Winter passed and spring arrived.
The snow had completely melted, and fresh green buds appeared on the branches once again.
Mirai Uchiha sat with one leg casually slung over the other, watching Mikoto Uchiha and Konan diligently buried in paperwork. He couldn't help but suppress a grin.
It had been quite some time since he became the Fourth Hokage.
During this period, life had become increasingly pleasant for him.
First, he established the Hokage Secretary Group.
Mikoto Uchiha, Konan, Kurenai Yuhi, Yugao Uzuki, Rin Nohara, and others were all part of it.
Except for major decisions concerning the village and the ninja world, he hardly needed to deal with any official duties anymore.
When he was free, he would cultivate; when tired, he'd sip tea and feast his eyes on the beauties around him—his life was nothing short of carefree and elegant.
Compared to Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage from the original story, who was so busy he didn't even have time to go home for meals, Mirai's current life was practically heavenly.
As for another matter—it involved Tsunade.
In the beginning, Tsunade had been composed enough to wait for him to initiate collection of the "interest."
But as time went by and she found herself being taken advantage of more and more often, she gradually let go of all pretense.
She no longer waited for him to make a move. Whenever she ran low on money, she'd come find him to exchange for cash.
Naturally, Mirai welcomed these encounters without hesitation.
Of course, their exchanges had long surpassed simple kisses.
He had already gone beyond what most men could only fantasize about.
Even with his strong self-control, he nearly lost composure and suffered a nosebleed.
That sensation? Simply indescribably wonderful!
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before Tsunade became truly his.
As for her outrageous daily expenses—he had absolutely no problem handling them.
What can you do? That's just how arrogant powerful men are!
While Mirai was lost in thought, Kurenai, Rin, and the others simultaneously stood up from their seats and stretched lazily, trying to ease the fatigue from hours of work.
Looking at their alluring figures, Mirai felt his heart skip a beat.
The soft curves revealed when a graceful beauty stretched always sent a flutter through his chest.
Noticing Mirai's gaze, the women all let out smug little hums.
They might feel shy on their own, but together, they felt emboldened and more at ease.
Kurenai sauntered up to his desk with a bright smile. "Mirai, we're all heading out for barbecue tonight!"
Mirai scratched his head in mild confusion. "Barbecue? Is today a special day or something?"
Kurenai placed her hands on her hips. "Of course it is!"
"Mirai, it's your seventeenth birthday today!"
Hearing Kurenai Yuhi's response, Mirai Uchiha suddenly felt as though he had been transported back in time.
It turned out that without even realizing it, he had already spent seventeen years in this ninja world...
From the initial excitement, through growing anxiety, and into hard training and cultivation—right up to now, when he leads Konoha…
Scene after scene flashed through Mirai Uchiha's mind, stirring emotions he couldn't quite put into words.
Just as Mirai was lost in thought, cheerful singing rang in his ears.
Anko Mitarashi walked in carrying a cake.
Kurenai Yuhi coquettishly said, "Mirai, quickly blow out the candles and make a wish!"
Looking at all the smiling faces around him, Mirai Uchiha closed his eyes, smiled, and blew out the candles.
Kurenai immediately asked, "Mirai, what did you wish for?"
Mirai gently poked Kurenai on the forehead: "You dummy, if you say it out loud, it won't come true."
"What do you mean?"
Kurenai covered her forehead with one hand, pouting slightly as she complained.
"Alright, let's hurry to the barbecue restaurant!"
"Yay! It's been so long since we last had barbecue!"
"Today Mirai is paying, I'm going to eat him broke!"
Led by Mirai Uchiha, a large group of people entered a private room at the barbecue restaurant.
Kurenai Yuhi, Rin Nohara, Mikoto Uchiha, Konan, Anko Mitarashi, Yugao Uzuki, Yakumo Kurama, Nonou Yakushi, Princess Linxia...
Even Tsunade had joined the group.
Feeling Mirai's gaze, Tsunade lightly snorted: "Don't misunderstand, I'm only here to grab a free meal."
Smiling, Mirai spoke up: "Tsunade, this is our family dinner."
Upon hearing that, Tsunade suddenly tightened her fist and coldly replied: "So what if it's a family dinner? Does that mean I can't come?"
Mirai immediately responded: "Of course you can. In my heart, we've been family for a long time."
Tsunade rolled her eyes: "Hmph! Don't get too carried away with your fantasies."
Platter after platter of fresh meat arrived, and soon the girls were happily firing up the grill.
Looking at their blooming smiles, warmth grew inside Mirai Uchiha's heart.
This feeling... this was what home felt like.
While Mirai savored this rare moment of peace, unseen turmoil against Konoha was brewing in enemy villages.
In Sunagakure.
Pakura, who had become the Fifth Kazekage, tossed the scroll in her hand aside.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind actually wanted her to attack Hidden Leaf Village and punish Mirai Uchiha for defying the established hierarchy.
And furthermore, he declared that he would no longer provide financial support to Sunagakure before a war against Konoha began.
That last part gave Pakura pause.
Unlike Rasa, she didn't possess the Magnet Release kekkei tōta. It was difficult for her to secure enough funds in the endless sands to sustain the ninja village.
Recently, dissatisfaction toward her had begun to surface within the village.
If things continued like this, the situation might spiral out of control.
She might even be forced to step down from the Kazekage position.
Should she follow Mirai Uchiha's example and assassinate the Daimyo? But she lacked the other girl's strength and reputation; success seemed nearly impossible.
Even if the assassination succeeded, the Land of Wind wouldn't become like the Land of Fire—it might instead descend into chaos.
After much deliberation, Pakura decided to get Mirai's opinion first.
After channeling chakra into the [Flying Thunder God Kunai], Mirai Uchiha immediately appeared beside her.
"Suddenly calling me—do you have something important to talk about?"
Pakura didn't answer right away. Instead, she looked curiously at the cake residue on the other's face.
"Mirai, what's this?"
Mirai explained briefly, "Ah… Today is my birthday. After dinner, I've been walking around trying to aid digestion. Haven't had time to wipe it off yet."
Hearing that, Pakura felt a little sheepish and stuck her tongue out slightly. "So today is your birthday huh… Sorry about choosing this moment to disturb you."
Mirai waved her hand with a smile. "It's fine. Have you eaten yet?"
Pakura shook her head. "Not yet," she replied.
Mirai's smile deepened as she said, "Then it's perfect. Let's talk while we eat."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>