"How do you feel?" Kenshin asked gently. The "ritual" had worked both ways, and his already considerable fondness for this little girl had grown into an all-encompassing feeling of love. His heart fluttered, and his only desire at that moment was to care for and protect this girl from all troubles, ensuring nothing ever threatened her again.
"Mm... Strange. I love you so much, more than Mom and Dad... Is that normal?" she asked, being completely inexperienced in such matters.
"No way! Aya, Natsumi, do you feel it? Kenshin, how did she become one of us? Doesn't that require...?" Kasumi trailed off questioningly, sensing that Makoto had changed. Over a long time, they had all mysteriously gained incredible sensitivity to Kenshin's other wives.
Aya and Natsumi also glanced at Kenshin in surprise, awaiting explanations.
"I don't fully understand how I did it, but it seems I've gained a more 'civilized' way to seal a marriage contract," he said with a laugh, unable to resist hugging little Makoto and pressing her to his chest.
She let out a tender cry of surprise, but a moment later, she blissfully hugged him back, laying her head on his chest. She felt so cozy and comfortable, as if she'd returned to her distant childhood in her loving mother's embrace. Due to her very narrow worldview, that was the only comparison Makoto could make.
"This is wonderful! Makoto, girl, now we're one family!" Kasumi said joyfully, hugging them both with Kenshin.
Though Aya and Natsumi weren't as impressed by Makoto's sweet nature, they were still glad the newcomer turned out so good. Neither minded her as a candidate for Kenshin's wife, so they joined the group hug, bewildering her with their attitude.
"Th-thank you... I'm so glad I met you, mas... Kenshin!" Makoto declared through tears. She still couldn't believe all this had happened to her in one day. At that moment, she feared most waking up and realizing it had all been a dream of a miracle-waiting little girl.
"Don't be afraid, this isn't a dream. Everything around is real, as are our feelings. From this day, Aoki Makoto no longer exists. Now there's only Nakayama Makoto!" Kenshin proclaimed grandly, sending shivers through all the girls. His voice wasn't loud, but it pierced through all the walls of the huge castle, thrilling every other member of the Nakayama Family to the core.
"Father got married! Did you hear?!" Thirty-Second asked joyfully. His blood boiled, and his soul rejoiced immensely.
"Of course I heard! This is great!" Twelfth replied from atop the wall.
Such conversations echoed in every corner of the huge Nakayama Family home. All of Kenshin's sons were overjoyed by the news and wholeheartedly wished to congratulate their father and his new wife.
Once the excitement in the recreation room died down and Makoto finally calmed, Kenshin personally began teaching her the basics of D&D-based card games. To his deepest regret, the "Shelter Creation" ability at this stage still didn't allow for more interesting entertainments, but he didn't grieve and enjoyed what was available.
After officially becoming his wife, Makoto completely stopped being afraid and shy, becoming incredibly affectionate and playful. She kept pressing her back against him while sitting on his lap, begging for caresses, and Kenshin gladly hugged her, even lightly kissing the back of her neck as a reward for her successes.
He had not a single lewd thought about this affectionate girl, and all his actions were purely platonic. Makoto seemed to have no issue with it, perceiving Kenshin as the big brother she'd never had.
An hour after dinner, Hitomi entered the room and, seeing the colorful scene, was a bit surprised but decided not to comment, planning to talk to Kenshin alone.
"I've finished with that rebel. What a sharp tongue she has... I barely held back from hitting her!" Hitomi said discontentedly, puffing her lips.
"You did well to hold back. I ask you all to be more tolerant of her. It seems Noriko has a hidden kekkei genkai, and I suspect that's why she has such a foul temper," Kenshin said, kissing the leaning Hitomi on the lips. She wasn't shy at all around this new girl and awaited her share of praise.
"Noriko has a kekkei genkai? Then it makes sense why you chose her," Kasumi said, making the effort to approach Kenshin for her well-deserved kiss.
"I'd have rescued her from that place even without such talents. She's suffered greatly and deserves a good life. In the worst case, I'll house her separately, but try to get along with her," Kenshin said with a sigh, kissing Aya and Natsumi in turn, who refused to be left out and demanded their kisses.
"And what's so special about me? Why did you choose me?" Makoto asked curiously.
"You're no less special than Noriko; few can see it," he replied, kissing her on the back of the neck. It felt a bit unusual hearing the formal "you," but Makoto refused to change it, wanting to show respect with every address.
"M-master, m-maybe I should address you formally too and act like a little girl. Does that turn you on, master?" Kasumi purred seductively, striking maximally graceful and alluring poses, making everyone suppress laughter. At the end of her speech, she elegantly turned her back to him, and a loud smack echoed from Kenshin's palm meeting her incredibly firm butt.
"Ah! Master..." Kasumi whimpered, but Kenshin just gently stroked the sore spot and decided to change the subject.
"How's Noriko's health?" he asked as Hitomi took her seat at the table.
"Much better than I expected. The serious issues are just a few improperly healed bones and a slightly displaced spleen. It apparently ruptured, and regeneration went wrong. I don't know if your ability will restore her health, but I advise not rushing and letting me fix her up. Right now, she's sleeping after I corrected her disfigured nose," Hitomi reported, as if Kenshin were the chief iryonin briefing him.
"I'll talk to her in the morning, and we'll decide the best course. Thank you," Kenshin said softly, making Hitomi smile joyfully. She loved being useful to him and enjoyed his praise.