The next morning.
Sunlight, like handfuls of fine golden sand, gently filtered through the window lattice, filling the room with warmth. Crisp birdsong from beneath the eaves added an air of peaceful serenity.
Senju Mori woke from his sleep to find the space beside him empty—only a few strands of red hair on the pillow and a faint lingering fragrance remained.
He stood, changed into a fresh set of daily clothes from the wardrobe, and while washing up, suddenly caught the faint aroma of food drifting in from outside.
Following the scent, he stepped out of the bedroom and entered the dining area, where he saw Uzumaki Rei standing with her back to him, busy in the kitchen.
She had changed into a simple, elegant house kimono. Her long hair was loosely tied up, revealing the graceful curve of her pale neck.
At that moment, she was carefully ladling miso soup from the pot, her movements smooth and gentle. Sunlight streamed in through the window, outlining her with a warm, soft glow.
The sight made Mori pause subtly—
The contrast between yesterday's grand festivities and the quiet, intimate morning before him was stark, and it made him keenly aware that his life had entered a new stage.
"You're awake?"
As if attuned to him, Rei turned around with a shy newlywed smile.
"I was just about to call you. Breakfast is ready—I'm not sure if it suits your taste."
The dining table was set with a standard yet refined breakfast.
Aside from two steaming bowls of miso soup, there were perfectly grilled saury, glistening rice, and golden, tender tamagoyaki.
"You woke up this early? Things like this… people from the clan could handle it for you."
Mori sat at the table, his tone gentle.
Rei set out the bowls and chopsticks for him, her movements smooth and natural. Her voice was soft, yet carried a quiet firmness:
"From today on, this is my responsibility."
She then sat opposite him, hands folded on her lap. Lifting her gaze, her eyes were clear and earnest.
"Mori, I know our marriage began as a pact between our two clans.
But to me, from today forward, you are my husband. And this is my home."
She paused slightly, her gaze growing even gentler.
"I will do everything I can to be a good wife to you, to keep this home in order, so that after working hard for the village, you have a place where you can truly rest."
Mori felt a soft stir in his heart and spoke more quietly.
"Because you're here… this place finally feels like a home.
I'll do my best too—to be a husband worthy of your devotion."
Rei's lips curved into a more genuine smile, with a hint of girlish playfulness.
"Then… how about starting by finishing the breakfast your wife made?"
She paused, then added softly, eyes gleaming with amusement:
"If you leave any, I might feel just a little heartbroken as a new bride."
The light teasing instantly softened the earlier formality between them and quietly drew the two closer.
Mori couldn't help but chuckle. He reached out and gently held her hand.
"With breakfast made so thoughtfully, how could I leave even a bite behind?"
The atmosphere grew more relaxed. As they spoke, the topic naturally shifted to their plans for the day.
Mori picked up a piece of tamagoyaki and placed it in his mouth. The perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness brought a trace of admiration to his eyes.
"It's delicious."
He praised sincerely, then added:
"As for Father and Mother, we're scheduled to visit them this morning."
Rei's eyes curved happily.
"Mm-hmm~ I've already prepared the gifts."
…
With the morning light warm and gentle, and after sharing a cozy breakfast, Senju Mori and Uzumaki Rei set out together for his parents' home, also located within the Senju compound.
It was a traditional, classical residence—more ancient and tranquil than Senju Mori's own home. The carefully pruned pines and shrubs in the courtyard silently reflected the homeowners' discipline and refined taste.
Senju Mori's father was named Senju Hiroki, a man in his forties, and like his wife Senju Azusa, he was a jōnin of the clan.
He was an elite shinobi who had survived through the Warring States era, and in his youth had followed Senju Hashirama, fighting against the Uchiha led by Uchiha Madara.
Mori's refined kenjutsu had been taught by none other than his father, Hiroki.
Leading Uzumaki Rei through the courtyard and into the winding corridors of the residence, Mori soon spotted two familiar figures.
Senju Hiroki, though wearing ordinary clothing, carried the imposing presence of someone who had seen countless battles. Beside him, Senju Azusa sat gracefully in seiza, her gaze filled with pride as it swept over her son.
The room was quiet and solemn, lit softly by sunlight filtering through the paper windows.
"Father, Mother."
Mori stopped at the entrance and bowed respectfully, then stepped aside naturally, gently guiding Uzumaki Rei forward.
Dressed in a light, elegant kimono, Rei stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Good day, Father, Mother."
"My dear child, please stand up."
Senju Azusa leaned forward first, warmly taking Rei's hand and helping her to her feet, her eyes lingering affectionately on the young woman's face.
"There were so many people at the ceremony yesterday; today we can finally take a proper look at you. You are so dignified and lovely—truly delightful."
Rei lowered her head slightly, speaking with shy politeness.
"Mother, you flatter me. There were many guests yesterday, and we did not greet you and Father properly. That was our oversight."
"It's fine."
Senju Hiroki, who had remained silent until now, spoke in a steady, reassuring voice.
"This wedding was an important event for the entire village. As the bride and groom, being busy was natural. Now that everything ended well, your mother and I are at ease."
Rei then gestured toward the gifts she brought and said softly:
"I prepared some medicinal teas for you, Father—they are said to help with old injuries. And for you, Mother, I brought incense specially made in Uzushiogakure to calm the mind. I hope they suit your tastes."
Azusa accepted them with a smile and repeated her thanks, while Hiroki nodded slightly, a faint trace of approval in his eyes.
After a pleasant round of conversation, Azusa exchanged a glance with her husband and then picked up a slightly aged, dark-colored scroll beside her, stamped with the Senju clan's crest.
She placed it solemnly in Rei's hands.
"Child, take this."
"It has been passed down in our family for generations. It contains knowledge on caring for plants and maintaining one's health. It may not be as lofty as advanced ninjutsu, but it is the foundation of sustaining a household."
Rei received it with both hands and bowed deeply once more.
"Thank you very much, Mother. I will study it carefully and make good use of it."