Uchiha Ryun had originally constructed countless clever responses in his mind, ones he had seen online. But when faced with reality, those words seemed stuck in his throat, impossible to voice.
The reason was simple. Those phrases felt too fake, too exaggerated, completely mismatched with his true feelings at this moment.
Just then...
"Lady Mito!" Uchiha Ryun quickly stood up, bowing respectfully. He took a deep breath to steady himself before speaking.
"Lady Tsunade is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also brave and kind. I doubt there's anyone in this world who wouldn't adore such a wonderful woman. Naturally, I am no exception."
However, the person standing before him was no ordinary individual. She was Uzumaki Mito, the wielder of the Divine Mind's Eye. Under the scrutiny of this ability, not even the slightest lie or the tiniest shift in expression could escape her sharp gaze.
Faced with such an overwhelming presence, Uchiha Ryun knew that honesty was his only option.
Hearing his words, Uzumaki Mito smiled faintly and said softly, "I didn't ask whether others like her. I only want to know about you, Uchiha Ryun. Beating around the bush like this is rather impolite, don't you think?"
Uchiha Ryun felt a wave of embarrassment, his face flushing slightly. He forced a chuckle and replied, "Ah, you're right, Lady Mito. Of course, I also like Lady Tsunade very much."
"Then when do you plan to propose?" Uzumaki Mito's lips curved slightly as she spoke, her words landing like a thunderclap, leaving no room for preparation.
Uchiha Ryun's eyes widened instantly, his entire body freezing in place. He wondered if his ears were playing tricks on him.
Pro...pose? He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind, but Uzumaki Mito's words kept echoing in his head.
"Wait, Lady Mito, isn't this a bit too soon?" he stammered, a thin layer of sweat forming on his forehead.
He thought he must have misheard, or perhaps Uzumaki Mito was joking. After all, he and Tsunade weren't at the stage of marriage yet.
However, Uzumaki Mito looked at him with complete seriousness, her eyes gleaming with resolve.
"It's not too early. When Hashirama and I married, we were barely in our twenties. Besides, as Tsunade's elder, if the two of you are truly fond of each other, I can arrange for her to be betrothed to you."
She spoke as if it were the most natural thing in the world, as though everything had already been decided.
Uchiha Ryun frowned inwardly, groaning to himself. As a man from the 21st century, deeply influenced by modern values, he simply couldn't accept an arranged marriage without emotional foundation.
Even if this was the fastest way to marry Tsunade, it was not the love or marriage he desired.
"Lady Mito, with all due respect, while I do have feelings for Tsunade, I truly cannot accept this method. I sincerely hope Tsunade chooses to be with me because she genuinely likes me, not because of external factors. If we marry just for the sake of marriage, without deep affection between us, it would be a great injustice to her."
Uchiha Ryun took a deep breath and mustered the courage to voice his true thoughts.
As he spoke, he looked directly at Uzumaki Mito, his gaze unwavering, neither timid nor guilty, only firm and sincere.
Uzumaki Mito's heart trembled slightly. She hadn't expected this young man to hold such unique views. A ripple of emotion passed through her, surprising even someone as experienced as her.
With the powerful perception, she could clearly sense that every word Uchiha Ryun spoke came from the heart.
Because of this, the corners of her mouth lifted unconsciously, and a trace of approval flashed in her eyes.
She snapped her fingers lightly and said with a smile, "Ryun, I must admit, you've impressed me greatly."
As soon as she finished speaking, the mysterious barrier surrounding them dissipated, and the two reappeared in their original positions.
Then, Uzumaki Mito narrowed her eyes slightly and chuckled. "As for matters between you and Tsunade, I won't interfere too much. However, I do hope you will treat her sincerely. That girl... though sometimes a bit slow and stubborn, has a very kind heart. So, if any conflicts arise in the future, I hope you'll be more patient and understanding." She laughed softly again.
Hearing this, Uchiha Ryun nodded solemnly. He quickly raised his right arm, pressing a clenched fist to his chest, and responded seriously, "Rest assured, Lady Mito. I will take good care of Lady Tsunade. I swear this on the Uchiha clan's unshakable honor!" His gaze was unwavering, as if he had already made an unbreakable vow.
Seeing Uchiha Ryun's solemn gesture and resolute attitude, Uzumaki Mito's smile deepened.
She nodded slowly, acknowledging his promise. After all, for an ancient and prestigious clan like the Uchiha, their vows carried immense weight and binding force.
"Alright, come inside with me. Otherwise, Tsuna will start worrying. That child..." Uzumaki Mito began recounting amusing stories from Tsunade's childhood as they walked, making Uchiha Ryun tremble with suppressed laughter.
Inside the house
Tsunade was fretting.
Did I cause trouble for Ryun? Did Grandma misunderstand something? Whatever! If Grandma gets angry, I'll just say it was my own choice!
With this thought, her expression grew determined. Clenching her fists, she prepared to go out and find her grandmother and Uchiha Ryun.
Just then, the two of them walked in, chatting and laughing, which surprised Tsunade. Why is Grandma in such a good mood today?
She shook her head. Never mind. As long as Ryun is fine. Then, her eyes landed on the handsome Uchiha Ryun, and her lips curled into a smile.