With the new organization within the clan, the resentment from within died with a whimper.
Profits were running smoothly and the humbled elders were actually listening for once. In celebration she had first visited the Institute to congratulate Akira-he wasn't a permanent resident but he might as well be. They laughed and joked and she choked on her tea when she saw the beautiful completed copies of the wedding photos.
They were slid in between clear plastic, the background a smooth creme that complemented the photographs. These were much more than polaroids-having to be specially developed.
All the pictures were amazing-Akira shaking the Hokage's hand, guests laughing, the small fountain in the back with her sitting on it, smiling as she held a handful of mint petals. Sasuke holding the ring, his dark hair serving as a foil.
And then her walking down the aisle, a giant grin on her face as she showered everyone with flowers. Sasuke was smiling behind her, petals in his hair. It was magical how everyone in the crowd was smiling.
And then Suzu appeared. It was like some renaissance painting, with her in the middle, all heads turned towards her with her gaze directly up front. Her favorite had to be the one where both of them were standing up at the alter. Each picture was amazing and she was sure she could have spent forever looking at this book and remembering that day, but Akira put his hand on her knee.
"Miko, I've been a very busy man lately, and in fact, I have a meeting in less than half an hour. You're training to be a ninja right?"
She wiped away tears, nodding yes.
"Well, then I have a mission for you. Can you bring this to my wife?"
Miko nodded again, Clutching the book to her chest.
Akira chuckled, kissing her forehead.
"Thank you, Miko. Sorry to keep asking things of you. Shes at her restaurant."
And with that he left. Miko gathered her things and headed out to the heart of Konoha. It was a cloudy day, so by default it was cooler too. It was that slump between lunch and dinner so she knew it would be the perfect time to deliver the album. When she arrived at the restaurant, she took a step back to admire it all.
The windows were warm and welcoming, hosting signs of what you could buy for how much in fancy scripts. Wind chimes decorated the porch, where tables and chairs were located for people to sit. A radio sat in the corner. She pushed open the door, and the smell of cooked food and desserts reached her nose. Classy music played and the swirly stools stood with their red cushions. it was a lot like the second floor of the art institute.
Her aunt in-law walked from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Miko. What a surprise." She smirked. "What can I do for ya?"
Wordlessly Miko held up the album.
Suzu took it in her hands and read the letter on the front cover. She caught the last few words.
-People commend me for my art skills. But here, you are the masterpiece. I just put everything together. -With love, Akira.
She flipped open the covers and just stood taking in the pictures. It was a good thing the pictures were in plastic or they would have been ruined with tears by now. Miko guided her over to one of the open seats and they poured over the photos laughing or crying depending on which one they were looking at.
They were giggling over a picture of the Hokage covered in green petals when the door chimed.
"Welcom-"
It was an ANBU member.
He aunt paused, clasping her hands in front of her.
"I am here to close this establishment."
!
"What!? On whose authority?"
"The councils." He held out a slip of paper, which her aunt grabbed and read.
"We are breaking no laws here!"
"You are now. The council and village elders passed new regulations. Escort yourselves from the premises before I do."
"This place is a sanctuary! people can come here and be themselves and eat good food. Why wasn't I informed?"
He didn't respond.
Miko grabbed her aunt's hand.
"Let go. Everyone is in a meeting now and I can't think of a better time to inform them."
Then turned and marched out, heads held high in righteous anger.
End chapter! There will be more conflicts later on, as were reaching the climax of this story. Check out my other Naruto story too!