Torifu didn't say anything, but simply held Naori. Looking at Naori in his arms, he couldn't describe what he felt. He was very happy, very touched, and very grateful that Naori had stayed by his side all these years. They were already family, and this proposal today was just adding another layer to their relationship. Before long, they would be husband and wife.
"I knew it. What kind of illusory barrier could trap you? And the whole thing felt weirder the further I went. It was practically pushing me into this room," Naori said with a laugh, wiping her tears.
Torifu stroked her head. "I was actually by your side the whole time. The walls blocking you were just me condensing clouds with my Cloud Release. Otherwise, this forest is so huge, and if you had to find this spire by yourself, you might not have found it anytime soon."
Naori was deeply moved. Firstly, she hadn't expected Torifu to propose to her today, and secondly, the method was quite novel. It felt very interesting to her, like a puzzle game where she received a reward after successfully passing the level.
Naori turned and looked around. The entire spire was made of crystal, and the sunlight shining down reflected a brilliant radiance. It was incredibly gorgeous and dazzling. Naori would probably never forget this day, in this vast forest where almost no humans trod.
"How long did you prepare for this?"
"I've always planned to propose this way. I've mentally rehearsed it many times before. Today was the first official implementation."
It seemed he had put a lot of thought into it.
"I'm very satisfied with this. Do you have any other events planned? If not, should we head back to the village? The sun is about to set."
Torifu snapped his fingers when he heard this. The crystal spire slowly split in half and eventually sank into the ground. At that moment, they could perfectly see the calm lake and the setting sun.
"This should count as another event, right? The sunset. I hope we can also accompany each other until the sunset of our lives."
Naori kissed Torifu, then smiled. "Of course, we will. We're family."
Torifu also smiled. Then he took two rocking chairs from his ring and placed them on the ground. He and Naori lay on them, admiring the setting sun.
The lake was very calm. Only when a gust of wind occasionally blew would it stir up a ripple. Some fishing birds circled and chirped over the lake. Everything was so peaceful and serene.
Naori reached out her hand and looked at the gem ring on it. "What kind of gem is this? It's so beautiful."
"It's a yellow sapphire. Do you like it?"
Naori nodded. "I love it, but the name is a bit ordinary."
Then she pondered for a moment. "This gem ring is the same color as the sunset. Let's call it 'Sunset.'"
"That's a wonderful name. I'm glad you like it."
The yellow gem was particularly brilliant under the setting sun. Star-like specks of light scattered onto Naori's body. The two of them held hands like this, lying next to the large lake, watching the sun slowly sink into the forest until they could no longer see the sun.
Torifu then pulled Naori up.
"Let's go. We're heading back to the village. We'll go eat something delicious tonight!"
"Yay!"
Naori was completely different from when she arrived. Back then, she was a little disappointed, but now she was full of happiness and contentment. She had finally waited for this day. She had been waiting for this day since the day she and Torifu officially started dating. When this day finally arrived, Naori was a little overwhelmed. Torifu's surprise also had something to do with it. When she finally realized what was happening, she couldn't help but want to cry.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
A puff of white smoke cleared, and Aokumo and Ryūfū appeared in front of the two of them.
"Did it succeed, Torifu?"
Torifu smiled and nodded. "Of course. The proposal was successful, and the wedding is also on the agenda."
"Oh, humans are so nice. You even have weddings. Ryūfū and I didn't have a wedding."
"If you want one, I can arrange one for you two too."
Ryūfū shook her head when she heard this. "Forget it. A wedding for two cranes is a bit embarrassing. Let's hurry home."
Aokumo's wife completely vetoed his idea, and he could only reluctantly nod.
Torifu smiled helplessly. Then he and Naori rode Aokumo and Ryūfū back to Konoha. Aokumo tried to get Ryūfū to change her mind the entire way, but Ryūfū had absolutely no intention of having a wedding. Even his gentle persistence didn't work, and he finally had to give up. If Ryūfū had agreed, Torifu would have truly organized an unprecedented crane wedding for them. It was a shame. He wouldn't be able to witness a scene like that.
After returning to Konoha, Naori followed Torifu back to the Kumotsuru Clan Compound first. Minato, Yahiko, and Konan were all in the courtyard at this time. When Minato saw Torifu and Naori return together, he knew things must have gone smoothly.
"Big Brother, Sister Naori, did you... succeed?"
Torifu rubbed Minato's head. "Of course. Your Sister Naori has accepted my proposal. You should call her Big Sister-in-law from now on."
Minato looked very earnest, but he was actually clever. He immediately spoke up and called her "Big Sister-in-law."
Naori smiled and nodded. "It sounds a little strange, but I really like it. Call me that from now on."
Yahiko and Konan also stepped forward and sweetly called her Aunt Naori. This pleased Naori even more. "Good children. I'll take you out to eat something delicious later."
Seeing Naori so happy, Torifu also unconsciously smiled.
"Did you two train well this afternoon?"
Yahiko gave a thumbs-up. "Of course, Sensei! I feel like the chakra in my body is very abundant now! I can take on ten people!"
Torifu smiled and tapped Yahiko's head with his finger. "You little rascal. You're the best at bragging. Don't get arrogant. Keep working hard on your training." Torifu naturally knew Yahiko was joking with him, so he didn't use a stern tone, but a slightly playful one. Sure enough, Yahiko understood and grinned.
Konan took out a beautiful little paper flower from her pouch and handed it to Naori. "Aunt Naori, this is a paper flower I folded. It's for you."
Naori took it and, following Konan's example, pinned the paper flower in her hair. It looked very well matched with her overall demeanor. She was also wearing a white dress today, making her look very beautiful.
"Thank you, Konan. I love this gift. Is there anything you want to eat? We'll go out together tonight."
Konan wasn't shy. After thinking for a moment, she blurted out, "Aunt Naori, how about we go for hot pot?"
.......
Chapter End
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[T/N: Sorry guys, I have been away for a while, IRL issues. Working on some codes to earn funds. Penniless currently, so am focused on trying to find source of income. That's why I am not updating regularly. I will try to see if i can get the updates stable, but no promises.]