Three-Year-Old Mikoto

Isn't Mikoto Fugaku's wife?

And now she's my wife?

What about Sasuke?

Three questions instantly popped into Xu Ming's mind, stirring up great waves of confusion.

Am I... unknowingly making Fugaku a cuckold?

Wait a second… Why does that thought make me feel strangely pleased?

Xu Ming scratched his head, amused by his own mischievous thoughts.

After dinner, Uchiha Kagami smiled and said, "I'll take you to meet the child."

"Although she's still young, you can already see her upbringing and character. She'll definitely grow into a beautiful and virtuous woman."

"Alright," Xu Ming nodded, seeing no reason to refuse.

As for the absurdity of the situation, it was just a passing thought.

At this point in time, nothing had happened yet.

Fugaku and Mikoto weren't together, and they probably didn't even know each other.

"Alright, let's move to another place and continue eating," Uchiha Kagami said cheerfully.

Grinning, he took Xu Ming's arm and pulled him along in a friendly manner.

Though arranged marriages in clans were often about political alliances, forming genuine feelings over time was always a better outcome.

After all, living like strangers in a long-term marriage was difficult.

"Haha, let's go too," Third Hokage said with a laugh, patting Orochimaru on the shoulder.

"Yes, sensei."

Orochimaru rose from his seat and followed along.

The master and disciple left the courtyard together.

Meeting Mikoto

By the time dinner ended, it was already nine o'clock.

Uchiha Kagami and Third Hokage were drunk, boasting about their past feats, completely forgetting about Xu Ming and Orochimaru.

Due to his young age, Xu Ming had been denied the right to drink.

With no choice but to eat soup and vegetables, he filled his stomach before leaving to meet his future fiancée—who was only three years old.

Orochimaru, uninterested in such matters, had already left.

Fortunately, before Uchiha Kagami got too drunk, he had arranged for someone to guide Xu Ming.

"This is the place," the guide said, bowing before leaving.

Xu Ming nodded and stepped forward toward an open pavilion.

There, a tiny girl sat on a bench, dozing against one of the pavilion's pillars.

Her small head drooped lower and lower, looking like she might fall over at any moment.

"Hmm?"

Sensing movement, the little girl groggily opened her bright, black-and-white eyes.

Her cute little face scrunched up in displeasure as she stared at Xu Ming.

"You're so slow!" she complained.

"Don't you know children need to sleep early? I've been waiting for more than an hour and almost dozed off!"

Xu Ming blinked, a bit surprised.

Did Uncle Kagami really inform them so early?

Feeling guilty for making her wait, he sat down not far from her and said apologetically, "Sorry, sorry, I'm late."

Since it was Uchiha Kagami's fault, his nephew naturally had to take responsibility.

"Fine, I'll forgive you this time."

The little girl nodded grandly, then added, "But it won't be so easy next time!"

"There won't be a next time," Xu Ming assured her with a smile.

He took a moment to observe her carefully.

She sat upright with delicate facial features, her round little face filled with youthful innocence.

Even at such a young age, she already showed signs of future beauty.

What amused him the most was her demeanor—she was trying to act all mature and grown-up, mimicking the behavior of adults.

"My mother said you will be the closest person to me in the future, so she asked me to come and meet you."

Little Mikoto nodded solemnly as she studied Xu Ming.

"Though I don't really understand what that means, I like meeting new friends. But if you want to be my closest friend, big brother, you'll have to work for it!"

"There are lots of people who like me!"

She proudly lifted her tiny face.

Xu Ming chuckled.

It seemed Mikoto had no idea about the marriage arrangement.

Her mother must have worded it vaguely, and Mikoto simply thought he was here to make friends.

"Little Mikoto is so cute; of course, many people like her," Xu Ming responded warmly.

Flashing a big smile, he added, "I'll do my best to make sure little Mikoto likes me too."

"Hmph! Then you better impress me!"

Little Mikoto placed her hands on her hips, looking very serious.

Xu Ming laughed. "And how should I impress you?"

"There are so many ways!"

Mikoto's face lit up with excitement as she grabbed Xu Ming's sleeve.

"Like taking me out to play, buying me delicious food, getting me pretty toys, and playing games with me!"

"Hahaha!" Xu Ming couldn't help but laugh.

She truly was a child.

"Why are you laughing?"

Mikoto pouted and glared at him.

"I gave you all the answers, and you're still laughing? Do you not want me to like you?"

"No, no, it's not that," Xu Ming reassured her. "I was just surprised because the things I planned to do for you are exactly what you just said!"

"Really?"

The little girl's eyes sparkled as she happily clapped her hands.

"That's perfect! We think alike! Mom was right—we're going to be the closest people to each other!"

"Exactly," Xu Ming said with a small smile.

This child was too adorable.

For the next half-hour, they chatted, mostly about the fun places and best food spots in Konoha.

Being so young, Mikoto rarely had the chance to leave the Uchiha compound.

She could only listen enviously when her older siblings returned from their outings, sometimes bringing her small gifts.

Before long, her little face showed signs of sleepiness, and she yawned.

"Big brother, I'm sleepy now," she announced. "Let's talk more next time."

Before leaving, she suddenly reached into her pocket and pulled out a small sachet, handing it to Xu Ming.

"This is an insect-repellent incense my mom taught me to make! It's really effective!"

The little girl puffed out her chest proudly.

"I'm giving you one, so you have to cherish it! And don't forget, you promised to take me to eat something delicious! I've been wanting to try Nara Clan's venison for so long!"

Xu Ming chuckled as he took the sachet.

"Don't worry, I'll definitely take you there," he said, patting her head gently.

Mikoto giggled before turning and skipping off towards her home.

Xu Ming watched her go, shaking his head in amusement.

He had come to meet his future wife, but instead, he had gained an adorable little sister.

This was going to be an interesting journey.