After Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage, he became extremely busy.
However, the leadership change brought little visible disruption to daily life in Konoha. The village operated as it always had.
At that time, Chi Yu was at home, sitting with Uzumaki Kushina as they discussed their wedding invitation list.
Kushina listed three former teammates with whom she shared a strong bond, as well as Miyuki Uzumaki, whom she wanted present at the ceremony.
As for Chi Yu, he insisted on inviting Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura—figures he regarded as essential guests.
Afterward, Chi Yu paused in thought but couldn't think of anyone else worth inviting.
"Chi Yu," Kushina asked, "should we invite Minato Namikaze?"
Chi Yu frowned slightly. He considered it for a moment before replying, "Yes. After all, he and Miyuki have a relationship, and he's now the Fourth Hokage. I also hold an important position in the village. It's proper to go through the motions."
In total, including Orochimaru and Kakashi, the guest list comprised no more than ten people.
Of course, Chi Yu could have invited more. He had worked with many comrades during the war—Nara Watada, for instance—and if he extended invitations, they would have attended out of respect.
Chi Yu was confident that even someone like Uchiha Fugaku would attend if invited.
But there was no need.
Their relationships were professional, not personal. During the war, he and Fugaku were merely superior and subordinate—nothing more.
With the guest list finalized, the next step was selecting a wedding date.
After some discussion, Chi Yu and Kushina chose a date seven days later.
"I'll go deliver the invitations," Kushina said, gathering the stack before heading out.
"I'll come too."
Chi Yu also left, invitations in hand.
---
His first stop was Orochimaru's base. He personally handed the invitation to his former teacher.
Orochimaru accepted it with a rare, genuine smile. "Seven days from now, hmm? I see. I'll be there. I suppose I'll officiate your wedding with Kushina, then."
Chi Yu bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Orochimaru-sensei. Thank you for all your guidance over the years."
Orochimaru's tone grew nostalgic—unusual for him. "I once said I had high hopes for you. I wanted to see where the wind would carry you. Now, it seems your wind is blowing even further than mine.
Looking back, the best decision I made was taking you as my student. We've walked similar, yet different, paths—but you've become a wind that soars freely.
Keep going, Chi Yu. Let your wind keep blowing. May both our ideals take shape."
Chi Yu nodded solemnly. "I will."
---
Next, Chi Yu headed to the Sarutobi residence.
Since stepping down, Hiruzen Sarutobi spent most of his time at home. He had sensed Danzo's resentment toward him and planned to give it some time before reopening discussions regarding the Uchiha Clan.
When Chi Yu knocked, it was Biwako Sarutobi who opened the door.
"Oh, Chi Yu! You're here to see Hiruzen, right? Come in."
"Thank you, Lady Biwako."
Chi Yu entered politely. Hiruzen appeared from the inner room, smiling warmly.
"Chi Yu? What brings you here?"
Chi Yu offered the invitation with both hands. "Third Hokage, I'm getting married to Kushina in seven days. I hope you and Lady Biwako can attend."
Hiruzen accepted it with a pleased expression. "So you're finally tying the knot, eh? Time flies. You and Kushina have always been close. It's good to see childhood bonds grow into something lasting."
Biwako entered with a tray of tea, setting it down before Chi Yu.
"Oh, you're getting married? That's wonderful," she said fondly. Having once cared for Uzumaki Mito in her final years, Biwako had grown fond of Kushina, who was Mito's successor.
"Is there anything you need help with for the wedding?" Hiruzen asked.
"No, but thank you. There are only about ten guests. It'll be a small, simple wedding. Orochimaru-sensei will officiate, so it's all under control."
"Only ten guests?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow.
Chi Yu nodded. "You know me, Third Hokage. I've never been one for making friends easily. Just close companions and elders."
Hiruzen leaned back, his tone thoughtful. "You'll need to socialize more after marriage. You're too serious sometimes—it makes you seem distant. People are more likely to open up when they know you're approachable. Everyone in the village is a comrade."
Chi Yu gave a respectful nod. "I'll work on that."
"Have you invited Danzo?" Hiruzen asked.
"Yes. I'll be heading to Root shortly. After that, I plan to visit the Hokage Building to personally invite the Fourth Hokage."
Hiruzen was slightly surprised. He had expected Chi Yu to avoid Minato, given their complicated relationship. But Chi Yu extending an olive branch suggested that the tension might not be permanent.
Chi Yu was now closely aligned with Danzo. If he remained neutral in a future conflict between Minato and Root, it would significantly weaken any opposition Danzo might face.
Though Hiruzen didn't fully trust Chi Yu, he was glad to see him attempt reconciliation.
"That's wise," Hiruzen said. "Very well. Biwako and I will be there."
---
Leaving the Sarutobi residence, Chi Yu made his way to Root.
Inside the subterranean headquarters, he found Danzo.
"Lord Danzo. Kushina and I are getting married in seven days. I hope you'll attend."
Danzo, visibly stressed in recent days, still managed to force a thin smile for his prized subordinate.
"I see. I will be there. Congratulations in advance."
"Thank you, Lord Danzo."
---
With two invitations left, Chi Yu turned toward the Hokage Building.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters