Many days had passed since the grand stage play, yet Tsunade still felt the villagers' reverent gazes as she walked through Konoha's streets. Even the ninja gazed at her differently now. When she gave an order, it was executed in record time.
Only now did Tsunade understand Anya's deeper intentions behind shooting the stage play. Her current prestige within the village had practically reached the level once held by her grandfather, Hashirama. If members of Konoha's leadership still dared to act condescending toward her like before, one word from her would drown them in a sea of public criticism.
Inside a small tavern, Shizune was chatting with Yuhi Kurenai, who had just returned to the village after completing a mission.
Shizune's face was flushed, clearly having drunk quite a bit, and her eyes fixated on Kurenai's chest as she said, "It's not fair—so unfair! Look at you, with such a great figure and beautiful face."
Kurenai sighed helplessly. "You're just drunk, Shizune."
Leaning forward with a tipsy grin, Shizune slurred, "C'mon, spill it — how are things going with you and Asuma?"
Kurenai shook her head, puzzled. "Me and him? We're just regular friends. Why do you ask?"
"No way! Ever since school, I've known he liked you. You never noticed?" Shizune looked bewildered.
Kurenai shook her head, secretly thinking of Anya. Blushing slightly, she said, "I already have someone I like."
"Ooh, look at you blushing, Kurenai~" Shizune sat down with a thump and sighed, "I'm so jealous. Unlike me, stuck with Tsunade-sama all day. Sometimes I even have to help her take care of kids. And during our travels, every guy we met was a total letdown. If this keeps up, I'm gonna miss out on all the fun of being young."
"I feel like I've heard these exact words somewhere before," a voice both women recognized well drifted in from the doorway.
Kurenai immediately stood up, lifting her head to see the person she had longed for day and night walking through the entrance, smiling warmly as he opened his arms toward her.
Without hesitation, Kurenai flew into Anya's embrace like a bird returning to its nest.
Shizune stared, rubbing her bleary eyes in disbelief as she mumbled, "I must be really drunk. Why else would I see my senior mentor hugging my best friend?"
Anya took a deep breath, savoring Kurenai's delicate fragrance, then whispered into her ear, "Oh, so you two are still close friends?"
Blushing, Kurenai nodded into Anya's chest, "We got along well at the Ninja Academy. But after graduation, she left the village with Tsunade-sama, so we haven't seen much of each other."
Shizune finally sobered slightly and pointed a wobbly finger at the two, stammering, "You... how could this be happening?"
Blushing furiously, Kurenai tried to pull away from Anya's arms, but he refused to let go, openly declaring, "Since you're one of Kurenai's closest friends, drop by my place tomorrow — you should join us as part of the bride's entourage."
Still dazed, Shizune asked, "Senior mentor... are you two planning to... ?"
"Mm, get married."
At his words, a heavy silence fell over the tavern, as if everyone stopped breathing. Kurenai gazed deeply at Anya, tears of joy slipping down her cheeks.
The next day, the Uchiha compound was decorated with colorful lanterns everywhere. After the stage play ended, many people followed the crew to celebrate together. Although the popularity had dropped compared to before, everyone remained cheerful and busy preparing for the wedding—they knew this was the day their clan leader would finally marry, and nearly every person had received a generous red envelope (lucky money).
All the famous chefs in the village were invited, and fireworks of all kinds were completely sold out, filling up an entire warehouse.
Mikoto had been busily preparing since dawn. She never imagined that Taka would get married so soon. Even more surprising was that Taka wasn't marrying Haku beside him but someone else instead—classic bad... Well, for the sake of the clan's prosperity, she could accept it.
After a morning full of preparation, Mikoto finally had some free time. Looking at Haku with concern, she said, "You're in such a condition already—why are you still running around helping me? You need more rest now."
Haku smiled gently, "I'm fine, really."
Mikoto asked, "Have you told him yet?"
Haku shook his head, "Not yet. Since we returned to the village, he's been too busy rehearsing the play. Now with the wedding coming up, he's even busier."
Mikoto sighed, "You're just too considerate of him. He's really lucky to have you."
Haku replied simply, "Because he is everything to me."
