Sigh...
Jiraiya took another swig of sake, a deep frown etched across his face.
According to the intel he'd gathered, that woman's disciple was already on her way to Konoha.
But his own "disciple"... was still nowhere to be found.
If she showed up and discovered he never had a disciple to begin with, then this twenty-year-old promise would become nothing but a joke...
Jiraiya could barely imagine how the other party would react.
"I can help you with that."
Uchiha Mirai spoke up calmly.
Jiraiya blinked. "You'll help me?"
"Yup." Mirai gave a warm, almost eager smile. "I'll pretend to be your disciple. That way, you can fulfill your promise."
"Huh?!"
Jiraiya's face contorted in surprise.
Of all the things he expected, this wasn't one of them. This was Mirai we're talking about—the de facto Emperor of the shinobi world!
At this point, there was no one more powerful or respected than him.
And he wanted to pose as his disciple?
But Jiraiya quickly caught on to his real intention.
"Mirai, don't tell me... you're just trying to add her to your little harem?"
Mirai nodded without a hint of shame.
Given how many women he already had, denying it would've been pointless anyway.
"Hmph!"
Jiraiya huffed righteously. "This isn't something to joke about! That promise is tied to a woman's entire future!"
"I'll even teach you the Art of the Telescope."
He cleared his throat and lowered his voice, becoming serious again.
"But... if the man in question is someone as outstanding as you, I guess I'd be doing her a favor."
He paused, then grinned. "Alright, it's settled. From today on, you're officially my disciple!"
The two shared a knowing smirk, and Mirai reached into his robe and pulled out a sleek black card.
"This is a premium membership card for the Konoha Hot Springs. Feel free to use it whenever you want."
Jiraiya's eyes went wide.
"Wait, is this the legendary black card? The one that gives you unlimited access to every Red Romance hot spring chain in the entire shinobi world?!"
Mirai nodded. "That's the one."
Jiraiya gingerly tucked the card into his robe, then bolted out the door like a man on a mission.
Watching his figure vanish into the distance, Mirai's mouth twitched.
Why did it feel like he was the more normal one in this situation?
...
"So this is Konoha, huh..."
A beautiful woman with sharp features and a high ponytail walked through the streets of the village, her eyes scanning the surroundings with curiosity.
She had spent a long time navigating according to the map she bought, but eventually, she found the location mentioned in the letter.
It was a secluded training ground, far from the usual practice spots. A perfect place for a private duel.
After a quick glance around, she stepped inside.
Lying in the middle of the field was a man with long white hair, resting with his arms behind his head and a senbon between his lips, looking completely at ease.
"You're Jiraiya's disciple?"
Upon hearing her voice, Mirai opened one eye. "And you are?"
"I'm Nadeshiko Shizuka. I've come to fulfill the promise made between our teachers."
Mirai rose to his feet, brushing off some grass from his clothes.
"Then you're in the right place. I've been waiting for you."
Shizuka snorted. "Don't give me that lazy attitude. Take this seriously!"
"If you lose, you're coming back with me to Nadeshiko Village to get married and start a family."
Mirai smirked. "And if you lose, you stay here in Konoha—as my wife."
"I'm not going to lose."
With that, Shizuka ripped off her cloak and tossed it aside.
Mirai's eyes widened at the sheer athleticism on display.
Damn... that figure is unreal!
No wonder Shizuka managed to stand out among all the beautiful women in the original series despite her limited screen time.
"Nadeshiko-Style Hardliner Gale Fist!"
Shizuka coated her hand in wind-nature chakra and hurled a powerful strike at him.
Mirai tilted to the side and dodged easily, a glint of surprise in his eyes.
Not because the attack was especially powerful—but because of her insane jumping power. Even her pet bear had nothing on this!
Originally, he planned to end the fight quickly.
But now... he changed his mind. He closed the distance, choosing to trade blows with her up close.
Their clash continued for a while before Shizuka suddenly used a Body Flicker Technique to create space.
"Hmph!"
Shizuka leapt into the air, spinning rapidly as she launched a barrage of kunai toward Mirai.
Holy hell, that technique is flashy!
Mirai felt his blood stir.
He couldn't help it—his visual prowess picked up everything in crystal detail...
He continued to hold back, letting the fight drag out for more than ten minutes.
...
After the prolonged combat, Shizuka was visibly exhausted, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down her face.
Seeing that she was completely worn out, Mirai decided it was time to end it.
He'd had his fun, and the view had been more than satisfying.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished—only to reappear right in front of her, a kunai pressed to her neck.
"Shizuka, you've lost."
Shizuka stared at the blade, her hands clenching into fists.
She... actually lost!
"I made a bet, and I'll honor it," she said, inhaling deeply to calm her voice. "I'll stay in Konoha... and marry you."
Mirai lowered the kunai and gave her a soft smile. "I was just messing with you. You're free to go."
Shizuka blinked. "What... did you say?"
Mirai explained gently, "Even if we carry the weight of destiny, we shouldn't let it chain our hearts."
"Our teachers' bet is fulfilled. What you do from here on out is your choice—I won't interfere."
His words left Shizuka stunned.
She had assumed that once she lost, he'd pounce on the opportunity to claim her.
After all, she was confident in both her looks and her body.
But instead... he let her go, refusing to use the bet as leverage.
For a moment, she didn't know how to react.
And then, without warning, the ground cracked open.
A massive robot burst forth from underground, grabbing Shizuka and restraining her.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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