The festival lights had finally dimmed, leaving Paras City wrapped in a soft, lingering glow of lanterns and distant laughter that echoed like a fading dream across the quiet streets. Petals from cherry blossoms drifted lazily on the night breeze, carrying the sweet scent of celebration long after the crowds had gone home. The city felt peaceful, almost magical in its stillness — a rare moment of calm after days of joy, music, and fireworks that had painted the sky in brilliant colors. Yet for Yuki, the festival wasn't truly over. It lived on inside her heart, replaying in soft, glowing memories that made her smile even now.
Inside her cozy home, the world outside felt miles away, distant and unimportant.
Yuki had decided to take a long, well-deserved break from her idol life. No concerts. No flashing cameras chasing her every move. No crowds chanting her name until their voices grew hoarse. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was simply… herself. No spotlight, no expectations — just Yuki. She lay on her bed, face turned toward the wall, her long hair spilling across the pillow like strands of moonlight silk. Her cheeks were flushed with a gentle, warm pink as she replayed the festival in her mind again and again — every stolen glance from Honokage, every quiet moment when their shoulders brushed, every rare smile he gave only to her. A soft, heartfelt giggle escaped her lips, muffled against the pillow as she hugged it tighter.
"Hono-kun is really good…" she whispered to the empty room, voice filled with warmth, affection, and a touch of shy wonder. "He does care about me… even if he acts all tsundere and grumpy about it. That big softie…"
Her heart fluttered like the wings of a small, excited bird trapped in her chest. She hugged the pillow even tighter, imagining his calm face, the way his crimson eyes softened just a fraction whenever he looked at her. The room was quiet except for the faint, rhythmic snoring coming from the other side of the bed — a sound that somehow made her smile wider.
Honokage lay there, completely relaxed, a thick book resting comically over his face, rising and falling with each deep, steady breath. His black hair peeked out from under the pages, and his powerful frame was sprawled out in peaceful surrender to sleep. The cursed spirit looked almost… adorable like this — unguarded, human, far from the intimidating figure he usually presented to the world. Yuki peeked over her shoulder at him, her giggle turning into a quiet, loving sigh.
She sat up slowly, stretching her arms above her head with a satisfied, contented sigh. Her smile was bright and genuine as she glanced toward the window, where the city lights twinkled like distant stars against the night sky. The night felt full of possibility, full of warmth, full of *him*.
---
Meanwhile, deep in the Great Jungle bordering Paras City, a different kind of peace reigned under the silver moonlight.
Wano moved gracefully through the moonlit clearing, her voice soft yet commanding as she spoke to the animals gathered around her like loyal subjects. The forest queen's presence was calming, like a gentle breeze after a long storm — steady, protective, and filled with quiet strength. Rabbits nestled at her feet, wolves sat attentively with ears perked forward, and birds perched on low branches, listening as she checked on their well-being and reminded them of the protections Blu had promised during the rebuilding.
"You've all been so strong," she said warmly, her hand gently patting a large wolf's head. The wolf leaned into her touch with a contented rumble. "The jungle is healing, and so are we. Keep watching over each other. That's how we stay safe."
On a nearby moss-covered rock, Uraka rested in her slime form — a cute, pink, blob-like shape with sleepy eyes half-closed in lazy contentment. She yawned loudly, stretching her gooey form with a slow, exaggerated wiggle that made her jiggle like jelly.
Wano turned toward her with a raised eyebrow and a playful smile on her lips.
"Didn't you sleep two hours ago?"
Uraka's slime body jiggled again as she yawned even louder, voice muffled and drowsy with pure laziness.
"This month is too lazy a month… It's too cold out here. I don't want to awaken now…"
She melted a little more into the rock, eyes closing fully as she drifted back into a deep, untroubled slumber, a soft bubble forming at the corner of her slime mouth.
A small bunny hopped up and climbed onto Wano's shoulder, nuzzling against her cheek with tiny, affectionate twitches. Wano chuckled softly and patted its fluffy head with gentle fingers, her expression softening with maternal warmth.
