As soon as the system notification appeared, Arata Itsuki immediately focused and read the options carefully.
All three rewards were decent.
But he eliminated the second option right away—he had long since given up on living like a salted fish. Even though it offered a Mangekyō Sharingan, a power that could instantly catapult someone to Kage-level, it simply didn't hold much appeal to the current him.
He then looked at the third option.
Another Sharingan ability—Kotoamatsukami. In the original timeline it was impressive but underwhelming in execution. Still, a version with no cooldown could be a powerful genjutsu.
But Arata possessed neither Sharingan nor Uchiha blood.
He didn't have high hopes for this reward. Even a broken Kotoamatsukami depended heavily on the user. Otherwise, you ended up like Danzō—unable to hypnotize a single samurai, much less elite shinobi he might rely on in the future.
With that in mind, the first option seemed the best.
He didn't know how useful the "Enemy/Ally Scan" system function would be, but a new system feature was never bad.
Whatever great power the world had to offer, he believed he could earn eventually—but system upgrades were priceless.
On top of that, the option aligned perfectly with his intentions.
After hearing Uzumaki Mito's words, he was already ready to stir up the stagnant waters of Konoha and see if he truly could reach the Hokage's seat.
He wasn't one of those cowardly transmigrators who, even with a system, immediately plotted how to defect.
Arata wasn't that kind of man.
As a man—
As a transmigrator—
He would face every challenge head on, breaking free of the plot and carving a new path!
"I accept!"
His firm, unwavering answer made Mito laugh for the first time with genuine delight.
"What an amusing brat. I tried to scare you half to death, yet you didn't flinch. You're far braver than Hiruzen and Danzō."
Seeing her so pleased, Arata knew he had made the right choice. At least until he reached the peak of the shinobi world, this woman would be his greatest pillar of support.
Then Mito said lightly:
"Very well. In that case… let's talk about the real topic."
With those words, the elderly woman who had remained reclining on her bed slowly stood.
She brought her hands together in a seal.
"Yin Seal: Release."
With a soft command, the deep-blue diamond mark on her forehead—identical to Tsunade's Yin Seal—dissolved.
Moments later, a faint pink shadow formed around her eyes.
And then her entire body began to change.
Though she had been over 60, with only slight wrinkles thanks to good maintenance, her skin had still shown signs of age.
But in an instant, Uzumaki Mito appeared at least 30 years younger, her muscles brimming with vitality anew.
What shocked Arata most, however, was her chakra.
Before, he could still roughly estimate it at peak Kage-level.
But now?
He couldn't gauge it at all.
There was only one possible explanation—
Super Kage-level.
As Arata stood stunned, the system chimed again.
[Ding! Host status detected. Generating new options.]
[Option 1: Continue discussing business with Mito.
Reward: Konoha Taijutsu Secret Jutsu — One Thousand Years of Death.]
[Option 2: Offend Uzumaki Mito.
Reward: Space-Time Ninjutsu — Flying Thunder God Jutsu.]
[Option 3: Earn Uzumaki Mito's full recognition.
Reward: Elixir of One Thousand Years' Lifespan (1 bottle)]
[The system will choose a reward based on the host's actions.]
Arata stared speechlessly at the new choices.
The first two options were complete garbage.
One Thousand Years of Death? That was what they considered a reward? Option one was immediately tossed aside.
Option two asked him to insult Mito?
She had just revealed power bordering on super-Kage.
If he started talking trash now, that wouldn't be bravery—that'd be suicide.
As for option three…
Gaining Mito's full acknowledgment would be difficult. She was a legendary figure from the earliest days of Konoha. But Arata wasn't discouraged.
He knew the entire future of the shinobi world.
In some ways… he understood this era more than Mito herself.
Arata flashed a respectful smile.
"Mito-hime, that jutsu of yours is incredible. Is it a form of medical ninjutsu? I never imagined it could restore one's youth so perfectly!"
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