novelraw Chapter 139: The Two Families Meet! Engagement During the New Year! Nohara Tsuru's Reassurance!
Chapter 139: The Two Families Meet! Engagement During the New Year! Nohara Tsuru's Reassurance!
Sakurada Ikuna knew that being able to be together with Semashi-san was perhaps the most correct and luckiest decision she had ever made in her life.
This sudden sense of happiness, like a warm torrent, instantly washed away the fragile dam built by inferiority in Sakurada Ikuna's heart.
She looked at this man before her who, although not good at words, used the most direct and reliable actions to prove his feelings. In her initially somewhat dimmed eyes, a dazzling light instantly bloomed once more!
"Semashi-san..." Her voice carried a touched sob.
In the Sakurada family's living room, the atmosphere had already transformed from the initial shock and constraint into a harmony full of rustic flavor.
Ikuna's father, Sakurada Ken, this reticent old farmer, after his initial vigilance, looked at this young man before him. Although wearing brand-name clothes and driving a luxury car, deep down in his bones he was still that simple farmer who would blush when nervous and bare his heart when speaking. That heart belonging to an old father also quietly loosened somewhat.
Especially when he heard Nohara Semashi somewhat clumsily, yet incomparably sincerely, narrating the magnificent blueprint of the "Nohara Agricultural Corporation."
Narrating how they would use the most scientific methods to grow the best rice in all of Akita Prefecture. In those eyes, somewhat murky from years of labor, a trace of appreciation and admiration belonging to someone in the same trade actually surfaced.
Moreover, at this time, Nohara Semashi also thought of the skills he had just learned while chatting with Nohara Hiroshi, this younger brother of his who had seen the big world.
Pursing his lips into a shy smile, he said: "...The Mayor even personally came to the house today to visit Hiroshi, my blood younger brother, saying he wanted to listen to his guiding opinions on the future development of our Omagari City."
Nohara Semashi scratched the back of his head, acting as if he were talking about a trivial matter, yet his tanned face could hardly conceal his pride.
"What?! Mayor Ito?!" These words instantly exploded thunderously in the hearts of the Sakurada couple!
As farmers, the Mayor of Omagari City was indeed qualified enough to shock them.
Let alone him taking the initiative to visit the Nohara family's home.
It shocked them even more incomparably.
"Good! Good boy!" Sakurada Ken heavily slapped his thigh. All doubts had faded, leaving only a heartfelt appreciation and approval: "Our Ikuna, being able to follow you, is her blessing! In the future, you must treat her well!"
"I will!" Nohara Semashi abruptly stood up and bowed deeply to his future father-in-law.
Seeing that the atmosphere had been set just right, Ikuna's mother, Sakurada Yoshiko, this meticulous middle-aged woman, finally smiled and spoke, steering the topic onto the right track: "Since that's the case, I see it's better to find a time for our two families to formally sit together, have a meal, and settle the children's marriage?"
As soon as these words came out, the faces of Nohara Semashi and Sakurada Ikuna "swish" instantly turned as red as two branding irons that had just been heated red-hot.
...
When Nohara Semashi left the Sakurada house dizzy and feeling as if he were stepping on clouds, that simple and honest heart was completely filled with a massive sense of happiness.
He returned home and almost danced for joy while announcing this massive good news to his family.
"Ohohoho——!"
Nohara Ginnosuke's demonic laughter almost lifted the roof of the entire old house. Like a child who had regained his youth, he rolled all over the tatami laughing: "Great! Great! Our Nohara family is finally going to have a joyous event! I... I am going to be a grandfather!"
"You old improperly behaved geyser! The strokes for the character "eight" haven't even formed the first line yet (nothing is settled yet)!" Nohara Tsuru punched him, both angry and amused, but those eyes that had long curved into crescent moons were similarly filled with massive joy.
"Congratulations, big brother!" Nohara Hiroshi and Misae also smiled and offered their blessings.
"Since that's the case, then there's no time to lose!" Nohara Tsuru clapped her hands. On that gentle face surfaced the decisiveness belonging to a matriarch of a large family: "Tomorrow! Let's set it for tomorrow noon! Hiroshi, go to the best traditional Japanese restaurant in town and book the largest private room! We must use the highest standard to welcome our in-laws!"
"Alright!" Nohara Hiroshi smiled and agreed, immediately taking out that futuristic Panasonic P100 and dialing the number.
The entire Nohara family was immersed in a warm atmosphere full of festivity and hope.
...
However, early the next morning, the Nohara family's old house had already plunged into chaos.
"No! Absolutely not!"
