Free Love

Uchiha Ko had originally conceived countless ingenious responses in his mind that he had seen online, but when faced with reality, those words seemed to be stuck in his throat, impossible to utter.

There was no other reason; he simply felt that those words were too false, too flamboyant, and completely inconsistent with his true state of mind at this moment.

Just then...

"Lady Mito!" Uchiha Ko hurriedly stood up, bowed respectfully, and after taking a deep breath to steady himself, he spoke: "Lady Tsunade not only possesses beauty that could topple nations, but she is also a brave and kind person.

I think there is likely no one in this world who would not like such a wonderful woman. Of course, that is true for me as well."

However, the person standing before him right now was no ordinary individual, but Uzumaki Mito, who possessed the Mind's Eye of the Kagura!

Under the insight of that miraculous ability, not a single shred of a lie or even the most subtle change in expression could ever escape Uzumaki Mito's sharp eyes.

Therefore, facing such a powerful existence, Uchiha Ko knew well that being honest was his only winning strategy.

Hearing these words from Uchiha Ko, Uzumaki Mito smiled slightly and said softly: "I didn't ask you whether others like her; what I want to know is only about you, Uchiha Ko. By beating around the bush with me like this, aren't you being a bit impolite?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Ko could not help but feel a sense of embarrassment. A look of awkwardness appeared on his face, and he let out two dry laughs in response: "Hehe, you are right, Lady Mito. In truth, I naturally like Lady Tsunade very much as well."

"Then when do you plan to propose?" Uzumaki Mito parted her red lips slightly, the corners of her mouth curling upward. The words she spoke were like a thunderclap, exploding in the air and catching him completely off guard.

Uchiha Ko's eyes widened instantly, and he stood there frozen, as if he had been petrified. He suspected something was wrong with his ears; how could he have suddenly heard such a thing?

Pro...pose? He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind, but the words Uzumaki Mito had just spoken echoed incessantly in his thoughts.

"No, Lady Mito, isn't that a bit too early!" Uchiha Ko, having finally regained his senses, stammered, a thin layer of sweat even breaking out on his forehead.

He felt he must have misheard, or that Uzumaki Mito was joking with him. After all, he and Tsunade had not yet reached the stage of discussing marriage.

However, Uzumaki Mito looked at him with a serious expression, her eyes flashing with a firm light.

"It is not too early. When Hashirama and I married, we were only in our early twenties. Besides, I am Tsunade's elder; if you two are of one mind, I can naturally take charge and betroth Tsunade to you."

She spoke as if it were a matter of course, as if everything had already been arranged.

Uchiha Ko could not help but frown, inwardly lamenting his predicament. As an upright man from the 21st century deeply influenced by modern concepts, he simply could not accept this kind of arranged marriage devoid of an emotional foundation.

Although this might be the fastest shortcut to marrying Tsunade, it was by no means the love and marriage he desired.

"Lady Mito, please forgive my bluntness, but although I do indeed harbor love for Tsunade, I truly cannot accept this method.

I sincerely hope that Tsunade chooses to be with me because she truly likes me, not because of other external factors. If we were to marry just for the sake of marrying, without deep feelings between us, then even if we entered the halls of matrimony, it would undoubtedly be a great injustice to Tsunade."

Uchiha Ko took a deep breath, summoning his courage to express his true inner thoughts.

As he said these words, Uchiha Ko held his head high and looked at Uzumaki Mito, without timidity or guilt, but with firmness and sincerity.

Uzumaki Mito's heart trembled violently; she had never expected this child to have such unique thoughts. Ripples stirred within her heart, and even someone like her, who had experienced countless storms, was deeply moved.

Relying on the powerful investigative ability of the Mind's Eye of the Kagura, Uzumaki Mito clearly perceived that every word Uchiha Ko spoke was a heartfelt truth.

Because of this, at this very moment, the corners of her mouth rose involuntarily, and a look of satisfaction appeared in her eyes.

She snapped her fingers lightly and said with a smile: "Xiao, I must admit, you truly satisfy me."

As soon as the words fell, the mysterious barrier that had originally shrouded the surroundings dissipated without a trace, and the figures of the two returned to their original positions.

Then, Uzumaki Mito narrowed her eyes slightly and laughed softly: "Regarding the matter between you and Tsunade, I will not interfere too much.

However, I do hope that you will treat her with sincerity! That girl, although her mind is sometimes not very sharp and her personality is a bit stubborn, is very kind-hearted.

So, if there are any frictions or conflicts in your future life together, I hope you can show more tolerance and understanding." Having said this, Uzumaki Mito let out another light laugh.

Hearing these words, Uchiha Ko nodded solemnly, then quickly raised his right arm, aimed his clenched fist at his chest, and responded seriously: "Rest assured, Lady Mito.

I will definitely take good care of Lady Tsunade, I swear it on the supreme honor of our Uchiha clan!" After speaking, his gaze was incredibly firm, as if he had made an unchangeable vow.

Seeing Uchiha Ko's solemn gesture and resolute attitude, the smile on Uzumaki Mito's face deepened.

She nodded slowly, signifying her approval of his promise. After all, for a great clan of the Warring States Period with a long heritage and illustrious reputation like the Uchiha, the oaths they made often carried unshakable weight and binding force.

"Alright, come into the house with me quickly, otherwise little Tsunade will get anxious soon, that child..." Uzumaki Mito began to recount funny stories from Tsunade's childhood as they walked, making Uchiha Ko tremble with suppressed laughter.

Inside the house.

Tsunade was worried; had she caused trouble for Ko-kun? Would Grandmother misunderstand anything? Forget it! If Grandmother gets angry later, I'll just say it was my own doing!

Thinking of this, Tsunade's eyes became firm, and she clenched her fists, preparing to go out to find her grandmother and Uchiha Ko.

Just then, the two walked into the room laughing and talking, which surprised Tsunade somewhat. Why was Grandmother so happy today?

Tsunade shook her head; never mind, as long as Ko-kun is fine. She then looked at the handsome Uchiha Ko standing to the side, the corners of her mouth curling upward.