Chapter 201: Reverse Thinking
At this time of year, the oppressive summer heat had begun to recede, giving way to cooler late-summer breezes. The Fire Country's temperate climate was truly a blessing; rare were the days of extreme weather. And today, on Mizuki's wedding day, the skies were clear, the air mild—it was perfect.
As Mizuki and Iruka chatted, more and more people began arriving. The ceremony was simple and humble, just as Mizuki preferred, but simplicity had its price—there was less extravagance, less of the typical pomp. That didn't matter to Mizuki or Tsubaki, though. To them, the heart of a wedding lay in sharing joy and receiving blessings. To let friends and companions witness the moment their lives intertwined—that was enough.
Yet even for a modest gathering, Mizuki found himself constantly greeting guests. His face ached from the unbroken smile he had to wear, and he began to wonder if it would eventually freeze into a permanent expression.
Taking a sip of water, Mizuki scanned the area. There weren't too many guests. A few hired attendants helped with basic hospitality, while some of his friends pitched in to assist. For photos, there was one professional photographer, plus Iruka snapping a few as requested for more casual keepsakes.
As time went on, more guests filtered in. True to the customs of the shinobi world, there was no grand feast, no riotous celebration. Everything was formal, disciplined. Those who had been invited came quietly. Many others were villagers simply curious about the event. Though not bound by superstition, people generally believed being near joyous occasions could lift their spirits. Even children came running over, laughing and playing as they peeked curiously at the decorated venue.
"There's quite a crowd now," said Iruka, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'm starting to feel overwhelmed."
"Still not time yet," Mizuki replied, glancing around. "Tsubaki hasn't arrived. Just a little longer."
Iruka lowered his voice. "Mizuki, I know you… You're not planning anything weird, are you? There are kids here. If someone gets scared…"
"Relax." Mizuki waved it off. "No danger at all."
Of course, it wasn't a good idea to pull anything flashy in the middle of the Hidden Leaf Village. Mizuki had considered casting a genjutsu field to draw in more guests—after all, he could easily hypnotize dozens into coming—but it was risky. Twisting people's wills with ninjutsu, especially civilians, was taboo. If caught, the backlash would be severe.
Besides, the idea of using chakra to chase vanity felt hollow. Tsubaki wouldn't be happy with it either.
For a while, Mizuki was stuck, unable to think of a satisfying solution. But then inspiration struck.
If people couldn't be brought in, why not project the wedding outward?
It was reverse thinking—rather than inviting the crowd, let the ceremony go to the people.
Ninja had the tools. Third Hokage's Telescope Technique could observe far-off places; with a little creativity and Mizuki's skill in seal formulas and chakra constructs, he had crafted a rudimentary form of "holographic ninjutsu." A ninja-grade projection system. It wasn't useful in battle—more of a novelty trick—but perfect for today.
"Fine, do what you want," Iruka sighed. "Just… don't overdo it."
"There won't be a problem."
After all, this was no different from fireworks or a movie—just an early taste of shinobi artistry at its best.
---
Outside, more and more people gathered. Despite the limited staff, the exquisite decorations kept everyone entertained. Small groups admired the ornate floral arrangements. Soft conversations filled the space as everyone waited.
Back inside, Mizuki was quietly pacing when he finally heard a knock on the door. He turned, and there stood Tsubaki—dressed in her ceremonial white robes, elegant and serene.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," she smiled as she stepped in.
"No, it's fine. We have time," Mizuki said, walking to greet her.
"You're quiet today." Tsubaki reached up and straightened his collar. "I thought you'd have trouble wearing this. Turns out you look pretty good in it."
"I don't dislike it. Just… not used to it." Mizuki raised his arms so she could tidy him up. The morning had been hectic, and his outfit was slightly disheveled.
"Do you want to get used to it?" Tsubaki teased.
"Nope." He chuckled. One wedding outfit was more than enough.
"Nervous?" she asked gently. "You haven't been this twitchy since you applied to become a school instructor."
"You remember that?"
"Of course I do. You didn't make the cut. Iruka did before you…"
"Feels like ages ago."
"And now you're a jōnin. Didn't expect it to come so fast, huh?"
"Everything changed too quickly."
Mizuki glanced at Tsubaki's radiant form. Her snow-white gown, adorned with delicate golden accents, her simple yet elegant hairpiece, and the shift from her usual ponytail to the traditional hime-style cut—it was breathtaking.
"You, on the other hand," he murmured, "haven't changed a bit. That's… comforting."
"Starting today, everything changes."
"Yeah…" They were family now. Sharing a life, adjusting to each other's rhythms—it was a big shift.
He took her hand, and together they turned to gaze through the large window at the Hokage Monument in the distance.
"Let's go. The guests are waiting."
"Okay."
"Try not to let your sharp tongue show today," she teased.
"I'll do my best."
With that, hand-in-hand, they opened the door and stepped out.
---
At the same time, within the transformed academy hall, the strategically arranged flower pots, vases, and decorative pieces began to glow—faint pulses of light radiating outward in rhythmic patterns.
"…That's chakra fluctuation, isn't it?"
Anyone with even a bit of chakra sensitivity noticed the gentle waves of energy spreading through the room.
"Just as I thought. That guy couldn't just behave for one day."
Those familiar with Mizuki simply shook their heads, smiling knowingly. The chakra signals were calm and non-hostile—clearly the handiwork of the groom.
Everyone leaned in slightly, curious and eager to see what Mizuki had cooked up for his wedding "performance."
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