"So, how's working in the police force going?" Xin asked, deciding to continue the small talk. He didn't mind chatting with Ryoji, even if he had some grievances with the older members of the Uchiha.
"It's been alright, just a bit tiring," Ryoji admitted. Over the past two years, his personality had shifted. Perhaps due to his work in the police force, he'd mellowed out a lot, losing some of that icy, sharp attitude.
As they continued chatting, the real event finally started.
The bride and groom made their appearance.
"....."
Xin had to admit, the bride was as beautiful as Mikoto had described. It wasn't surprising, really. The Uchiha clan wasn't lacking in attractive members, and Fugaku, as the clan leader, wasn't about to marry someone plain.
Even if this was a political marriage, the clan would still choose someone fitting.
After all, it wouldn't reflect well on the clan if the clan leader's wife wasn't attractive.
The bride was stunning... but Fugaku? In his formal attire, he somehow managed to look worse than usual. Especially with that perpetually stoic expression of his.
Xin raised an eyebrow. It was his wedding day, and the guy couldn't even manage a smile?
Seriously?
Xin couldn't help but shake his head.
"What are you shaking your head for?" Tsunade asked with a smirk. "Is the bride not pretty enough for you?"
Ryoji, sitting nearby, also looked curious.
Xin grinned mischievously. "I'm just thinking... how long will it take for the bride to get depressed, having to live with Fugaku and that emotionless face every day?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "..."
"Cough!" Ryoji quickly turned his head, pretending not to hear. Xin might be bold enough to say such things, but as a member of the Uchiha, Ryoji wasn't about to risk repeating that.
Even if his grandfather was an elder, if he was caught making fun of Fugaku, he'd be in deep rouble.
"Alright, enough with the jokes," Tsunade said, shooting Xin a sideways glance. "The poor guy's just getting married."
She glanced over at Mikoto, who was serving as a bridesmaid, looking even more beautiful than the bride. Tsunade sighed. "I still don't understand how you ended up with such good
luck."
The wedding dragged on with one ceremony after another, typical for a clan leader's wedding. Xin found himself nodding off, stifling yawns.
When everything was finally over, the Third Hokage was one of the first to make his exit. And with him gone, the other guests began to leave as well.
"Captain, the clan leader would like a word with you," Ryoji said quietly, approaching Xin just as he was about to leave with Tsunade.
"Of course," Tsunade grinned, settling back down with another bottle of sake. "I'll wait for you. Don't take too long, or I might end up needing you to carry me home."
Xin chuckled and nodded. He was curious about why Fugaku wanted to talk. On his
wedding day, no less.