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At Minato Namikaze's wedding venue, Qianyu and Hyūga Hiashi verbally agreed that Hyūga Neji would become Qianyu's disciple.
Uzumaki Kushina pinched little Neji's cheek. "Looks like Neji will have to call me 'Master's Wife' like Kakashi does from now on, huh."
Kakashi, at that very moment, was patrolling the streets of Konoha.
Minato had invited him, of course. But Kakashi hadn't come.
Because the Yellow Flash, the man with god-like speed, had never once been able to save his own subordinates. And those words of Minato's—about forgiveness, about understanding—left a bitter taste in Kakashi's mouth. The resentment ran deep.
So Kakashi wanted no part of Minato's wedding. He used patrol duty as an excuse and stayed away.
Qianyu and Hiashi hadn't bothered to lower their voices. Many heard Qianyu's intention to take Hiashi's son as his second disciple. Surprised glances were exchanged all around.
Neji was still a baby, barely a year old. No one could tell what his talent would be like. Yet Qianyu had claimed him already. What if Neji turned out to be… mediocre?
Dozens of eyes settled on Qianyu and Hiashi. Among them was Hiashi's older brother, Hyūga Hizashi, the head of the main family.
Hizashi's brow furrowed slightly. He was deeply displeased that his younger brother had settled this master-disciple relationship without consulting him.
If it were anyone else, Hizashi might not have cared. But Qianyu? That forced him to pay attention.
Qianyu's position in Konoha was… sensitive. Hizashi, as clan head, knew the truth. Qianyu was Danzō's man. A weapon sharpened by Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the other elders, pointed squarely at the Uchiha.
Getting too close to Qianyu could bring unnecessary trouble to the Hyūga clan.
If fewer people had known, and if Hiashi hadn't already agreed, Hizashi could have quietly made his brother refuse later. But now? Everyone had heard. Hiashi had agreed publicly. To go back on it now would be to make an enemy of Qianyu.
Making an enemy of Qianyu was the last thing Hizashi wanted. No one in this room wanted to be on that man's list. Those Qianyu marked faced a relentless, almost insane pursuit.
Expressionless, Hizashi lifted his teacup and took a sip.
He was Hiashi's brother. But he was also the head of the main family. The leader of the Hyūga clan. In that role, he had to consider the main family's interests. The clan's future.
Kushina held Neji for a while longer, until the baby fell asleep, then handed him back to Hiashi.
Ten minutes before the ceremony was set to begin, Danzō finally arrived in the hall.
His face was like stone, as if everyone present owed him money.
Qianyu gave a slight nod in greeting. Danzō returned it with a curt dip of his chin, then took his seat.
Minato Namikaze and Miyuki Uzumaki's wedding was officiated by Minato's teacher, Jiraiya.
Right on time, Minato and Miyuki stood at the front, dressed in their wedding garments.
They took turns speaking—how they met, how they fell in love, their promises and hopes for the future.
Jiraiya guided them step-by-step through the simple procedure until the ceremony concluded.
Kushina wore a strange expression. "This wedding… it feels different from ours. Kind of… plain? Not as special."
Qianyu explained. "This is a civil ceremony. No complicated rituals. It's more like signing a marriage contract in front of friends and family. Sign it, and you're done."
"Our Shinto-style Wedding was tradition. Custom. A major milestone in life. The rituals were complicated, meant to feel solemn and sacred."
"Minato is the Hokage. His options for a ceremony within Konoha were limited. A civil wedding was the practical choice."
Kushina understood, a note of pity in her voice. "I see… That's a shame. You only get one wedding. Not being able to choose…"
Qianyu glanced at Minato on the stage and smiled faintly. "How do you know they think it's a shame? Maybe they're perfectly happy with it." He patted his stomach. "Anyway, food's finally served. Let's eat and get out of here."
What came after the ceremony was predictable.
Minato had just become Hokage. This wedding was a prime opportunity to mingle with the leaders of Konoha's major clans.
That kind of socializing held zero appeal for Qianyu. Going home early sounded much better.
After Minato and Miyuki finished their rounds with the toast, the first to leave was Danzō. No one was surprised. It would have been stranger if he'd stayed.
Qianyu and Kushina lingered a little longer, then Qianyu led his wife out as well.
Before leaving, Qianyu addressed Hiashi. "Enjoy the rest of the evening, Hiashi. We'll be heading off."
Hiashi stood. "I'll visit with Neji in a couple of days, then."
Hiashi wanted to leave too, to talk more with Qianyu. But as long as Hizashi, the clan head, remained, he couldn't just walk out.
On their way home, Qianyu and Kushina ran into a familiar figure leaning against a telephone pole, staring into space with dead-fish eyes.
"Well, if it isn't Kakashi!"
Kakashi snapped out of his daze. Seeing Qianyu and Kushina, he immediately walked over. "Master. Master's Wife."
Qianyu asked, "You eaten yet? If not, join us for ramen."
Kakashi blinked. "But… didn't you just come from the Fourth's wedding? There was food."
Qianyu rubbed his stomach. "Didn't fill me up. If I'm not full, you know Kushina definitely isn't."
Thump. Kushina drove her elbow into Qianyu's side. "Are you calling me a pig?"
Qianyu raised his hands in surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it. Now come on. I'm craving a large bowl of tonkotsu."
The three of them made their way toward Ichiraku Ramen.
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