"Kamar-Taj's magic apprentices generally don't go out, and when they do, they have tasks. They can't make personal decisions. The people Mr. Mirai mentioned probably aren't from Kamar-Taj. There are a few who defected, but for Mr. Mirai, it doesn't matter anymore."
The Ancient One suddenly remembered some who had embraced Dormammu. But if they were foolish enough to actively provoke this person, the Ancient One would be very pleased to see it.
"Since they're not Kamar-Taj mages, that simplifies things. This tea is excellent. Could you sell me some?"
After a few sips, Hyuga Mirai had grown fond of the flavor. Tea steeped in hot water actually had a hint of coolness—with some sugar added, it would be the perfect beverage. However, the Ancient One seemed quite particular about this, looking at him strangely when he added sugar.
Outside, Tsunade was sparring with two exceptionally skilled mages of Kamar-Taj: Wong, the librarian, and Baron Mordo, the Ancient One's disciple.
These two were likely the most powerful mages in Kamar-Taj besides the Ancient One, both at their prime. This showed their growth potential wasn't as remarkable as Stephen Strange's.
But Tsunade, suppressing her power, was evenly matched with them. Wong quickly discerned Tsunade's fighting style and focused on supporting Mordo with auxiliary spells: magical shields, spatial teleportation, energy draining, illusory hypnosis, and so on.
These spells were quite magical. Without using her full power, Tsunade found it difficult to deal with spatial teleportation and illusory hypnosis.
Moreover, one of Kamar-Taj's spells effectively suppressed chakra, even separating physical and spiritual energy. If a slightly weaker Kage-level ninja were struck by this spell, they might only muster enough chakra for a C-rank jutsu.
However, the mages also had significant weaknesses—their reactions were too slow. If Tsunade used her Rinnegan abilities, Wong and Mordo wouldn't last a single round, even with her chakra suppressed.
"Master Mage, aside from what we just discussed, I still want to request the Time Stone. I fully understand your mission to protect Earth, but the Time Stone is something I'm determined to obtain."
After watching Tsunade's sparring with Kamar-Taj's magic for a while, Hyuga Mirai refocused his attention and addressed the Ancient One.
Barring unexpected events, within a year or two, Loki would arrive on Earth with the Mind Stone. If by then Hyuga Mirai had acquired three Infinity Stones, he could accelerate the God Tree's growth and counterattack against Thanos.
Only after obtaining the power of all six Infinity Stones could Hyuga Mirai possibly use the power of a single universe to open a dimensional passage connecting to the Naruto universe.
This was why he absolutely must obtain the Time Stone. The Ancient One's mission was noble, but Hyuga Mirai was determined to have it. If he couldn't obtain it through negotiation, the two would eventually become enemies.
"Mr. Mirai..."
Before the Ancient One could finish, she saw the determination in Hyuga Mirai's eyes. She sighed inwardly, then, in front of Hyuga Mirai and Kurenai Yuhi, used the Eye of Agamotto to once again glimpse future timelines.
This time, the timelines were even more chaotic. Previously, the Ancient One could still see parts of complete timelines, but now she could perceive nothing at all.
The Ancient One wondered if being too close to Hyuga Mirai caused this, but the Eye of Agamotto shouldn't be interfered with by other energy sources.
"If you can obtain another Infinity Stone, then I'll entrust the Eye of Agamotto to your protection. However, I hope you'll promise to protect Earth when appropriate."
Hearing this, Hyuga Mirai smiled and said to the Ancient One, "Such a magical planet—it would be a shame not to plant a tree here. But I agree. I'll protect Earth in the future."
He would inevitably confront Thanos, as the Infinity Stones could only have one master. And Hyuga Mirai was also very interested in Tiamut. After obtaining the God Tree fruit grown with the power of six Infinity Stones,he would definitely deal with Tiamut and study the Celestials' existence.
"In that case, come find me when the time comes."
The Ancient One finally agreed. She had examined many timelines just now. Though she hadn't seen the outcome she wanted, at least Earth remained intact. Kamar-Taj might lose the Time Stone, but the Dark Dimension still couldn't invade.
With the Ancient One's reply, Hyuga Mirai and his companions left Kamar-Taj. Before departing, he exchanged some magic books with the Ancient One. Of course, Hyuga Mirai also left behind some forbidden techniques for her to study. She wasn't particularly interested in things like Edo Tensei or Flying Thunder God, but she was intrigued by the Spiritual Clone Technique Hyuga Mirai had developed.
Hyuga Mirai used this technique to obtain copies of some magic books containing magical principles. He wouldn't practice magic himself, but he was very interested in understanding it.
Leaving the New York Sanctum, Tsunade stretched her neck and wrists, somewhat unsatisfied. "Their magic is quite well magical. Even the Rinnegan couldn't discern the operating principles. Those two were a bit weak, though. The fight wasn't very satisfying."
"We were guests after all. Doing that was quite inappropriate. And you're a mother now—no wonder Yoko often..."
Mentioning Yoko made Tsunade anxious. She would never admit that Yoko's fondness for fighting was learned from her. She immediately grabbed Hyuga Mirai's neck: "What are you saying? Yoko clearly misses her father. It's because you haven't spent time with her!!"
Passersby, already drawn to Tsunade and Kurenai Yuhi's beauty, grew more interested when Tsunade pounced on Hyuga Mirai. But after Kurenai snapped her fingers, everyone nearby momentarily froze, then seemed to forget what they were doing and went their separate ways, attending to their own business.
"We haven't sparred in a long time. You won't escape this time!"
Tsunade looked intently at Hyuga Mirai, her expectation evident.. But she overlooked her current posture—hands around Hyuga Mirai's neck, pressed closely against him.
"Of course we can. But I'll choose the location."
