Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 385: Nawaki Senju

Nawaki and Misaki walked out of Orochimaru's mansion amidst blessings and the surrounding crowd.

The wedding sedan chair, carried by eight bearers, had been waiting outside the gate for some time. These eight were all trusted subordinates of Nawaki—loyal and dependable. On one hand, their presence ensured safety; on the other, they were more than happy to bask in the joy of the occasion.

"Get in the sedan chair, my lady," Nawaki said with a gentlemanly air, carefully helping Misaki into the bridal sedan chair. He only released her hand once the curtains were drawn.

Though not tall or traditionally handsome, Nawaki certainly didn't lack ingenuity when it came to making an impression. With a resounding bang, a cloud of smoke dispersed to reveal a massive snake at his feet.

"Akada, let's go," Nawaki commanded proudly, mounting the snake. The enormous snake slithered forward, keeping pace with the bridal sedan chair.

The bearers, though prepared and experienced as ninjas, couldn't help but tense at the sight of the giant snake. If they hadn't been warned in advance, they might have been paralyzed with fear. It was no small matter to see a snake large enough to carry a person on its head.

The villagers who had gathered to watch the spectacle collectively took several steps back in perfect unison, their expressions filled with shock. We came to soak up some good vibes, not get scared out of our minds!

"I've never heard of such a thing!" Kawakaze exclaimed, dumbfounded as he stared at Nawaki riding the python. After living two lives, this was the first time he'd ever seen someone ride a snake to their own wedding. As for riding a dog with questionable hygiene? That didn't even compare—it was nothing in his eyes.

"I've never heard of it either," Tsunade muttered, exchanging a baffled glance with Kawakaze. Both pairs of eyes landed on the bright red snake, Akada. Tsunade placed a hand on her forehead, exasperated. Does my idiot little brother really think red automatically means happiness?

"What? Akada is so pretty," Orochimaru remarked, completely unfazed. "Nawaki and I found it when we explored Ryūchi Cave together." His tone carried an air of admiration, clearly appreciating the snake's aesthetic. It was a stark contrast to the others' reactions.

"You two really are a perfect match," Pakura interjected with a laugh. The sight reminded her of Orochimaru's mysterious absence a few days ago. While she had grown accustomed to not fearing snakes, she still felt far from being able to say she liked them.

"A bunch of people with no taste."

"Dear, is Akada pretty?" Orochimaru, clearly dissatisfied with the crowd's reactions, bent down and picked up Satsuki. Pointing at the red snake, he asked her opinion.

"Really bright and pretty."

Satsuki's eyes sparkled as she gazed at Akada. Her eager expression made it obvious she wanted to sit on the massive creature.

"My daughter still has good taste," Orochimaru declared, clearly pleased with her response. Satsuki was undeniably worthy of being his offspring. He kissed her cheek with fatherly pride before setting her down again.

"Yes, your daughter has the best taste," Pakura quipped, rolling her eyes at Orochimaru. She couldn't help but think how utterly devoted he was to their child.

"That's because she has a mother with good taste," Orochimaru replied casually.

Pakura couldn't hide her smile, her heart swelling with joy at the remark.

"Why didn't I realize you were like this before?" Kawakaze asked, looking at Orochimaru with open contempt. To him, it was nothing but calculated flattery—carefully crafted and completely insincere. Kawakaze prided himself on being more straightforward.

"Do you see me bothering to talk to you?" Orochimaru replied flatly, his expression indifferent as he cast a glance at Kawakaze.

"Cut the crap. The group has already left," Tsunade interjected, rubbing her temples as Kawakaze and Orochimaru bickered. Grabbing Kawakaze by the arm, she dragged him away.

Can't get enough of fighting at home, and now you're out here doing the same? Tsunade thought with exasperation. If the world of shinobi had something akin to the honey badger, she'd seriously suspect Kawakaze was its reincarnation.

"Haha, can't you two just talk like normal people?" Pakura, still chuckling from earlier, couldn't help but laugh again. fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm

"Who told him to act like a brat?" Kawakaze grumbled.

