The day of Huo and Haruno's wedding arrived. Ravihiro, ever diligent, had personally prepared the feast for the guests, each dish crafted with an attention to detail that left the air filled with mouthwatering aromas. The guests were all enjoying the food, laughter filling the space as the celebration reached its peak.
The time came for Huo and Haruno to perform the sacred ceremony—seven circles around the fire, each representing a different vow of life together. As they walked around the fire, their hearts raced in sync. The guests watched with smiles as the couple made their promises:
1. Circle of Protection - Vowing to protect each other in all circumstances.
2. Circle of Trust - Committing to trust and be honest with one another.
3. Circle of Health - Promising to care for each other in sickness and health.
4. Circle of Prosperity - Committing to share and build a prosperous future.
5. Circle of Unity - Vowing to remain united, no matter the challenges.
6. Circle of Growth - Pledging to grow together, mentally and spiritually.
7. Circle of Eternity - Promising eternal love and companionship.
As the couple completed their vows, the guests came forward to give their blessings and gifts. Ravihiro stood to the side, silently observing everything with his intense gaze, his role as protector never leaving his mind.
Suddenly, as Ravihiro watched Haruno smile and accept a gift from one of the guests, a tear unexpectedly welled up in his eye. It wasn't sadness but an unfamiliar emotion—a complex mixture of pride, nostalgia, and an unshakable sense of loss. Just as the tear was about to fall and touch the ground, Ravihiro swiftly sliced it in mid-air with a subtle movement, preventing it from ever landing.
However, as he focused back on the scene, his senses sharpened. A dark presence emanated from the gift being handed to Haruno. Without hesitation, Ravihiro darted forward and grabbed the guest's neck in a firm grip. Gasps echoed through the crowd as Ravihiro's eyes burned with suspicion.
Huo, in panic, rushed to his side. "Ravihiro! What are you doing? That's my brother!" Huo's voice cracked with worry.
Ignoring Huo's plea, Ravihiro cast a hypnotic spell on the guest, his voice low and commanding. "What is in the gift?" he asked.
The guest's eyes glazed over, his voice emotionless. "Poison."
A ripple of shock spread through the crowd, and Huo's eyes widened. "Why would you give Haruno poison?" Ravihiro demanded.
The guest's voice quivered slightly, even under the spell. "I... I was jealous. How could this bastard everything so good if can't have than I will destroy it "
Huo's heart sank, disbelief flooding him. Ravihiro's grip tightened, and in an instant, without another word, he crushed the man's throat, ending his life on the spot. The crowd recoiled in fear as Ravihiro's aura flared, suffocating the air around them.
With a terrifying calmness, Ravihiro addressed the stunned guests. "Let this serve as a reminder. If anyone dares to harm Haruno or her family again, there will be no mercy. No one is safe from my reach. Choose your allegiances wisely."
The wedding continued, though a shadow now lingered over the celebrations. The newlyweds, however, were determined to enjoy their night. As the evening gave way to the night, Huo and Haruno retired to their chambers.
Inside the room, Ravihiro had already placed a powerful soundproof formation around them, ensuring their privacy. The room was bathed in soft candlelight as Huo and Haruno shared a tender moment, their love for each other fully blossoming. Haruno, dressed in her wedding attire, looked ethereal, her beauty capturing Huo's breath. He leaned in, brushing a stray hair from her face before they kissed passionately, losing themselves in the depth of their connection.
Meanwhile, Ravihiro sat with Kalki in another room, the child watching his uncle with fascination. Ravihiro, always composed, had begun teaching Kalki the finer details of painting. The boy loved these moments, not just because of the skill he was learning but because Ravihiro would also tell him stories—stories of warriors, gods, and the lands Ravihiro had seen. Tonight was no different. As they painted together, Ravihiro spoke of distant worlds and adventures that stirred Kalki's imagination.
As the first rays of dawn crept through the windows, the time had come for Huo, Haruno, and Kalki to begin their new life together. Haruno, now fully recovered and radiant with joy, approached Ravihiro.
"Thank you for everything, brother," she said softly. Ravihiro, ever stoic, merely nodded.
Before they left, Haruno offered Ravihiro a gift—a glowing spirit ring. "You've done so much for us. I want you to find someone too, someone to share your life with."
Ravihiro shook his head, his voice firm but not unkind. "There is no one for me. I'm not made for that kind of life. Loneliness is the best companion I have; I am most efficient when alone."
Haruno, though sad to hear his words, knew better than to push him further. As she turned to leave, Ravihiro handed her a small pendant and his own spirit ring in spirit was present . "Use this if you ever need me. I'll come, no matter where you are."
With that, the family departed, and Ravihiro watched as they walked into the horizon. Alone once more, he turned back to his silent world, knowing that his duty was far from over.