As the sky brightened, close friends and family began arriving at the Senju household.
The already bustling Senju compound became even livelier.
Minato arrived first while Sakumo's family of six, including Kawaki and Ginji, came a bit later.
"Looking sharp, huh?"
Nawaki, already dressed in his groom's attire, was given an approving once-over by Kawaki.
"Hehe~"
Nawaki just grinned like a fool, blushing slightly—blissfully clueless.
"How are you feeling? Excited?"
Minato circled Nawaki, stopping behind him and casually placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Pfft, what's there to get excited about? It's just getting married!"
Nawaki turned his head slightly, full of disdain in tone.
He couldn't afford to look flustered in front of his boys.
Truth was, he was bursting with emotions—he had so much to say, but no idea where to begin.
"Got it. My big bro Nawaki's still playing it cool, as usual."
Minato smirked, fully aware of Nawaki's stubborn nature.
He was just like that roast duck—still wouldn't admit he was done!
"Of course, I am going to be the Hokage after all."
Nawaki still held tightly onto his dream of becoming Hokage.
"Even if you're my big bro, I'm not letting you take that title."
Minato declared solemnly, sharing the same ambition as Nawaki.
"Ohh, so you two are fighting over it already?"
"I haven't stepped down yet."
Tsunade couldn't suppress her smile. Looks like her days of punishment were nearly over.
"It doesn't matter, we're still young."
As soon as the words left Nawaki's mouth, his expression shifted.
Guiltily glancing toward Tsunade, he grew anxious.
Why did his mouth always run ahead of his brain?!
"What was that, punk?"
"Forget it. It's your wedding day today, so I won't hit you—I'll save it for later."
Tsunade shot Nawaki a threatening glare before quietly lowering the hand she had raised.
It's fine if you want to be Hokage, but implying I'm old? That deserves a beating!
"Haha~ Teacher's wife, I didn't mean it that way at all."
Minato laughed beside them, unaware he'd soon become collateral damage.
"You're no better, both cut from the same cloth."
Clearly not satisfied with that, poor Minato suffered a painful smack on the head from Tsunade.
"Calling me 'teacher' won't save you either."
Watching this comical scene unfold, Kawaki's face wrinkled into laughter.
"Teacher~"
Minato rubbed his head pitifully, looking completely innocent.
"Calling me 'teacher' won't help either."
At this moment, Tsunade radiated a terrifying aura.
"This is a joyful occasion, why are you acting up?"
"The time's about up anyway. Eat something and then we'll head over to Orochimaru's place."
At that moment, Mito entered hand-in-hand with Kakashi and Ginji.
"Alright."
Everyone responded together, Kawaki being the first to head out the door.
After scarfing down a quick breakfast, the wedding procession got into formation, with Nawaki at the front leading the grand group forward.
Even at Orochimaru's house, rare festivities filled the air. Usually, few visitors stopped by.
"Aoi, isn't Sister Misaki looking absolutely stunning today?"
Pakura pointed toward a neatly-dressed Misaki, asking Aoi Tsukigami. Nearby, Orochimaru smiled silently.
"She's gorgeous. When I grow up, I wanna get married looking this beautiful too—just like Ginji-niisan!"
Aoi Tsukigami blinked her big, cute eyes innocently, completely oblivious to the dark expression spreading across Orochimaru's face.
Orochimaru might have been able to tolerate those words twenty years from now, but certainly not today.
"Haha~ you bold little brat. Just look at your dad's furious face."
Pakura shot Orochimaru a glance and burst out laughing.
"It's fine, Dad. I'll come visit often—it's not that far anyway."
Aoi Tsukigami stepped closer and tugged at Orochimaru's sleeve.
"Good. My dear Aoi Tsukigami truly is a devoted daughter."
"I feel a little tightness in my chest. I'll step outside for some fresh air."
Orochimaru offered an unpleasant smile, pressed a hand to his chest, and strode out.
What a despicable man. His child turned out just like him. Who knows what kind of enchantment he used on Aoi Tsukigami?
"Mama, will Dad be okay?"
It was obvious that Aoi Tsukigami still deeply cared for Orochimaru.
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