"You're right, little one. Some days are just for resting… and for remembering why we fight so hard to protect this place."
The jungle felt alive yet serene — a perfect, peaceful contrast to the bustling city. Trees rustled softly in the breeze, fireflies danced like tiny stars, and the distant call of night birds created a lullaby that wrapped the entire forest in tranquility.
---
Back at Yuki's home, the kitchen filled with the warm, mouth-watering aroma of frying chicken that made the whole house feel cozy and inviting.
Yuki stood at the counter, wearing a cute apron tied neatly around her waist, humming a soft, happy tune under her breath. She had pulled out fresh ingredients from the fridge, her movements light and filled with love. She carefully coated the chicken leg pieces in a special dough, adding another layer for that perfect, golden crispiness. Oil sizzled happily in the pan as she gently lowered the pieces in, the bubbles rising like tiny fireworks of flavor. She flipped them with care, watching them turn a beautiful golden brown, the aroma growing richer and more irresistible with every second.
Once they were perfectly fried, she placed them on a plate, sprinkling colorful springles on top for that extra touch of fun and sweetness. The aroma was irresistible — crispy, savory, with just the right hint of spice that made her own mouth water a little.
Yuki giggled to herself, cheeks flushing with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
"He will definitely like it… I put my heart into every piece."
She set the plate on the table, voice bright and playful as she called out toward the bedroom.
"The food is ready, Hono-kun! Stop sleeping and come here fast! It's getting cold!"
On the other side of the room, Honokage's eyes cracked open slightly. The book slid off his face with a soft thud onto the floor. He yawned deeply, stretching his powerful arms above his head before sitting up slowly. His crimson eyes focused on the plate, tail flicking curiously behind him as the delicious smell reached him.
"You made this for me?" he asked, voice still a little rough from sleep but carrying a note of genuine surprise.
Yuki nodded gladly, eyes sparkling with hope and affection.
"Yeah… It's all yours. I made it just for you."
Honokage leaned in, smelling the crispy chicken. He took a bite, chewing slowly and thoughtfully. A pause followed. Yuki watched nervously, hands clasped tightly in front of her, biting her lower lip as she waited for his reaction.
"Is it good?" she asked, voice soft and hopeful.
Honokage took a deep breath, then nodded once, his expression softening just a fraction — the closest thing to praise he usually gave.
"It's pretty good. Not gonna lie."
Yuki's face lit up like the festival fireworks all over again, her smile bright and radiant.
"Yay! You liked it! I was so worried!"
He continued munching, but soon noticed Yuki wasn't eating anything herself. His expression shifted, a rare flicker of concern crossing his face.
"Have you eaten?" he asked quietly.
Yuki smiled shyly, waving her hand.
"Umm… Not yet…"
Honokage paused, fork halfway to his mouth, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her face. He could see the way her gaze kept drifting longingly to the plate — the quiet desire she was trying so hard to hide behind her selfless smile.
"You should eat too," he said firmly but gently. "Because you made it and it's delicious."
Yuki shook her head, still smiling, though her eyes betrayed her.
"Thanks for asking, but I don't want to eat now. I'm full… I made it for you, so you can enjoy it all."
Honokage stopped eating for a moment, setting the piece down. He looked at her directly, his crimson eyes searching hers with quiet intensity.
"I can see you want to eat it."
Yuki turned away slightly, pouting in that adorable way she always did when caught.
"I don't want to—"
Suddenly, Honokage's arm moved with surprising speed and gentleness. He grabbed her by the waist with his left hand and pulled her onto his lap, making her sit right there against him, close and secure.
Yuki blushed instantly, face turning a deep, burning crimson as she squirmed a little.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" she yelped, voice a mix of surprise and embarrassment.
Honokage's voice was calm, almost teasing, but there was a rare softness underneath.
"Nothing… Just eat with me."
She pouted harder, turning her face away stubbornly.
"I made it all for you. I don't wanna eat it."
Honokage didn't let go. He picked up a piece with his free hand and brought it gently to her lips.
