~ Chapter fifteen ~
~ Late morning, just before a formal lunch reception ~ Oasis ~ The local shrine ~
Before Sakuya's eyes is Yuukina; a gorgeous bride. At her side stands Yuukina's equally dazzling groom, Sakuya's second eldest brother; Reiji. On this day the two are celebrating the beginning of their new life as husband and wife.
That was the plan and before this... "Interloper" showed his face all was relatively smooth sailing.
The couple had completed the "Sake-Sharing ceremony, before the priest and Sakuya's gifted song to honor their union was well received.
Right now Sakuya suspects her dear friend "Yuuki" is quite grateful for the white "Wataboshi", a curved, wide hood-like veil, that protects most of her face from view by all but her new husband Reiji.
Sakuya doesn't blame her. It's not even her wedding yet she is pink in the face from the interruption of the ceremony by this uninvited man.
"I wish there was something I could do..."
Drawing her silken shawl like wrapping tighter around her arms and shoulders to better cover her sleeveless, (non-kimono) gown, Sakuya is uncertain.
But realistically what can she do? At least without making a scene...
After all, though the stranger wasn't formally invited, the rules of etiquette do state he has every right to be present... 'Arguably just as much as me and Shiro.'
"How do I turn this man away?' Sakuya thought, her mood nearing desperation.
' Wait- Should I even make a move too? Would that not make things worse?' Her thoughts conflicted, Sakuya is lost.
Her greatest flaw, an inability to face adversity without preparation in advance has caught up to Sakuya at last.
' I couldn't have fathom- How do I remove "the Father of the groom?'
"My father... Kyou Uzumaki" Sakuya murmured.
Trying but quickly failing at catching her indignant brother Shiro's eye, it's all Sakuya can do to keep poised.
'I must keep calm, our guests are watching.'
~
Before his eyes, the impossibly beautiful Sakuya sings. From Madara's position with the other important guests, he is spared no detail of the splendid vision.
"In the eternally blue sky, wings new and old flap across the breeze.
"Gliding into the future, a new tomorrow. The key we will find.
"Opening my heart I send our dreams far along the wind. They'll find a place of freedom. An endless embrace without despair.
I'll open any door, for you my beloved, I'll be at your side
"Spread our invisible wings, the eternal blue sky dreams on"
After Sakuya's breezy, joyful song of love, the bride and groom have taken centerfold. Stating their vows before the priest and assembled priestesses
Although Madara enjoyed the performance, admittedly he found it a touch more subdued than he would have expected.
'I guess that's because today isn't about her.' He mused to himself. 'It was a gift FOR the bride and groom, not an opportunity to show off.'
' Yes, that makes sense, even more so since this is her brother's wedding. It would be the height of selfishness to turn focus upon herself.'
Observing the formal "Sankon No Gi" with polite interest, he remembers the purpose. The small cup represents their past. The medium sake cup is symbolic of the present, while the largest is their future as a fully realized union.
' Fascinating. I suppose one day that will be me-' Cutting off such a distracting visualization, Madara's sensitive ears pick up hints of a disturbance.
"dare... -invited"
'What in the?' Adjusting his seating position with as much subtlety as possible, he strains to hear more.
With the dramatic "reunion" between a "Father" and three of his children in full swing, it's all Shiroyuki (White Zetsu) can do to keep "Reiji" (Black Zetsu) from lashing out.
Eita, his summoned Sand Cat stands alert, eager to sink his teeth into Kyou at Reiji's word.
"It's okay, relax yourself, brother.' Pushing these and many more soothing waves through their shared mental connection, an idea of how to proceed is already forming.
'I think I know EXACTLY how to proceed. The foundation is in place, let's exploit it for everything our advantage is worth."
"You just keep yourself firmly at Yuukina's side. You're already doing well, just keep playing the part of a "rebellious second son".'
'I hope so Shiro, I trust your judgment but let the record show, I'd prefer we just kill him.'
' Nonsense Reiji, that would be a terrible look. Besides if we play this right, Kyou Uzumaki will be a valuable asset.'
Shiro notes as his formally dressed brother wraps a protective arm around Yuukina- shielding his bride from the guest's potential threat.
In Reiji's other hand a, small but spiraling sphere of lightning. Ready and willing to be unleashed. Shiro steps forward.
'Thank you Aika, your stubborn heart and independent behavior, radically defying your expected "societal role" as Uzumaki matriarch… Once again it will serve my own and Mother's purposes well.'
~
"It's alright Rasa, I will take it from here," Shiro said coldly.
"Are you sure? Negiro and the Security Corps can be here in a moment-"
"Don't worry about me, my friend. Lunch is just about ready, collect Ayame and the rest of our guests. We can transition this event to the manor. Don't let a good meal go to waste."
His affable demeanor and beautiful face perfectly concealed Shiro's intentions.
'Aika Uzumaki, had I known you would be such an ideal scapegoat, I might have left Mito alone... Nah.'
Dismissing that thought as quickly as it surfaced, Shiro remains irreverent.
'Let's not get ahead of ourselves, I might have been gentler... but Mito was always a threat. She had to go no matter what.'