Nawaki and Misaki made their way out of Orochimaru's compound, surrounded by blessings and good wishes from everyone.
An eight-person bridal palanquin had been waiting outside the laboratory doors for quite some time.
The eight bearers serving as pallbearers were all veteran subordinates of Nawaki.
This ensured safety and also allowed everyone to share in the joyous occasion.
"Time to get on board, my lady," Nawaki chivalrously helped Misaki into the bridal palanquin before finally letting go of her hand once the curtain was drawn shut.
Although he didn't have a powerful stallion, he certainly wasn't lacking in transportation options.
With a loud 'bang' and an eruption of smoke, a large python appeared beneath Nawaki's feet.
"Let's get going, Kurenai."
With a proud flourish of his large hand, Nawaki set off, with the python and the floral bridal palanquin proceeding side by side.
Had the bearers not already prepared themselves mentally, had they not been experienced ninja, they might have trembled in terror.
How large must a snake be to carry people atop its head? No need to describe it in detail.
The villagers who had gathered to enjoy the spectacle simultaneously took more than seven steps backward—perfectly in unison.
We're here to celebrate, not to be scared out of our wits!
"I don't remember hearing about this part?"
Kawaki was completely stunned, staring fixedly at Nawaki's back.
Having lived two lifetimes, this was truly his first experience witnessing someone getting married while riding on a snake.
As for "riding a dog ruins your pants," he completely ignored that saying.
His younger brother was perfectly fine the way he was!!
"I haven't heard about this either," said Tsunade.
She and Kawaki looked at each other in bewilderment, watching Kurenai while pressing a hand to her forehead.
Could her idiot younger brother actually think red symbolized celebration?
"What? Kurenai looks great."
"We practically explored every inch of Ryūchi Cave together."
Orochimaru, on the other hand, clearly appreciated the sight—after all, tastes in beauty vary greatly among people.
"You two really are a perfect match."
Pakura laughed helplessly, suddenly recalling Orochimaru's suspicious behavior from a few days prior. So this was what he'd been up to.
She had managed to overcome her fear of snakes, although she still had a long way to go before actually liking them.
"A bunch of people with no taste whatsoever."
"My baby, do you think Kurenai is beautiful?"
Deeply dissatisfied, Orochimaru bent down and scooped up Aoi Tsukigami, pointing at Kurenai as he asked.
"She's so vibrant, truly beautiful."
Aoi's eyes lit up with excitement as she looked at Kurenai. It was obvious she was dying to take a ride.
"Only my daughter could possess such good taste."
Highly satisfied with Aoi's response, Orochimaru kissed her cheek lightly before setting her back down.
"That's right. Your daughter definitely has the best taste."
Pakura rolled her eyes at Orochimaru. That hopeless daughter-loving father was something else.
"Well, that's only because she has a mother with excellent taste."
Orochimaru's casually spoken words immediately brightened Pakura's expression, effortlessly playing her emotions.
"When did you become like this?"
Kawaki shot Orochimaru a look filled with disdain.
That guy flattered others so calculatingly—it simply couldn't compare with his own blunt honesty.
"Do I look like I care whether you talk or not?"
Without changing his expression at all, Orochimaru shot Kawaki a look of pure cold indifference.
"Don't waste time arguing. The procession has already gone far ahead."
Tsunade's head started throbbing again from listening to Kawaki bicker with others, so she quickly grabbed him and hurried away.
At home, they never stop fighting, and now they're still bickering outside.
If it weren't for the fact that there's no Hirai Brother in Naruto, Tsunade would've suspected that Kawaki might be his reincarnation.
"Hahaha~ Can't you two just talk nicely?"
Pakura hadn't finished laughing earlier when she was amused all over again.
"That's because he's the father of this stinky kid."
After all the guests had left, Orochimaru locked the door and pulled a reluctant Ginji forward.
Orochimaru's estate wasn't hosting any feast—it was only serving as the bride-picking location.
Ginji clearly felt that his uncle's hand wasn't as warm as Auntie's. He gave a terrible rating.
...
In front of the Senju compound's main gate, Mito stood anxiously waiting with anticipation.
Standing beside her were Sakumo and Jiraiya—those who hadn't gone to welcome the bride.
"When is Uncle Nawaki going to arrive?"
Naruto was being held by Jiraiya, and like any child, he was already growing impatient from waiting.
"Soon, soon. Let's wait just a bit longer."
Jiraiya didn't even turn his head. He had always treated Nawaki like a real younger brother.
"What's that over there?"
Kakashi, with his sharp eyes, spotted a figure rhythmically bobbing up and down near the bridal palanquin from afar.
"That's an attention-seeker."
Mito couldn't help but feel speechless. She didn't even need to look; she could already sense it was Nawaki riding on a snake.
"Ahem~ Well, at least it's red. It looks festive enough."
As they got closer, Natsuki almost burst out laughing but managed to suppress it behind a cough.
"This really has been an eye-opening experience on such a joyous occasion."
Sakumo had clearly become accustomed to Kawaki's antics. His reaction to this scene was even calmer than Kawaki himself.
"Whatever. I'm going in first."
That sight was simply too much, and Mito truly didn't want to see it.
She was the princess of Uzumaki Country, elegant and courteous.
How did she end up with such a mischievous grandson?
"You incorrigible one, just like you."
Muttering softly under her breath, Mito walked through the gates with a faint smile.
Not long after Mito had gone inside, the wedding procession halted at the entrance.
Nawaki nimbly jumped from atop Kurenai's head onto the ground in front of the bridal palanquin, then lifted the curtain and helped Misaki out.
Without him needing to say a word, Kurenai obediently vanished on the spot.
"Such a perfect match."
Jiraiya looked at the newlywed couple fondly, eyes filled with nothing but pride.
That little brat who once followed him begging for magazines had grown up and started a family.
"Let's go inside."
There was still more to come—more exciting moments awaited.
Nawaki gently tugged, and Misaki followed along.
Together, they stepped into the Senju compound amid waves of blessings.
Walking all the way into the grand hall, the hall was brimming with guests, with only Mito seated alone and solemn on the elevated dais.
As Nawaki and Misaki stood before Mito, the wedding ceremony officially began.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my grandson—Senju Nawaki and Uzumaki Misaki's wedding."
As soon as Mito rose to speak, the entire venue fell silent.
She paused briefly—no disruptive sounds emerged, as she'd half-expected.
The once-great Senju of the Forest had either fallen or vanished into obscurity.
It was time to bring some old practices to a close.
Besides, Nawaki would one day have children of his own. Someone must carry on the Senju legacy.
Hashirama, this time I won't follow your lead.
Hearing this, Nawaki felt like bursting into tears.
How could he not even know his own surname?
Why was it that Grandpa and Ikeda Nidaime had both been Hokage, yet he wasn't even allowed to bear their surname?
When they were young, they'd only call each other by their surnames in private—two poor souls who had surnames but couldn't claim them.
Senju Nawaki, Tsunade Senju.
No—now she was Hatake Tsunade.
Thinking about that, a faint smile crept across Nawaki's lips.
"I believe, with everyone's witness and blessings, they will surely live a happy life. As their grandmother, I'm deeply grateful for each of you being here today. And now, I also hope they may finish drinking the ceremonial sake together beneath your blessings."
After speaking those words, Mito slightly bowed again and sat back down.
At this moment, Ginji and Aoi Tsukigami carried the sake cups forward ceremoniously to Nawaki and Misaki.
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