"You have the desire to eat. So you must eat with me."
Yuki turned her head at first, lips pressed tightly together in stubborn refusal. But then… her cheeks flushed even deeper, embarrassed by her own feelings. She opened her mouth and took a small bite, savoring the taste with a tiny, happy hum.
"It's only because you asked for it…" she mumbled, voice shy.
Honokage smiled — a rare, genuine smile that made her heart skip a beat. He pulled her a little closer, holding her securely as they shared the meal together. The moment was warm, intimate, filled with quiet affection and the simple joy of being close. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally glancing at each other with soft smiles, the kind of quiet happiness that spoke louder than words.
After they finished, the evening had grown softer, the city lights twinkling like stars outside the window, casting a gentle glow over the room.
---
Later that evening, at the sea beach along the edge of Paras City's jungle, the sun was setting in a blaze of orange, pink, and gold, painting the waves in liquid fire and turning the entire shoreline into a breathtaking canvas of light.
Yuki had dragged Honokage there by the wrist, her laughter light and free as they walked hand-in-hand along the shore, sand warm beneath their feet.
"Look! The sun looks far more beautiful today!" she exclaimed, pointing at the horizon with wide-eyed wonder, her voice filled with pure joy.
She turned to him, giggling like a child.
"And you don't even go outside. Lazy uncle\~"
Honokage raised an eyebrow, voice dry but clearly amused.
"You really called me uncle after all?"
Yuki grinned, teasing him playfully as she swung their joined hands.
"No\~ You're just uncle by age, young by look. Handsome uncle, actually."
Honokage let out a small, rare chuckle that made her heart flutter.
"That's a good line."
Yuki smiled brightly, squeezing his hand.
"Anyways… Let's go to the sea?"
She kicked off her boots and socks, leaving them neatly on the sand. Then she started unwearing her dress, the fabric slipping off her shoulders with casual ease.
Honokage blushed slightly and turned his head away, voice a little gruff but caring.
"Is it necessary to undress in front of me?"
At that moment, Yuki paused mid-motion, holding the dress against her chest. She turned with a mischievous, teasing smile.
"I have a bikini suit inside. Were you thinking something weird about me, Hono-kun?"
Honokage muttered under his breath, ears faintly red.
"Nahhh… I just said it for you."
She finished undressing, revealing a cute pink bikini that shimmered beautifully under the setting sun, hugging her figure perfectly. She winked playfully, raising two fingers in a cute pose.
"How do I look in this dress?"
Honokage didn't dare look directly at first, but he whispered softly, almost to himself.
"You look like a dreamy wife…"
Yuki tilted her head, not quite catching the words.
"I didn't listen. Say clearly."
Honokage cleared his throat, voice a bit louder but still gruff.
"I said you look good."
Yuki pouted cutely, crossing her arms.
"Nah, you told something like dreamy… I heard it!"
He pushed her gently toward the water, trying to hide his own blush.
"You don't have to know it."
Yuki laughed and ran into the sea, jumping and splashing water like an excited child in a swimming pool, her laughter ringing out clear and joyful.
"Woahhh!! That's pretty awesome!! Hono-kun, come here!!"
Honokage undressed as well, his muscular frame shining under the golden sunset light like a statue carved from strength and quiet grace. He jumped in after her, sending a big splash of water over her with a playful smirk.
Yuki squealed with delight, splashing him back.
"Wow! Haha… I never seen you this energetic! You're like a big kid when you want to be!"
Honokage smirked wider, splashing her again, water flying in sparkling arcs.
"What's wrong then? Can't handle a little fun?"
Yuki giggled, splashing back with all her might, their laughter mixing with the crash of waves.
"Nothing… I'm just happy to see this side of you. It makes me feel… special."
They played in the water for what felt like hours — laughing, teasing, splashing each other like carefree kids lost in the moment. The sunset painted the waves in brilliant colors, turning the entire scene into something magical, something straight out of an anime dream. Their laughter echoed across the beach, mixing with the gentle crash of waves and the distant call of seabirds. For a while, the weight of the world — curses, battles, responsibilities — melted away, leaving only the two of them, happy and alive.