Nohara Tsuru stood with hands on her hips, like an unshakable door god, firmly blocking Nohara Ginnosuke. Her face was full of anger.
At her feet lay a pile of "evidence" full of "trendy Tokyo flavor" — a Burberry casual jacket with exaggerated prints, a Versace silk shirt brightly colored enough to blind someone, and a Gucci belt hanging with a massive metal logo.
"Look at what you're wearing?!" Nohara Tsuru pointed at her old man who was protruding his small belly with an indignant look. Her voice was full of the helplessness of expecting better: "Today, we are going to meet our in-laws, to discuss marriage! Not to attend some yakuza annual meeting! If you go out dressed like this, people will think we are some nouveau riche from nowhere!"
"Outrageous!" Nohara Ginnosuke's old face reddened, and he stiffened his neck to retort: "This is called fashion! Do you understand fashion? These were bought by Hiroshi from Tokyo with a lot of money! So imposing! So much face! Only by wearing them out can the in-laws know that our Nohara family, now, has money!"
"I don't care! Hurry up and change out of them!" Nohara Tsuru was completely unmoved. From the wardrobe, she took out a dark gray suit that had been prepared long ago, which looked plain and unadorned but was quite exquisite in fabric and tailoring: "Today, what we need to do is highlight our Nohara family's simplicity! It's to let them know that although we have money, we are still a down-to-earth, proper family! Only then can they rest assured and entrust their daughter to us!"
This speech full of tradition made Nohara Hiroshi and Misae on the side unable to help but secretly nod.
After all, if Nohara Ginnosuke really wore that outfit...
That would truly be extremely exaggerated!
To the point where Nohara Hiroshi was somewhat helpless, wondering whether buying such trendy clothes for his old man was right or wrong...
But looking at it currently, it seemed somewhat wrong...
Nohara Ginnosuke looked at his old companion's fierce gaze, and finally let out a long sigh. That breath was full of the deep regret of a hero with no place to display his prowess.
He truly liked this outfit very much;
he looked just like an artist who had returned from Tokyo.
"Sigh, got it, got it." He weakly took the "plain" suit, muttering softly: "These fashionable clothes, I don't know when I'll ever be able to wear them out to show off..."
...
At 11:30 noon, the most famous traditional Japanese restaurant in Omagari City — "Shogetsuro".
A black Toyota Crown Majesta and a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser almost simultaneously parked one after the other at the quaint and elegant entrance of the restaurant.
Nohara Hiroshi supported his mother, Nohara Tsuru, who had changed into a presentable kimono, along with his father, Nohara Ginnosuke, wearing a plain suit, and the smiling Misae, stepping out of the car.
On the other side, Nohara Semashi also considerately opened the car door for Ikuna and her parents.
However, just behind them, a ten-year-old child was also following.
That was Ikuna's younger brother, Ikuki. (Original character)
The two families formally merged at the entrance of "Shogetsuro", which hung a blue noren.
"Oh my, my! In-law! Mother-in-law!"
Nohara Ginnosuke almost immediately stepped forward to welcome them. On that old face bloomed a passionate smile comparable to the sun.
Sakurada Ken, this reticent old farmer, looked at this man before him who was of a similar age but in unthinkably good spirits. On his face, which always carried a bit of seriousness, an honest smile also surfaced.
It's just that the smile was somewhat forced, and his eyes twitched slightly when he nodded politely to show his respect.
Although they indeed came to discuss marriage.
But...
Who comes up and immediately calls others their in-laws?
And the two mothers were even more like long-lost biological sisters. As soon as they met, they affectionately held each other's hands.
"Oh, Ikuna's mother, you truly are... living younger and younger!"
"Not at all, not at all, Semashi's mother, you are the one. This kimono truly matches your temperament!"
Amidst this harmonious atmosphere full of business-like mutual flattery, Nohara Tsuru looked at Sakurada Yoshiko's face. Although etched with fine lines by the years, the beautiful contours of her youth could still be seen. In those eyes always gentle as water, a trace of imperceptible familiarity suddenly flashed.
"Um... Ikuna's mother." She asked tentatively: "Have... have we... met somewhere before?"
Hearing this, Sakurada Yoshiko was also stunned. She carefully scrutinized Nohara Tsuru, and a trace of confusion surfaced in those eyes equally carrying a bit of familiarity.
"Now that you mention it... I also feel like you look... look a bit familiar." She paused, as if remembering something, and those eyes instantly lit up: "You... could you be... from Omagari City Girls' Junior High? I remember, in the Student Council of our batch, there was a particularly formidable Vice President who looked exactly like you! Everyone called her 'Iron-Fisted Tsuru'!"
