The sky above Konoha was a bright, unblemished blue, stretching wide and endless.
Today, the Senju compound had become the focal point of the entire village, the heart of all attention. Inside and outside the residence, crowds surged, filling the air with a cacophony of voices, laughter, and the occasional cheer. Every member of the Senju clan had donned new attire, their faces radiating barely contained excitement and pride. This was not just a wedding; it was a declaration—a proclamation of the Senju clan's resurgence.
It symbolized the long-suppressed return to glory of a once-great clan, ready to step into the future with renewed strength.
Itoshiki Furukawa stood atop the highest tower of the main residence, leaning casually against the railing as he gazed into the distance. Below, the joyous scene unfurled, the celebration vibrant with life. Today, he wore a specially tailored dark formal suit, the edges embroidered with intricate sunflower patterns in golden thread. The design was a symbol of vigor and an unyielding will, perfectly matching the aura he exuded—steady, powerful, and rooted like the mountains themselves.
He could feel it—the palpable excitement in the air, even the very atmosphere of Konoha seemed charged with anticipation. It was almost overwhelming.
"What are you doing standing here alone? So lost in thought?" a familiar voice called from behind him, laced with a teasing hint of laziness.
Itoshiki Furukawa turned, smiling as he saw Tsunade. She had already changed into her formal attire, a stunning green kimono. The embroidery on it was intricate, depicting plovers and an abundance of flowers, each stitch seemingly breathing life into the garment. The kimono clung to her figure, outlining her curves with breathtaking elegance.
Unlike the typical shy bride, Tsunade walked with confidence, her strides generous and assured. She stood shoulder to shoulder with Itoshiki Furukawa, her amber eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Looking at our future," he replied softly, his gaze warm.
Tsunade felt a slight tremor run through her as he reached out, taking her hand. The touch was gentle but strong, his warmth filling her palm, easing the faint trace of tension she hadn't realized was there. It was the kind of reassurance only he could offer, grounding her.
She hummed softly, a small smile playing on her lips, the faintest tension melting away. "Stop it with that," she teased, though the upturned corners of her mouth betrayed her good mood.
"I think you're more worried about how to deal with those troublesome old geezers later, aren't you?"
"With you here, what do I need to worry about?" he replied, his smile growing.
His fingers gently pinched her palm in a gesture of reassurance, a silent promise passing between them. Their eyes met, and in that brief moment, everything was understood.
The hour was fast approaching. Outside the Senju compound, the earlier noise of celebration had quieted, replaced by a more solemn, expectant atmosphere. Guests began arriving in a steady stream, each greeted with respectful nods and quiet murmurs of admiration.
First among them was Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, who entered the scene in his plain yet dignified Hokage robes. His warm smile was ever-present, a beacon of kindness and authority. Behind him, several Anbu moved silently, their auras restrained, yet unmistakably showing the Hokage's power.
"Ishiki, Tsunade, congratulations to you both," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his eyes soft with unmasked joy and anticipation.
"The future of the Senju clan, the future of Konoha, rests on your shoulders now."
The weight of his words was not lost on either of them.
"Hokage-sama, you are too kind," Itoshiki Furukawa said, bowing slightly, his voice humble yet firm. "The prosperity of Konoha still requires your steady guidance."
Hiruzen chuckled, though his gaze lingered thoughtfully on Itoshiki Furukawa. The power of Wood Release, the resurgence of the Senju—he understood the implications all too well.
"I'm no longer young," Hiruzen said with a hearty laugh, his tone filled with wisdom. "After dedicating my years to Konoha, it's time for me to rest."
Before anything more could be said, two figures approached, drawing the attention of the crowd.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru, the legendary Sannin, appeared side by side. Jiraiya was unmistakable—boisterous and unrestrained, his white hair standing out like a beacon. As soon as his eyes fell on Tsunade, his laughter rang out across the courtyard, loud and brash.
"Puhahaha! Tsunade! This outfit of yours is truly unexpected! Who would have thought you'd be so... gentle today!"
"Bang!"
Tsunade's response was swift—a punch that sent Jiraiya tumbling backward, his laughter turning into a sputtering yelp. He rolled awkwardly on the ground, much to the amusement of the surrounding guests.
"Shut up! You idiot!" Tsunade shouted, her face flushed with irritation.
Itoshiki Furukawa couldn't help but shake his head, a small smile tugging at his lips. He was used to Jiraiya's antics by now.
In contrast, Orochimaru remained calm and composed. He wore a simple, elegant kimono that made his pale face all the more striking. His snake-like eyes glittered with a cold, almost predatory light, but his greeting was subdued, his voice low and hoarse.
"Congratulations," he said, his words simple but layered with a strange, almost imperceptible tension.
Itoshiki Furukawa noticed that Orochimaru's gaze lingered on him, assessing, analyzing—there was a distinct, clinical curiosity in his eyes, a desire to understand what lay beneath the surface. It wasn't pure greed, but more the intense scrutiny of someone intrigued by the potential for something greater. Something... experimental.
"Orochimaru, Jiraiya, we're glad you could be here," Itoshiki Furukawa said, his smile unwavering despite the undercurrent of unease.
He could feel Orochimaru's eyes on him, heavy with that unsettling gaze, but he showed no fear. Instead, he stood tall, unwavering in the face of it.
