December 27th, early morning.
Shinho vaguely heard the commotion outside and opened his eyes. He yawned, his breath misting in the cold air.
December had arrived, bringing with it a chill that banished any remaining summer's heat.
Mornings were especially difficult; the warmth of the futon and the soft pillow made him reluctant to move.
"Shinho, good morning," Hinata's gentle voice reached him.
"Good morning," Shinho turned his head to see Hinata smiling at him.
He reached out, pinching her cheek softly, then his hand trailed down, gently caressing her abdomen.
Four months pregnant, her belly was now showing a slight curve.
"They're all waiting. We should get up," Hinata said, her smile deepening under his touch.
Today was their wedding day.
The Hyuga clan was the busiest, as the ceremony was being held at their compound. They were known for their elaborate and often rigid traditions.
"Alright," Shinho agreed, getting out of bed to change into a black kimono.
Hinata, on the other hand, donned a white shiromuku.
The pristine white wedding kimono, coupled with her gentle demeanor and a hint of bashfulness, perfectly embodied the image of a virtuous wife and mother.
Tsunade, with her personality, even in a shiromuku, would likely still exude an air of assertive authority.
But Hinata was different.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
Shinho opened the door to find Hanabi.
Unlike her usual attire, she wore a white kimono today – not a shiromuku, but something more akin to a bridesmaid's dress.
In fact, she was a bridesmaid today.
"Brother-in-law, Sister, the makeup artist is here. Let's have breakfast first, then get our makeup done," Hanabi said, her heart fluttering slightly as she looked at Shinho.
Up close, he was undeniably handsome and charismatic.
"Let's go," Shinho said, ruffling her hair affectionately before extending a hand to Hinata.
She took two steps forward, clasping his hand with a smile.
Hanabi felt a pang of annoyance at the blatant display of affection. She turned and headed towards the living room, where Hiashi and Neji were already waiting.
With the Caged Bird Seal now abolished, the distinction between the main and branch families was gone, replaced by a merit-based system.
Hiashi still led the Hyuga clan. After all, besides Hinata and Neji, no other clan member could surpass him in skill.
Hiashi wanted to retire, but he had no successor.
Hinata was devoted to being a wife and mother, Neji led the Eighth Shinobi division and was no longer focused on clan affairs, leaving only Hanabi, who was still too young to take on the leadership role.
"Come, let's have the meal together," Hiashi said, beckoning them with a smile.
Hanabi glanced at him, surprised by his unusually amiable demeanor.
The reason was quite simple though: Shinho wasn't just his son-in-law, he was also the Emperor and the Hokage.
Shinho and Hinata took their seats.
Normally, Shinho would take the head seat, but today was a family gathering, so he sat to Hiashi's left.
Hinata sat beside him, and after a moment's hesitation, Hanabi sat across from her, next to Neji.
"Let's begin," Hiashi said, looking at them with satisfaction.
The current situation was unprecedentedly favorable. Hinata led the Division, Neji the Eighth, and Shinho's position spoke for itself.
The Hyuga clan had been elevated to new heights, thanks to Shinho. While Hinata played a significant role in this, it wouldn't have been possible without him.
The Hyuga breakfast wasn't ramen or bread, but a traditional meal of rice, eggs, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables.
After breakfast, everyone began bustling about.
Hiashi oversaw the wedding preparations, Neji went to greet the arriving guests. Shinho and Hinata, led by Hanabi, went to see the makeup artist.
The wedding was scheduled for 9 am, but guests began arriving as early as 8.
"It's strange without Ino here," Choji mumbled between bites of potato chips.
"It can't be helped," Shikamaru said with a sigh. "Who would have thought Ino would be getting married this afternoon?"
"You could get married too," Kiba said with a suggestive wink.
"I'm still young," Shikamaru replied, understanding Kiba.
"Woof woof!" Akamaru barked suddenly.
"What did he say?" Shikamaru asked curiously.
