The next morning.
Sunlight, like a handful of fine golden sand, gently streamed through the window lattice, bringing warmth into the room, and the crisp chirping of birds from under the eaves added to the peaceful tranquility.
Senju Mori awoke from his sleep to find the space beside him empty, with only a few strands of Yuhi hair on the pillow and a faint, delicate fragrance.
He stood up, took out a set of new casual clothes from the wardrobe, and changed into them. While washing up, he suddenly caught a faint scent of food wafting from outside.
Following the aroma, he walked out of the bedroom and into the dining room, where he saw Uzumaki Mio with her back to him, busy in the kitchen.
She had changed into a simple, elegant kimono for home, her long hair casually tied up, revealing her fair and graceful neck.
She was carefully scooping miso soup from the pot, her movements fluid and gentle. Sunlight streamed through the window, outlining her with a warm, soft halo.
This scene made Senju Mori pause slightly—
The grand clamor of yesterday and the quiet routine of today formed a strong contrast, making him clearly realize that his life had entered a completely new stage.
"You're awake?"
Uzumaki Mio turned as if by telepathy, a slightly shy smile on her face from being a new wife:
"I was just about to call you. Breakfast is freshly made. I hope it suits your taste."
On the dining table were several standard and exquisite breakfast dishes.
Besides two bowls of fragrant miso soup, there was perfectly grilled saury, glistening rice, and tempting golden tamagoyaki.
"You woke up so early? These things can actually be done by the people arranged by the Clan."
Senju Mori sat down at the table, his tone gentle.
Uzumaki Mio set out the bowls and chopsticks for him, her movements smooth and natural, her voice soft, yet with a clear firmness:
"From today onwards, this is my duty."
She sat opposite him, her hands clasped on her lap, and looked up at him with clear, earnest eyes:
"Mori, I know our marriage began as an alliance between two Clans, but for me, from today onwards, you are my husband, and this is my home."
She paused slightly, her gaze growing softer.
"I will do my best to be a good wife, to manage this home well, so that after you toil for the Village, you can have a place to rest peacefully."
Senju Mori's heart was slightly touched, and he softened his tone.
"This place... only truly feels like a home with your arrival. I will also strive to be a husband worthy of your devotion."
Uzumaki Mio's lips curved into a more genuine arc, with a hint of girlish playfulness:
"Then... shall we start by trying to finish the breakfast your wife prepared?"
She paused briefly, then added softly with a smile in her eyes:
"If you leave any, as a newlywed wife, I might feel a little bit of frustration."
A small joke instantly broke the slight formality of their first meeting, subtly drawing them closer.
Senju Mori couldn't help but smile at her words, reaching out and gently holding her hand: "With such a thoughtful breakfast, how could I bear to leave any?"
The atmosphere became more harmonious, and during their conversation, the topic quickly turned to their upcoming plans.
Senju Mori picked up a piece of tamagoyaki and put it in his mouth; the perfectly sweet and tender taste made a hint of appreciation flash in his eyes.
"It's delicious."
He praised honestly, then didn't forget to add: "Father and Mother, we've already arranged to go see them this morning."
Uzumaki Mio smiled, her eyes narrowing.
"Mm-hmm~ I've already prepared the gifts."
...
The morning light was just right. After a warm breakfast, Senju Mori and Uzumaki Mio set off together to his parents' residence, also located within the Senju Clan territory.
This was a typical classical courtyard, appearing more ancient and serene than Senju Mori's mansion. The neatly trimmed plants and pines in the courtyard silently spoke of the owners' meticulousness and elegance.
Senju Mori's father was named Senju Hiroshi, in his forties, and both he and his wife, Senju Azusa, were Jonin within the Clan.
He was an elite Ninja who had lived through the Sengoku period, and in his early years, he had even followed Senju Hashirama, fighting against the Uchiha Clan led by Uchiha Madara.
Senju Mori's exquisite swordsmanship was learned under the tutelage of his father, Senju Hiroshi.
He led Uzumaki through the courtyard and into the winding corridors of the mansion, soon seeing two familiar figures.
Senju Hiroshi had a dignified posture; though dressed in casual clothes, he exuded an aura of one who had seen many battles. Senju Azusa knelt beside him, graceful in posture, her eyes showing pride as they swept over her son.
The room was quiet and solemn, with light filtering through the paper windows, softly illuminating the entire space.
"Father, Mother."
Senju Mori stopped at the entrance, respectfully bowed, then naturally stepped aside, gently guiding Uzumaki Mio forward.
Uzumaki Mio, dressed in a tasteful light-colored kimono, stepped forward and bowed deeply:
"Father-sama, Mother-sama, good day."
"Good child, please rise quickly."
Senju Azusa was the first to lean forward, kindly taking Uzumaki Mio's hand and helping her up, her gaze lingering gently on her face:
"Yesterday's ceremony was crowded and busy, but today I can finally get a good look at you. You are truly poised and intelligent, very endearing."
Uzumaki Mio lowered her head slightly, answering with a hint of shyness: "Mother-sama, you flatter me. There were so many guests yesterday, and we failed to properly greet you and Father-sama; it was our oversight."
"It's alright."
Senju Hiroshi, who had been silent, spoke steadily, his voice carrying a reassuring strength.
"This wedding was a grand event for the Village, and as the main characters, it was natural for you to be busy. Now that everything is complete, your mother and I are at ease."
Uzumaki Mio then gestured to the gifts she had brought, and said softly:
"I've prepared some health-preserving tea for you, said to be beneficial for old injuries, and for Mother-sama, I brought some special incense from Uzushiogakure, which can calm the mind and spirit. I hope it pleases Mother-sama."
Senju Azusa smiled as she accepted them, repeatedly saying how good they were. Senju Hiroshi also nodded slightly, a look of approval in his eyes.
After a pleasant conversation, Senju Azusa exchanged a look with her husband, then took out a slightly old, dark scroll from beside her, bearing the crest of the Senju Clan.
She solemnly placed the scroll in Uzumaki Mio's hands:
"Child, this is for you."
"This has been passed down through generations of the Clan, recording insights on cultivating plants and strengthening the body. Perhaps it's not as profound as advanced Ninjutsu, but it is the most important foundation for maintaining a home."
Uzumaki Mio received it with both hands, bowing deeply again:
"Thank you very much, Mother-sama. I will definitely study it diligently and make good use of it."