Chapter 26: Marriage

Two years passed.

Hijiri's skills had improved by leaps and bounds. With someone guiding his steps, he easily completed his intermediate fuinjutsu studies, shocking Kinu and Ashina. Even a Uzumaki usually takes from 5 years to his entire life to achieve it. 

In these two years, Mito and Hijiri have become close, just like real siblings. Mito helped Hijiri in his studies and he would tell her about his journey in the Land of Lightning and the one of Water.

Today was a special day. The alliance agreement between Senju and Uzumaki has been achieved: Mito will be sent to the Senju's encampment to marry Hashirama.

Mito put up a tough front but Hijiri could tell was internally worried.

One time they were alone he decided to speak with her: "Big Sister Mito, what's on your mind? I can tell you are not as calm as you appear."

Mito didn't bother to hide her feelings from her Little Brother: "How would you feel if you were sent away from home to marry a man you barely knew? I am worried and a bit anxious for my future."

(Hijiri): "Yeah. I guess is a normal reaction. But you don't have to worry much. The Senju won't mistreat you since you will be the wife of their Leader and Hashirama is renowned for his kindness. I am sure you will be happy there."

Mito smiled and ruffled Hijiri's hair: "You rascal even started gathering rumors instead of training. Go to study and stop putting your nose where it doesn't belong."

Hijiri agreed, happy to have made his Big Sister a bit more relaxed.

Contrary to what he said he proposed himself as an escort to bring Mito to her new home. It was a bit difficult but, after capitalizing on the fact that they were fellow students, he succeeded.

The procession was composed of Ashina, 5 Uzumaki ninjas, Hijiri, and, of course, Mito. In the beginning, they traveled by boat. Later, Mito was brought on a palanquin, held up by four ninjas.

They didn't encounter any mishaps along the way and soon they were upon the Senju's encampment.

Awaiting them was a Senju escort that guided them to a wooden shrine. Here, dressed in black and white traditional clothes, was Hashirama. At first sight, he seemed a normal young man, but I sensed an enormous chakra pool and my danger sense kept saying to me that he was not to be underestimated.

Beside Hashirama there was a youth with silver hair and three red markings on his face. It was Tobirama, Hashirama's brother.

The wedding proceeded quietly, with Tobirama standing for the groom and Ashina accompanying the bride.

After the ceremony, Uzumaki and Senju started to chat to know each other better. Hijiri had the chance to talk with Hashirama and Tobirama thanks to the introduction of Mito.

(Mito): "Husband, this is my fellow student and little brother: Hijiri Hyuga. Hijiri, I present you my new husband: Hashirama Senju."

(Hashirama): "A Hyuga? I never expect the Uzumaki to teach their craft to an outsider. Anyway, if you are Mito's little brother then you are mine too: feel free to call me Big Brother."

(Hijiri): "Big Brothet Hahirama! Congratulations on your marriage! It would be my honor to have a powerful big brother like you."

At this point, Tobirama joined the conversation: "Hijiri, right? It seems that the Hyugs have given birth to a genius. Your chakra reserve and age are on par with mine. I wonder, though how you were able to convince the Uzumaki to teach you their fuinjutsu."

(Hashirama): "Tobirama!"

(Hijiri): "Don't worry it's not really a secret. I exchanged this right for some jutsu I developed and an S-rank method I obtained in the Land of Water by chance."

(Tobirama): "Oh? You developed some jutsus?"

(Hijiri): "Yes. I used to do so. Right now I am focusing on learning fuinjutsu,"

(Mito): "He is quite modest. The jutsus he created are very good. And he is a little prodigy in fuinjutsu, having already mastered the intermediate materials of the clan."

(Hashirama): "Really? It seems I have obtained a gifted Little Brother. Now it has become quite late. It's better to retire for the night."

Hijiri and Tobirama smirked at him: ""Of course, Big Brother! Have a good night.""

Mito blushed and pinched her husband's waist.

Hashirama simply laughed foolishly and escorted his wife to her new home.