Naruto: Saving the Universe by Stealing Attributes

Hearing Orochimaru's information, Mirai's face revealed a hint of surprise.

"Who would've thought, Orochimaru, that you'd go out of your way to share this with me."

In response, Orochimaru let out a faint smile.

"I'm merely carving out an escape route for myself."

He had long since lost trust in Hiruzen and Danzo.

Now that Konoha was besieged on all sides, it was the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself. Yet, after returning from the Kumogakure battlefield, Sarutobi had gone to great lengths to keep him in the village.

The intent was clear.

If Sarutobi truly intended to groom him as his successor, then commanding the front lines should have been his responsibility.

Since the rift between them was already growing, Orochimaru figured he might as well invest in Uchiha Mirai.

Otherwise, if things truly developed as Mirai predicted, he would likely end up branded a rogue ninja by Konoha anyway.

"Mirai-kun, both my teacher and Danzo inherited the Second Hokage's ideology. They've always been wary of the Uchiha. You'd best tread carefully."

Lately, Mirai had been drawing too much attention:

Defeating the Raikage, taking down the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and even killing Rasa…

Not to mention, he'd awakened the fabled Mangekyō Sharingan.

Given his understanding of Hiruzen and Danzo, Orochimaru was certain they wouldn't sit idly by.

"Don't worry," Mirai replied coolly.

"In the face of absolute power, schemes and plots are nothing but futile struggles."

Orochimaru blinked at Mirai's confident demeanor. For a moment, he was transported back to his own youthful self, full of ambition and untamed confidence.

But those days were long gone. Reality had stripped him of that idealism.

"Mirai-kun," Orochimaru advised with a trace of bitterness, "sometimes, power isn't the only weapon in a confrontation. Your enemies might strike from the moral high ground, dealing a devastating blow to your reputation."

"Like what happened to Hatake Sakumo?" Mirai's response came with a casual smile.

"Then I'll just lower my moral standards. If I don't care, they can't hurt me."

Orochimaru froze, then laughed softly.

"Mirai-kun, you truly never cease to surprise me."

"Well, if there's nothing else, let's end this conversation here," Mirai said, waving dismissively.

"Anything else, Orochimaru?"

Feigning ignorance of the dismissal, Orochimaru's slitted eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"I've heard that your cooking is exceptional, Mirai-kun. I'd like to try it for myself."

Before Mirai could refuse, Orochimaru added slyly, "Consider it a reward for the information I've shared."

"..."

Seeing the smug look in Orochimaru's eyes, Mirai chuckled.

"Fine, wait here. I was getting hungry anyway."

A short while later, Mirai returned with a steaming bowl of soup.

The enticing aroma caught Orochimaru's attention immediately.

"It smells amazing," he remarked. "What kind of soup is this?"

"Snake soup," Mirai replied casually.

Orochimaru's pupils narrowed.

"I don't eat snake meat."

"Then you're missing out," Mirai quipped as he began eating.

Unable to resist, Orochimaru eventually took a bite.

"Delicious," he muttered, savoring the rich flavors.

After sending Orochimaru on his way, Mirai returned to his room and took out a small gourd he had purchased earlier.

On the Sunagakure battlefield, he had always needed to summon gold sand from a scroll before using it—a cumbersome and inelegant process.

To address this, he had bought a waist-sized gourd to inscribe with a sealing jutsu. This would allow him to store vast amounts of gold sand in the gourd, making it more convenient and, importantly, far more stylish.

Though engraving the sealing formula was tedious, Mirai was determined.

Style is eternal.

By nightfall, the task was complete, thanks to the guidance he'd received from Minato and Kushina.

Strapping the gourd to his waist, Mirai willed it open. Immediately, gold sand poured out in a shimmering stream. With a thought, he directed the sand back into the gourd.

The process was smooth and seamless. Mirai nodded in satisfaction.

"Perfect."

Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by a familiar voice.

"Mirai, are you home?"

"Coming."

Opening the door, Mirai found Kurenai standing there. She threw herself into his arms.

"Mirai, you've grown taller again," she said, looking up at him.

Back at the Academy, they had been about the same height. Now, Mirai was a full head taller.

He patted her on the head, smiling.

"What brings you to the Uchiha compound?"

"You never come to see me, so I had to come find you," she replied, pouting.

Mirai couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The once-tsundere little girl was now blossoming into a graceful young woman.

"Well, aren't you going to invite me in?"

At her words, Mirai's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Sure, come in. I've got time today. I'll even help you with your training."

The next morning, Mirai escorted a blushing Kurenai out of his home.

Outside the Uchiha compound, he stopped and turned to her.

"Kurenai, your taijutsu still needs a lot of improvement. Next time, I'll train you properly again."

Kurenai glanced at him, cheeks flushed, and huffed, "You big bully. Don't count on it!"

Watching her retreating figure, Mirai chuckled softly.

Just as he was about to head back, an ANBU operative appeared before him.

"Uchiha Mirai, the Hokage has ordered you to immediately reinforce the Kirigakure battlefield."

The ANBU handed over a scroll, which Mirai opened. A smirk spread across his face.

"They don't let me rest, do they?"

Fresh from the Sunagakure battlefield, now he was being sent to Kirigakure.

A lesser Mangekyō user would've burned out by now, likely teetering on the edge of blindness.

But Sarutobi and Danzo clearly underestimated him. Their constant pressure would only make him stronger.

"I'll leave tomorrow," Mirai said, folding the scroll.

The ANBU stiffened.

"Uchiha Mirai, the Hokage's orders were to depart immediately."

Mirai raised an eyebrow and stepped closer, his presence overwhelming.

"Are you threatening me?"

The ANBU instinctively stepped back, realizing he'd overstepped.

"N-No… I'm just emphasizing the urgency of the Hokage's orders."

Mirai's gaze bore into him.

"Report back to Sarutobi. If he has any objections, he can come discuss them with me personally."

After Mirai left, the ANBU let out a shaky breath.

"That Uchiha… They're all terrifying. I'd better tread carefully next time."

With that, he vanished into the night. This was a matter best left for the Hokage to deal with.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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