As dawn broke, close family and friends began arriving one after another at the Senju residence. The already lively mansion buzzed with even more energy.
Minato was the first to show up, followed soon after by Kawakaze, Sakumo and the six-mber family.
"Looking sharp, handso," Kawakaze comnted, inspecting Nawaki, who was now dressed as the groom.
"Heh heh," Nawaki giggled sheepishly, his grin giving away his nerves.
"So, are you excited?" Minato asked, walking around Nawaki and stopping behind him, casually resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Pfft, what's there to be excited about? It's just a marriage!" Nawaki tilted his head, feigning indifference. He couldn't let himself look bad in front of his best friend. Deep down, though, his heart was pounding, and he felt totally out of his elent.
"Really? Nawaki is always so calm," Minato remarked with a sly smile. He saw right through his friend's facade.
"Of course! I want to be Hokage!" Nawaki declared, shifting the focus to his lifelong dream.
"Even though you're my brother, I won't let you," Minato vowed with determination. They both shared the sa ambition, but that didn't make the competition any less fierce.
"Hey, you're already planning to take over? I'm not finished yet!" Tsunade, watching the exchange, couldn't help but laugh. Her little brother's antics were endearing, and she felt her day of "freedom" was fast approaching.
"It's okay, we're still young," Nawaki said confidently, but his expression shifted the mont the words left his mouth. He glanced nervously at Tsunade, guilt evident on his face. Why is my stupid mouth always faster than my brain?
"What do you an, brat?" Tsunade's tone was sharp, her eyes narrowing.
"Forget it—it's your big day. I won't beat you up. I'll save it for later," she said, glaring nacingly. She raised her hand as if to strike him but let it drop. Wanting to be Hokage is fine, but calling old is sothing I can't ignore.
"Haha, Sensei's wife, I didn't an that," Minato teased from the sidelines, unaware of the incoming storm.
"You're no better! You're all the sa!" Tsunade snapped, her patience wearing thin.
Before Minato could react, Tsunade's palm struck him with a resounding slap. "You're just asking for it," she muttered, her aura radiating authority.
Kawakaze burst into laughter, the wrinkles on his face deepening as he struggled to contain himself. "What a show!"
"Sensei~" Minato groaned, clutching his head and shooting him a pitiful look.
"Calling your Sensei won't save you," Tsunade retorted, her voice filled with a no-nonsense edge.
"What's all the fuss about on such a happy day?" Mito's voice interrupted the commotion as she stepped into the room, Kakashi and Ginji following closely behind.
"It's about ti, let's grab a bite and head to Orochimaru's place."
"Okay."
Everyone replied in unison, with Kawakaze being the first to step out the door.
After a quick breakfast, the procession to welco the bride lined up, with Nawaki proudly leading the large group.
anwhile, Orochimaru's house was unusually lively, a rare sight given how few people typically visited.
"Satsuki, does Sister Misaki look nice today?" Pakura asked, pointing at the elegantly dressed Misaki. Orochimaru, standing nearby, silently smiled.
"Yes! I want to look as nice as her when I marry Ginji in the future," Satsuki said, blinking innocently, completely unaware of the face that had suddenly darkened.
Orochimaru, struggling to keep his composure, could imagine accepting such an idea—perhaps in twenty years—but definitely not now.
"Haha, shaless girl! Look at your father's dark face," Pakura said with a hearty laugh, glancing at Orochimaru's reaction.
"It's okay, Dad. I'll co back to visit you often. It's not like I'll be far away," Satsuki said sweetly as she walked over and tugged at the hem of his shirt.
"Good, my Satsuki is so filial," Orochimaru replied, though his smile was more strained than warm.
"My chest feels a little tight. I'm going for a walk," he said, placing a hand over his chest as he stepped outside. Dark thoughts swirled in his mind. That big jerk had raised a little jerk for a son. What kind of mind control had Ginji used on Satsuki?
"Mom, is Dad okay?" Satsuki asked, concern evident in her tone. She truly cared for Orochimaru.
"It's nothing. He's just had too much sake," Pakura replied casually, completely unbothered. "A short walk will help with digestion."
"That's good," Satsuki said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"My dear, you're so cute." Misaki, unable to resist, picked Satsuki up in her arms. Watching the adorable scene, she couldn't help but imagine having a child just as sweet with Nawaki in the future.
"Haha, Lord Orochimaru is gone," Kushina finally spoke, emboldened now that Orochimaru was out of sight.
"I used to think he was this cool, aloof guy, turns out, he's just a big, jealous dad." Pakura covered her mouth, laughing lightly,
"I really envy your relationship with Sensei."
Misaki was being sincere. She had visited Orochimaru's household more than anyone else, even Nawaki.
"Don't be envious. You'll have that too soday."
Pakura bead with happiness. This kind of life was sothing she'd never dared to hope for back in Sunagakure.
"The bridal procession will be here soon, right?"
Kushina glanced at the ti, estimating that Nawaki and the others were almost on their way. She couldn't help but think that if she hadn't co to Orochimaru's house, she'd probably be with Minato by now.
"It should be soon. I'll go and check."
Noticing Misaki's curiosity, Pakura left Satsuki behind and stepped out to ask.
Inside the house, the two sisters, Misaki and Kushina, continued chatting. After a few monts, Misaki's cheeks flushed with embarrassnt.
"We're almost there, Misaki. Get ready."
Before long, Pakura returned with Orochimaru. Pakura hugged Satsuki and helped Misaki adjust her white wedding dress.
"It looks really good. That Nawaki guy really hit the jackpot."
With an admiring gaze, Pakura praised Misaki's appearance.
"You're exaggerating."
Misaki, seemingly unaware of her own beauty, didn't think she was particularly stunning.
"She's more than enough for that idiot."
"Stay a while longer. I'll let soone notify you when it's ti."
After saying this, Orochimaru left again. He was sothing of a semi-protagonist for the day. Nawaki was his disciple, and Misaki had learned much under his guidance.
"Thank you, Sensei, for your hard work."
As Orochimaru departed, Misaki felt a sudden wave of nervousness.
"We're all here."
Sensing Misaki clutch her hand tightly, Kushina gently reassured her.
"Mm." Misaki took two deep breaths to calm herself.
A few won chatted quietly inside the house as Nawaki arrived at Orochimaru's door.
"Sensei." Nawaki waved enthusiastically, and Orochimaru returned her gaze with a smile.
"Go on in. Misaki is waiting."
As Nawaki approached, Orochimaru gave him a relieved look and patted his shoulder.
"Okay." Knowing the house well, Nawaki headed straight for the room where Misaki was waiting.
"Uncle Orochimaru!" Ginji called out eagerly, trailing behind Kawakaze as he greeted Orochimaru.
"Hmph." Orochimaru shot Kawakaze a cold stare.
"What's your problem? The kid was just saying hello!" Kawakaze, oblivious to Orochimaru's earlier irritation, snapped in annoyance.
"Heh~" Orochimaru ignored Kawakaze completely, patting Ginji's head before turning away. Dealing with Kawakaze was beneath him, and he channeled so of his frustration into dismissing him entirely.
"He's probably just jealous," Tsunade said with a soft laugh, clearly understanding Orochimaru's mood.
"Ridiculous. Let's just go inside." Kawakaze, unable to co up with a coback, sighed and let the matter drop.
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