Koyuki Kazahana glared furiously at Asama Santayū, her face filled with disbelief.
As Uchiha Mirai's woman, she naturally knew about the Kara organization.
It was founded by none other than Isshiki Ōtsutsuki himself—its sole purpose, to bring destruction to the entire shinobi world.
Santayū had followed her loyally for decades. Now, he was the man in charge of the Land of Snow.
Even though Konoha's Uchiha clan still monitored him, there was no denying that he stood at the very top of Snow Country's power structure.
And with her by his side, he had direct access to Mirai himself. Any problem he faced, she could help him bring it to Mirai's attention.
So why? Why would Asama Santayū betray the Divine Nation and serve the Kara organization?!
"Princess Koyuki, I…"
Santayū knew there was no escaping today. With a helpless sigh, he bowed his head.
Seeing the look on his face, Koyuki couldn't help but ask, "Were you threatened?"
She remembered how he used to be—utterly devoted to her. He'd risked his life to help her overthrow Kazahana Dōtō and reclaim the throne of the Snow Country.
A man so loyal—how could he possibly turn traitor?
Santayū hesitated for a moment.
But when he met Mirai's calm, unreadable gaze, he gave up the idea of trying to explain himself away.
In front of the Emperor, every lie would be laid bare.
With that thought, Santayū began to confess everything.
"Back when you left to follow Mirai-sama, I was appointed as the official ruler of the Snow Country."
"At first, I was filled with ambition. I wanted to build Snow into a nation as prosperous as the Land of Fire, to give our people rich, comfortable lives. That was how I intended to repay your trust—and his."
"But then I realized... Snow's development had already been laid out. All I had to do was follow the blueprint."
"Little by little, I started feeling empty. I also learned how to indulge."
"I thought my life would end in quiet mediocrity... but then something happened that completely changed my path."
A flash of bitterness crossed Santayū's face.
"I discovered that someone was spreading a new religion in Snow Country—and they'd already amassed a surprising number of followers."
"I planned to report it immediately... but then a man named Boro approached me."
"He promised me eternal life—on the condition that I turned a blind eye to the growing cult."
Santayū clenched his teeth. "I used to be the kind of man who could scorn luxury and wealth. I was willing to die for my ideals... but only because I hadn't truly tasted what power and comfort felt like."
"Boro's offer tempted me. And I gave in—I hid what I'd learned."
"True to his word, Boro performed a surgery on me."
"I gained immense strength. My body felt young again, full of energy and vigor."
"That feeling… it was intoxicating."
"Later, I learned the truth—Boro and the others were part of Kara."
There was no regret on Santayū's face.
If he had the chance to choose again, he probably wouldn't change a thing.
Once a man has stood atop the world, how could he resist the temptations of power and immortality?
"Princess Koyuki, I know I've let you down… but I don't regret what I did."
Koyuki stared at the man who had stood beside her for so many years, but in the end, she found no words.
She silently stepped back to Mirai's side and said nothing more.
Mirai had no interest in wasting time. He reached into Santayū's mind, scanned for useful information, and swiftly ended his life.
As Santayū's corpse hit the ground, Koyuki's emotions twisted into a complex knot.
Mirai glanced at her and said quietly,
"Everyone has their own thoughts. It's common for people to turn against each other because of differing allegiances."
"When you share the same position, you can afford to speak of loyalty and sentiment. But when that position shifts—you must stay true to your own path."
Koyuki gave a soft, bitter nod. "I understand. I just… don't know how Santayū ended up like this."
"People change," Mirai replied calmly. "Even the most stubborn soul will have a moment of doubt—unless they die before they ever get the chance to change."
Having lived two lives and seen so much, Uchiha Mirai was long prepared for this kind of betrayal.
The Divine Nation was vast. Human hearts were fickle. It was impossible to expect unwavering loyalty from everyone.
But Mirai wasn't particularly concerned.
Those who betrayed him never lived long enough to become threats. Once discovered, they were dealt with—immediately.
"All right," he continued. "According to the intel in Santayū's mind, a few Kara members will be arriving at the palace for a secret meeting three days from now. Don't let news of Santayū's death leak."
"Understood."
...
Late at night.
Beneath the royal palace in the Land of Snow, outside a hidden underground chamber—
Three shadowy figures knocked on the door in a precise rhythm.
A moment later, the door creaked open.
"Santayū, Lord Boro has new instructions—"
Before the words were finished, the three froze at the sight of Uchiha Mirai seated calmly inside.
Realizing something was very wrong, they immediately turned to flee.
"If you want to live, then step inside—quietly."
The moment Mirai spoke, two of the three froze on the spot.
Only one made a move to retreat.
Boom!
With a dull thud, the fleeing man's body exploded. Blood and flesh splattered across his stunned companions.
"Guh…"
The remaining two breathed heavily, crushed by a suffocating sense of dread.
What kind of jutsu was that?
If they hadn't obeyed on instinct, they'd probably be dead too.
"You recognize me, don't you?" Mirai's voice was calm. "If you want to live, start with your names."
The two exchanged a glance. One stepped forward.
"I'm Tangno Karashi. I serve as an outer-ring member of Kara."
The other, a large man in a mask, rumbled, "I'm Enji. Also an outer-ring member of Kara."
"You're the one they call the Emperor… Uchiha Mirai, aren't you?"
The moment the words left Enji's mouth, his expression twisted in pain.
A second later, his head dropped to the floor.
"I didn't give you permission to ask questions."
Fresh blood sprayed across Karashi's face.
His pupils shrank, his face pale as ash.
In the span of moments, his two comrades had died horrific deaths right in front of him.
This… this was the man who ruled the shinobi world?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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