Uchiha Hikari harbored deep hostility toward Mirai.
Her goal was to destroy this shinobi world, while his was the exact opposite.
That meant the two of them were destined to be mortal enemies.
However, since he was the one who freed her from the eternal darkness of her seal, she did not immediately strike against him.
"Before we become enemies, I'll agree to do one thing for you."
Raised as a tool from childhood, Hikari's mind operated on the simplest principle of equivalent exchange.
The man before her had helped her once. In return, she would do one thing for him.
Hearing her words, Mirai pondered for a moment before smiling and nodding.
"Deal."
At his response, Hikari's gaze darkened slightly.
As expected...
Even after all these years of being sealed away, the world remained unchanged.
She spoke coldly, "What do you want me to do?"
"Be my friend."
Just from looking at her now, it was clear that she would grow into a stunning beauty.
But Mirai had no intention of treating her as a mere tool. Instead, he decided to take a page from Boruto's book.
To change her, he would start by becoming her friend.
Uchiha Hikari never expected such a request.
A friend?
That was something buried deep within her heart—something she had longed for but never obtained.
Whether locked away as a tool in a dungeon or sealed in a lightless underground prison, she had endured loneliness beyond measure.
How she had wished, even once, for someone to stay by her side—only to be met with disappointment every time.
But now…
This man wanted to be her friend?
Could a mere tool meant for killing even have friends?
Seeing her silence, Uchiha Mirai smiled warmly once more.
"You just promised to do one thing for me—you can't go back on your word."
"Besides, becoming friends should be a simple thing."
Uchiha Hikari blinked in confusion. "Being friends… is simple?"
Seeing her dazed expression, Mirai pretended to be surprised.
"Wait, don't tell me… you don't have any friends?"
"..."
Her silence answered for her.
Mirai took a deep breath.
"To become friends, we need to start by getting to know each other."
"My name is Uchiha Mirai. Pleased to meet you."
Someone as young as Uchiha Hikari, having endured so much suffering, was bound to have deep psychological scars.
So Mirai switched into kindergarten teacher mode, patiently guiding her along.
After all, he had encountered many young girls in the shinobi world.
Even a darkened soul like Uchiha Hikari's—he was confident he could handle her.
"Mirai…"
"That's a nice name."
Meeting his gaze, she mimicked his tone and said,
"My name is Nanashi. Please… please take care of me."
(T/N: "Nanashi" means "nameless" while her birth name "Hikari" means "light".)
Saying those words felt foreign to her, carrying a strange sense of embarrassment.
"Nanashi?"
"You don't have a name?"
Seeing his puzzled expression, she explained, "My name is literally 'Nanashi.' It doesn't mean I don't have one."
Uchiha Mirai shook his head. "No parent would name their child something like that."
"It's probably just a codename, like those used by shinobi."
"Do you remember what your parents named you?"
Hikari shook her head.
Her parents had died before she could form any memories of them. The clan had always referred to her as a tool, calling her "Nanashi."
She had long since grown accustomed to it.
"It's just a name…"
"That won't do." Mirai crouched down to meet her gaze.
"A name is something important."
"You've been trapped in the darkness for so long. You must long for the light, right?"
"Hikari." Uchiha Mirai said seriously. "What do you think of that name?"
Hikari?
Her heart trembled slightly.
She wasn't sure why, but the name carried an inexplicable warmth, making her like it instantly.
"Then from now on, your name is Hikari."
"Uchiha Hikari."
Noticing the subtle change in her expression, Mirai made the decision for her.
Hikari silently nodded before asking, "So… does this mean we're friends now?"
Uchiha Mirai shook his head. "It's not that simple. Friendship takes time and shared experiences."
"Real friends gamble together, fight together, curse at each other, and…"
Uchiha Hikari's face turned red as she lowered her head.
W-What is he even talking about?!
She had only agreed to do one thing for him, and yet now there were so many conditions?
Why did it feel like she had been tricked?
Uchiha Mirai laughed and took her hand, leading her outside.
"Relax, I was just joking. You've been sealed away for so long. Let me take you around the shinobi world."
...
For three months, Mirai traveled across the shinobi world with Hikari.
At first, she was silent, but over time, she gradually lowered her guard, becoming more and more curious.
"Mirai, what is this?"
"A train."
"And this?"
"A computer."
"What about this?"
"A hot spring inn."
"..."
"..."
Surrounded by so many new and fascinating things, Uchiha Hikari felt as if she were in a dream.
The shinobi world had changed beyond recognition.
Shinobi no longer had to kill each other for missions or fight over land. They lived in harmony, and happiness was evident on every face…
No, even in her wildest dreams, she had never imagined the world could become like this.
Standing atop a mountain, overlooking a bustling town, she and Uchiha Mirai exchanged smiles.
"Mirai, thank you for these past few months."
"These three months have given me the happiest memories of my life."
Looking at her bright smile, Uchiha Mirai said calmly, "You've fulfilled your promise to me."
Hikari blinked in surprise. "You mean… we're friends now?"
Uchiha Mirai nodded, instinctively ruffling her hair.
"Now, you can go ahead and destroy the shinobi world if you still want to."
Hikari shot him an annoyed glare. "I-I already gave up on that a long time ago!"
"You liar!"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+80 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo