Hearing the mechanical sound in his mind, Uchiha Mirai froze.
As a time traveler, he immediately understood what that voice meant.
System!
It was the system!
Ten years after arriving in this world, the system he had dreamed of had finally appeared!
Uchiha Mirai didn't doubt it for a second. This was no hallucination.
Because—
In front of him, a translucent light-blue panel appeared.
[Name: Uchiha Mirai]
[Constitution: 8]
[Spiritual Power: 20]
[Chakra: 7]
[Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan]
[Ninjutsu: Clone Technique, Transformation Technique, Body Flicker Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, Earth Style: Headhunter Jutsu, Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu]
[Other: Shuriken Throwing, Trap Setting]
"A-Are you okay?"
Kurenai Yuhi, watching Mirai stand frozen while gripping her shoulders, spoke in concern.
He snapped back to reality and looked at her porcelain-doll face, unable to stop an excited grin from spreading across his lips.
Ruby eyes, slightly chubby cheeks…
How did I never notice how cute this little loli Kurenai is?
Overcome with excitement, Mirai held her face in both hands and planted a kiss on her forehead.
This girl is my lucky star!
In the Naruto world—early stages depended on talent, the midgame on bloodline, and the endgame on cheats.
Now that he had a system, wasn't this practically guaranteed success?
"Uchiha Mirai… you bastard!!!"
Bang!
Asuma Sarutobi, who had just struggled back to his feet, caught sight of his goddess being kissed. His vision went black, and he collapsed again from sheer rage.
He hadn't even touched Kurenai's hand, yet Mirai had kissed her—right in front of him!
The humiliation tore him apart.
"Ah!"
"You—you—you—!"
Kurenai staggered back, pointing at Mirai with a crimson face, too flustered for words.
He… kissed me?
"I just remembered I have an appointment to discuss the meaning of life with a cat. So I'll be leaving now."
"You—you big bastard!"
Kurenai trembled with fury as she watched him go.
Discuss the meaning of life with a cat?
If you're going to make up an excuse, at least make it sound reasonable!
This was unforgivable!
She glanced at the unconscious Asuma, stamped her foot, and dashed off after Mirai.
…
After weaving through several streets, Mirai finally stopped near the edge of the village and turned.
Seeing him glance back, Kurenai pouted.
So cute, Mirai thought with a smirk.
Though he was eager to find a quiet place to explore the system, with Kurenai trailing him, he forced himself to remain calm.
"We're close to my clan's territory. Come on."
When he waved her over, her cheeks reddened, yet she ran to him as if bewitched.
She didn't know why she followed him.
But after being taken advantage of, there was no way she could just pretend it never happened.
As they walked, Kurenai kept her head down, aware of the stares from Uchiha clansmen.
The Uchiha were known for being aloof and hard to approach.
If not for Mirai, she would never have dared to come here alone.
"Careful. Don't step into the traps," Mirai warned as they neared his home.
"You even set traps around your own house?"
Kurenai widened her eyes in surprise, trying to spot them—but saw nothing.
Remembering how easily Mirai had floored Asuma, her admiration deepened.
He truly deserved the title of genius.
Among their peers, perhaps only Hatake Kakashi could rival him.
At the courtyard gate, Kurenai froze in confusion.
Instead of flowers, the space was filled with rows of strange plants.
"These are vegetables," Mirai explained casually.
Her eyes widened in curiosity.
So the vegetables she ate every day came from plants like these?
"Follow my steps exactly. Don't get distracted."
"S-Sorry."
She quickly apologized and trailed after him carefully, mindful of hidden traps.
Only when they reached the living room did she sigh in relief—though her heart pounded with inexplicable excitement.
Why am I feeling like this?
She glanced around.
The house was simple and old-fashioned. Aside from the necessary furniture, nothing seemed superfluous, and the spotless floor gleamed.
It was clear the owner was neat and disciplined.
Knowing Mirai was an orphan who took care of everything himself, Kurenai's respect for him only grew.
"I'm really sorry about earlier," Mirai said, sitting across from her. "I don't know what came over me—I acted recklessly. Whatever you want me to do to make up for it, I'll try my best."
"Huh?"
Kurenai blinked, caught off guard.
She hadn't intended to demand compensation. In fact, after coming into his home and seeing his quiet life—his vegetable garden—such thoughts seemed even less appropriate.
Besides, he had helped her against Asuma.
Maybe it was better to just let the kiss go.
But then again—
Was that… a confession?
So sudden…
They had known each other for years, but this was practically their first real interaction.
Should she refuse? Accept?
Ugh! So confusing!
Just as she drowned in her thoughts, her stomach growled loudly.
Mortified, she pressed her hands to it.
Why now?! So embarrassing!
"Wait a moment."
Seeing her flushed face, Mirai chuckled.
What a cute little loli.
…
Moments later, as she tasted the steaming food he placed before her, Kurenai's eyes went wide.
Delicious.
She had never eaten anything like it in her life.
So good it felt like she might swallow her tongue!
"What… what dish is this? Why is it so delicious?"
"Fish-flavored shredded pork, and spare ribs fried with scallions," Mirai replied casually. "Just something I worked out myself. As long as you like it, that's enough."
He wasn't surprised at her reaction.
In this war-torn world, delicacies from another era were bound to amaze.
"You came up with these yourself?"
"Amazing!"
Kurenai stared at him in disbelief.
Cooking something so delicious was impressive enough—but creating such recipes on his own?
Oh my god… what kind of treasure boy is this?!
-End Chapter-
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