"Eh?!"
Nohara Tsuru was completely stunned.
She stared blankly at Ikuna's mother before her, her future mother-in-law who looked a few years younger than herself, and suddenly revealed a pleasantly surprised smile: "You... you are... Yoshiko?! That Yoshiko from the Literature and Art Club who always followed behind my butt calling me 'Tsuru-senpai'?!"
"Tsuru-senpai!"
Two hands that were no longer young, after more than thirty years had passed, tightly gripped each other once again!
That purest sisterly friendship originating from their student days, like a flash of lightning tearing through time and space, instantly completely shattered the bit of barrier between the two families caused by meeting for the first time!
"My goodness! This is truly too much of a coincidence!" Sakurada Yoshiko was extremely pleasantly surprised.
"Who says it isn't! Even in my dreams I wouldn't have thought that my future daughter-in-law would actually be my junior's daughter!" Nohara Tsuru also nodded repeatedly.
The two mothers were so excited that their eye sockets were somewhat red, holding hands with endless things to say.
And the two fathers were even more like comrades who had found their organization, instantly unifying their front.
"I told you! I just felt that you, my in-law, looked particularly agreeable!" Nohara Ginnosuke heavily patted Sakurada Ken's shoulder. That posture was as if they weren't in-laws who just met today, but old brothers who had drunk alcohol together for a lifetime.
"Yes, yes!" Sakurada Ken also smiled honestly. Although still a bit constrained, it was rapidly dissipating.
It must be said that when it came to easing the atmosphere and becoming instantly familiar, Nohara Ginnosuke possessed a considerable advantage.
Watching this highly dramatic scene, Nohara Hiroshi, Misae, Nohara Semashi, and Sakurada Ikuna, these four young people, looked at each other and also revealed smiles.
Only that shy teenager who had been following behind his sister from earlier was currently opening his large, curious eyes, secretly observing that man who, in legends, was like a god.
His future brother-in-law's younger brother, Nohara Hiroshi!
Moreover, he saw that man smiling, taking out a brand-new issue of 'Weekly Shonen Jump' and a very premium-looking marker from his pocket.
"You must be Ikuna's younger brother, Ikuki, right?"
Nohara Hiroshi walked up to him. His voice was as gentle as a spring breeze in April: "I heard from your sister that you really like reading 'YuYu Hakusho'?"
"Mhm... mhm!" Sakurada Ikuki's face "swish" instantly turned red. Like a little fan being called out by his idol, he was so excited he couldn't even speak a complete sentence.
He indeed really liked reading 'YuYu Hakusho'.
He was a fan of Nohara Hiroshi!
"Here, this is for you."
Nohara Hiroshi handed that magazine over, and on the color page printed with Urameshi Yusuke's handsome figure, signed his name with flamboyant and vigorous strokes.
"Wow——!"
Sakurada Ikuki looked at that signature full of power. In those eyes usually carrying a bit of shyness, a scorching light comparable to a searchlight instantly erupted!
He looked at the autographed color page in pleasant surprise, his face revealing the light of happiness.
Starting today, he would become the luckiest, "Chosen One" among all the 'JUMP' readers in the entire Omagari City!
Especially in his junior high school.
It should attract everyone's envious gazes even more!
This was an autographed copy from the author of 'YuYu Hakusho', Nohara Hiroshi!
And so, after Nohara Hiroshi also joined in enlivening the atmosphere, the entire private room was immersed in a warm atmosphere full of coziness and joy.
When the wine had enlivened them, the center of the topic naturally fell back from those legendary "Tokyo anecdotes" onto this pair of young people currently shying lowering their heads, their sweet affection unable to be hidden in the corners of their eyes and brows.
"Cough, cough!"
Nohara Ginnosuke had already drunk until his face was glowing red, but he hadn't forgotten the main business. Thus, he cleared his throat: "Um... in-law, mother-in-law."
He raised his wine glass, revealing a smile toward the Sakurada couple: "Look, our Semashi and your Ikuna, a talented man and a beautiful woman, mutually affectionate... shouldn't this marriage... also be put on the agenda?"
As soon as these words came out, the already enthusiastic atmosphere in the private room was instantly pushed to a brand new climax!
"Oh my, you old improperly behaved geyser! How can you be so direct!" Nohara Tsuru punched him, both angry and amused, but those eyes already curved into crescent moons were similarly filled with satisfaction and anticipation for this marriage.
Sakurada Ken looked at his precious daughter who was already so shy she was about to cover her small face. On that face always carrying a bit of seriousness, an honest smile also surfaced.
