By this time of year, it was already the transition between summer and autumn. The crisp days of autumn were still a while away, but compared to recent weeks, it was no longer unbearably hot. The Land of Fire had pretty great weather — it hardly ever got extreme. At least today, it had turned out to be a rare perfect day.
As Mizuki chatted casually with Iruka, guests gradually started arriving one after another. Compared to grander events, Mizuki actually preferred this simpler kind of gathering. However, precisely because of its simplicity, much of the usual excitement was missing. Of course, neither Mizuki nor Tsubaki particularly cared about that. The greatest significance of a wedding still lay in sharing happiness and receiving blessings. What really mattered was having as many friends and loved ones as possible witness their joy and see him officially becoming someone's spouse.
Still, even though there weren't that many people present, Mizuki had to keep greeting guests nonstop, maintaining an unchanging smile on his face. He was even starting to worry his smile might get stuck there forever.
Seizing a brief moment to take a sip of water, Mizuki glanced around. In truth, the crowd wasn't large — aside from a few hired attendants and some friends helping out, especially those handling photography. Besides a professional videographer they'd invited, Iruka had also jumped in enthusiastically, snapping some meaningful shots just like Mizuki asked — memories worth keeping for years to come.
As time went on, more guests continued to arrive. The customs of the ninja world were simple and understated, with no dramatic display. There was no tradition of throwing lavish banquets or wild celebrations. On the contrary, during formal occasions, everyone maintained a respectful and serious demeanor. Everyone followed the ceremonial duties with strict precision. Apart from the close friends who received personal invitations, most of the other attendees were curious side characters who'd heard about it and showed up just to catch a glimpse of the joyful occasion. Even without certain customs like giving blessings for good fortune, just being near a joyful occasion seemed to lift everyone's spirits.
Among the crowd were also many curious children, playing nearby and coming to join the gathering once they saw others gathered. Most of them looked on curiously, their eyes wide with anticipation.
"Mizuki, we're getting quite a crowd. It's getting kind of overwhelming," Iruka, busy running back and forth helping out, said tiredly.
"The official time hasn't come yet," Mizuki replied. He too noticed that attendance exceeded expectations, mainly due to more bystanders than anticipated. "Tsubaki hasn't arrived yet. Let's wait a little longer."
"Mizuki, look at how many people are here — don't do anything reckless," Iruka added anxiously. "There are quite a few kids mixed in, too. If something startled them, it'd cause real problems."
"Don't worry, there won't be any danger."
Carrying out dangerous acts within Konoha village was strictly off-limits. Mizuki had indeed considered briefly setting up a Genjutsu Barrier. With his skill level, it would have been extremely easy to hypnotize a few bystanders into joining the celebration. But doing so without leaving a trace wasn't straightforward, and more importantly, manipulating civilians' wills using ninja techniques was a serious taboo. That could give those who already disliked Mizuki the excuse they needed to stir up trouble unjustly.
Also, gaining some empty vanity through this method held little meaning for Mizuki. It wasn't what he wanted, and definitely wouldn't please Tsubaki either.
After thinking deeply about it for a long time, Mizuki had to admit that if he proceeded using ordinary methods, there really weren't many choices left. But then, an idea struck him—he might not be able to "invite people here," but maybe he could go out himself instead. Back in his previous life, performers knew how to hold concerts and live broadcasts; Mizuki could do the same. This wasn't difficult for him at all. Ninjas already had various techniques for doing something like this. By borrowing ideas from the Third's Telescope Technique, applying it inversely, and combining it with Sealing Techniques and Barrier Techniques, he could create a [Ninja-Style Holographic Technique]. For Mizuki, it was nothing more than a slightly advanced toy. Such methods required slightly complex implementation steps and were only good for appearances—they didn't seem to offer much help in actual combat.
"Have it your way, just remember not to overdo it."
"There won't be any problem."
Such matters shouldn't really pose much difficulty or interfere with others. After all, this world already has fireworks and movies. It's just allowing them to witness the extraordinary capabilities of a ninja before their time.
...
As time passed, quite a crowd had gathered outside. Despite insufficient staff causing somewhat inadequate hospitality, the stunning arrangements provided such visual delight that no one felt bored or restless. Small groups of attendees gathered together, admiring the stunning array of flowers.
Inside, waiting anxiously, Mizuki finally heard a knock on the door. The door opened slowly, revealing Tsubaki standing outside, dressed elegantly in ceremonial attire.
"Long wait?" Tsubaki smiled gently as she walked inside.
"Oh, not at all—I had plenty of time," Mizuki stepped forward to greet her.
"You're unusually quiet today," Tsubaki raised her hands, adjusting the front of Mizuki's ceremonial robe. "I thought you'd refuse to wear this. But it looks great on you—though you weren't too thrilled back then..."
"It's not that I dislike it, just feels a bit unfamiliar." Mizuki lifted his arms, letting Tsubaki check his appearance properly. All that adjusting had messed up his outfit a bit.
"You actually expect to get used to wearing it?" Tsubaki took the rare opportunity to tease him playfully.
"Huh? Nope." One wedding outfit fitting was definitely enough. He'd made fun of Iruka earlier that morning, only to realize his own EQ wasn't all that great either.
"Nervous?" After fixing his attire, Tsubaki chuckled. "You haven't looked this unsettled since we selected instructors for the Ninja Academy."
"You still remember that?"
"Of course. In the end, you didn't get chosen, but Iruka got ahead of you..."
"Yeah... Feels like ancient history now."
"And now you're already a Jonin—it happened so quickly."
"It's just that the world moved too fast." Mizuki carefully observed Tsubaki's radiant white gown, delicately accented with soft yellow patterns, along with her elegant yet understated headpiece. Its simple refinement matched Tsubaki's style perfectly. Her usual single braid had been transformed into a classic updo. Though he had seen it multiple times before, she still looked breathtakingly beautiful.
"But Tsubaki, it's really good that you've never changed."
"Starting today, I'm going to change."
"Mm," she replied. From now on, they'd be family. Getting used to having someone else constantly present in daily life would still be a significant lifestyle adjustment.
Holding Tsubaki's hand, the two gazed out for a while at the towering Hokage Rock through the giant floor-to-ceiling window.
"Let's go out. We shouldn't keep our guests waiting."
"Okay."
"You're unusually quiet today — don't start showing off your sharp tongue later on."
"Mm, I'll try my best to behave."
The two whispered to each other as they walked out hand in hand.
Meanwhile, inside the grand hall that had originally been converted into the venue for the ceremony, potted landscapes, flowers, and fixed decorations that had previously been arranged neatly began rhythmically emitting glowing light.
"This is chakra fluctuation?"
Even a novice ninja could sense a dispersed yet peaceful surge of chakra beginning to rise.
"As expected… I knew that guy wouldn't just stick to the plan and end everything quietly."
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