"Akamaru says he smells the Sand ninja," Kiba answered, then asked with a gossipy tone, "Are you going to greet them?"
"The Hokage will take care of that," Shikamaru coughed, changing the subject. "Hinata's getting married. As her teammates, have you chosen your gifts?"
"Of course we have!" Kiba said proudly. "Hinata and Shinho will love them."
"Me too," Shino added.
"Neji's receiving guests today, huh." Shikamaru commented, spotting Neji at the entrance.
"I wonder if Naruto and the others have arrived," Kiba said, looking around. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Naruto!"
Naruto, hearing his name, waved enthusiastically.
Beside him were Sasuke, Sakura, Tenten, and Rock Lee.
The group gathered, exchanged greetings, and entered the courtyard.
The usually spacious courtyard was now filled with tables.
Since it wasn't yet noon, there was no heavy food, but there were various fruits and snacks. They settled around an empty table and began chatting.
As time passed, more and more guests arrived, eventually filling the courtyard. Hiashi directed the Hyuga ninja in setting up an aisle.
At 9 am sharp, Shinho and Hinata emerged from the house and stepped onto the decorated path.
Hanabi followed behind them, like a bridesmaid and a page.
Shinho scanned the crowd, quickly spotting Tsunade.
She was sitting with Orochimaru and Mikoto. Noticing his gaze, she glared at him with a hint of resentment.
It was understandable; watching her husband marry another woman must be difficult, even though she had long since accepted it.
Hiashi stood at the end of the aisle, beaming at Shinho and Hinata.
Originally, Neji or Hanabi were supposed to officiate the wedding, but he had volunteered to take on the task himself.
"Father," Hinata said, stopping before him.
"Father-in-law," Shinho addressed him respectfully.
A wide smile spread across Hiashi's face at the words 'Father-in-law'.
With Shinho, the Hyuga clan's future was secured. He was young and could remain Emperor and Hokage for a long time.
Moreover, Hinata was marrying the man she loved, which was another reason for joy.
"Let the wedding ceremony begin!" Hiashi declared with heartfelt contentment.
The ceremony proceeded much like the last one.
Having gone through it once, Shinho's experience taught him to simply follow the instructions without overthinking.
Hinata, on the other hand, was visibly excited, a blush coloring her cheeks from the beginning of the ceremony until the very end.
The wedding concluded just as noon arrived, signaling lunchtime.
Unlike last time, however, Shinho didn't linger.
After a quick meal, he and Hinata departed.
The reason was simple: there was another wedding at two o'clock in the afternoon, leaving him with little time to prepare.
In fact, it was the same for the guests. After lunch, they had to go home, get their gifts, and rush to the Yamanaka clan compound.
Outside Hinata's room, which was now their wedding chamber, Shinho stopped. He turned to look at the little shadow that had been following him: Hanabi.
"Brother-in-law...is something the matter?" Hanabi asked, her heart skipping a beat as she met his playful gaze.
"What do you think?" Shinho lightly flicked her forehead. "Go and eat something. You don't have to follow us."
"Bye, Sister," Hanabi waved, then turned and ran off.
"Hanabi can be a bit clingy," Hinata said softly.
A bit? Shinho chuckled inwardly.
He'd have plenty of opportunities to tease her later.
"Shinho," Hinata said, opening the door to the room. "Would you like some water?"
"I'll get it," Shinho said, closing the door behind them.
"No need," Hinata shook her head quickly. "Although I'm pregnant, it doesn't affect me yet."
"Why try to act tough?" Shinho asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I..." Hinata started to explain, but then felt a distinct tremor in her buttocks as Shinho's hand moved lower. She blushed deeply, but didn't resist.
It was their wedding night.. Well sort of, and she was only four months pregnant.
With care, there wouldn't be a problem.
"We have two hours," Shinho murmured, his hand gently caressing the curves of her kimono-clad hips.