Taking Haku's hand into her own, Mikoto said softly, "Do you know what? I've been watching you closely today. From your eyes, I didn't see any jealousy—at least not a trace. Either you don't love him at all, or you love him deeply beyond words."
A faint memory flickered across Haku's gaze as if recalling the moment they first met, and with a slight smile, he replied, "Actually, we are quite alike. Both of us lacked love, so we always desperately wanted to hold onto whatever feelings came our way. But my heart is small—it can only contain him. When he's happy, I am too."
Mikoto gently patted Haku's stomach, saying, "Well, there will be one more person in your heart from now on."
Meanwhile, Sakura walked silently down the street alongside Hakuto, heading steadily toward their destination. Noticing Hakuto's unusual silence, Sakura asked curiously, "You're acting weird today. Why did you suddenly call me out, then stay quiet with such an odd look on your face?"
Hakuto sighed slightly, "Yes, my mood feels really complicated because today is my father's wedding day."
"Wedding? With who?" Sakura's curiosity flared instantly.
"Certainly not Lady Tsunade," Hakuto answered somewhat awkwardly—his father had remarried, and his new bride wasn't his mother.
Sakura quickly caught on, nodding knowingly, "I see. So it must be that Ice Queen we met back in the Land of Snow."
Upon hearing that, Hakuto's facial expression turned even more complex.
Just then, three figures dressed in festive attire approached them from the opposite direction.
"Oh! It's you guys—Kiba, Hinata, and Shino," Sakura waved at them cheerfully.
Kiba stepped forward. "Are you also going to attend the wedding?"
Sakura glanced at Hakuto beside her and replied, "Of course. The groom is our master—we definitely need to show up. What about you?"
Kiba said in astonishment, "Didn't your Master tell you? Today's bride is our Master!"
"Kurenai-sensei?" Sakura's voice shot up an octave, filled with disbelief. "When did that happen? How did they even get together, and now they're already getting married?"
Sakura immediately turned her gaze to Hakuto.
Hakuto sighed helplessly, speaking with a bitter smile, "Yes, today my father's bride is Kurenai-sensei."
"Father?"
The three on the other side were equally shocked when Kiba suddenly blurted out, "When did Kurenai-sensei give birth to such a big daughter as you?"
As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere instantly became extremely awkward.
Fortunately, Shizune arrived just in time. Seeing everyone still gathered there, she hurried forward and said, "You should all hurry up; the wedding ceremony is about to start. Don't miss it."
Anya was grooming his appearance inside the room. He'd never really cared about his looks since arriving in this world, and after remaking his body, he barely maintained it at all—enhanced cellular activity granted him near-perfect physiological functions, and his looks gradually became increasingly handsome.
However, paired with long white hair, this handsomeness carried a tinge of eerie charm, unsuitable for today's occasion.
Facing the mirror, Anya cut off his long hair, trimming short on both sides, neat and sharp, leaving only some bangs on his forehead, faintly revealing jet-black eyebrows slanting upward, brimming with vitality.
Kurenai Yuhi had witnessed Anya's past life using Genjutsu before. Therefore, for this wedding, Anya dressed according to his previous incarnation's style, preparing clothes accordingly for both of them.
At this moment, wearing a black suit, Anya stood straight like a statue in front of the mirror. His chiseled and masculine face exuded heroism; his clear eyes contained not a speck of impurity. Thanks to Sage Art, his previously white hair had turned jet-black and been cut short—a casual smile made people unable to look away. If his earlier charm carried an eerie allure, this new look radiated pure masculine energy.
When Mikoto walked in and saw Anya's appearance, she couldn't help pausing for a moment, murmuring involuntarily, "Now I finally understand a little why they all like you. Just this appearance alone could sweep a thousand young hearts off their feet."
Annoyed, Anya retorted, "Miss Mikoto, I'm not deceiving anyone—I earn true feelings with sincerity."
Mikoto encouraged, "Fine, fine. But hurry up—the wedding's about to start. The bride is already ready; it's time for you to go out."
This wasn't Anya's first marriage, so he wasn't unfamiliar with the procedures. Combined with the small guest list, many formalities were simplified.
Walking onto the pre-built raised platform, Kurenai Yuhi slowly approached, dressed entirely in red.
