The Uchiha Clan Compound.
Small groups of Uchiha clan members patrolled the area, their presence exuding an air of dominance and power. Especially within the clan grounds, there were several individuals with formidable chakra reserves.
Observing this, Mirai couldn't help but feel a twinge of emotion.
If only the future Uchiha Clan had retained this level of strength, they wouldn't have been so easily oppressed by Hiruzen Sarutobi and his people.
Indeed, only through continuous bloodshed could the Uchiha Clan maintain its power.
Of course, the strength of these individuals was impressive only when compared to the Uchihas of the future. To Mirai himself, it made little difference.
"Mirai, how are we supposed to sneak in?"
Hikari asked, looking at the heavily guarded compound.
Mirai replied calmly, "If we kill them all, we can walk right in without anyone noticing."
"Huh? Kill them all?!"
Seeing Hikari's dumbfounded expression, Mirai lowered his head and chuckled. "Just kidding."
"Follow me."
Hikari watched as Mirai strode forward without hesitation, and the moment of relief she had felt vanished.
Was he actually going to slaughter the entire patrol force?
However, Hikari soon realized that he had been mistaken.
The patrolling clan members moved as if they hadn't seen them at all, allowing the two to walk freely through the compound without eliciting any reaction.
Amazed by this, Hikari couldn't hold back her curiosity.
"Mirai, how did you do that?"
"Are we invisible to them?"
Mirai pointed to his eyes and said softly, "Before my eyes, even the Uchiha—who take pride in their vision—can only obediently fall into the world of genjutsu."
Realization dawned on Hikari. So, it was an illusion after all.
...
They wandered through the compound, following various clues until they arrived in front of a modest wooden house.
The moment they approached, the sound of a young girl crying echoed from inside.
A young couple hurried to the bedside in response.
"Hikari, don't cry, don't cry. Mommy and Daddy are here."
"Are you hungry? Mommy will make you some porridge."
Hearing her own name, Uchiha Hikari felt her heart tighten, a wave of bitterness washing over her.
Though she had no memories of these two people, she knew—they were her parents.
So even here, they had named her "Hikari"?
It seemed that meeting Mirai had truly been destiny.
Hikari stood there, staring blankly at the two figures. They fumbled clumsily but cared for their child with all their heart.
Overcome with emotion, tears welled up in her eyes.
She could feel the love her parents had for her.
...
As dusk approached, a clan member knocked on the door.
"Tonight, there's a secret mission. Get ready."
The young couple responded immediately, "Understood!"
They quickly equipped themselves with swords, kunai, and other ninja tools before turning back to their daughter on the bed.
"Hikari, we hope you will grow up far from the darkness of war, always living under the light of the sun."
"We'll be back soon. Don't be afraid."
Their eyes were full of affection as they placed a small wooden doll beside the girl, then vanished from the room.
"Mirai, let's go."
Hikari turned away without watching further.
She knew that after this mission, her parents would never return.
"Do you want me to save them?" Mirai asked softly.
"No."
"Just being able to see parents who love me like this... I am already content."
"Mirai, thank you!"
Hikari suddenly threw herself into Mirai's arms.
If she had never met Mirai, she might never have experienced such warmth.
Mirai gently patted Hikari's head and smiled. "No need to thank me. Should I take you back now?"
To his surprise, Hikari stepped back.
"Mirai, I don't want to go back with you."
Mirai was taken aback. "Why?"
Hikari pointed to his ruffled hair and said seriously,
"I want to be like Tsunade and Kurenai. I want to stand beside you as your wife, not as a child."
Mirai was momentarily speechless.
What was wrong with little girls?
So childish!
But looking into Hikari's determined eyes, he eventually asked, "Then what do you want to do?"
"Travel through time. Let's set it ten years into the future."
"I'll live in the nearby valley and wait for you to come for me."
Following Hikari's gaze, Mirai looked in the direction she pointed, then nodded.
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes!"
"Sigh…" Mirai sighed, "You really leave me no choice."
"Then I'm leaving. Take care of yourself."
Seeing Mirai agree, Hikari smiled.
"Don't worry, I'm strong."
"See you in ten years."
...
Takamagahara activated, and Mirai disappeared into the time-space tunnel.
When he emerged again, everything around him had changed completely.
The once lush forest had turned to ashes, and the Uchiha Clan had long since moved away from their old compound.
Bare ground stretched before him, dotted only with nameless graves without even a single marker.
With a thought, Mirai teleported to the nearby valley.
The sun rose slowly, casting golden light over the land.
A woman with long black hair stood staring at the distant horizon, her hair swaying gently in the breeze.
Mirai approached and hesitantly called out, "Hikari, is that you?"
At the sound of his voice, the woman turned sharply.
The moment she saw him, tears streamed down her delicate face.
"Mirai, you finally came for me."
She threw herself into his arms, holding onto him tightly.
A bitter taste filled Mirai's mouth.
For him, their separation had lasted only a brief moment. But for Uchiha Hikari, it had been ten long years.
Even he wasn't sure what to say in that moment.
For the first time, he truly understood the overwhelming power of time.
...
While Mirai was lost in thought, Hikari gently guided his hand onto her head.
"Mirai, after thinking about it for so long... I still like it when you pat my head."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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