Nighttime, at Tsunade's home.
"Minato Namikaze is getting married?"
Shinji stared blankly at the red invitation in his hand.
Tsunade had casually tossed it to him just moments ago. Opening it, he saw it read: Uchiha Shinji is cordially invited to attend the wedding of Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina.
Shinji glanced at the date and silently calculated—it was just ten days away.
Beside him, Tsunade casually removed her tea-green overcoat and tossed it onto the edge of the sofa, stretching lazily and outlining her graceful, captivating curves.
She sat down on the sofa and said, "Yeah, I ran into Minato today when I went to see that old man, the Third Hokage."
She picked up two other invitations from the low table and lightly waved them:
"He knew you were here with me, so he asked me to bring yours along. These are for me and Shizune."
Shinji nodded, feeling only a little surprised.
He guessed that Minato had been preparing for the wedding for a while, but due to Kushina's identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, it had been kept secret from the public until now, when the invitations were officially sent out.
He remembered that Minato and Kushina had indeed married after the end of the Third Shinobi World War, but he hadn't expected to receive a wedding invitation from Minato.
Was it because he was in the same generation as Kakashi and Nohara Rin that he was included on the guest list?
Or was it because of his status as Tsunade's disciple?
Considering Minato's current reputation and popularity in Konohagakure, this wedding was sure to be packed with guests, and most of the major ninja clans would likely send representatives.
Shizune clenched her fists, her face full of anticipation and excitement: "I never thought staying in Konohagakure would mean receiving an invitation to Lord Minato's wedding! Coming back this time was totally worth it!"
After wandering around with Tsunade for so long, being able to attend such a grand event made her incredibly happy.
Tsunade chuckled lightly, her tone carrying a hint of inevitability: "After all, he's that guy Jiraiya's disciple. We definitely have to go."
Only then did Shinji realize why he had run into Jiraiya on the streets of Konohagakure during the day.
Jiraiya must have specifically returned from outside to attend his beloved disciple's wedding.
"Lord Jiraiya?"
He casually mentioned the daytime incident to Tsunade: "I think I saw him earlier today."
"Oh?" Tsunade immediately straightened up and pressed, "Where did you see him?"
"Across from the women's bathhouse."
Shinji betrayed him without a hint of guilt: "When I saw him, he was peeping."
He briefly described Jiraiya's appearance and his final, pitiful escape after being pelted.
"Ah!"
Shizune's face flushed bright red, and she fidgeted nervously. "Th-this... how could Lord Jiraiya do such a thing!"
"That scoundrel!"
Tsunade gritted her teeth. Just from Shinji's description, she knew it had to be him.
She clenched her fists, her knuckles cracking audibly, and a faint aura of killing intent emanated from her.
"I'm going to beat him to a pulp!"
Shinji kept his eyes downcast, calmly observing the scene while secretly looking forward to it.
He lowered his head to look at the invitation in his hand and began pondering what gift to give.
Soon, an idea surfaced in his mind.
"That thing should be just right."
...
Ten days later.
"Let's head out!" Tsunade stood up and motioned for Shinji and Shizune to follow.
Shinji straightened his collar, his gaze unconsciously drifting toward Tsunade.
Noticing his gaze, Tsunade looked down at herself but found nothing amiss. She asked in confusion, "What's wrong?"
Shinji cleared his throat and said earnestly, "Tsunade-sensei, you look beautiful today."
Beside them, Shizune's eyes lit up as she chimed in with admiration, "Tsunade-sama, that outfit suits you perfectly."
Today, Tsunade wore a blue-and-white gradient evening gown, her golden hair half-tied up. Round pearl earrings adorned her ears, and the mark on her forehead, accentuated by the dress, added an air of dignified elegance.
Hearing their compliments, Tsunade's face flushed slightly before she smiled proudly. "After all, I am the princess of the Senju clan. Finally, you're seeing me in a new light, aren't you?"
The two nodded repeatedly.
Especially Shizune—it was her first time seeing Tsunade dressed so formally.
"Alright, let's go," Tsunade urged once more.
The three then headed to Minato's wedding venue.
They arrived neither early nor late, but the place was already bustling with guests and lively chatter.
Tsunade pointed toward the front row. "Would you like to come with me?"
Shinji followed her gesture and saw the front row filled with Konohagakure's higher-ups, including the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and others.
Shizune quickly waved her hands. "We'll pass. That area isn't really suitable for us."
Tsunade didn't press further. "Then make yourselves at home."
With that, she walked alone to the front row. In such a setting, it truly wasn't appropriate to bring Shinji and Shizune along.
Shinji scanned the crowd and said to Shizune, "Kakashi and the others are over there."
He gestured with his hand. "Let's go join them."
Shizune nodded.
As they approached, someone enthusiastically waved at them.
"Oh? Shinji and Shizune!" Might Guy called out loudly. "Come over here!"
This table was filled with their peers: Kakashi, Might Guy, Ebisu...
Shinji walked over, his gaze shifting until he spotted Kurenai, though Rin didn't seem to have arrived yet.
Unobtrusively, he took a seat to Kurenai Yuhi's left.
While no one was paying attention, his hand under the table gently squeezed hers.
Kurenai Yuhi's cheeks warmed, and she immediately withdrew her hand, shooting him a reproachful glare.
This secret intimacy made her heart race uncontrollably.
Shinji wore a faint smile and casually chatted with everyone as if nothing had happened.
Usually, everyone was busy with their own missions. While small gatherings among a few were occasional, a full gathering like this was truly rare.
Just then, Rin, who had been running late, hurried over.
She smiled apologetically. "Sorry I'm late. Preparing a gift took a bit longer."
"No problem, take a seat!"
"Rin, you're finally here!"
"A gift? I prepared one for Jonin Minato too!"
Their peers greeted her with a chorus of voices.
Rin smiled and nodded, her eyes sweeping over the table before she naturally took a seat to Shinji's left.
Suddenly, Shinji found himself sandwiched between Kurenai and Rin.
"Shinji, I'm here!" Rin greeted him with a bright smile.
"Rin, you look lovely today," Shinji replied with a smile.
Today, Rin wore a well-fitted little dress, appearing youthful, vibrant, and exceptionally charming.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kurenai Yuhi on his right suddenly reached out and gave him a light pinch on the side.
Shinji instantly stiffened, a drop of cold sweat trickling down his temple.
He quickly turned to Kurenai and earnestly added, "Kurenai, you look exceptionally beautiful today, truly unforgettable."
Kurenai Yuhi finally smiled.
She had taken great care with her appearance before leaving home, wearing a short red dress that accentuated her radiant yet gentle charm.
This outfit had been chosen specifically for Shinji, and only after hearing his sincere compliment did Kurenai withdraw her hand, a satisfied smile gracing her features.
Kurenai Yuhi turned her head, smiling as she chatted with Nohara Rin across Shinji.
Shinji, caught between the two, felt the atmosphere grow so tense that his heart skipped a beat, leaving only one thought in his mind:
This is bad!