Thanks to Kushina Uzumaki's reminder, Yuzuru finally remembered—Fugaku had mentioned not long ago that he was getting married.
Thinking of that, Yuzuru smiled. "I've been a bit busy lately. Totally forgot about it."
"Good thing Mikoto and I already prepared everything in advance for you," Kushina said. "Now hurry up and change."
Yuzuru was pushed into the room by Kushina.
When he came out dressed up a few minutes later, both Kushina and Mikoto froze.
He actually looked… kind of handsome.
Seeing their expressions, Yuzuru couldn't help feeling a little self-satisfied. When it came to looks, aside from my novel readers, he really didn't bow to anyone.
"Alright, let's go," he said, grabbing each of their hands and dragging both Mikoto and Kushina along toward Fugaku's house.
By the time they arrived, the courtyard was already packed.
The Third Raikage, A, Sakumo Hatake, and Tōdai were chatting together.
Tarou Uchiha was bustling around with a broad smile, his face glowing with joy.
When they saw Yuzuru, the group immediately gathered around.
"Yuzuru, Kushina, Mikoto—welcome, welcome!"
Yuzuru chuckled. "Old Clan Head, you really look great. A person feels happy and refreshed when good things happen."
Tarou stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "Ever since I stepped down as clan head, life's been a lot less stressful. All thanks to you, Yuzuru."
Yuzuru shook his head. "You should thank your son instead. He's the one handling all the clan matters now."
"Thank him? I ought to beat him!" Tarou huffed. "That brat dragged his feet this long before getting married. Nearly drove me to my grave."
Yuzuru scratched his nose and stayed silent, but the Third Raikage sighed with sympathy. "Clan Head Tarou, I understand you completely. At least your son's getting married today. My son hasn't even found a girlfriend!"
He punctuated the complaint with a slap to A's neck.
A sulked and walked off to the side, muttering.
He could never understand old people—what was so important about getting married? Always nagging, always pushing!
Tarou chuckled at the sight and said, "Raikage-dono, Sakumo—take my advice. I suggest you two also find partners while you're still somewhat young. Don't wait until you're a wrinkled geezer like me!"
"How did this conversation turn on us…?" Sakumo muttered.
Yuzuru, watching from the side, found himself oddly entertained. Why did this atmosphere feel so much like the New Year's celebrations in his previous life?
While they were talking, Fugaku approached, holding a young woman's hand.
The woman's features were delicate, and she looked very composed and gentle. She wasn't quite on the same level as Mikoto or Kushina, but she was beautiful nonetheless.
"Lord Raikage, Lord Sakumo, Brother Yuzuru—allow me to introduce my wife, Uchiha Misa."
"It's an honor to meet you, my lords," she greeted politely.
The Third Raikage waved dismissively. "No need to be so formal. We're here as friends today."
Fugaku smiled and nodded, then turned to Yuzuru. "You're turning eighteen this month, right? You know, our clan encourages early marriage. As clan head, you ought to set an example."
The others joined in teasing.
Yuzuru didn't flinch; he grinned openly. "Before the end of the year, I'll definitely get married. When that happens, you're all invited to drink at my wedding banquet."
"Good!" The Third Raikage's eyes lit up. The more he liked Yuzuru, the more he felt disappointed in A. With a glance at his son, he decided it was time to "have a talk" with his son.
——
The wedding celebration lasted deep into the night. Everyone drank to their fill before parting ways.
Still tipsy, Yuzuru went to visit Lihuo Uchiha for tea.
Inside the room, Lihuo sat opposite Yuzuru, while Mikoto and Kushina stood quietly to either side.
"Yuzuru, have some tea," Lihuo said.
"Yes, Father-in-law. You first."
Lihuo downed his cup in one go, then looked at Yuzuru, his eyes slightly hazy with drink. "Time flies. The little brat I used to watch grow up can almost out-drink me now."
Yuzuru chuckled and poured him another cup. "Uncle Lihuo, you're not wrong about that. I'll be an adult soon—and today, the old clan head even urged me to get married quickly."
Lihuo snorted with amusement. "I knew you had something up your sleeve."
"Don't worry," he continued with a grin. "Just set the date. Leave the rest to me."
Yuzuru had lost his parents young, and Lihuo had looked after him ever since. Now that Yuzuru was set to marry his daughter, Lihuo intended to handle the entire wedding himself.
Overjoyed, Yuzuru pulled two red envelopes from his robe and placed them on the table.
"Uncle Lihuo, this is just a small token of my appreciation."
Lihuo frowned. "Yuzuru, what's that supposed to mean? You think I'm selling my daughter for money?"
"Of course not," Yuzuru explained quickly. "It's not much—just my way of showing gratitude. Please, let me express it somehow."
After a moment, Lihuo nodded. "Fine, I'll accept it. But I'll return it to you after the wedding."
He picked up the envelopes—then blinked in confusion.
"Wait… Yuzuru, why did you give me two red envelopes?"
——
The next morning, Yuzuru stumbled out of Lihuo's house with dark circles under his eyes.
He was exhausted, but there was a satisfied grin on his face.
After a night of hard persuasion, he had finally convinced his future father-in-law.
All that was left was the wedding ceremony—and both Mikoto Uchiha and Kushina Uzumaki would officially become his wives.
The thought alone made Yuzuru swing his arms in giddy triumph.
Perfect!
After venting his excitement, Yuzuru felt completely refreshed.
He went to Yuriko Uchiha's breakfast shop, devoured a hearty meal, then stopped by a sweets shop outside the clan grounds.
"Boss, ten skewers of tricolor dango."
"Got it, one moment please."
After paying, Yuzuru looked around for a seat—but the place was packed.
Just as he was about to stand and wait, a small boy, no more than five years old, waved at him from across the room.
"Clan Head Yuzuru! Over here!"
Yuzuru looked over—and froze for a second.
That big garlic-shaped nose… why did it look so strangely familiar?