The Senju sentries spotted the approaching squad well before they reached the settlement. By the time the procession arrived at the main gates, an impressive crowd had already gathered, led by none other than Butsuma Senju—the current Clan Head and father to both Hashirama and Tobirama.
"Father, we were ambushed by the Uchiha on the road. Three of our men are wounded. We only repelled the attack thanks to the assistance of Masahiko-san, the Second Uncle of the Uzumaki clan," Tobirama reported, deciding to clarify the situation immediately.
A murmur of indignation instantly rippled through the gathered crowd. Angry shouts erupted, condemning the enemy's audacity and calling for an immediate counterstrike to teach the Uchiha a lesson.
"Enough!" Butsuma's commanding voice instantly silenced the mob. "Today is the day of Hashirama and Mito's wedding. As for the Uchiha, they will pay their debts sooner or later."
The Clan Head quickly delegated duties, ordering the wounded to be tended to with the best possible care. Then, he turned to the guests.
"Where is Hashirama? Time waits for no one; we must begin the ceremony. Forgive the haste, Mito. And you must be Masahiko of the Uzumaki... the 'Second Uncle,' I presume? You have my gratitude for aiding my men."
"The Head of the Senju Clan need not be so formal. Please, just call me by my name," Masahiko replied.
Standing face-to-face with the leader of the strongest clan of the Warring States Period, Masahiko felt the heavy, suffocating pressure of his chakra. It far exceeded his own, and insisting on the respectful title of "Uncle" in this situation would have been pushing his luck.
What power... A true Senju patriarch. He is far stronger than the elders or the leader of my own clan. He's likely at the absolute peak of what a shinobi can achieve in this era. In these times, only the future Hashirama and Madara will surpass him, Masahiko thought.
Soon, two figures emerged from the depths of the compound: the clan's Third Elder, Yunma, and Hashirama himself. Masahiko observed the future God of Shinobi with curiosity. Watching the young man steal shy, embarrassed glances at Mito, and recalling his legendary, somewhat scatterbrained personality, Masahiko couldn't help but smile.
"Hashirama is here. Is the hall ready?" Butsuma inquired.
"Everything is prepared, Clan Head," Yunma replied, while the groom seemed to be in a state of bashfulness quite uncharacteristic for a warrior.
When Butsuma ordered everyone to proceed to the hall, Masahiko coughed delicately and gave Tobirama a meaningful look. The younger Senju caught the hint immediately.
"Father, the Uzumaki clan has requested that the wedding ceremony be conducted according to their special traditions," Tobirama announced.
This was the very deal they had struck on the road: Masahiko had promised Tobirama the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique in exchange for the opportunity to stage the wedding according to his own script.
Mito, noticing the mischievous glint in her unpredictable relative's eye, instantly guessed he was up to something. However, contrary to expectations, she did not object.
"That is correct. I, too, would like everything to proceed according to Uzumaki customs," she supported him unexpectedly.
"If that is your wish, Mito, then so be it," Butsuma agreed. "Tobirama, are you familiar with these intricacies? Can you officiate the ceremony for your brother?"
"Yes, Father."
Once everyone had entered the hall, Tobirama took on the role of master of ceremonies. He asked Butsuma and Masahiko, as representatives of the older generation, to take the seats of honor, and invited the newlyweds to the center of the room.
Recalling the script Masahiko had forced upon him, Tobirama grimaced imperceptibly but maintained his stoic facade.
"The first trial of the wedding rite: The Apple of Unity!"
With these words, a ripe apple suspended on a thin string was lowered between Hashirama and Mito. Tobirama announced that they had to take a bite from it simultaneously, without using their hands. It was impossible to watch the spectacle without smiling: Hashirama quickly turned a deep shade of crimson from embarrassment, while Mito, conversely, remained composed, laughing softly at the groom's clumsy attempts.
Even Tobirama struggled to suppress a laugh. It was rare for him to see his older brother in such a helpless and amusing position. He finally understood why Masahiko had orchestrated all of this.
"Part two: The Vows of Fidelity!" Tobirama proclaimed, feeling the awkwardness rise. "Mito Uzumaki, do you take this man to be your husband? To love him in sickness and in health, to care for him, respect him, and remain faithful, come what may?"
Mito froze for a second at the unusual phrasing, but then answered firmly: "I do."
When Tobirama began reading the same formula to Hashirama, the groom didn't even let him finish before blurting out: "I do!"
The hall erupted in good-natured laughter. Tobirama smiled and moved to the finale.
"Part three: The Bows! Newlyweds, turn toward the exit. First bow—to Heaven and Earth!"
The couple obediently bowed toward the open space.
"Second bow—to parents and elders!"
They turned around and paid their respects to Butsuma and Masahiko.
"Third bow—to each other!"
Hashirama and Mito looked at one another with warmth and bowed low.
"The ceremony is complete! Brother, Sister-in-law, that is all for today. It is late; you may retire to rest," Tobirama teased.
At that remark, even Mito blushed. The couple bowed to the elders and hurried away to their chambers. The guests also began to disperse, animatedly discussing the unusual wedding.
Only the key figures remained in the hall: Masahiko, Butsuma, Tobirama, the Elders, and the front-line commanders. Butsuma, noting the guest's weary appearance, addressed his son:
"Masahiko has spent the entire day on the road. Tobirama, escort him to the guest quarters."
Masahiko didn't argue and left the hall. As soon as the door closed behind them, Butsuma's expression instantly turned stern.
"What was that absurdity instead of a wedding? Are those truly Uzumaki traditions?"
"I believe that was entirely Masahiko's idea," one of the Elders replied. "Rumor has it he is a man of eccentricities, though I didn't expect it to this extent."
"No matter," Butsuma dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "A strange ceremony does not negate the main point: the union is sealed, and our ties with the Uzumaki are now stronger than ever."
"True," confirmed the commander of the Eastern Front. "With their support, things will become much easier. Those lunatics from the Kaguya clan will soon learn what we are capable of."
"Let us not rely too heavily on their army," Butsuma cautioned. "The Uzumaki have always tried to avoid total war. Here is the plan: Hashirama will stay in the clan for a couple of weeks, and then he and Tobirama will head to your aid."
The Elders nodded in agreement. Hashirama's abilities were the perfect weapon against those who relied on brute physical strength.
Meanwhile, Masahiko had reached his room. This strange blend of old and new traditions had helped him quell his nostalgia for his past life. Of course, he would never admit that he had staged this entire play solely to force the future God of Shinobi to bow to him as a revered ancestor.
As soon as Tobirama left, Masahiko collapsed onto the bed in exhaustion, but immediately shot back up. A line of text floated clearly in his mind:
[Participation and Witnessing of a Major Naruto World Event: The Wedding of Hashirama and Mito. Received 20 Witness Points.]