Fox, acting as the marriage witness, presided over the simple ceremony.
The entire process was calm and heartwarming. It stood in stark contrast to the ongoing war atmosphere outside, yet felt exceptionally precious.
Sora sat among the guests, watching this scene, feeling quite moved inside.
'In such a cruel world, finding a partner who supports each other and is willing to entrust one's life to the other is perhaps a kind of luck.'
He thought of the tragic characters from the original story who, having lost loved ones due to war, ultimately became extreme or fell into despair, like Uchiha Obito, like Nagato.
Compared to those utter tragedies, the fact that Grey Wolf and Night Owl could reach this point was already immense good fortune.
'War...'
Sora sighed inwardly, his resolve to pursue strength growing even firmer.
Only by possessing sufficient power could one protect what they wanted to protect in such a cruel world.
The wedding feast was also very simple, just some home cooked dishes and sake.
Everyone sat around together, chatting about past amusing incidents, offering sincere blessings, the atmosphere harmonious.
During the feast, Grey Wolf and Night Owl specifically came to Sora's table to offer a toast.
"Green Snake, no, Sora, thank you for coming." Grey Wolf raised his cup with his only remaining right hand, his tone sincere. "Also, thank you for your care back at Kikyōyama, and during many missions."
Night Owl also raised her cup with a smile.
"That's right. If you weren't so capable, our Squad C Five might have been gone long ago. This toast, we offer it to you."
Sora picked up his cup, gently clinking it with theirs.
"Senior Grey Wolf, Senior Night Owl, you're too polite. We are teammates. Taking care of each other is only natural. I wish you a happy marriage, and to grow old together."
...
After the wedding ended, the guests gradually dispersed.
Before leaving, Sora subtly caught Night Owl's eye. Night Owl was slightly taken aback, then gave a slight nod, indicating she understood.
Not long after returning to the orphanage, Sora's door was gently knocked.
"Come in."
Night Owl pushed the door open and entered. She had already changed out of her white wedding kimono, wearing casual clothes suitable for action, a faint blush still on her face from the wedding.
"Sora, what did you need to see me about? So secretive."
Sora did not answer directly. Instead, he asked a question.
"Senior Night Owl, I heard you've been assigned to a new Anbu squad?"
Night Owl nodded, a trace of seriousness flashing in her eyes.
"Yes. The war isn't over yet. Missions won't stop."
"Anbu missions have high danger levels. Having an extra layer of protection is always good." As Sora spoke, his hands began forming hand seals.
Night Owl looked at him somewhat puzzled.
Poof!
A puff of white smoke flashed, and a massive, majestic, and powerful white tiger appeared in the empty space of the room, occupying almost half of it.
Its fur was pure white, with faint bluish streams of light shimmering within. Its blue gold tiger eyes were bright and piercing, carrying the imposing aura of the king of beasts wherever it looked.
"This... what is this?!"
Night Owl was startled by the sudden appearance of the enormous creature, taking two steps back in surprise. Her beautiful eyes widened instantly, her face filled with disbelief and shock.
"A summon? Sora, you... how did you..."
She simply could not believe her eyes.
Summons were not uncommon in the shinobi world. But powerful summons with great potential were absolutely strategic level resources that were encountered by chance, not sought!
Just look at the famously intimidating "Legendary Sannin".
The reasons they could carve out such renowned reputations, aside from their own extraordinary strength, were the three great summoning lands they represented, Myobokuzan, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest, and the powerful toads, giant snakes, and slugs under their command. These were equally crucial and indispensable parts of their strength.
In contrast, other shinobi who could summon mostly had things like ninja dogs, ninja cats, or crows. These might be useful for scouting or delivering information, but their role in direct combat was quite limited.
A white tiger like the one before her eyes, which was clearly extraordinary and remarkably majestic at first glance, its value was simply incalculable!
"His name is Baihu. You could consider him one of my partners."
[Translator: As usual for CN, the name was Xiao Bai(Little White). I mentioned this because the white tiger was not separately named like the Taiga(monkey). I changed the name]
Sora patted the lowered head of the white tiger, speaking to the shocked Night Owl.
"I have some personal matters to attend to later. I might not be able to summon him frequently. And he also needs more practical combat experience."
"So, I want him to follow you temporarily, and form a summoning contract with you."
"What? Form a contract with me?"
Night Owl's voice wavered slightly from excitement. She pointed at herself, then looked at the white tiger again.
"Sora, you... do you know what this means? This is too precious! I... I cannot accept this!"
"Senior Night Owl."
Sora interrupted her, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable firmness.
"We are teammates, comrades who have faced life and death together. Senior Grey Wolf lost his arm saving you. I do not wish to hear news of you being injured someday in the future."
"Baihu's strength is not bad. He is especially skilled in speed and Wind Release. He should complement your fighting style well. With him by your side, your survival chances during missions will be much higher."
"And, this is also a form of training for him."
Night Owl looked into Sora's calm and deep eyes, then looked at the powerful and intelligent white tiger beside him. A huge wave of warmth and indescribable gratitude welled up in her heart.
She understood just what an immensely heavy gift Sora was placing before her.
In the perilous Anbu, such a powerful summon was not just an asset, but a second life!
Night Owl was not a pretentious person. She took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the excitement in her heart, and nodded heavily.
"I understand. Thank you, Sora! I will remember this favor!"
"Don't thank me. Just treat him well." Sora said flatly. "Also, regarding Baihu's origins, I hope you can keep it confidential. If anyone asks, just say he is a summon you contracted by chance. Do not mention me."
He understood the principle of a tall tree attracting the wind, especially in Konoha.
"I understand." Night Owl's expression turned serious, giving a solemn promise. "Rest assured, I know what to do. Even if I die, I will not reveal a single word!"
Sora nodded, handing over the summoning contract scroll he had prepared earlier.
"Form the contract. Here is the contract scroll. Don't worry, the contract between me and him still exists. They do not conflict."
A summon could form contracts with multiple people, it was not exclusive.
Night Owl hesitated no more. She took the scroll, bit her thumb, and quickly signed her name, Chihaya Ayane.
As the contract was established, she immediately felt a wonderful connection form between herself and the giant white tiger before her.
The white tiger also seemed to accept her. He walked forward, gently nudging her arm with his large head.
"Please take care of me from now on, Baihu."
Night Owl stroked the white tiger's soft, thick fur, a genuine smile appearing on her face. The unease in her heart also seemed to lessen somewhat.
After Sora explained some more points regarding the white tiger's habits and combat coordination, Night Owl quietly left the orphanage.
After seeing Night Owl off, the room became quiet once more.
Sora walked to the window. His shadow clones in the distance still had not sent news of Yamato appearing.
He was not disappointed. Hunting required patience, especially when hunting members of "Root".
'Wait slowly. He will appear eventually.'
Sora withdrew his gaze, sat down cross legged, and began his daily, unwavering taijutsu training and fuinjutsu practice.
The Contract Seal he had just acquired still had a long way to go.
But the power of the Dragon Vein, he was determined to obtain it!
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