"That didn't seem to matter. Even if I was already a rogue ninja." Mirai removed the cross-shaped sheath from his back.
"What do you think is important?" Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, a glint flashing through his eyes.
Mirai pointed at the Divine Wind Sword on the cross-shaped sheath. He found that they did not fit at all—the sword could not be inserted, since a whirlwind surrounded its blade—so he had no choice but to forget about it.
"Value is what matters most." Mirai set down the sheath and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen. "I believe the value I can create is far greater than the value Tuan Tuan can bring."
"Oh? And with what?" Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes further, as though he could not quite see through Mirai.
"With strength." Mirai shrugged.
"Kakashi told me about your strength as well. But you should know that Konoha does not lack talent. The importance of Tuan Tuan's reserves is far from something strength can replace." A crease formed on Sarutobi Hiruzen's brow.
"Haha." Mirai toyed with the Divine Wind Sword. "What are you trying to tell me?"
"I heard from Jiraiya that you possess the ability to foresee the future. Is that right?"
"Oh?" Mirai was a little surprised, then suddenly remembered the lie he had told when arguing with Jiraiya in the Land of Tea.
"Yes, that's right."
"Then do you have any new predictions?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, looking at Mirai.
So this is the point? Is that all?
Mirai was somewhat unsure of the old fox's intentions, but he calmly said, "What if I do?"
Mirai's ambiguous answer gave Sarutobi Hiruzen a headache. "When I speak to you, why does it feel like I'm speaking to a politician? You're a ninja, so stop beating around the bush."