When the guests finally left, Orochimaru closed the doors to his mansion, his expression calm as he turned his attention to Ginji.

The Orochimaru residence didn't host a banquet for the guests—it only served as a venue for welcoming the bride and groom. Ginji, however, had other thoughts in his mind.

As Orochimaru took his hand and led him away, Ginji's young mind couldn't help but notice the stark difference between his uncle's cool touch and his aunt's warm, comforting presence. His internal review? A big thumbs down for his uncle.

...

In front of the main gate of the Senju residence, Mito waited expectantly. Beside her stood Sakumo and Jiraiya, both of whom had chosen not to join the earlier welcoming party for the bride and groom.

"Why hasn't Uncle Nawaki arrived yet?" Naruto, held in Jiraiya's arms, asked with the impatience of a child. His mind, still so young, found the wait unbearable.

"He'll be here soon. Let's just wait a little longer," Jiraiya replied calmly, his gaze unwavering. He had always regarded Nawaki like a younger brother.

"What's that?" Kakashi suddenly asked. His sharp eyes had spotted a figure moving rhythmically beside the bridal sedan chair in the distance.

"That's... so conspicuous," Mito said with a sigh, already sensing what it was without looking. Nawaki, as expected, was riding a snake.

Nayuki coughed, trying to mask her amusement. "Ahem~ At least the red snake makes it look festive," she said, barely able to stifle her laughter.

"On such a joyous day, this has truly been an eye-opener," Sakumo remarked in a neutral tone. Having been thoroughly schooled in decorum by Kawakaze, he remained largely unfazed by the spectacle.

"Forget it, I'll go in first." Mito had seen enough. The scene was so outlandish that she didn't want to witness it any longer. As the princess of the Land of Whirlpools, she prided herself on her composure and dignity. How could she have such a silly grandson?

"He's a deadbeat, just like you," she muttered, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she headed for the door.

A few minutes later, the bridal procession stopped at the gate. Nawaki leapt gracefully from Akada's head, landing beside the bridal sedan chair. He lifted the curtain and helped Misaki out. Without needing a word, Akada vanished from the spot.

"What a perfect match," Jiraiya remarked, surveying the newlyweds with satisfaction. The little brat who used to pester him about reading magazines had now grown up and started a family.

"Let's go in," Nawaki said, gently taking Misaki's hand. Together, they stepped through the gates of the Senju mansion, surrounded by the blessings of those present. They walked toward the hall, where the gathering of guests filled the air with warm celebration. Only Mito sat alone on the high platform, her commanding presence unmistakable.

As Nawaki and Misaki stood before Mito, the wedding ceremony officially began. Rising from her seat, Mito addressed the room. Her voice carried a calm authority that immediately silenced the crowd.

"Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend the wedding of my grandchildren, Nawaki Senju and Misaki Uzumaki." She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle over the room. There was no murmuring, no discordant voices—only attentive silence.

The Senju clan's former glory had long since faded. The time had come to put an end to some of the old ways. Nawaki would have children in the future, and someone needed to carry on the Senju name.

Hashirama, I'll have to go against your wishes this time, Mito thought solemnly.

Hearing Mito's words, Nawaki felt a lump rise in his throat. He understood the significance of what she was saying. How could he not? His grandfather and great-uncle had both been Hokage, yet he had been denied the privilege of bearing their surname.

Growing up, he could only secretly call out to his sister when no one was around—a shared pain between two individuals unable to openly use their rightful names.

Nawaki Senju. Tsunade Senju.

Now, though, it was Tsunade Hatake.

A smile tugged at the corner of Nawaki's mouth as he reflected on it all.

"I believe that with everyone's witness and blessings, they will have a happy life," Mito continued. "As their grandmother, I am deeply grateful for your presence here today. Now, I hope they can share a cup-handling toast with everyone's blessings."

She concluded with a slight bow before sitting down again. At that moment, Ginji and Satsuki approached Nawaki and Misaki, sake cups in hand.