"I never expected Tobirama Senju and Hiruzen Sarutobi to be such people. You truly can't judge a book by its cover."
"Kagami Uchiha... what a pity."
"If this were our Cloud Village, such an ending would never have happened."
"Konoha really never considered the Uchiha as one of their own."
The Fourth Raikage's eyes glinted sharply.
"Since that's the case... deliver this suicide note to the Land of Fire. Into the hands of the Uchiha!"
The Cloud and Konoha weren't currently engaged in large-scale warfare.
In previous skirmishes, Minato Namikaze had even earned the Fourth Raikage's admiration.
But the Cloud was the Cloud, and Konoha was Konoha.
Two different villages with completely different interests.
Seeing an opportunity to cause trouble for Konoha, the Fourth Raikage had no intention of letting it slip by.
He looked at the young ninja.
"This suicide note is extremely valuable. I have a use for the original. Make a copy of the contents right here. Also, I'll count this as a B-rank mission for you."
The young ninja's face lit up with joy.
"Yes, Lord Raikage!"
As he copied the text, the young ninja silently thanked his long-deceased grandfather in his heart.
Grandpa, you've been gone so long, but a single suicide note just earned me a B-rank mission reward.
Thanks, Grandpa. I'll burn some spirit money for you when I get home.
---
Hidden Sand Village.
Countless people poured out of their homes and onto the streets, all looking toward the Kazekage Building.
Even though they knew the wedding was rushed.
Even though they knew it would be simple.
Because of that simplicity, the people wanted to witness it even more.
"We aren't just watching a wedding. We're witnessing the love between Lord Kazekage and Lady Pakura. We're witnessing the despicable nature of the Hidden Mist, and the sacrifices Lord Kazekage and Lady Pakura are making for the village."
"And everyone's determination to fight!"
"We will never surrender!"
"We will follow Lord Kazekage to the death!"
Having changed into their wedding attire, Rasa and Pakura arrived at the Kazekage Building. Under the gaze of the crowd, they walked in.
Behind each of them followed an attendant holding flowers.
Behind Rasa was Yashamaru.
Behind Pakura was Maki.
Soon, the pair reached the roof of the Kazekage Building, standing high above and looking down.
Countless villagers filled the streets, craning their necks to look up at the couple on the roof.
Cheers erupted for them.
"Lord Kazekage!"
"Lady Pakura!"
"What a perfect match!"
The entire Hidden Sand Village seemed to come alive, the festive atmosphere washing away much of the gloom of war.
Pakura was nervous. Probably because this was her first time.
Rasa raised an eyebrow.
Possessing immense ninja strength, a terrifying battle record against the Mist with her Scorch Style, a Hero of the Sand... and yet, seeing her show such a timid expression now gave him a sense of "gap moe."
Rasa waved to the crowd below, receiving a thunderous response.
Pakura mimicked Rasa and waved as well.
"Give me your hand."
"Huh?"
Pakura blinked, not reacting immediately.
Rasa extended his hand in front of her.
Pakura hesitated for a moment, then lifted her hand and placed it in his palm.
Rasa clasped her hand and raised it high.
"I, Rasa, in the name of the Fourth Kazekage of the Hidden Sand, declare here and now."
He took a step forward.
"I, Rasa."
This time, Pakura didn't falter.
She took a step forward, matching him.
"I, Pakura."
They spoke in unison.
"Today, are officially husband and wife."
An unprecedented roar of cheers exploded from the crowd, the sound wave so intense it felt like it could collapse the nearby buildings.
Rasa and Pakura didn't lower their hands; they stood there, basking in the adoration of their people.
Until their arms grew sore.
Rasa felt a bit of moisture on his palm. He turned to glance at Pakura and realized it was sweat. Her palm was burning hot from nervousness.
"Everyone."
Rasa addressed the crowd below.
"I believe you all know that our village's recent situation has not been good."
"The Hidden Mist is pressing us hard on the battlefield and using despicable methods off of it."
"But I believe that these difficulties are temporary. We will overcome this dark time. The Hidden Mist cannot break us. The Hidden Sand will not fall."
"I hope everyone can unite."
"As Kazekage, I will do my absolute best."
"Please, believe in me."
The response from below was even more fervent than before.
In this moment, the vast majority of the Hidden Sand—if not 100% united—were absolutely standing in opposition to the Hidden Mist.
"Defeat the Mist! Protect the Sand!"
"Defeat the Mist! Protect the Sand!"
"We will follow Lord Kazekage to the death!"
...
Nightfall.
The atmosphere in the village gradually calmed down.
Rasa and Pakura entered the room that belonged solely to them.
Despite the rush, the room had been meticulously decorated.
Besides fresh flowers, there were accents of gold and gemstones.
Finally, it felt a bit like a wedding.
Before this, both the ceremony steps and the external decorations had been overly simple.
Pakura sat on the edge of the bed, clearly nervous and at a loss. She didn't know where to look, her face slightly flushed. Eventually, she lowered her head and stared at the tips of her shoes.
Rasa glanced at the sky outside.
At this hour, most people were probably asleep.
He looked back at Pakura.
"Pakura, you rest here tonight. Don't worry, I'll go to the study."
With that, Rasa turned to leave.
But the moment his hand touched the doorknob...
"Wait."
Rasa turned back.
"Is there something else?"
Pakura met Rasa's gaze, a complex mix of emotions flashing in her eyes.
"Since I have married you, Lord Kazekage, I am your wife. Regardless of the reasons for this wedding, this is a fact that cannot be changed."
"I must fulfill the duties of a wife."
Saying this, Pakura stood up and took a deep breath.
"Husband... tonight, please allow me to serve you."
As she spoke, Pakura walked toward Rasa.
Nervously, she took his hand.
Step by step, she led him to the bed, then lay down flat and closed her eyes.
"Husband... please be gentle."
Rasa nodded.
"Alright."
Things had reached this point; Rasa couldn't refuse.
With Pakura taking such initiative to state her position, refusing her wouldn't be respect—it would be an insult.
Besides, they had held the wedding. As Pakura said, they were husband and wife in every factual sense.
It was impossible for Pakura to marry anyone else now.
A gust of wind blew past the window, rattling the frames like rain beating against banana leaves.