"At...at most half an hour," Hinata hesitated for a few seconds before replying.
She was worried about the baby, but also about keeping Ino waiting too long.
"Alright," Shinho agreed.
Hinata smiled shyly and reached out to untie her obi, but he stopped her.
She looked at him questioningly.
"Leave it on," Shinho said with a smile.
"Huh?" Hinata was confused, her eyes widening in surprise.
Without further explanation, Shinho lifted her into his arms, bunching up the skirt of her shiromuku to reveal her fair legs.
Hinata instinctively clung to his neck, her brow furrowing momentarily before relaxing.
Her face flushed crimson, her head swimming, she instinctively responded to his touch.
"Hinata," a thought struck Shinho. "How about trying the revolving heaven?"
"Revolving heaven?" Hinata looked up, her Byakugan filled with a hazy, alluring confusion.
"You learned the outer Revolving heaven. Today, I'll teach you the inner Revolving heaven," Shinho whispered in her ear, explaining his meaning.
Hinata's mouth dropped open. That was possible? But if the Hyuga ancestors knew about this kind of Revolving heaven, they would surely turn over in their graves.
Meeting Shinho's expectant gaze, Hinata hesitantly channeled her chakra.
Revolving heaven!
While there was no outward change, internally, a swirling vortex of energy began to spin. Shinho couldn't help but gasp.
Fortunately, as a rank six Gu Master, he wasn't afraid of this kind of strain.
Time ticked by.
In the courtyard, the guests finished the wedding feast and hurried off to the next one. Shinho arrived at the Yamanaka compound ahead of them.
Since all the ninja clans had moved to Konoha, they were relatively close to each other.
"Brat!" a familiar voice called from above.
Shinho looked up to see Tsunade sitting in a tree, arms crossed, her long legs dangling in the air.
"Aren't you cold?" Shinho asked, reaching out a hand. "Come down."
Tsunade jumped down, landing gracefully in his arms. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist.
"You smell of her perfume," Tsunade said, sniffing the air.
"If someone sees us like this, it might damage your image as a sannin," Shinho said, his hands cupping her soft, ample derrire.
"Who would dare say anything?" Tsunade scoffed.
"The courtyard is already filling up with people," Shinho said with a smile.
"Bastard!" Tsunade glared at him and then leaned in, biting his lip hard.
"Anger isn't good for the baby," Shinho said, licking his lip.
"Put me down," Tsunade said, her tone softening.
Shinho bent down, letting her stand on her own.
Although her strength meant pregnancy wouldn't significantly affect her, it was best to be cautious.
"Let's go in," Shinho offered his hand.
"You go find Ino. I'll go in myself," Tsunade said, glancing at the courtyard before walking in.
Shinho paused for a moment, then quickly followed.
People nearby tried to greet him, but he waved them off. He soon found Ino, who, like Hinata, was dressed in a dazzling white shiromuku.
"Do I look good?" Ino asked, twirling in front of him.
Even the traditional kimono couldn't hide her slender figure.
"You look beautiful," Shinho said sincerely.
"More beautiful than Hinata?" Ino asked pointedly.
"You both look beautiful," Shinho coughed. "Your beauty is different, it can't be compared."
"Slick bastard," Ino said, rolling her eyes playfully, but her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"I mean it," Shinho pulled her into his arms. "I'm telling the truth."
"Whether you are or not, you know best," Ino said, wriggling slightly in his embrace.
"As a wife, how can you question me?" Shinho asked, playfully patting her bottom.
Ino froze, then blushed. The word "wife" sent a shiver down her spine.
Amidst their playful banter, time quickly passed, and 2 pm arrived.
The wedding ceremony began, following a similar format to the morning's, except Shikamaru was the officiant this time.
As night fell, the guests, having attended two weddings, finally dispersed, leaving the Yamanaka compound quiet once more.
Shinho, hand in hand with Ino, returned to their room.