Everyone began to look forward to a beautiful future once again.
Only a few rational individuals, and those who had received word in advance, understood in their hearts that this was nothing more than a pure political marriage. When the time came, Kirigakure would also send a delegation to attend the ceremony. As a symbol of peace and friendship between the two villages, they were even considering an alliance and requested that Konohagakure specialists undo the seal on the Sanbi. After all, Kumogakure possessed two Jinchuriki who could freely utilize the power of their Tailed Beasts; their power was overwhelmingly dominant, and precautions had to be taken.
"I have to go too?" Kushina Uzumaki pointed to herself. She was, at most, an acquaintance of Kakashi Hatake, but not quite to the point of being close enough for a wedding invitation.
"I am Kakashi's Jonin squad leader. Although we have a superior-subordinate relationship, Kakashi is also my disciple. It's only right that I attend. As for you, Kushina..." Minato Namikaze's lips curled upward, looking a bit bashful.
"Alright, alright, I'll go!" Kushina's face also flushed with a faint crimson hue. The two had been in a confirmed relationship for some time now, yet they were still in the "honey-sweet" phase. They still felt a bit embarrassed by such matters.
"Then we should prepare a gift for Kakashi in advance," Kushina suggested. It just so happened that she had never attended someone else's wedding before. This time, she wanted to observe and learn as much as possible so that she and Minato's future wedding would go perfectly. This was, after all, the most sacred moment in one's life. When the time came, she wanted to invite many, many people.
Hmm, I definitely have to invite Shimizu Uchiha. He's been giving me massages for so long; I have to give him a good seat, Kushina thought randomly to herself.
"I know a shop; the things there are quite good," Minato said, leading Kushina toward the store. He pondered what he should give Kakashi. Both of them were filled with longing for their future life together.
Shimizu's House
Not long after he had finished researching the comb once used by Kaguya Otsutsuki, someone knocked on the door. Shimizu stored the comb away properly and left his laboratory to answer it.
"Madam Ginka, and this is...?"
When he opened the door, three women and one man stood there: Natsu Hyūga, Ginka Hyūga, and at the very back, Nobuhiko Hyūga, who was wearing a single-eyed eyepatch.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Hinatsuki Hyūga, the wife of Hiashi Hyūga," the woman said politely. Her voice was like a spring breeze—gentle, but carrying a hint of frailty that was strangely refreshing.
"It is an honor to have you in my humble home, Madam. Please, come in." Shimizu acted surprised as he welcomed them inside. He already knew from his simulator that someone would visit, but this was the first time he had seen Hinata's mother, Hinatsuki.
His first impression was that of a refined, elegant lady from a prestigious family. She wore a pale purple robe with black silk embroidery along the edges. Her straight, dark hair—tinted with a hint of purple—cascaded down to the small of her back. She had a slender figure and looked delicate and light, her brows slightly curved, giving her the appearance of a "sickly beauty."
Shimizu cast a few extra glances toward her chest. It was hard to judge the "scale" under that pale purple robe, but according to his estimates, it wouldn't be small. After all, Hinatsuki's daughter, Hinata Hyūga, was a classic example of being well-endowed. It seemed Hinata had inherited that from her. Like mother, like daughter.
After leading them inside, Shimizu went to the kitchen to prepare tea. Both Hinatsuki and Nobuhiko were visiting Shimizu's home for the first time. While they waited, they weren't restless; instead, they were quite curious about the layout of his room. Given Shimizu's reputation as a genius, everything he did piqued people's interest.
"So this is Dr. Shimizu's life? It's far too simple," Nobuhiko remarked, looking around. The style could only be described as minimalist.
"It shows that he is very self-disciplined," Hinatsuki replied, her initial impression of Shimizu being quite favorable. He was handsome, and his life seemed well-organized.
Ginka Hyūga remained silent. She glanced toward a spot near the window. If she remembered correctly, that was where she and Natsu had performed that dance. Those shameless movements and outfits... Ginka's cheeks burned hot like fire.
The other three were seated, while Natsu stood behind them. Natsu noticed Ginka's slightly changing expression, and a flicker of mockery appeared on her face. Ginka sensed it too. Since only the two of them knew the secret, they were essentially in the same boat. Ginka clenched her fists slightly. This wench...
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Shimizu emerged, carrying a tray with five cups of tea. He distributed them one by one and even gestured for Natsu to take a cup.
"I wonder what brings you all here to see me...?"
"Dr. Shimizu, we would like to invite you to attend the wedding between myself and Ginka!" Nobuhiko spoke with a smile. He then proceeded to thank Shimizu for healing his Byakugan.
