"Mm, thank you, Onee-sama and Brother-in-law."
Nawaki and Misaki kept bowing repeatedly, their politeness so stiff it felt artificial.
Kushina nearly burst into laughter at the sight of Tsunade's increasingly dark expression.
These two are so nervous—they're saying exactly the kind of thing Aunt Tsunade can't stand.
"Thank us one more time and I'll twist your head off."
Tsunade would have slammed the table without hesitation—if only Mito hadn't been sitting there.
"Alright, alright. Just remember how generous your sister and brother-in-law have been."
"Just keep quiet if you don't know how to speak properly."
Mito couldn't bear watching any longer and stepped in to help Nawaki and Misaki ease the tension.
"We got it, Grandma."
The two nodded rapidly like pecking chicks, acting unusually obedient.
"It's nothing serious. Please don't get upset."
Kawaki found it understandable and even tried to comfort Tsunade.
"I'm furious."
Tsunade poured herself a drink, took a deep breath, and shot Nawaki an intense glare.
"Onee-sama, I was wrong."
Nawaki finally regained his senses, admitting fault with a straightforward, sincere attitude.
"You apologized well. Now go have another drink with your sister and brother-in-law."
Seeing that Tsunade refused to acknowledge Nawaki, Kawaki could only try easing this awkward yet somehow amusing atmosphere himself.
When the sake had started flowing and the feast was well underway, happiness filled the dining table.
Twenty-three days passed—slowly yet quickly.
After everyone's careful preparations, within just a few days, the Senju compound had already been beautifully decorated with lanterns and streamers.
Numerous invitations were sent out into the hands of relatives and friends throughout Konoha Village.
Far away in the Land of Rain, Nagato and the others also received their invitations—something Nawaki insisted on doing.
He could accept if they were unable to attend in person, but not informing them himself would be his own failure.
News of Nawaki's upcoming wedding gradually spread across Konoha.
Most ninja in Konoha Village knew him as this powerful Water Release expert with strong connections and background.
But for the villagers, he was simply known as the Hokage-sama's younger brother and the grandson of the First Hokage.
However, Nawaki didn't care about any of that. His mind was solely focused on the upcoming wedding ceremony.
He firmly believed that one day, people would recognize his name on its own, without any added titles!
A large group of people busily prepared for Nawaki's wedding, while hearts in the distant Land of Rain remained restless.
"So Nawaki-niisan and Misaki-nee are finally getting married, huh?"
Nagato held the red invitation tightly, feeling a deep warmth and blessings well up inside him.
Out of the group, he'd spent the longest time with Misaki.
Back in the lab, Misaki always looked after him well, and since they were from the same clan, they had a deep connection.
"True love prevails at last. I'm genuinely happy for them."
Yahiko looked toward Konan. Lucky for me, you're still by my side.
"Will you guys go back for it?"
Nonou didn't seem especially moved.
Nawaki was just her senior, and she didn't even know Misaki.
"We'd love to, but we're not sure if it might cause trouble."
Nagato scratched his head, thinking through the feasibility.
"I'm sure Senior Nawaki wants you to come back."
"But if you really can't make it, I believe he won't blame you either."
"After all, he fully understands what we're doing here."
Nonou's analysis is exactly right. That was precisely what Nawaki was thinking.
"The village's safety isn't something to worry about. It's been peaceful since the teacher's wife left."
"Besides, Kakuzu's here to keep an eye on everything. But I'll follow your lead."
Konan had already shown what she was thinking through her words.
"You know what? Let Nagato and I think about it for a bit."
Yahiko playfully rubbed Konan's nose, his gaze full of affection.
...
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