In the Hidden Leaf Village.
Looking at the prosperous scene before her, Hotaru's face lit up with delight.
"Mirai-sama, is this really where I'll live from now on?"
She had grown up in the Tsuchigumo Clan, always living in hiding because she carried their Secret Art.
After meeting Ephemeral, Hotaru's life had become relatively better, though she still lived in constant fear.
But now...
She actually had the hope of living openly in such a beautiful place!
This was something she couldn't even dare to imagine before.
Looking at the excited Hotaru, Mirai Uchiha pinched her slightly chubby cheek gently and said, "That's right. I've already arranged a place for you. From now on, live well here in Konoha; no one will dare to threaten you again."
"There's just one thing—your Secret Art [Hair of Fury Explosion] needs further research."
After several days of interaction, Hotaru had already gotten used to Mirai's intimate gestures.
She nodded immediately and said, "Please rest assured, Mirai-sama. I will definitely cooperate fully."
As they walked and talked, they soon reached Mirai's luxurious estate.
Mirai guided Hotaru to Fu's courtyard.
Since they were about the same age, they could become playmates.
After briefly introducing them to each other, Mirai guided Hotaru toward Orochimaru's lab complex.
As always, Kimimaro stood guard at the entrance.
When he saw Mirai approaching, Kimimaro respectfully greeted, "Mirai-sama."
Mirai gave Kimimaro a glance and noticed his rosy complexion and vigorous energy—he seemed completely free from the Bloodline Disease that once plagued him.
"Kimimaro, your illness has been cured?"
Kimimaro immediately replied, "Yes, sir. Orochimaru-sama has mastered the method for curing Bloodline Diseases. I have fully recovered."
Mirai nodded.
Seeing this, Kimimaro didn't say more.
Soon, they arrived at the lab where Orochimaru worked, finding him intently cutting biological tissue with a scalpel.
Putting down his scalpel when he saw Mirai enter, Orochimaru, his snake-like eyes narrowing wearily, asked, "Mirai-kun, what new instructions do you have for me today?"
Mirai asked curiously, "Orochimaru, why do you seem so listless?"
Orochimaru shot Mirai an annoyed glare and couldn't help but complain, "Mirai-kun, I've been busier than ever lately. As soon as my eyes open in the morning, there's endless work waiting for me."
"Now, I can't even find that joy I once felt while pursuing hidden knowledge!"
Noticing Orochimaru's dissatisfaction, Mirai couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
That even Orochimaru, a scientific genius obsessed with research, had such thoughts showed that Mirai had indeed given him too much to handle.
Thinking about it, Mirai Uchiha couldn't help but ask, "Didn't I already provide you with a list of researchers?"
"Shimon Hiruko, Shin, Amado..."
"Never mind," Orochimaru interrupted, letting out a scoff. "Except for that boy Kagetora Tohno, I've heard nothing at all from the others."
Mirai rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I see..."
"Therefore," Orochimaru continued coldly, "if you've come here again just to give me new assignments, then I can tell you right now—I don't have time."
"I was originally planning to make you some snake soup this time too."
Upon hearing Mirai's words, Orochimaru paused briefly before quickly adding, "Then I'll find the time somehow, no matter what it takes!"
"As long as it's a task from you, Mirai, I will spare no effort to complete it."
Satisfied, Mirai patted Orochimaru's shoulder and pointed at Hotaru. "This is Hotaru from the Tsuchigumo Clan. The device on his back serves as the catalyst that activates the clan's secret techniques."
"Do some serious research and see if you can develop a device capable of storing large amounts of chakra."
Orochimaru glanced curiously at Hotaru, a glint of curiosity sparkling in his eyes.
He had heard rumors about the Tsuchigumo Clan before.
But he had never taken them seriously.
After all, a technique capable of causing an explosion spanning millions of kilometers sounded utterly unrealistic.
Yet now that Mirai himself had brought someone over, could those rumors possibly be true?
Meeting Orochimaru's gaze, Mirai smiled. "Don't even think about those rumors—they're probably false. But the explosion range definitely won't be small."
"If Hair of Fury Explosion can cause such massive destruction, then it must involve tremendous energy."
"This is exactly what I need. See if you can find a way to improve upon it."
Understanding Mirai's needs, Orochimaru nodded. "I understand. I'll start immediately."
"Oh, and let me update you on my recent research progress too."
Orochimaru pulled out a notebook he always carried and reported, "The cloning technology for the Mangekyo Sharingan has progressed significantly."
"The issue of host engulfment after Hashirama cell transplantation has also been resolved at the genetic level."
"And thus, the Bloodline Disease has been cured as well."
"Sasori has also handed over his Regeneration Core technology and has agreed to join our research team."
"Sasori really is a mechanical genius. With his help, we've already developed railcars. As long as the rails are laid down, these vehicles can begin operating across the Ninja World."
"Kagetora Tohno seems to have a talent for software. I've already had him start researching computers, games, and programming."
"As for the Hero Water..." Orochimaru said with some regret, "currently there's no way to transform Natural Energy into energy that humans can absorb within a short time frame."
...
As Orochimaru reported item by item, Mirai Uchiha felt increasingly satisfied in his heart.
This was exactly the kind of scientific research team he wanted—full of geniuses, without any weaknesses.
At this rate, it wouldn't be long before the ninja world achieved modernization.
He would correct the distorted technological progress the ninja world had taken.
Without focusing on developing firearms, at least they should create things that could make life more convenient and entertaining.
Just then, a red-haired kid approached.
"Sasori?"
The child nodded and said solemnly, "Mirai Uchiha, can you return my body to me?"
Orochimaru reminded him with dissatisfaction, "Sasori, you should call him Lord Mirai or Emperor Mirai!"
Sasori sighed helplessly, "Lord Mirai, may I have my body and those puppets back?"
Mirai Uchiha shook his head, "I've already given those items away, so I can't return them to you.
"That child is named Kankuro. I'll have him come pay his respects and become your apprentice someday."
"And also… Sasori, not to be rude, but could you please broaden your thinking a bit?
"Stop obsessing over those broken puppets all day. Don't airborne and subterranean Mechs sound much more appealing?"
"Come here, let me draw a rough sketch for you—you just try to build one for me."
After saying this, Mirai Uchiha began drawing some Mech designs from his mind onto paper.
Piloting a Mech is every man's dream.
He didn't expect these Mechs to contribute significantly in combat, but they'd still make amazing toys.
Looking at the ever-growing stack of blueprints in Mirai's hands, Sasori nearly burst into tears.
He had only wanted to reclaim what was rightfully his, yet somehow ended up not retrieving anything while gaining an unexpected mountain of new tasks!
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