Uchiha Xiao had originally thought up countless clever replies he'd seen online, but when he was actually faced with the situation, the words seemed to catch in his throat. He just couldn't say them.
There was no other reason. Those words simply felt too false and overblown, completely at odds with how he truly felt.
Just then...
"Lady Mito!" Uchiha Xiao hurried to his feet, bowed respectfully, then took a deep breath to steady himself before speaking. "Lady Tsunade is not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also brave and kind.
"I think there can hardly be anyone in the world who wouldn't like such a wonderful woman, right? Of course, I feel the same way."
But the person standing before him was no ordinary person. She was Uzumaki Mito, who possessed the Mind's Eye of the Kagura!
With that extraordinary ability, not a single lie or even the slightest change in expression could escape Uzumaki Mito's sharp eyes.
So, facing someone so powerful, Uchiha Xiao 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 liked her. I only want to know about you, Uchiha Xiao. Don't you think it's a little impolite to keep beating around the bush with me?"
At that, Uchiha Xiao couldn't help feeling awkward. A touch of embarrassment crossed his face, and he gave a couple of dry laughs before replying, "Heh, heh. You're right, Lady Mito. The truth is, I do like Lady Tsunade very much."
"Then when are you planning to ask for her hand in marriage?" Uzumaki Mito's lips parted slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting as her words crashed through the air like a thunderclap, catching him completely off guard.
Uchiha Xiao's eyes went wide. He stood frozen in place, as if someone had pinned him there. He wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him. How could he have suddenly heard 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.
"No, Lady Mito, isn't that a little too soon?" Uchiha Xiao stammered once he'd finally recovered, a sheen of sweat even appearing on his forehead.
He was sure he must have misheard, or that Uzumaki Mito was joking with him. After all, he and Tsunade weren't at the point of discussing marriage yet.
But Uzumaki Mito looked at him with complete seriousness, determination shining in her eyes.
"It's not too soon. Hashirama and I were only in our early twenties when we married. Besides, I'm Tsunade's elder. If the two of you love each other, I can give her to you in marriage."
She spoke as if it were only natural, as though everything had already been decided.
Uchiha Xiao couldn't help frowning, cursing inwardly. 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 love.
It might have been the quickest 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 have feelings for Tsunade, I really can't accept things being done this way.
"I sincerely hope Tsunade chooses to be with me because she truly likes me, not because of some other external factor. If we married just for the sake of getting married, without deep feelings for each other, then even if we made it to the altar, it would be profoundly unfair to Tsunade."
Uchiha Xiao took a deep breath and gathered the courage to express what he truly thought.
As he spoke, Uchiha Xiao looked Uzumaki Mito in the eye. There was no fear or guilt in his gaze, only resolve and sincerity.
Uzumaki Mito's heart gave a sudden jolt. She hadn't expected this young man to have such an unusual way of thinking. A ripple stirred within her, and even someone who had weathered countless storms like her was deeply moved.
Thanks to the Mind's Eye of the Kagura's powerful perception, Uzumaki Mito could clearly sense that every word Uchiha Xiao said came straight from the heart.
For that very reason, the corners of her mouth rose of their own accord, and a satisfied look appeared in her eyes.
She snapped her fingers, then smiled and said, "Xiao, I have to admit, you've really impressed me."
As soon as she finished speaking, the mysterious barrier surrounding them vanished, and the two of them returned to where they had been at the start.
Then Uzumaki Mito narrowed her eyes slightly and said with a soft laugh, "As for you and Tsunade, I won't interfere too much.
"But I do hope you'll treat her sincerely! That girl may not always be the sharpest, and she can be a little stubborn, but she has a very kind heart.
"So if you run into disagreements or conflicts while you're together, I hope you'll be patient and understanding." Uzumaki Mito chuckled again as she finished.
Hearing this, Uchiha Xiao nodded solemnly. Then he quickly raised his right arm, pressed his clenched fist to his chest, and replied with a serious expression, "Don't worry, Lady Mito.
"I'll take good care of Miss Tsunade, I swear it on the undying honor of the Uchiha Clan!" His gaze was unwavering, as though he had made a vow he would never break.
Seeing Uchiha Xiao's solemn gesture and firm resolve, Uzumaki Mito's smile deepened.
She nodded slowly, accepting his promise. After all, for a great clan with a long history and a storied name like the Uchiha, an oath carried tremendous weight and was binding.
"All right, come inside with me. Otherwise, little Tsunade will start worrying. That child..." As she walked, Uzumaki Mito began telling him amusing stories about Tsunade as a little girl, making Uchiha Xiao shake with laughter.
Inside the house
Tsunade was worried. Had she gotten Xiao-kun into trouble? Would Grandma misunderstand? Never mind! If Grandma got angry, she'd just say she'd done it of her own free will!
With that thought, Tsunade's gaze turned resolute. She clenched her fists and was about to go out to find Grandma and Uchiha Xiao.
Just then, the two of them walked in together, chatting and laughing. Tsunade was a little surprised. Why was Grandma so happy today?
Tsunade shook her head. Never mind—as long as Xiao-kun was all right. Then she looked at the handsome Uchiha Xiao beside her and smiled.