As You Wish!

Somehow, the conversation had circled back to Mirai again. Unable to figure out Chiyo's intentions, the Third Hokage could only nod in tacit agreement and gesture for her to continue.

Elder Chiyo smiled faintly at this, then said, "Since this boy called Mirai Uchiha has readily admitted that he defeated and killed two of my Sunagakure's elite Genin, then, to prove his words are true, I'll send a Chunin to fight him. If he can win, then no matter what the truth is behind the deaths of those two Sand Ninja, my village won't pursue the matter. The compensation arrangements will proceed as originally agreed. How does that sound?"

At her words, the Konoha shinobi's expressions changed. They all guessed Elder Chiyo's intentions. Mirai Uchiha was so young, yet he had managed to kill two elite Genin. What would happen once he grew up? Elder Chiyo clearly wanted to use this opportunity to eliminate the prodigy. But no one said a word. Although Elder Chiyo was plotting against Konoha, most of Konoha's people didn't want the Uchiha Clan to produce such a genius either. After all, back then, Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju had kept each other in check. Now Hashirama Senju had long since died. If Mirai Uchiha grew up, would they ever have a chance to hold their heads high? With that thought in mind, the Konoha shinobi present stayed silent, secretly pleased with the situation.

Seeing how the Konoha shinobi were acting, Mirai felt a surge of contempt. He'd liked Konoha when he watched the anime, but now he saw that no matter how bright its façade looked, behind the scenes was another story entirely.

"Chiyo, are you determined to make an enemy of my Uchiha Clan?" Uchiha Hao glared at Elder Chiyo, his face dark as he spoke coldly. He wasn't a fool; he could see what Elder Chiyo was planning. As the Uchiha Clan's head, he naturally didn't want his clan's prodigy to suffer such a loss. They called it a contest, but one mistake could cost him his life.

"Uchiha Hao, I'm asking the Third Hokage for his opinion. Whether he agrees or not is his business. What does that have to do with me?" Elder Chiyo sneered, refusing to back down. If the Uchiha Clan of old, with Madara Uchiha still alive, had been here, Elder Chiyo would have dared do nothing but bow and scrape. But now...

Elder Chiyo was a shrewd politician. If this move succeeded, it could kill two birds with one stone. For instance, if the Third Hokage agreed and Mirai Uchiha then died at the hands of a Sunagakure Chunin, the Uchiha Clan would inevitably become deeply resentful toward the Third Hokage, and might even turn against him. Second, Mirai Uchiha was only six years old, yet he could already kill two elite Genin. With talent like that, if they didn't kill him quickly, how could Sunagakure have any chance when it faced off against Konoha in the future?

"Enough. Stop arguing. Let's hear what Mirai thinks first!" The Third Hokage wasn't a fool; he naturally didn't want to take the blame for this. Since matters had reached this point, the only thing to do was shift the question to Mirai. It wasn't very honorable, but for Konoha's sake, the Third Hokage had no choice. If Mirai agreed, then even if he died in battle, the Uchiha Clan would have no reason to get angry. If he refused, that wouldn't be a major problem either. After all, Mirai was still a child, and no one would force him too hard.

"Mirai, you heard what Elder Chiyo just said. They want you to prove your strength. Now, let's hear what you think." The Third Hokage looked at Mirai and asked, eyes narrowed.

Not a single one of them is any good! Mirai was furious. He used to think the Third Hokage looked kind and benevolent, but whenever Konoha's interests were involved, the man could abandon anyone and any sentiment—even if that person was his own student. With things having come this far, Mirai understood that he had become a pawn in the struggle between Konoha and Sunagakure. It would be fine if he won, but if he lost, he'd likely die for nothing.

"Kid, don't tell me you're scared? Weren't you just so sure you killed two elite Genin? Or were you only trying to borrow that reputation so you could bluff people later?" Seeing Mirai remain silent, Elder Chiyo grew a little anxious, afraid he might refuse. She had no choice but to taunt him.

"Hmph, this is amusing. You're a decades-old woman using such a low, underhanded provocation to bait a six-year-old child. Heh, I really worry about your intelligence!" Mirai looked at Elder Chiyo and sneered. He'd already sentenced her to death in his heart. You've set me up today; one day, I'll make you pay a hundredfold.

The Konoha shinobi couldn't help snickering when they heard Mirai's words. They thought the child sounded a little arrogant, but there was no denying that hearing such words from a six-year-old was hilarious. They quickly stifled their laughter, but their flushed faces betrayed their amusement. Uchiha Hao, meanwhile, grinned without restraint and even taunted Chiyo with an expression. It made Chiyo furious.

Mirai, you idiot! How can you still crack jokes at a time like this? You've gotten me into such trouble! Kushina stood behind the Third Hokage. Hearing Mirai's last remark, she felt laughter welling up in her throat, but with the Third Hokage and shinobi from another village present, she could only hold it in. Her little face had already turned red, and she looked like she was struggling.

"You sharp-tongued brat. Is this the extent of the Uchiha Clan's upbringing?" Elder Chiyo's face turned cold, and she trembled with rage. If they hadn't been in Konoha, she might already have slapped Mirai to death.

"Watch your mouth!" Mirai's face instantly darkened at her words. Bringing up his upbringing was an indirect insult to his parents. Although he didn't feel much affection for the parents of this life, their blood still ran in his veins, and they had given him life. No matter what, he couldn't let them be slandered and maligned after their deaths.

"Fine, you old hag Chiyo. I have to admit, your provocation was childish and shameless, but you did manage to anger me. I, Mirai Uchiha, accept your challenge!" Mirai turned to face Elder Chiyo, his expression cold. There wasn't a trace of panic in his dark eyes. He looked completely calm.

"Good!"

A glint flashed in Orochimaru's and Hatake Sakumo's eyes. Mirai was only six, and standing there, he barely came up to half their height. Yet at that moment, his back seemed taller than ever before.

"Mirai..." Kushina stood behind the Third Hokage, looking at Mirai's shoulders as if they could bear up the sky. Something stirred in her eyes.