The grand "century wedding" hosted by the Akatsuki Ninja Village proceeded right on schedule, and the atmosphere was as vibrant as anyone could imagine. Not only were the great and famous of the Akatsuki present, but nobles and wealthy merchants from the Land of Fire—and even prominent figures from every hidden village across the shinobi world—came to witness the event.
The Lord of the Fire Country himself presided over the ceremony, serving both as officiant and master of ceremonies. To everyone's surprise, he seemed genuinely honored to stand beside the groom, Uchiha Makoto. Despite Makoto's bold political maneuvers in recent years, the Lord of Fire had gained far more than he'd lost through their association, and he treated Makoto as a valuable ally rather than a rival.
The streets outside the venue overflowed with villagers eager to see the spectacle. They crowded along the perimeter, calling out warm blessings to their beloved Kage-sama. For them, life itself had improved because of Uchiha Makoto's leadership, and they were determined to show their gratitude.
On the grand stage, Uchiha Makoto stood at the center of attention, regal and calm. Beside him, Vortex Tsubaki glowed with happiness. Her wedding day was everything she'd ever dreamed of and more—far beyond the fanciful scenes she had imagined as a little girl. From the ornate decorations to the cheering crowds, every moment was steeped in luxury and heartfelt celebration. Tsubaki felt her heart overflow: this alone, she thought, made her life worthwhile.
Among the guests, Vortex Shinji smiled so wide his cheeks ached, his expression blooming like a cheerful chrysanthemum. From Konoha, Uzumaki Mito attended as well, representing her village. She stood quietly among the crowd, but her gaze lingered on the glowing bride. A touch of envy flickered in Mito's eyes as she watched Tsubaki's joy. What woman wouldn't be moved by such a grand and romantic wedding?
When Mito had married Senju Hashirama, the ceremony hadn't been nearly as extravagant. No flood of dignitaries had attended; certainly the Lord of Fire Country hadn't come in person. Compared to today's lavish spectacle, her own wedding felt humble, almost ordinary. A sharp pang tugged at her chest as she thought, Hashirama, you fool…
Makoto's careful attention to Tsubaki stood in stark contrast to Hashirama's carefree nature. Mito recalled the conversation she'd had with Uchiha Makoto the previous day, and her heart hardened. If Hashirama couldn't cherish her the way Tsubaki was cherished now, then it was time to live for herself.
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The elaborate wedding rituals finally drew to a close, and guests approached to toast the happy couple. Makoto raised his cup politely, sipping only lightly—he had no intention of getting drunk on this auspicious night. He had bigger plans.
Later that evening, Vortex Tsubaki moved into Makoto's grand villa. In the quiet of night, Makoto finally fulfilled his long-held wish, teasing playfully as they embraced.
> "I'll take off my wedding dress first," Tsubaki whispered.
"No," Makoto grinned, "I want the wedding dress. It's a supreme treasure—it boosts attack speed!"
With a mischievous flourish, he unsheathed his sword. As the blade sang free, Tsubaki swore she heard a dragon's roar. The night stretched on, filled with wonder and new beginnings.
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Meanwhile, Uzumaki Mito made her way back to Konoha without delay. Instead of heading to the Senju compound to rest, she went straight to the Hokage's office.
As expected, Senju Tobirama sat in the Hokage's chair. Hashirama, the rightful First Hokage, was—unsurprisingly—still wandering the shinobi world with Uchiha Madara and had yet to return. By now, this absence was routine. Mito didn't even bother asking about her husband anymore; hope had long since faded.
Tobirama looked up as she entered. "Sister-in-law, when did you return?" he asked warmly. He stood, poured her a cup of tea, and gestured to a chair.
"I just arrived," Mito replied.
"You should rest first," Tobirama said. "Your report on the Akatsuki Village can wait until tomorrow. There's no need to rush."
But Mito shook her head. "It's fine. I'll deliver my report now. And, Tobirama, I have another favor to ask."
Tobirama nodded, hiding a flicker of curiosity. He respected his sister-in-law deeply. After all, it was Mito who tirelessly managed their household while his elder brother roamed the world chasing after that troublesome Uchiha Madara. Tobirama often wished Mito had a narrower, more possessive streak—if only to pull Hashirama back home—but she remained endlessly patient.
Mito began her report. "Relations with the Uzumaki Clan remain strong. They consider Konoha a trusted brother—but they've also forged a close bond with the Akatsuki Village. They believe alliances can expand without conflict. In their view, why should Konoha be the only one allowed to 'set fires' while others can't 'light lamps'?"
Tobirama's eyes narrowed slightly. The Uzumaki were clearly playing both sides, seeking the best of both worlds. Still, he thought, as long as their intentions weren't hostile, Konoha could tolerate it.
"And Akatsuki Village?" he asked, his tone sharpening. "What of their strength?"
Mito's eyes brightened as she described what she had seen. "Their economy thrives. The population grows every day. Their Ninja School recruited three thousand students at once. Uchiha Makoto is brilliant and strategic. His influence is immense—one command from him, and countless ninja would gladly lay down their lives. Truly, each new wave of their growth is stronger than the last."
Tobirama stiffened. Intelligent? Wise? Those were not words he liked to hear applied to any Uchiha, least of all Makoto. Was his own leadership being outshone? Or—perish the thought—had Makoto's strength surpassed Hashirama's?
Still, he held his tongue out of respect.
"That's the situation," Mito concluded. "Do you have questions?"
Tobirama frowned. "Sister-in-law, isn't your praise of Uchiha Makoto a bit… exaggerated? He has some skill, yes, but surely not to the extent you claim."
"Exaggerated? Not at all," Mito said firmly. "Uchiha Makoto is a visionary young man with remarkable foresight. He's even championing the idea that female ninja can hold up half the sky. A man who inspires such progress deserves every bit of praise."
Tobirama nearly choked. Such talk was unheard of in his generation. He could hardly comprehend it.
Trying to change the subject, he asked, "And what is the favor you mentioned?"
Mito's eyes lit with determination. "Before that, take a look at these." She handed him a fresh copy of New Ninja, a publication newly popular in Akatsuki.
Tobirama flipped through the articles and frowned. The pages brimmed with strange, provocative ideas: female independence, female awakening, bride price as an attitude, emotional value. To him it was nonsense—dangerous nonsense that could lead Konoha's kunoichi astray.
"What do you think?" Mito asked eagerly.
"It's… interesting," Tobirama said carefully. He longed to dismiss it as illogical drivel, but Mito's hopeful gaze held him back.
"Exactly—it's supposed to challenge old logic," she replied. "The belief that female ninja are inferior is an outdated relic of the Warring States era. Women should break free of family constraints, dedicate themselves to their careers, and contribute fully to the village."
Tobirama blinked, stunned. "Sister-in-law… who taught you these ideas? Don't tell me it was that Uchiha Makoto—"
"Tobirama," Mito cut in sharply, "you mustn't speak of Lord Makoto so rudely. You are merely the Hokage's assistant. Someone of your rank isn't qualified to address him by name. You should call him Kage-sama."
Tobirama's eyes widened. He was at a loss for words. His sister-in-law—calm, dignified Mito—defending an Uchiha so fiercely? It defied belief.
Before he could respond, she added with quiet resolve, "Now, about that favor. I need a budget."
Tobirama groaned inwardly, a headache already forming. First Hashirama with his reckless spending, and now Mito? This conversation was far from over.
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