This outfit was the embodiment of Anya's effort over these past few days. Overall, the design focused on red tones, embroidered satin with mandarin duck patterns—a traditional symbol of marital harmony and enduring love. A detachable ribbon bow covered the chest area, combining sweetness and agility. With every step, Kurenai's naturally beautiful face radiated infinite charm.
"This… is truly Kurenai-sensei?"
Seeing Kurenai Yuhi so breathtakingly gorgeous for the first time, her three students were stunned speechless.
Even Hakuto finally understood why her father had given her a young stepmother—perhaps no man in this world could resist such a beautiful woman.
Anya gazed tenderly at Kurenai Yuhi walking toward him. From initial use to eventual affection, their journey hadn't been complicated or dramatic. There were no misunderstandings or turbulent events—just Kurenai's wait of over a decade, from a little girl until now.
As Kurenai approached, Anya stepped forward and took her hand. They clearly saw the burning passion in each other's eyes. Kurenai couldn't help tearing up.
With a gentle smile, he pulled her closer and softly said, "Today is our wedding day. You should be happy, no crying allowed."
Kurenai couldn't speak, only nodding vigorously.
As they stepped into the ceremony area, the lights dimmed, plunging everything into darkness. The raised platform featured long red curtains, embellished with sparkling bead strands. Various lights shone on the two of them, creating a strong spatial contrast effect that focused everyone's attention on them. This modern, high-end crimson-and-black wedding embodied the classic color combination that held special significance in his past life—individuality, straightforwardness, and passion, just like how Kurenai felt as a little girl—bold, sincere, and full of passion. In truth, Anya never thought they'd actually make it to this day.
Predominantly adorned in red and black, the bold combination of passionate red with pure black extended throughout the banquet hall, grand and breathtaking with strong visual impact, elevating the couple's charm to an extraordinary level.
The people around them were completely drawn in by the moment. Sakura's mind even began imagining her future wedding with Sasuke, her face turning completely red.
After the solemn ceremony concluded, both exchanged vows promising eternal companionship. When the ceremony ended entirely, the newlyweds walked into the prepared room. The hall's lighting returned to normal, and various delicious dishes were served, instantly filling the space with enticing aromas that made everyone's appetite stir.
Inside the room, Anya looked at Kurenai and couldn't resist kissing her. After a passionate exchange of affection, they embraced each other tightly, unwilling to separate.
Holding Kurenai, Anya went to the window, opening a small gap. Skyward fireworks burst into the night sky.
Colorful lights danced across their faces, filling the night with joy and celebration.
Kurenai asked tearfully, "Did you buy out all the village's fireworks again?"
"Of course," Anya naturally replied. "Ever since that day by the riverbank, I've never forgotten what you told me."
Recalling the past moment, how could she have forgotten? A young girl bravely proposing marriage required tremendous courage—something only she truly understood.
"Anya, do you know that these years I've always been waiting for you because I believed deep down you'd eventually come back for me?"
"Yes, but you're such a foolish girl. There's probably not another one like you in this entire world."
Anya smirked, "You're not afraid I won't show up until you grow old?"
Kurenai ignored Anya's joke, staring at him without blinking, her eyes filled with determination.
At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
How could Anya hold back anymore? His fingers gently pulled apart the butterfly ribbon on Kurenai's chest, letting the gown slide down along her smooth skin. Gazing at her flawless form, Anya's eyes turned crimson, sending a shiver down Kurenai's spine. Beneath the exploding fireworks, the red and black figures became one, their muffled moans swallowed by the thunderous blasts.
Mikoto, who had been busy the entire day, noticed Hakuto's presence. Through Haku, she already knew about Hakuto's background, which Mikoto found difficult to accept at first. In her mind, Anya was meant to be distant and cold—a man destined to walk alone through life. Who would've thought... even the Hokage—leader of the Hidden Leaf—had...
Since they already had a child, she must be part of the Uchiha Clan. Mikoto quickly approached Hakuto, and with just one look, she instantly grew fond of this girl, then explained her intentions.
Hakuto had already received guidance from Tsunade before arriving, so she readily agreed to Mikoto's request. And thus, the Uchiha Clan gained another member.
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