Free Love

Uchiha Xiao had mentally rehearsed countless clever responses he'd seen online, but when faced with reality, those words felt as though they were stuck in his throat, impossible to utter.

There was no other reason; he simply felt those lines were too fake, too flamboyant, and entirely inconsistent with his true state of mind at this moment.

Just then...

"Lady Mito!" Uchiha Xiao 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 kingdoms, but she is also a brave and kind-hearted person.

I think there is likely no one in this world who wouldn't love such a wonderful woman. Naturally, that holds true for me as well."

However, the person standing before him was no ordinary individual; she was Uzumaki Mito, wielder of the Kagura Shingan!

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

Therefore, facing such a powerful existence, Uchiha Xiao knew well that honesty was his only viable strategy.

Hearing this, Uzumaki Mito smiled slightly and said softly, "I didn't ask you whether others liked her. What I want to know is only about you, Uchiha Xiao. Isn't it a bit impolite to keep beating around the bush with me like this?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Xiao couldn't help but feel a sense of distress. A look of embarrassment crossed his face, and he let out a dry laugh in response: "Hehe, you are right, Lady Mito. In truth, I naturally like Lady Tsunade very much."

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

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

Propose... marriage? He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind, but Uzumaki Mito's words echoed relentlessly in his thoughts.

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

He felt he must have misheard, or that Uzumaki Mito was joking with him. After all, he and Tsunade hadn't even reached the stage of discussing marriage.

However, Uzumaki Mito looked at him with a serious expression, her eyes shining 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 Xiao couldn't help but frown, inwardly lamenting his situation. As an upright man from the 21st century deeply influenced by modern values, he simply could not accept an 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 while I do harbor love for Tsunade, I truly cannot accept this method.

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

Uchiha Xiao took a deep breath, gathering his courage to express his true inner thoughts.

As he spoke, Uchiha Xiao looked up at Uzumaki Mito, showing no cowardice or guilt, only firmness and sincerity.

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

Relying on the powerful investigative ability of the Kagura Shingan, Uzumaki Mito clearly perceived that every word Uchiha Xiao spoke came from the bottom of his heart.

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, "Little Xiao, I must admit, you truly satisfy me."

As soon as she finished speaking, the mysterious barrier that had shrouded the surroundings vanished instantly, and the two figures returned to their original positions.

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

However, I do hope you will treat her with genuine sincerity! That girl, although her head isn't always clear and her personality can be a bit stubborn, has a very kind heart.

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

Hearing this, Uchiha Xiao nodded solemnly. He quickly raised his right arm, pressed his clenched fist against his chest, and replied seriously: "Rest assured, Lady Mito.

I will definitely take good care of Lady Tsunade, I swear it upon the supreme honor of the Uchiha Clan!" After he spoke, his gaze was incredibly firm, as if he had made an unbreakable vow.

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

She nodded slowly, acknowledging his promise. After all, for a great Warring States clan with a long history and illustrious reputation like the Uchiha, the oaths they swore often carried unshakable weight and binding power.

"Alright, come inside with me quickly, or little Tsunade will get anxious soon. That child..." Uzumaki Mito began to recount funny stories about Tsunade's childhood as they walked, making Uchiha Xiao tremble with suppressed laughter.

Inside the house.

Tsunade felt anxious. Had she caused trouble for Xiao-kun? Would Grandma misunderstand something? Forget it! If Grandma gets angry later, I'll just say it was my own doing!

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

Just then, the two walked into the room, chatting and laughing, which caught Tsunade by surprise. Why was Grandma so happy today?

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