Chi Yu and Kushina's Wedding Reception
The wedding ceremony of Chi Yu and Uzumaki Kushina had concluded. With witnesses present, their union was now official.
The newlyweds began making rounds to toast the guests, starting—as was proper—with the most senior figure in attendance: Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Chi Yu and Kushina approached Hiruzen and his wife, Biwako, wine glasses in hand.
Chi Yu offered a respectful smile. "Lord Third, Lady Biwako, thank you both for attending our wedding today."
Hiruzen returned the smile warmly. "Of course. Biwako and I wouldn't miss it. Chi Yu, you've done much for Konoha, and we've both watched you grow up into a fine shinobi. Seeing you marry brings us joy."
Chi Yu nodded graciously. "Then please, enjoy the evening. Kushina and I must greet the others."
They moved next to Danzo Shimura's table.
Danzo managed a tight-lipped smile, clearly forced. He had assumed that Chi Yu wouldn't invite Minato Namikaze, yet Minato had shown up. This had thrown Danzo into a loop—his suspicious nature stirred into overdrive.
Chi Yu was a vital figure—not only powerful but now a symbol of influence. More importantly, his position made him indispensable to Danzo's plans involving the Uchiha. If Chi Yu were to defect or align with Hiruzen or Minato, Danzo's carefully laid strategy would unravel.
Even though Chi Yu had accepted the Curse of Hatred Seal, Danzo knew it offered little true control over him. If Chi Yu ever turned, there would be no stopping him.
Chi Yu caught Danzo's expression, amused by the man's inner turmoil. He lifted his glass. "Lord Danzo, I'll visit you personally at Root tomorrow. There are some matters I'd like to discuss. Will you be available?"
Danzo's eyes narrowed. He followed Chi Yu's gaze—which subtly shifted toward Minato—and his expression changed. The smile vanished. He understood.
Chi Yu hadn't changed sides. He was still aligned with Root—at least for now. This visit, Danzo concluded, must be Chi Yu's way of clarifying Minato's presence.
Danzo raised his glass and clinked it lightly against theirs. "Congratulations on your marriage. But take your time—no need to rush back into business. Spend a few days with your bride."
Chi Yu maintained his pleasant smile. "I appreciate that, but I'd still prefer to come by tomorrow. We have important matters to address."
Danzo gave a measured nod. "Very well. I'll expect you."
Their next stop was Minato Namikaze and Miyuki Uzumaki's table.
"Congratulations to you both," Miyuki said warmly. "You're finally married."
Kushina grinned. "Thanks, Miyuki. Now it's your turn."
Miyuki flushed. "Don't start with that, Kushina!"
Minato raised his glass. "Congratulations, Chi Yu. I wish you both happiness."
"Thank you," Chi Yu said, clinking glasses with him.
After that, the couple made their way to Orochimaru's table. Kakashi Hatake sat beside him, quietly focused on his food.
Chi Yu bowed slightly. "Orochimaru-sensei, Kakashi—thank you both. We're grateful for your support today."
Orochimaru took a sip of wine, his tone cool and amused. "It's no trouble. I'm pleased to see you taking this next step in life."
Kakashi looked up from his plate. "Yeah. I just helped with seating arrangements, so nothing exhausting."
After toasting them, Chi Yu and Kushina visited the table where her three close friends were seated. The young kunoichi looked more nervous than the bride and groom themselves. They were average shinobi, and the room was filled with high-ranking figures they'd only ever seen from afar. Their excitement was tempered with awe.
When the reception ended, the couple returned home, carrying armfuls of congratulatory gifts.
Once inside, Kushina collapsed onto the sofa with a groan. "Why am I so tired? It felt like an S-rank mission!"
Chi Yu changed out of his formal wear and gave her a teasing look. "It's only going to get more exhausting from here."
Kushina's face went crimson. But she shot back confidently, "We'll see who tires out first."
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The Next Day
The sun was high before either of them stirred.
Kushina, clearly still drained, refused to leave the comfort of the bed.
Chi Yu leaned over and pinched her cheek. "Lazy bride. What do you want for lunch? I'll make it."
"Sukiyaki," she mumbled, voice slightly hoarse.
"Good choice. I'll pick up the ingredients."
"Mm-hmm~"
Chi Yu left the house, smiling the entire way.
He and Kushina had known each other for years. Now, they had a future together. He had kept his promise—Kushina was not the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. And everything was unfolding according to plan.
But this was only a milestone. Chi Yu's true goals were far larger.
The shinobi world was volatile—peace was a fleeting illusion. If he was to survive and thrive, he needed power, influence, and allies.
Perhaps it was the Uchiha blood in him—or perhaps it was simply his nature—but Chi Yu wanted to confront true power and shape the world himself.
On his way home, groceries in hand, Chi Yu retrieved a small ring from his pouch. He infused it with chakra, sending a signal to Yahiko.
It was time.
Yahiko, along with the others who had accepted Chi Yu's invitation, was to gather in Tanzaku Town, within the Land of Fire. According to the ring's signal, two new members had already joined Akatsuki.
Chi Yu returned home, made the sukiyaki, and shared lunch with Kushina.
Afterward, he left for Root.
While part of his visit was to maintain Danzo's trust, Chi Yu had deeper intentions: he wanted to hear Root's latest plans for the Uchiha.
Danzo, ever the radical, would no doubt push for continued pressure on the clan. In contrast, Hiruzen—now that wartime had ended—was leaning toward reconciliation and de-escalation.
Chi Yu was not suited for passive strategies.
And besides, there was now someone better for that kind of mission:
Uchiha Shisui.
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