With that, Hyuga Mirai wrapped his arms around Tsunade and Kurenai Yuhi, returning to the company's top-floor room. Tsunade immediately sensed trouble, but the hand on her waist wouldn't let go.
Soon, it was time for the hearings.
These hearings were closed-door, involving Hydra. According to circulating online information, Hydra's influence was immense, even having supporters among Congress members.
Peter Parker, Wanda, and Pietro didn't attend. They could have—after all, the Avengers had been apprehended by the Super Seven Team, who, along with the NYPD, had received commissions from SHIELD, i.e., Hydra.
The oldest, Peter, was only 20; Wanda and Pietro were even younger. Though they appeared mature, they had no interest in participating in politicians' discussions.
So Hyuga Mirai had Android 18 decline on their behalf.
However, on the day of the tripartite hearings, Peter Parker, Wanda, and Pietro came to Hyuga Mirai's place. They'd heard they could remotely hack into the venue's network equipment to watch.
"Mr. Mirai, sorry to bother you."
"No bother at all. Come in and sit."
If Hyuga Mirai didn't want to be disturbed, he simply wouldn't see them.
"Pietro, your suit has been modified. You can go try it on the equipment floor later."
Hearing this, Pietro's interest immediately shifted. "Sir, can I go see it now?"
"Of course. But no need to rush."
Pietro stood up. "I'm not very interested in American politics anyway. I'd rather check out the suit."
With that, Pietro apologized to Hyuga Mirai and Tsunade and enthusiastically headed to the superhero equipment floor. What were hearings? Someone could tell him the outcome later. They weren't as interesting as talk shows anyway.
Tsunade wasn't interested either, but she felt very languid now. Even with her enhanced physique, she couldn't withstand the endless impact. Tsunade was somewhat tired and just wanted to stay close to Hyuga Mirai.
"Wanda, your popularity is exploding. The Scarlet Witch's reputation is almost catching up to Peter's. Are you interested in expanding your popularity?"
Hearing this, Wanda grew curious. "How would I do that, sir?"
"If you're willing, a dedicated team would handle it—interviews, merchandise, fan meetings, movies, etc. Peter quite likes it, though his uncle insists his grades don't suffer, so he's only done interviews and fan meetings. I remember Peter's fan club president is actually—"
"Sir, let me teach Wanda! I have extensive experience."
Peter Parker quickly interrupted, afraid Hyuga Mirai might reveal some embarrassing youthful moments.
"Then... I'll give it a try."
After thinking it over, Wanda agreed. She enjoyed being popular, though she also somewhat feared criticism. There had been minor issues during the Avengers incident; Wanda had worried for days afterward.
But online criticism of her was minimal. Any that appeared were quickly drowned out by her fans' comments. Her popularity was skyrocketing.
Seeing so many people like her felt wonderful. Wanda enjoyed this feeling of being supported.
While they talked, the hearings were already more than half over.
The evidence Tony Stark presented was explosive—like a nuclear bomb igniting the entire hearing.
He and Jarvis worked externally, with Nick Fury coordinating internally, directly exposing Hydra's covert Project Insight within SHIELD. The project was nearing completion; even elimination lists had emerged.
According to Project Insight, over seventy percent of today's hearing attendees would die, along with people from various other professions. If successful, America would suffer the equivalent of a nuclear strike.
Beyond Project Insight, there was also a lengthy list. Before the hearing, the White House had already ordered surveillance of everyone on it, as Project Insight included nearly all White House personnel.
"Hydra really is audacious, targeting so many people, including me."
Peter Parker said with some lingering fear. These people had actually risen to high positions.
"Tony Stark was influenced by others. If he fully utilized that brain, he could solve many things. But influenced by others' way of doing things, it became counterproductive."
In Hyuga Mirai's view, Stark Industries was the only company capable of developing into Umbrella. With its energy and weapons industries, upgrading Jarvis could make it Earth's suit. At most, invite Bruce Banner—not the Hulk.
Magic side had Kamar-Taj; science side had Tony Stark.
Unfortunately, Tony later increasingly believed in teamwork. Despite worrying about Thanos, he seemed to have prepared no contingencies.
When Thanos invaded Earth, other nations seemed completely unaware of the danger. Only Wakanda and the Avengers fought. Thinking about this raised many questions—alien invasion of Earth, relying on individual heroes and an African nation.
Hyuga Mirai shook his head, about to speak, when he suddenly sensed a signal from his clone.
"I'll be right back."
Hyuga Mirai said to Tsunade, then instantly vanished from the room.
The next moment, he appeared at the God Tree plantation.
Outside, an activated barrier stood, but nothing was visible inside.
"Eternals? Show yourself!"
Hyuga Mirai explosively released massive chakra. A terrifying shockwave erupted from him within the barrier, instantly sweeping through it.
A figure was suddenly struck by the impact while invisible, slammed against the barrier, then fell, bleeding profusely.
That blast was equivalent to a short-range typhoon disaster. Sprite's ability was merely mysterious; her body wasn't made of steel.
Thud!
Thud!
Several Truth-Seeking Ball black rods pierced Sprite, pinning her to the ground. Hyuga Mirai then appeared before her, looking down.
"So it really is you Eternals. Repeatedly snooping around here. What do you want?"
Sprite, bleeding heavily, spoke weakly, "Your actions will bring irreparable damage to Earth and humanity. As protectors—"
"Save it. Do you really think you're anything special? Just experimental products of the Celestials. Failed ones at that."
With that, Hyuga Mirai had no more to say to Sprite. She wasn't core among the Eternals; no secrets could be gleaned from her.
But he could take her back for study. From her, he might learn something about the Celestials' creations.
These people suddenly showing up irritated Hyuga Mirai. He didn't know if this was the Eternals' own initiative or commanded by their Celestial masters.
(Chapter End)