Since the Star Shinobi had already gained a terrible reputation in Bee Country, Tetsuka Uchiha's takeover of the country proceeded extremely smoothly.
Of course, the people of Bee Country didn't hold high hopes for these ninja who claimed to come from Shen Nation.
After all, how could ninja with extraordinary powers possibly treat ordinary civilians like real people?
But even so, the people still considered the replacement of the Star Shinobi as something worth celebrating.
At the very least, life couldn't possibly get worse than when those Star Shinobi were in charge—right?
What the people of Bee Country hadn't expected, however, was that after taking over, the ninja from Shen Nation immediately implemented lenient and conciliatory policies.
They not only offered generous benefits to the populace but also transported many resources and supplies from Shen Nation into Bee Country.
Most importantly, every single civilian in Bee Country received a copy of the Chakra Extraction Method and a guidebook on Spiritual Power cultivation (how to cultivate spiritual power).
This delighted the people beyond expectation.
Because it meant they now had hope—hope that they too might one day become ninja!
Once affairs in Bee Country had settled down, Mirai Uchiha launched a full-scale excavation.
Hikaku Uchiha was hidden somewhere within Bee Country. No matter how deeply concealed, Mirai was determined to unearth him!
Thus, under the pretense of "construction," Sasori brought heavy machinery and engineering teams into Bee Country.
Under the guise of development, they began thoroughly searching every corner of Bee Country.
Worth mentioning is that, after transforming himself into a Human Puppet, Sasori no longer required rest at all.
Working twenty-four hours a day, even Mirai—who had returned from Lanxing through time travel—couldn't help but admire his dedication.
Truly a built-like-a-machine physique; this mode of operation deserved to be promoted!
———
One year later.
Mirai Uchiha sat alone inside the Daimyo's Estate in Bee Country, sighing deeply.
During the past year, he had nearly turned over every inch of land in Bee Country, yet still hadn't found Hikaku Uchiha.
Could it be that their intelligence was wrong?
Just as Mirai was frowning in thought, Hoshizora Nikkichou walked in carrying a tray of food.
As one of the last remaining Star Shinobi, Nikkichou felt immense gratitude toward Mirai for everything he'd done for Bee Country.
Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the people of Bee Country would one day live such affluent lives.
Now, seeing the tight frown on Mirai's face, she gently placed the food down and spoke softly, "It's time to eat, Lord Mirai."
Mirai snapped out of his thoughts and nodded, "I know."
Hoshizora Nikkichou knelt beside him, curiously asking, "Lord Mirai, Ou and Sanren are both wondering... How is Hokuto doing now?"
"She's doing well."
After eliminating the Star Shinobi, Hokuto was sent by Mirai Uchiha to the Konoha Ninja Academy for training and became classmates with Naruto, Sasuke, and the others.
The reason? She's just too adorable.
Seeing that Mirai Uchiha wasn't in the mood for chit-chat, Hoshizora Nikkichou knew better than to speak up.
Time passed slowly.
The more Mirai thought about it, the angrier she grew. Finally, unable to hold back, she slammed the bowl facedown on the table.
Tetsuka Uchiha was truly hopeless. He'd been searching for so long and still hadn't found Hikaku Uchiha. Could someone like him really be fit to lead?
Just then, an Anbu wearing a mask rushed in hurriedly.
"Mirai-sama, we've got news!"
"We discovered the location where Hikaku Uchiha has been sealed—in a dense forest!"
At those words, Mirai Uchiha's face lit up with a smile.
The dark clouds lingering in her heart instantly vanished.
Finally—after all this time—they'd found her!
Thinking about this, Mirai scooped up the rice from the table and put it back into the bowl.
"You take this meal to Tetsuka Uchiha. Tell him he's done well these past few days."
Admittedly, despite how long it took, Tetsuka did show some perseverance.
The Anbu immediately accepted the order: "Yes!"
After receiving details about the location of Hikaku Uchiha's seal from the Anbu member, Mirai Uchiha instantly disappeared from the room.
Deep inside a hidden cave in the forest,
A perimeter had already been set up around the area, preventing anyone from approaching.
Slowly stepping into the cave, Mirai Uchiha found herself surrounded by complete darkness. The damp, frigid air clung to her skin, making the place unbearably uncomfortable.
At the very back of the cave stood an iron cage covered entirely in Sealing Formulae.
Inside the cage lay a little girl curled up in silence.
Seeing her wearing regular Uchiha Clan clothing and having jet-black hair, Mirai Uchiha immediately confirmed her identity.
Without hesitation, Mirai Uchiha smashed the iron cage that had been sealing away Hikaku Uchiha.
After a short while, Hikaku Uchiha slowly opened her eyes.
Prolonged sealing had left both her body and mind sluggish.
It took a while, but Hikaku eventually came fully to her senses.
Glancing around, Hikaku remembered the moment she was sealed away.
"It was you who saved me?"
Hikaku directed her gaze toward Mirai Uchiha.
"That's right."
"Come out with me first."
Mirai Uchiha extended her hand toward Hikaku Uchiha.
Hikaku glanced at it but ignored the offer, instead struggling unsteadily as she got up by herself.
"It's been long enough. Finally, I can see the outside world."
Hikaku Uchiha paid no attention to Mirai Uchiha and walked toward the cave's exit.
Mirai didn't say much either, quietly following behind Hikaku.
Outside the cave, feeling the not-so-bright sunlight, Hikaku couldn't help but close her eyes.
After a few deep breaths, Hikaku slowly asked, "Do you know who I am?"
Mirai nodded. "I do."
"Good." Hikaku's voice was full of coldness. "What do you want me to do for you?"
Mirai smiled slightly and replied calmly, "I don't have anything that needs you to do. You should think about what you want to do."
Mirai's words made Hikaku hesitate slightly.
This was the first time she had heard such words since activating the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Nothing needed her to do?
What she wanted to do?
But she was just a tool.
However, thinking about what happened before she was sealed away, Hikaku's expression also became gloomy.
"What I want to do is destroy this broken world."
"Wanna join me?"
Mirai looked at Hikaku and shook his head. "The world belongs to me now, so you'd better pick a different goal."
Hikaku gave Mirai a cold look, and her cool voice sounded again.
"Make that demand when you can stop me."
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