the Mangekyo Sharingan won't be such a rarity anymore. I happen to have an extra pair lying around—I'll let you borrow them for research purposes."
After Fugaku's death, he had taken possession of the latter's Mangekyo Sharingan.
Since Orochimaru liked them, he might as well give them away.
Anyway, with future developments, cloning Mangekyo Sharingan wouldn't be particularly difficult.
Upon hearing Mirai Uchiha's words, Orochimaru wore a slightly enraptured expression. "Then allow me to thank you in advance, Mirai-kun."
This conversation failed to attract Kimimaro's attention. Right now, his mind had gone completely numb.
Originally, in Kirigakure, because of his powerful innate talent, his clan had imprisoned him in underground cells like a killing machine.
Kimimaro hated his own gifts and strength.
Until he met Orochimaru.
The other's immense power left an extremely deep impression on him, simultaneously giving meaning to his life.
He no longer hated his strength, but instead began taking pride in it.
He must become Orochimaru-sama's vessel, providing the strongest body and Kekkei Genkai for him.
But now this belief had been completely shattered.
Before this ninja called Mirai Uchiha, he felt as insignificant as an ant—his once-cherished power was essentially nothing...
What exactly was the purpose of his existence?
"Kimimaro, as long as one lives, they possess their own value."
"Don't deny yourself, nor let others' opinions make you deny yourself."
"Life doesn't have to revolve around clear goals—you're already blessed to be alive."
Kimimaro heard a voice, snapping him back to his senses. Those unique eyes seemed to see right through his inner will.
Was this...comforting him?
How completely different from Orochimaru's style...
Orochimaru looked at Mirai-kun with curiosity. "I never expected you had such a gentle side, Mirai-kun."
"Pity. These life lessons aren't easily understood until experienced firsthand."
Mirai Uchiha didn't respond. He simply controlled his Susanoo to accelerate its speed.
___
Land of Rivers.
Deep within the ancient forest, a boy with bright yellow hair walked alone along a forest path.
His expression was soft, his demeanor peaceful.
Two small birds perched on his shoulders.
Suddenly, both birds flapped their wings and flew into the air, chirping loudly.
Frowning slightly, the boy turned his gaze toward the dense forest ahead. "You'd better keep your distance from me. I don't want to hurt you."
As his words fell, three figures emerged from the thick woods.
"Is this really Jugo?"
"What pure Natural Energy."
Mirai said softly.
He possessed the Uzumaki Sage Body, making him extremely sensitive to Natural Energy.
He could clearly sense the powerful, refined Natural Energy radiating from this boy's body.
What's more, the boy's body constantly absorbed Natural Energy.
"Do you want a different kind of life?"
After confirming Jugo's identity, Mirai directly asked.
Hearing this, Jugo felt a flicker of caution in his heart. "Who are you people?"
Mirai replied calmly, "People who can control you when you go berserk."
Jugo's eyes suddenly widened. "Are you telling the truth?"
Due to his physical condition, whenever he absorbed too much Natural Energy, he would become wildly agitated, unable to suppress his murderous intent.
The villagers disliked him, calling him "The Balance."
To avoid harming others, he could only live deep within the ancient forest.
Even though animals kept him company every day, Jugo still felt deeply lonely.
If this person truly could control him during his rages, then he wouldn't have to worry about killing people uncontrollably anymore.
Seeing Jugo's reaction, Mirai took a couple steps forward. "You're welcome to try if you don't believe me."
Uncertainly, Jugo replied, "Then you must be careful. Others before you also tried to control me when I lost control...but they all ended up dying tragically."
Mirai let out a cold snort. "Don't compare those fools to me."
"Now facing you is... the Future!"
Looking at Mirai's confident appearance, Jugo was momentarily stunned.
Mirai?
Jugo no longer restrained the natural energy within his body. Drastic changes began to overtake his form.
His originally peaceful face became grotesque like a hungry ghost, while his smooth skin hardened like solid rock.
Several energy vents spewing blue flames erupted from his back...
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement beside them.
This is exactly the kind of power!
Storing Natural Energy inside the body, then releasing it when needed...
Countless experimental plans instantly flashed through Orochimaru's mind.
He could barely wait to return to his lab and begin researching.
"Ha ha ha... I'll kill you both!"
Jugo's maniacal laughter echoed through the forest after his transformation, while his aura became increasingly terrifying.
The next instant, energy flames erupted from Jugo's back as he rapidly charged toward Mirai Uchiha.
"Ha ha ha..."
Bang!
With a muffled sound, Jugo's laughter suddenly stopped.
Mirai Uchiha had casually countered with a single palm strike, knocking out the seemingly fearsome Jugo.
"Laughing like this in front of an Uchiha? I'd say you still need more practice."
[Ding! System Announcement: Congratulations, Master! Successfully looted reward: +1 Physique!]
Not obtaining Jugo's special physique didn't bother Mirai Uchiha at all.
He had all the time in the world. Sooner or later, he'd get the rewards he desired.
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