Late in the evening, as the sky turned deep purple and stars began to appear one by one like scattered diamonds, they sat close together on the sand, fully dressed again, shoulders touching as they looked up at the sky. The waves lapped gently at their feet, the air cool and salty.
Honokage's voice was quiet, almost hesitant, breaking the comfortable silence.
"If you allow me… May I say something?"
Yuki turned to him, eyes soft and full of warmth.
"Sure. You can say anything without hesitation."
Honokage looked at her directly, his crimson eyes searching hers with quiet intensity, as if seeing her for the first time all over again.
"Who really are you?"
Yuki paused for a moment, surprised by the depth of the question.
"I am? I am just Yuki, a human… Why did you ask?"
Honokage's gaze didn't waver. His voice grew softer, more vulnerable than she had ever heard.
"No… I mean, who really are you after all? You don't feel like human anymore…"
He continued, each word carrying the weight of months of quiet observation and unspoken feelings.
"Whenever I pushed you far, you clung to me more. When I misbehaved, you tried to understand me instead of getting angry. You protected me from everyone's judgment, even when I didn't deserve it."
He turned fully toward her, his hand gently taking hers.
"So tell me… Why do you do all of these?"
Yuki paused, her heart swelling with emotion. Then she smiled brightly — a smile full of pure, unconditional warmth that seemed to light up the entire beach and the stars above.
"I just do it all… because you were a part of my soul from the moment I met you, and I love you so much."
It wasn't dramatic. It wasn't flowery or rehearsed. It was simple, honest, from the deepest part of her heart — the heart of a girl who had fallen for a cursed spirit and never once looked back, no matter how hard he pushed.
Honokage felt it deep in his chest, a warmth he rarely allowed himself to feel. He took a deep breath, looking up at the stars for a moment before turning back to her, a rare, soft smile on his face.
"You are incredible…"
He glanced at her again, his crimson eyes filled with quiet admiration.
"And actually… You are my type of woman… Strong, responsible, good, cheerful, beautiful… And the most important…"
He paused, then smiled wider, almost shyly.
"There's too much fun with you."
Yuki giggled, cheeks flushing a deep, happy pink.
"So you think I am your type woman?"
He grabbed her hand gently and pulled her closer, his voice low and sincere.
"Well… Let's get married then."
Yuki stiffened completely, hands flying to her mouth in shock. A deep red blush spread across her face as her head jiggled in disbelief, heart pounding wildly.
"Marry… Marry? You want to marry me!?"
Her thoughts raced wildly inside her head: *No no no no… This can't be true!! Hono-kun can't marry me!! He doesn't want me to marry! Or… does he?*
She turned to him, eyes wide and glistening with happy tears.
Honokage gently pulled her hands away from her mouth, his touch surprisingly tender and warm.
"Our ceremony is after a week. Prepare and don't get shy."
He handed her something small and beautiful — two white gem earrings with gold plates, shining brighter than any diamond under the moonlight, sparkling like captured stars.
"The star plasma earrings. Those aren't easy to make, and asteroids aren't common, so it's the rarest thing I could give you."
Yuki observed them closely. They sparkled like captured stars, reflecting her tear-filled eyes in their facets.
She didn't even notice she was crying until the first tear fell onto the sand.
She held the earrings to her chest, hair fluttering slightly in the sea breeze, voice trembling with overwhelming emotion.
"I didn't ask anything from you ever… But the thing you have given me, I will treasure it forever and ever."
She placed her head on his shoulder, voice soft and full of love.
"I love you so much, Honokage… Don't ever dare to leave me again."
Honokage chuckled quietly, a rare sound of genuine warmth that wrapped around her like a blanket.
"I won't leave again. It's the promise from a cursed spirit."
---
One week later.
The church stood beautiful and serene under a canopy of blooming sakura trees, pink petals drifting gently in the breeze like nature's own confetti, painting the ground in soft pink. Bells rang joyfully, their clear sound carrying across the city like a celebration of new beginnings and second chances.
