The two of them snuggled against each other for a long time, basking in the joy of a reunion, the connection of two hearts in love.
Love was everywhere, in the trees standing side by side in the yard, the leaves entwined on their branches, the soft breeze, the clouds in the sky, the sunlight filtering down. At that moment, all that was visible seemed imbued with affection.
With you here, everything is love.
…
That evening, the Senju clan's compound became a sea of celebration.
The gathering was a grand one, with people of all ages present.
Among the elders were Tobirama Senju and Suihei Uzumaki.
The middle-aged generation included Tsunade's parents, while the younger generation had Uzuki Ryogawa, Sakumo Hatake, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Naigawa Kage, Mina Uzumaki, Tsunade, and Hui.
Among the youngest were Nawaki, Konan, and several Senju children.
They were hosting an open-air barbecue to welcome Hui's return.
The rest of Konoha had yet to hear about Hui's return. If they had, the entire Senju compound would have been flooded with people.
Of course, some were aware of his return but chose not to disturb him—such as the Hyuga clan.
Thus, the gathering was filled exclusively with Hui's closest friends and family.
Under the gentle moonlight, the air was calm, the sky peaceful. Wisps of gray smoke rose from the barbecue grill, carrying the rich aroma of grilled meat.
Nawaki, with exaggerated motion, sprinkled seasoning bit by bit onto the meat. His cool moves caught the attention of a few Senju girls, their eyes gleaming with admiration.
Nawaki's "cool factor" was at full display.
Nearby, Jiraiya and Orochimaru were deep in conversation, their gazes intermittently flickering towards Hui.
They here hesitant yet eager, as though waiting for him to speak first.
On the other side, Sakumo Hatake and Lightning were drinking sake with Hui.
The three of them talked about their days in the ANBU, reliving those unforgettable memories with occasional laughter and a hint of melancholy at the comrades they couldn't share the joy of this occasion with.
Tsunade, Naigawa Kage, and Mina Uzumaki were chatting about the latest boutiques in Konoha and the best new restaurants.
It seemed, regardless of the world, women's passion for food and fashion was universal.
…
"Brother-in-law, brother-in-law! Did anything fun happen during your training journey across the ninja world?" Nawaki, having exhausted his "cool moves," quickly became bored and leaned over to Hui.
Hearing this, Sakumo and the others also turned their attention to Hui. regardless of who, they were all curious about Hui's journey.
Hui smiled faintly and began to talk about his journey across the world without hesitation.
His recounting of various shinobi clans, unique ninjutsu, regional events, and battles painted a vivid picture of the shinobi world in everyone's mind.
Nawaki, in particular, was utterly engrossed. By the end, he could barely contain his excitement, already imagining himself going on a similarly training trip the very next day.
In his mind, he had already envisioned countless heroic scenes of himself showing off his strength.
Unable to resist, he addressed Kurama within him, saying, "Big brother Nine-Tails, let's head out to the ninja world someday. We'll make a name for ourselves greater than my brother-in-law's. We'll spread the name of the Great Tree Emperor and the Nine-Tails Emperor across the world!"
Kurama, watching Nawaki's daydreaming expression, couldn't help but roll his eyes.
This little brat... When it's convenient, I'm just a smelly fox, but when he's planning something, it's 'Big Brother Nine-Tails.' Truly shameless.
Kurama sneered. "Ha! You think you can compare to that little monster? Stop dreaming and wake up. You're nowhere near his level."
After more than two years, the nine tails had felt a stronger aura coming Hui's body. He knew Hui had only grown more powerful.
Hearing this, Nawaki was momentarily stunned before frustration set in.
He glared at Kurama and retorted, "Stupid smelly fox! I'm your Jinchūriki, and you're the Nine-Tails! If you don't have faith in me, at least have some in yourself. Or are you saying even you think you're inferior to my brother-in-law?"
Kurama chuckled slyly. "Oh, so you do realize you're lacking? To be honest, that little monster of a brother-in-law is stronger than me. Sure, I'm the strongest Tailed Beast, but even I have to admit, he's a monster among monsters.
"So, if you want to surpass him, give it up. Unless you awaken Wood Release like that bastard Hashirama, master Sage Mode, and... Forget it. Even if you somehow pull all that off, by the time you catch up, who knows what terrifying heights he'll have reached. You're worlds apart. Accept it."
Kurama's unexpectedly left Nawaki speechless. Even he could sense the genuine admiration Kurama held for Hui. For a prideful being like the Nine-Tails to speak this way about anyone was a statement to Hui's power.
Still, Nawaki was undeterred. "Just wait. When I become the Tree Emperor, I'll show you what true power looks like."
Yet, despite his defiant words, in the real world, Nawaki remained Hui's devoted fanboy.
Kurama respected Hui; Nawaki idolized him. Together, they formed an unlikely pair of Hui enthusiasts.
…
Hui continued his story, only stopping when the aroma of overcooked meat caught his attention. "Wait a moment—this smell... The meat's burning! Hurry!"
His urgency snapped the others out of their trance. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and the rest scrambled to save the barbecue, hurriedly flipping the meat and brushing it with oil.
"Damn it!" Nawaki exclaimed in frustration, "These rebellious pieces of meat dared to burn themselves while I wasn't paying attention!"
His outburst earned a round of laughter from everyone.
Hui laughed as well. He cherished moments like these.
But there were stories he chose not to share: tales of the Naigawa clan, the Ryūchi Cave, Black Zetsu, or Madara Uchiha.
These were reserved for more serious discussions with someone like Tobirama Senju or Sakumo Hatake. After all, these matters were too grave for light-hearted gatherings like this.
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