In the sky.
Above the clouds where no one could see, a blue-tinted figure was speeding through the fluffy white masses, leaving behind a sharp trail through the milk-white clouds.
As the saying goes—first time's clumsy, second time's smooth.
With birds soaring past him, Gin, now in Tenseigan chakra mode, enjoyed the sensation of flight for the second time. His pale blue-white eyes gleamed, and with the chakra cloak shielding him from the high-altitude winds, he accelerated without restraint, leaving a blue streak across the sky.
In a blink, Gin passed over the deserts of the Land of Wind and flew into the verdant forests of the Land of Fire. Guided by the map in his mind, he corrected course and headed toward the Uchiha compound.
"Eh? Aren't those my cousins?"
As he cruised, Gin's sharp eyes caught sight of two massive figures down below. Judging by their familiar coloring, he immediately recognized the giant humanoid forms—they were his cousins' Susanoo.
He slowed down, sneaking closer to see what the long-lost cousins were up to.
"Charge!!"
As Gin got closer, he saw two groups clashing beneath the giant Susanoo. One side clearly bore the mark of the Senju clan.
"Brothers, make it quick! There's meat stewing in camp!"
Gin had assumed he was witnessing a fierce death match, but thanks to his powerful sensory skills, he realized something odd—the Uchiha side was clearly slacking off.
The lead Uchiha waved around his unsheathed sword and shouted anxiously back at his team, "The clan head ordered a feast tonight! We've got sake and meat! Hurry it up—fight fast and eat faster!"
"Charge!"
The rest of the Uchiha crew followed suit, enthusiastically rushing toward the Senju... who were also acting strangely.
"Move it, brothers! The clan head's wedding feast is starting soon—no slacking!"
The Senju leader wasn't preparing a defensive formation but was equally impatient, urging his men to hurry so they wouldn't miss the banquet.
Clack!
Two unsheathed swords clashed, sounding dramatic but causing zero harm. The wooden scabbards weren't even scratched. The Uchiha didn't even bother activating their Sharingan, and what ensued could only be described as a gentle sparring match—like a senior center dance-off, each taking turns swinging with exaggerated flair.
"…What am I looking at?"
For a moment, Gin suspected he'd fallen into a Genjutsu. He cycled chakra throughout his body several times, but nothing was amiss. His blue-white eyes blinked in confusion.
He had only been away for a few days—had the Uchiha and Senju suddenly made peace?
Then a familiar voice echoed across the battlefield, snapping him back to attention.
Atop one of the Susanoo, Madara pointed his gunbai fan toward the Senju camp and roared,
"Hashirama! Don't pretend you're not in there—I know you're inside!"
Okay, good. Big cousin is still sane. An Uchiha should always shout at a Senju.
Just as Madara finished yelling, a white-haired figure flashed in with golden light, appearing above the battlefield.
It was Tobirama, long time no see. He crossed his arms and sneered with eyes that lacked Sharingan tomoe.
"Pathetic whining. My brother's busy with real business."
"You damn white-haired mutt! You don't get to speak—bring out Hashirama!"
Hearing his beloved big brother insulted, Izuna leaped down from his Susanoo, landing in front of Tobirama and pointing his blade directly at the latter's head.
Tobirama gave Izuna a quick glance. His arms, still folded, twitched slightly.
"You cowardly turtle brat. What makes you think you're allowed to speak here?"
Recalling how many swords Izuna had broken on him, Tobirama's fury ignited. Teeth clenched, he barked insults at the armor-clad Izuna.
"Hmph, jealous? Try wearing one."
Izuna, decked out like a tank, struck a smug pose and tapped his heavy chakra-imbued armor. He stared Tobirama down, unfazed.
Little cousin, you've grown. Big cousin is proud.
Watching Izuna exude confidence from above, Gin shed a proud tear. Finally, no more kidney-gutting worries for his baby cousin.
"Chotto matte!"
Just as the tension rose, a massive figure riding a wooden construct soared from the Senju camp.
Dressed in a pale wedding kimono, Hashirama rushed to the scene, anxious. He stepped in front of his brother, gazing up at Madara.
"Madara, it's my wedding day! We agreed—no bloodshed today, remember?"
Hair perfectly combed and eyes stern, Hashirama frowned at the two giant Susanoo standing ominously above.
"I agreed," Madara replied, eyes narrowing. "But you also promised to set a banquet table in the center of the battlefield and invite us. Why hasn't that happened yet?"
Good lord—this drama is gold.
From above, Gin's curiosity hit the roof. No way he was missing this moment. First Hokage's wedding? That's legendary! If he skipped it, he'd have to wait for another reincarnation.
He discreetly landed far behind the battlefield and deactivated his Tenseigan mode.
Hugging the tree line, Gin tiptoed toward the Uchiha camp. Before he could come up with an excuse to blend in, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Who's there—wait, Gin-dono?!"
"Yo~ isn't this my little prison bro? Long time no see! Your hair's longer now~"
Turning to the startled speaker, Gin grinned at the ponytailed man. The guy looked suspiciously like Ryōichi—maybe they were cousins?
"Gin-dono, why are you here at the frontlines?"
Feeling pressured by Gin's odd aura, Fire Core's Sharingan flared briefly to verify his identity. Shock intensified—wasn't Gin supposed to be talentless and weak? Where did this oppressive aura come from?
"Oh, just got back from a mission in the Land of Wind," Gin said casually, tapping the dried lizard hanging from his hip. Fire Core recognized the desert ration immediately and relaxed.
"You picked a good day, Gin-dono. Today's special."
"Really? A celebration?"
"You guessed it! Today is Senju Hashirama's wedding day. He made an agreement with our clan leader just yesterday."
Fire Core excitedly explained everything—how yesterday Madara and Hashirama had negotiated a "no blood" truce for the ceremony.
"Well, lucky me! I actually know Hashirama quite well. I can't not attend his big day!"
Gin slapped his thigh and beamed with excitement. "C'mon, Fire Core-kun! Take me to congratulate the groom!"
"Uh… you know Hashirama?"
Fire Core frowned. Hashirama was practically royalty—how would Gin know him?
"Oh please. I'm the guy who saved his brother(?) once!"
(End of Chapter)
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