Honokage stood at the altar in a sharp black suit, looking at his watch with slight nervousness that he tried to hide. His crimson eyes flicked toward the door every few seconds, heart beating a little faster than usual.
*Come on, don't run the day… You can face strong people. Yuki is nothing… And she is going to be your wife… My wife.*
Guests filled the benches — including Wano and Uraka, who sat together with emotional smiles, wiping away happy tears.
The doors opened slowly, dramatically.
Yuki entered as the bride, smiling gladly with pure joy, holding a bouquet of beautiful white and pink flowers. Her dress flowed like moonlight and dreams, elegant and pure, hugging her figure perfectly. She walked slowly toward Honokage, every step filled with love and happiness, petals falling around her like blessings.
She stood in front of him, eyes sparkling.
Yuki's voice was soft and overflowing with emotion.
"The day finally came that I wanted always… I can't believe it's real."
Honokage smiled back, his usual calm cracking just enough to show the warmth beneath.
"Same… I never thought I'd stand here."
The president stepped forward, announcing with warm pride and a touch of ceremony.
"Stay alive, beautiful, and good always… Please cheer our new happy wedding couple on their wedding!"
Everyone clapped in pure, heartfelt joy. Uraka shaded a tear, wiping it away quickly with a sniffle. Wano's voice broke with emotion as she clapped.
"Didn't think they could marry… Stay happy always, you two."
Yuki elbowed Honokage slightly, winking playfully with a bright smile.
"From couple to groom and bride. What do you think about it, Mr. Husband?"
Honokage turned to her, a small smirk on his face, but his eyes were soft.
"I have tension of hairfall, that's it."
Yuki laughed, the sound light and full of love.
"Wrong… You also care about me, don't you?"
Honokage nodded, voice sincere and warm.
"Yeah, I do… There is nothing to lie about. Not anymore."
She giggled and leaned in, kissing him softly on the cheek as the crowd cheered louder.
The moment was perfect — two souls who had been through so much, a cursed spirit and the girl who refused to let him go, becoming one under the sakura petals and ringing bells.
---
Far away, on Planet Yada, the training grounds stretched under a vast alien sky filled with swirling clouds and distant thunder.
Astra floated high above the rocky surface, silver aura glowing steadily around him as he looked out at the horizon, preparing for another intense training session. His white hair fluttered in the wind, his adult form strong and focused.
Blu hovered nearby, cape fluttering in the strong wind.
"Astra… I am returning to Earth again. It's been a while now. You stay here for training. Then you will also come when you're ready."
Astra nodded respectfully, voice steady.
"As you wish, Master Blu. But the distance from Earth to Yada is so great that it will take years even if you use speed far beyond light itself…"
Blu smiled confidently, golden energy already gathering around him.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm going early. See you later, kid."
With a brilliant flash of golden energy, Blu teleported away, leaving Astra alone on the planet.
Astra landed gracefully on the ground, stretching his arms with a determined grin.
"Alright… Let's do some training."
Suddenly —
A portal ripped open in the sky with a violent crackle of energy, swirling with dark, ominous power.
Astra's silver eyes narrowed sharply.
"Huh? What's that?"
From the swirling portal, a golden spear shot forward like a bolt of divine lightning — aimed straight at his face with deadly precision!
Astra's silver aura flared instantly, burning the spear away into nothing before it could even graze him.
He clenched his fist, eyes glowing with power and readiness.
"Who's there? Show yourself!"
The portal widened dramatically, energy crackling like thunder and lightning combined.
A feminine voice cut through the atmosphere, cold and authoritative, echoing with ancient power.
"You have broken rules of speed, limitations of powers… So you must pay for it."
Astra's stance shifted into a fighting pose, silver energy crackling around him like living flames.
"What do you even want from me?! Come out and face me!"
The portal pulsed brighter, the threat hanging heavy in the air like the calm before a devastating storm.
Danger had found Astra once again — and this time, it came from the stars themselves.