He lifted his wine glass and clinked it heavily against Nohara Ginnosuke's. In that sound was the sincerity and straightforwardness belonging to a farmer.
"My in-law is right! The children's matters should be settled early!"
The term 'in-law' should indeed be used!
The wine had been drunk.
Everyone was chatting so happily.
The Nohara family also thought so highly of his ordinary Sakurada family. If he still didn't appreciate the favor, that would truly be embarrassing!
"Since that's the case," Sakurada Yoshiko, this mother whose mind was more meticulous than anyone else's, smiled and spoke, steering the topic to the most critical detail: "Then let's discuss, when would be a suitable time for the engagement date?"
"I think, right around the New Year!" Nohara Tsuru clapped her hands, her gentle face surfacing with a smile: "The New Year is also festive! Then our two families can gather together lively and formally establish this status first! As for the wedding, I think, let's set it for the summer of next year. The weather will be good, the scenery will be good, and Ikuna wearing a wedding dress will definitely be as beautiful as a fairy!"
This description full of imagery made Sakurada Ikuna's already flushed small face "swish" turn instantly red like a branding iron heated red-hot. The heat almost ignited her entire person.
She subconsciously raised her head. Those large, watery eyes uncontrollably drifted toward the man beside her who was similarly somewhat dazed by this sudden happiness.
Nohara Semashi, upon receiving that gaze full of anticipation and shyness, his heart was instantly completely filled by the massive power named "responsibility"!
He abruptly stood up, his robust body trembling slightly due to extreme agitation.
He didn't look at anyone else, only looking at Ikuna. In those simple eyes, two clusters of raging fire sufficient to start a prairie fire were burning!
"Ikuna!"
His voice was no longer honest, no longer clumsy, but full of unquestionable absolute responsibility belonging to a man!
"I... I, Nohara Semashi, am clumsy with words and don't know how to say nice-sounding things. But, right here, in front of our two families, I guarantee you!"
He pointed at his chest. That voice was like the bell of honor struck for his own future!
"Starting today, you are my, Nohara Semashi's, acknowledged, one and only wife! I will absolutely treat you well in the future!"
"If anyone dares to bully you, I will... I will fight them with my life!"
This plain declaration full of rustic flavor acted like a scalding electric current, instantly striking the softest spot in Sakurada Ikuna's heart!
She stared blankly at this man before her who, although not good at words, used the most direct and reliable actions to prove his feelings. From those already somewhat moist eyes, large drops of tears full of happiness and emotion instantly welled up.
"Mhm!"
She nodded heavily. Her voice carried a touched sob.
Watching this scene full of sincerity and simplicity, all the elders present revealed knowing, relieved smiles.
And amidst this atmosphere full of festivity and emotion, Nohara Hiroshi, like the most brilliant atmosphere regulator, once again added a fierce fire sufficient to make everyone go crazy to this family banquet.
"Since big brother and sister-in-law's marriage is settled." He smiled and stood up, and from those seemingly ordinary gift bags by the door, once again took out a few presentably packaged gift boxes and respectfully placed them in front of the Sakurada couple.
"Then our Nohara family cannot lose etiquette either. This is a small token of appreciation representing our whole family given to uncle and auntie. It's not much, I hope you will... accept it with a smile."
The Sakurada couple was completely stunned.
They looked at these few gift boxes before them, which were a whole size larger than yesterday's. Those two hearts already numbed by massive surprises, at this moment, began to beat wildly once again.
When Nohara Hiroshi opened the boxes one by one, that dazzling and brilliant light instantly blinded everyone's eyes!
A bottle of "Juyondai" Ryuusen Daiginjyo, also packaged in an antique wooden box but entirely older in vintage.
Two large boxes of A5 grade Kobe Wagyu, its marbling beautiful like snowflakes, emanating an alluring milky aroma.
And a piece of top-tier silk from Kyoto's Nishijin-ori, with a bright luster and silky touch, clearly immensely valuable at a glance!
"This... this... Hiroshi-kun!"
Sakurada Ken could no longer hold it in at this moment. On that face always carrying a bit of seriousness was written unbelievable shock!
He looked at these "royal tributes" before him, full of legendary flavor, which he had only seen on TV and in news, his head completely buzzing.
He knew these things represented not only money.
But an absolute highest-standard recognition and valuing from the other family!
"In-law!"
Sakurada Ken abruptly stood up. Those eyes, slightly reddened from agitation, stared fixedly at Nohara Ginnosuke. His voice was full of heartfelt gratitude and resoluteness: "You... your Nohara family is truly... looking upon our family's Ikuna with too much importance! I... I, Sakurada Ken, have nothing more to say! Truly, thank you very much!"