Orochimaru's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He didn't say anything more, just silently retreated to the side, blending into the guests, but lurking like a viper.
Subsequently, representatives of Konoha's major ninja clans also arrived one after another.
The current head of the Hyuga clan, Hizashi Hyuga, personally led the team. His expression was solemn, and he performed impeccable noble etiquette towards Itoshiki and Tsunade. His attitude was noticeably more serious and respectful than during their last meeting. Behind Hizashi, Hizashi Hyuga stood quietly. The Byakugan eyes, once clouded by the 'Caged Bird' curse mark, now only held clarity and composure. Seeing Hizashi's complete transformation, Itoshiki felt a surge of relief in his heart.
A figure unexpected by many villagers appeared at the entrance. It was the head of the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Kunitsuna! He had actually come in person!
Uchiha Kunitsuna was still wearing the dark clan uniform symbolizing the Uchiha's glory, his face stern, his eyes sharp. Behind him followed several Uchiha elders with equally powerful auras, each bearing the Uchiha's characteristic pride. Uchiha Kunitsuna's appearance undoubtedly dropped a stone into the crowd, stirring up ripples. Senju and Uchiha. Centuries of grievances and entanglements had long been etched into the history of Konoha. Uchiha Kunitsuna merely nodded slightly to Itoshiki and Tsunade, as a greeting. His demeanor still carried the Uchiha's deep-rooted poise and arrogance. But his personal attendance sent an extraordinary signal.
"Clan Head Kunitsuna, thank you for gracing us with your presence."
Itoshiki took a step forward, breaking the subtle silence. He seemed completely unconcerned by the other's somewhat cold attitude, his face still adorned with that calm smile.
Uchiha Kunitsuna stared deeply at Itoshiki. Complex and enigmatic emotions churned in his dark and profound eyes. After a long while, he lightly grunted an "Mm" from his nostrils, as a response.
Itoshiki didn't mind. He knew that Rome wasn't built in a day. The relationship with the Uchiha couldn't be achieved overnight. When his disciple, Uchiha Rinne, slowly grew up, the Uchiha clan would naturally lean towards him, just like Uchiha Kagami did back then. The fact that they could come today, could stand here, was already a worthwhile start.
However, under the sunlight, shadows always followed. Not everyone came with blessings. When Danzo Shimura, with several Root ninja, appeared at the entrance with a gloomy face, the originally warm and festive atmosphere of the scene seemed to be doused with cold water, instantly freezing slightly. Danzo's exposed left eye, like the eyes of a viper lurking in the dark, coldly swept over everyone present. His bandaged right eye added a touch of sinister gloom.
He walked straight to Itoshiki, and instead of congratulating him like others, his tone was stiff, with an undisguised hint of warning:
"Itoshiki, it's a good thing that the Senju clan has a leader again. But, don't forget, the stability of Konoha is above all else!"
The smile on Itoshiki's face remained unchanged, but his eyes became exceptionally sharp at that moment. He calmly met Danzo's cold, single eye, his tone gentle, but every word was clear and resounding:
"Elder Danzo, rest assured. The power of the Senju will only be used to protect Konoha, to protect our common home. This will never change."
The two's gazes collided silently in the air. The surrounding guests felt the undercurrents and held their breath, not daring to speak. In the end, Danzo snorted coldly and looked away first. He led his expressionless Root subordinates to an inconspicuous corner, as if merging into the shadows.
This brief but intense confrontation did not stop the wedding's progress. Under the guidance of Mito Uzumaki, the most senior and respected member, the ancient and solemn Senju clan ceremony officially began.
Itoshiki and Tsunade stood side by side before the altar. The bright sunlight shone through the carved window lattices, gently falling on them. They exchanged tokens symbolizing an eternal covenant. They shared the sake containing the blessings of their ancestors and the expectations of their families.
Itoshiki turned his head, looking at the radiant and charming Tsunade beside him. Her profile looked particularly gentle in the light. From her slightly trembling eyelashes and the slightly sweaty palm tightly holding his, he could feel the waves in her heart. Nervousness, shyness, but more of a do-or-die determination, and an unreserved trust.
He squeezed her hand, conveying his strength and determination. An unprecedented sense of security and warmth surged in his heart. From today on, they would be each other's strongest support.
Tsunade also gazed at the man beside her. This man who had suddenly barged into her life like fate, and had filled her heart at an incredible speed. His eyes were gentle, yet contained the stability and firmness of a mountain. As if no matter what lay ahead, whether it was storms or a mountain of knives and a sea of fire, he could take her through it calmly.
In the main seat, Mito Uzumaki looked at the couple before her, a sincere and gratified smile on her aging face. The future of the Senju. Finally, there was a truly reliable hope.
Thunderous applause and heartfelt cheers suddenly erupted! Echoing throughout the entire Senju mansion, even spreading far and wide, announcing the beginning of a new era.
"Tsunade, that girl, has also found her own home." Jiraiya stood in the crowd, looking at the beautiful couple on the stage, a smile on his face with a hint of relief, but also unable to hide the indescribable loneliness.
On the other side of the crowd, Kushina Uzumaki stared wide-eyed at the radiant and powerful Tsunade on the stage. She also looked at Itoshiki next to her, who had been smiling gently from beginning to end, as if he had everything under control. Her small mouth was slightly pouting, her eyes full of curiosity, and an indescribable complex emotion.