"Day after tomorrow?" Master Gen slightly frowned. "So soon?"
Anya smiled faintly. "Actually, for me, any day works—it's just that I'm afraid my elder sister has waited long enough. Haku and I have been together all our lives, and this is the first time we've ever been separated."
Master Gen recalled Haku's expression and nodded with understanding. "Fine then, day after tomorrow it is. Anyway, that girl's already set her heart on you."
Hearing Master Gen's agreement, Anya exhaled in relief and continued, "I have a small request."
"Speak."
"I hope the wedding invites every ninja in the village. I welcome anyone who wishes to attend and witness the ceremony."
"Huh? Why?" Master Gen asked, surprised. Logically, these two fugitives who had been hunted for so long should feel resentment toward the village's ninja.
Anya grinned sincerely. "Because a wedding ceremony is a sacred thing. I want to share my happiness with everyone and make her the happiest woman alive."
"What a fine young man," Master Gen couldn't help but feel moved by these words. He stepped forward and patted Anya's shoulder. "I'll grant this request of yours. Come to think of it, Kiri hasn't had a happy event in many years. Well then, you rest up these two days, and I'll handle the rest."
"Yes, thank you, Master Gen."
Watching Master Gen's retreating figure, Anya immediately wiped the smile from his face. His eyes darkened with intensity. Everything was proceeding exactly as he had planned. Day after tomorrow would be his best—and only—chance. If he failed, he would not only lose all opportunity but become the target of the entire Mist Village's hunt.
Though Anya always appeared calm and carefree on the outside, only he himself knew how tense he truly was. Being deep within enemy territory was like dancing on the edge of a blade [a common Chinese idiom meaning extreme danger]—there was no room for a single mistake. Every word he spoke had been carefully weighed and considered. The mental strain was unimaginable.
Meanwhile, Terumi Mei, who had just woken up and noticed Anya missing, quickly came out looking for him. Anya immediately put on a familiar smile and walked over. "The wedding date is set," he said cheerfully. "It's on day after tomorrow."
Terumi Mei, who had rushed over in a hurry, blushed after her initial surprise. She looked slightly embarrassed and disbelieving as she murmured, "This… so soon?"
Anya confidently stepped closer, wrapping his arm around her delicate waist. Leaning in, he whispered into her ear, his voice laced with seduction, "What's the matter? Don't you like it? Should I go tell Master Gen to pick another date you prefer?"
Mei felt herself grow dizzy, her mind went blank, her body weakened, and her voice trembled softly when she replied, "No… no need. Day after tomorrow is fine."
Two days flew by. Kiri, usually hidden deep in the mountains and shrouded in thick fog, giving off a gloomy atmosphere, was now decorated with festive lanterns. Red wedding banners filled the streets, while ninjas could be seen leaping from rooftop to rooftop carrying bottles of sake, all sharing in the rare joyful and celebratory mood.
Because so many ninjas were attending the wedding, Master Gen chose to hold it in the open space beneath the Mizukage's office, transforming a large area into a wedding stage.
"Pop… pop…"
With fireworks shooting into the sky one after another, festive sparkles illuminated the misty heavens. The wedding ceremony officially began.
The bride and groom walked out hand in hand.
At this moment, Terumi Mei wore a pure white uchigi with an elegant train, her face delicately made-up. Her long reddish-brown hair was elegantly styled into a sophisticated bun, making her appear even more mature. Her pair of youthful jade-green eyes slightly narrowed into smiles, and her joyful face blossomed like a blooming magnolia flower, radiating contentment.
It was only now that Anya realized what astonishing beauty this girl truly possessed. He even felt regret rising within him, and he became reluctant to look at her, because he couldn't imagine how much pain his upcoming actions would bring her. However, at this point, the arrow had already left the bow—he had no choice but to go forward.
Terumi Mei noticed his abnormality right away and looked up at him somewhat puzzled.
Anya answered quietly, "I'm just a little nervous."
Terumi Mei immediately smiled warmly, sympathizing, "Actually, so am I."
As the ceremony proceeded, the two newlyweds sat before a statue each. Facing them was Master Gen, their officiant for today.
After a brief opening speech, loud applause erupted from below as everyone stood up to cheer and toast to the happy couple.
Once the toasting finished, both of them offered sake cups respectively to Master Gen.
Master Gen picked up the cup handed by Anya, saying with visible reluctance, "Oub, you better treat her well. If I ever hear she's been mistreated, I won't hesitate—"
A faint pout appeared on Terumi Mei's lips as she coquettishly protested, "Master Gen…"
"Haha, alright, let's not talk about this today," Master Gen laughed heartily before downing his cup in one gulp.
Finally came the most difficult part for Anya—the mutual toasting ritual, a traditional ceremony where the newlyweds exchange cups and drink together. Facing this girl before him, despite the depth of his inner turmoil, the sense of guilt refused to fade. His gaze avoided the burning love shining in her eyes.
"What's wrong?" Terumi Mei leaned forward, offering her cup.
Anya blushed and feigned a slight daze, "I don't really drink—I've already toasted a few times and feel a bit light-headed."
So saying, he lowered his head and drank Terumi Mei's sake in one go.
Hearing their conversation, Master Gen chimed in, "In that case, why don't you two head to the bridal chamber earlier? The ceremony is over. Don't let tonight's most precious moment slip away."
"Alright."
Terumi Mei held onto Anya's arm, walking together into the bridal room carefully arranged by Master Gen. Bright lights filled the vibrant, colorful space.
Seated now on the bed inside the bridal chamber, Terumi Mei felt as if she were dreaming. Just days ago, she had been a carefree girl dedicated solely to cultivation. Now, in just a few days, she had gotten married and gained a perfect husband.
The atmosphere in the room grew intimate under the warm glow of light. Terumi Mei awaited that very moment, anticipating it with equal parts eagerness and nervousness. She tightly gripped her hands together.
Anya's eyes remained calm as he entered the room, showing no signs of intoxication whatsoever. He was carefully timing his move. All the alcohol had been altered through his summoned Katsuyu. Fortunately, his summoned creature was a slug—capable of changing size and even splitting—enabling him to pull this off. Using herbs gathered two days earlier, he had multiplied the alcohol content several times over. The cup given to Master Gen had been intensified by dozens of folds. The taste remained the same, but anyone who drank it would be drunk.
Seeing that Anya delayed his move for too long, Terumi Mei couldn't help but call out, "Oub."
This voice broke Anya out of his daze. He finally had to face the woman who was technically his wife.
Anya slowly walked toward her. Now face to face, they gradually leaned in.
Just as Terumi Mei thought a kiss was coming, she heard three words: "I'm sorry."
Under the effects of the Genjutsu, Terumi Mei finally fell into a deep sleep...
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