"Ahahahaha! We'll be one family from now on anyway, these small gifts are what we should do!" Nohara Ginnosuke rubbed his bald head, finally laughing out loud proudly: "When the time comes, Brother Ken, my in-law, let's go travel to Tokyo together, and my youngest son will buy you even better sake! Ahahahaha!"
Only Nohara Hiroshi beside him twitched the corner of his eye. It was clearly big brother's father-in-law, why should I buy good sake?
...
When this engagement banquet full of "strategic significance" finally gradually subsided in the afternoon sun, the two families were already as close as one.
Nohara Ginnosuke and Sakurada Ken, these two old men with entirely different personalities, now acted like long-lost biological brothers, walking with their arms around each other's shoulders, drunkenly bragging about their respective "glorious deeds" from their youth.
And Nohara Tsuru and Sakurada Yoshiko were even more like having recovered the sisterly friendship of their student days, holding hands with endless intimate words to say.
The young people were unconditionally intimate. Even that shy Sakurada Ikuki had already been thoroughly bribed by his omnipotent "Hiroshi-nii" with a few blank checks for unreleased latest models of Nintendo game consoles, calling out "Hiroshi-nii" more affectionately than anyone else.
Even more affectionately than calling "Semashi-nii"!
They were even more reluctant to part when saying goodbye.
When that black Toyota Crown Majesta, carrying the satisfied Nohara family, slowly drove away from "Shogetsuro", the Sakurada family stood at the door, waving their hands, unwilling to leave for a long time.
That heartfelt joy and satisfaction, like the warmest sunshine in autumn, illuminated the future path of everyone.
...
It was already afternoon when they returned home.
Nohara Ginnosuke was already dead drunk. As soon as he entered the house, he collapsed onto the tatami like a pile of mud.
He was still incoherently murmuring "in-laws", "drinking wine", "want to hold a big grandson early" over and over again. On his old face overflowed a massive sense of satisfaction as if he had obtained the whole world.
"You old improperly behaved geyser!"
Nohara Tsuru covered him with a thin quilt, both angry and amused. Although her gentle face also carried a bit of flush from slight drunkenness, those eyes that always carried a loving smile were still clear and bright.
Not long after, Nohara Semashi also returned after dropping off the Sakurada family.
She looked at this eldest son of hers who had similarly drunk quite a bit but still maintained a straight posture and clear eyes. That motherly heart was, at this moment, completely filled with massive pride and relief.
However, at this time, looking at this eldest son of hers, Nohara Tsuru still pursed her lips, deciding to say something.
"Semashi."
She pulled her eldest son's hand and sat down in front of that low table. Her voice carried an unquestionable solemnity.
"Today, mother is very happy. Being able to find such a good girl like Ikuna is your blessing, and also our Nohara family's blessing."
She paused. In those eyes already etched with fine lines by the years yet still clear and bright, were filled with solemnity and inheritance.
"However, mother also needs to remind you of one sentence."
"Our Nohara family, now, is different from before. With money and status, those flirting women outside will definitely take the initiative to stick to you, just like cats smelling fish."
"Mother doesn't ask you to be able to achieve world-shaking great deeds like your younger brother. Mother only asks you to be able to guard your original heart, guard the promise you made to Ikuna today."
"The men of our Nohara family can be poor, can be stupid, but absolutely cannot do things that let down their own women. Do you understand?"
This was Nohara Tsuru's heartfelt worry.
And Nohara Semashi looked at his mother's eyes full of worry and anticipation. His heart felt unprecedentedly steady at this moment.
"Mother, rest assured."
Nohara Semashi nodded heavily: "I, Nohara Semashi, in this life, have decided on Ikuna alone. No one can snatch her away, nor will I abandon her!"
Looking at her son's appearance full of responsibility, Nohara Tsuru finally set her heart at ease.
She knew that this eldest son of hers who seemed dense actually understood what true happiness was better than anyone else.
This was very good.
After all, Nohara Tsuru also knew that her youngest son was destined to fly even higher.
The small Omagari City.
The small Akita Prefecture.
Were destined to be unable to bind and lock this youngest son who was destined to fly towards the clouds and transform into a sacred giant dragon.
And the roots of the Nohara family, in reality, also needed this eldest son—with his simple personality, who had known how to manage the household since childhood, and who was very obedient to both of his parents—to silently watch over them in this hometown of Omagari City.
Nohara Semashi, this big brother, truly was the pillar that would represent the Nohara family in Omagari City or Akita Prefecture in the future!
(End of Chapter)