As if noticing Shinji's slight tension, Kurenai Yuhi and Nohara Rin spoke almost simultaneously.
"Shinji, what's wrong?"
"Huh?"
Both were momentarily taken aback, their eyes meeting.
Kurenai and Rin both had the same thought cross their minds: It seems the other person is quite concerned about Shinji too?
Shinji raised his hand to rest on the table, subtly blocking their gazes as he forced himself to speak calmly. "It's nothing, I was just curious about what gifts you've prepared."
Kurenai and Rin exchanged a glance, both feeling something was off about Shinji today, though they couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly.
Hearing this, their peers around them also began chatting.
Might Guy grinned, revealing a set of neat, bright white teeth. "I've prepared a special youth gift for Lord Minato and the others!"
He pulled out a package from behind him, shaking it proudly before suddenly leaning close to Kakashi.
"My rival Kakashi, what did you prepare? Let's settle this with a contest!"
Kakashi instinctively leaned back to avoid him, pushing Guy away as he approached. "I prepared a novel for sensei."
"A novel! As expected of my rival! That's also very youthful!" Guy immediately praised loudly.
Others also began mentioning their gifts—some were small pieces of jewelry, others were finely crafted wrist guards.
For these young ninjas, even such simple items could carry heartfelt sentiments.
"Kurenai, what did you prepare?" Shizune asked Kurenai Yuhi from a few seats away.
Since their trip to the Land of Fire, Shizune and Kurenai had grown much closer, often going out shopping together these days.
Kurenai Yuhi picked up a small box from beside her feet and gently opened it.
Two red sachets lay quietly inside, a faint fragrance slowly spreading from them.
"They're two specially made sachets," Kurenai said with a smile.
Nohara Rin lightly sniffed, her eyes lighting up. "They smell wonderful. Kushina-nee will definitely love them."
"That's good to hear."
Knowing Rin and Kushina were extremely close, Kurenai's smile deepened upon hearing her praise.
Seeing their attention successfully diverted, Shinji breathed a sigh of relief and decided to press his advantage.
He stood up and walked over to Shizune.
"Shizune, let's swap seats. It'll be more convenient for you all!"
Shizune was momentarily surprised, then smiled and nodded. "Alright."
She had been wanting to join Kurenai and Rin anyway—the girls naturally got along well.
Kurenai Yuhi and Nohara Rin looked at Shinji in confusion, not understanding why he suddenly wanted to switch seats.
But once Shizune sat down, the three girls quickly huddled together, chattering away.
Being able to attend Minato Namikaze's wedding clearly excited them greatly, and they lowered their voices to discuss the finer details only girls would care about.
Shinji took Shizune's original seat, watching the smiling Kurenai and Rin from a distance, secretly relieved.
Safe for now.
He thought to himself, "Shizune, I owe you one."
Before long, more people arrived, and the wedding was about to officially begin.
Minato Namikaze walked out slowly, holding Uzumaki Kushina's hand.
Minato wore a formal kimono, standing tall and straight, while Kushina was draped in a vibrant crimson furisode, her eyes brimming with happiness.
Their appearance instantly captured everyone's attention.
"It's Lord Minato and Lady Kushina!"
"Congratulations, Lord Minato!"
"Happy wedding!"
Cheers rose one after another.
Minato and Kushina smiled and waved to the crowd.
Witnessing this scene, Shinji couldn't help but feel emotional.
Given Minato Namikaze's reputation and popularity in Konohagakure, nearly eighty percent of the village's shinobi had gathered for the occasion.
...
Wedding ceremonies in the Shinobi World were not overly complicated.
The ceremony took place in the small square before Hokage Rock.
As the officiant, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward and solemnly delivered his address:
"Today, Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina join as husband and wife. May they protect each other, flourishing endlessly..."
This was followed by the vows and the exchange of rings.
The moment Minato gently slipped the ring onto Kushina's finger, the entire square erupted with thunderous cheers.
Shinji immediately noticed Shizune, Kurenai Yuhi, and Nohara Rin—their eyes sparkling with admiration and longing.
He silently mused to himself: No matter which world you're in, a girl's yearning for romance never changes.
"How wonderful!" Kurenai Yuhi whispered softly, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward Shinji.
"Yeah!" Rin also murmured in agreement, her thoughts turning as she subtly glanced at Shinji.
But when both girls turned their heads at the same time, they found Shinji looking right back at them.
As if struck by the same thought, their cheeks flushed bright red, and they hurriedly looked away.
Shinji felt a pang of guilt and didn't dare approach, thinking to himself: I have to figure something out. I can't keep hiding like this forever.
If this continues, it might actually become life-threatening.
The wedding proceeded smoothly, soon reaching the gift-giving segment.
Shinji and his group squeezed through the crowd to stand before Minato and Kushina.
"Lord Minato, Lady Kushina, this is my wedding gift!"
Might Guy gave a thumbs-up, flashing his signature bright white smile.
When Kushina opened the gift box and saw the green spandex suit inside, the corner of her mouth twitched violently.
Still, she forced a smile: "Th-thank you, Guy!"
Shinji peeked from behind and nearly burst out laughing the moment he saw the gift.
He desperately recalled every sad memory from this lifetime to suppress the grin threatening to spread across his face.
When it was his turn, Shinji respectfully presented his prepared gift with both hands.
"Lord Minato, Lady Kushina, congratulations."
"Thank you, Shinji. It's been a while," Minato replied with a gentle smile.
"What beautiful flowers!" Kushina exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she opened the box.
Shinji smiled slightly. "They've been specially treated—they'll never wilt. I thought they'd suit the two of you perfectly."
Kushina cradled the bouquet of Never-Wilting Flowers, growing even more delighted. "Thank you so much!"
Shinji was about to step aside to let the next person present their gift.
Suddenly, he felt two gazes tinged with faint resentment piercing his back.
He turned to see Kurenai and Rin both staring at him with envious expressions.
Their faces clearly said: You had something this nice, and you didn't give it to me!
Shinji's expression stiffened. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage to walk over.
Just then, a startled cry rang out!
"Ah! It's you, you little brat!"
Jiraiya pointed at Shinji, looking utterly shocked to see him here.
Minato blinked, glancing between Jiraiya and Shinji, and asked curiously, "Shinji, do you know my teacher Jiraiya?"
"I just met him a few days ago—"
Before he could finish, a gust of wind rushed toward them.
Shinji felt his body lurch, his mouth tightly covered.
Jiraiya frantically winked at him while laughing it off to Minato, "J-just a chance encounter! This kid's just a bit cocky, hahaha..."
"Jiraiya, what are you doing? Let go of Shinji right now!"
Noticing the commotion, Tsunade immediately looked over. Seeing Shinji pinned down by Jiraiya, she strode over without hesitation
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