Shimizu smiled and patted him on the back. "It's no trouble at all. Someone has already thanked me on your behalf."
Ginka bit her lip, her heart racing like a tidal wave.
"Ahem, I brought a gift for Dr. Shimizu. He is a very good man," Ginka said, forcing a smile to suppress the panic in her heart.
"Ginka, you are becoming more and more thoughtful," Hinatsuki said, taking Ginka's hand. She felt that Ginka wasn't as socially inept as before, failing to hear the hidden meaning in their words. Perhaps because of her sickly nature, Hinatsuki was soft-hearted and felt sympathy for members of the Branch House. In the past, Ginka hadn't treated Branch House members like human beings, acting willfully. Though Hinatsuki had disapproved, they were childhood friends, so she hadn't said much. Seeing Ginka understand social graces and stop oppressing the Branch House—even treating Natsu better—made Hinatsuki very relieved. She was a few years older than Ginka and viewed her as a younger sister.
"Ginka..." Nobuhiko looked moved. He swore in his heart that he would protect his wonderful wife with everything he had.
"By the way, Dr. Shimizu, are you free at this time?" Hinatsuki mentioned a specific date—the day of the wedding.
"Of course, no problem." Shimizu took the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. A person of such high status as Hinatsuki wasn't easy to meet. Shimizu could see Mikoto Uchiha because Fugaku saw value in recruiting him and they were from the same clan. Otherwise, outsiders would, at best, catch a glimpse of Mikoto on the street; they would likely never have a chance to speak to her in their entire lives.
"That's wonderful." Hinatsuki hadn't expected it to go so smoothly. The task Hiashi had given her was complete. It seemed Shimizu Uchiha really was the refined and easy-going person the rumors claimed.
"Madam Ginka, I will definitely attend your wedding as promised," Shimizu said with a smile.
"Dr. Shimizu, Nobuhiko and I look forward to your arrival." The two spoke with mutual respect, appearing like strangers who weren't particularly close.
At that moment, Ginka felt something tugging at her shoe. She looked down and saw a miniature version of Shimizu holding a small note! They were all sitting around the table, yet no one else seemed to notice the tiny clone. Ginka's heart skipped a beat, but she calmly checked the expressions of the others. Indeed, no one else had noticed.
Ginka narrowed her eyes and read the handwriting on the note: "Come back later. I have something to tell you."
Poof. The tiny figure vanished into a cloud of smoke.
Ginka looked up and locked eyes with Shimizu. She was terrified. What did Shimizu Uchiha want her to do now? After a moment, she forced herself to remain calm. What leverage did he have left? Nobuhiko's Byakugan was already healed; she no longer had any weaknesses in Shimizu's hands. Thinking this, her heart settled. She wanted to see what he would do. No matter what he said, she, Ginka Hyūga, would never cater to him again!
"Dr. Shimizu, we shall take our leave now," Hinatsuki said, standing up after a short chat. Natsu immediately moved to support her. Hinatsuki often felt dizzy after sitting for long periods; whenever she visited Ginka, Natsu was responsible for assisting her. This was a common sight for Ginka and Nobuhiko.
"See you next time," Shimizu waved.
Just now, he had used a variation of the Bunshin no Jutsu. A Clone Jutsu can actually change size; in the movies, Naruto once created two tiny "Chibi-Narutos" to protect Hinata from bullies. That was a result of Naruto's massive chakra combined with crude control. After intentionally mimicking it, Shimizu had mastered the technique. He dubbed it the Little Man Clone Jutsu.
After the Hyūga group said their goodbyes, they left his home. Ignoring the one figure that ruined the view, Shimizu watched the three graceful silhouettes from behind, feeling a surge of heat. He had tried noble ladies, mature women, and young girls. He had yet to try a "sickly" woman. How would a woman like that look when she was moved to tears?
Shimizu sat back on the sofa and called over a white pigeon, feeding it scraps of meat. Every time he tossed a piece, the pigeon would catch it like a dog and swallow it whole.
About twenty minutes passed. The sound of footsteps echoed from the courtyard.
"Shimizu Uchiha, what else do you have to say?" Ginka frowned, seemingly reverting to her old, high-and-mighty self.
Shimizu raised an eyebrow. Just a moment ago, it was "Dr. Shimizu" this and "Dr. Shimizu" that; now she was using his full name. This woman really was brainless the moment she felt she had the upper hand. No wonder she was sidelined even within the Hyūga Clan.
"Madam Ginka, why don't you take a look at this?" Shimizu picked up a remote and turned on the television. The dark screen lit up, automatically playing a video from the media storage.
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