Free Love

Uchiha Kō had originally dreamed up countless clever replies he'd seen online, but when he actually faced the situation, the words seemed to catch in his throat, and he couldn't get them out.

There was no other reason. The words just felt too fake and overblown, completely at odds with how he truly felt in that moment.

Just then...

"Lady Mito!" Uchiha Kō hurried to his feet and bowed respectfully. Then he took a deep breath, steadied himself, and said, "Lady Tsunade is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also brave and kind.

"I don't think there's anyone in the world who wouldn't like such a wonderful woman. Of course, I feel the same way."

But the person standing before him was no ordinary woman. She was Uzumaki Mito, who possessed the Mind's Eye of the Kagura!

Under the scrutiny of that incredible ability, not a single lie—or even the slightest change in expression—could escape Uzumaki Mito's keen eyes.

So, facing someone so formidable, Uchiha Kō knew that his best option was to be completely honest.

Hearing his words, Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly and said softly, "I didn't ask whether other people like her. I only want to know about you, Uchiha Kō. Isn't it a little impolite to keep talking around the question?"

At that, Uchiha Kō felt awkward. A touch of embarrassment crossed his face, and he gave a couple of sheepish laughs before replying, "Heh, you're right, Lady Mito. Of course I like Lady Tsunade very much too."

"Then when are you planning to ask for her hand?" Uzumaki Mito's lips parted, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly. Her words cracked through the air like a thunderclap, catching him completely off guard.

Uchiha Kō's eyes flew wide open, and he froze in place. He wondered if he'd heard her wrong. How could she suddenly say something like that?

Ask for her hand? He shook his head hard, trying to clear it, but Uzumaki Mito's words kept echoing in his mind.

"Wait, Lady Mito, isn't that a little too soon?" Uchiha Kō stammered after finally coming to his senses. A thin sheen of sweat had even appeared on his forehead.

He was sure he'd misheard, or that Uzumaki Mito was joking with him. After all, he and Tsunade weren't anywhere near discussing marriage.

Yet Uzumaki Mito gazed at him with complete seriousness, determination gleaming in her eyes.

"It's not too soon. When Hashirama and I married, we were only in our early twenties. Besides, I'm Tsunade's elder. If the two of you are in love, I can give her permission to marry you."

She spoke as if it were only natural, as though everything had already been arranged.

Uchiha Kō couldn't help frowning, inwardly groaning. As an upright man from the twenty-first century, deeply influenced by modern ideas, he simply couldn't accept an arranged marriage without a foundation of affection.

It might have been the fastest way to marry Tsunade, but it wasn't the kind of love or marriage he wanted.

"Lady Mito, forgive me for speaking frankly. Although I do love Tsunade, I really can't accept doing things this way.

"I sincerely hope Tsunade chooses to be with me because she truly likes me, not because of any other outside factors. If we marry just for the sake of getting married, without deep feelings for each other, then even if we make it to the altar, it would be terribly unfair to Tsunade."

Uchiha Kō drew a deep breath and summoned the courage to express what he truly felt.

As he spoke, Uchiha Kō looked Uzumaki Mito in the eye. There was no fear or guilt in his gaze, only conviction and sincerity.

Uzumaki Mito's heart gave a sudden jolt. She hadn't expected this young man to have such an unusual outlook. A ripple stirred within her, and even someone who had weathered countless storms like her was deeply moved.

With the powerful perception of the Mind's Eye of the Kagura, Uzumaki Mito could clearly sense that every word Uchiha Kō had spoken came from the heart.

That was why the corners of her mouth lifted of their own accord, and a note of approval showed in her eyes.

She snapped her fingers lightly and said with a smile, "Xiao, I have to admit, you've really impressed me."

As soon as she finished speaking, the mysterious barrier surrounding them vanished in an instant, and the two of them returned to where they had been before.

Then Uzumaki Mito narrowed her eyes slightly and said with a soft laugh, "As for what happens between you and Tsunade, I won't interfere too much.

"But I do hope you'll treat her with genuine sincerity! That girl may not be the brightest sometimes, and she can be stubborn, but she has a kind heart.

"So, if you run into any friction or disagreements later on, I hope you'll be patient and understanding." Uzumaki Mito laughed softly again as she finished.

Hearing this, Uchiha Kō nodded solemnly, then quickly raised his right arm and pressed his clenched fist against his chest. With a serious expression, he replied, "Don't worry, Lady Mito.

"I'll take good care of Miss Tsunade. I swear it on the undying honor of the Uchiha Clan!" He spoke with such unwavering conviction that it seemed he had made an oath he would never break.

Seeing how solemnly Uchiha Kō acted and how firm his resolve was, Uzumaki Mito's smile grew even warmer.

She nodded slowly, accepting his promise. After all, for an ancient and illustrious Warring States Period clan like the Uchiha, an oath carried immense weight and was binding.

"All right, come inside with me. Otherwise, little Tsunade will start to worry. That girl..." Uzumaki Mito chatted as she walked, sharing stories about Tsunade's childhood and making Uchiha Kō shake with laughter.

Inside

Tsunade was worried. Had she gotten Kō into trouble? Would Grandma misunderstand something? Whatever! If Grandma got angry later, she'd just say it was her choice!

With that thought, Tsunade's gaze turned resolute. She clenched her fists and was just about to go find Grandma and Uchiha Kō.

Just then, the two of them walked into the room, chatting and laughing. Tsunade was a little surprised. Why was Grandma so happy today?

Tsunade shook her head. Never mind. As long as Kō was all right. She glanced at the handsome Uchiha Kō beside her and smiled.