Wedding

Three days before the wedding ceremony, Ren took Emi to visit his parents' grave.

Ren looked at the gravestone and spoke clearly. "Father, Mother, this is Emi. She's the woman I've chosen to spend the rest of my life with. From today on, she's your daughter-in-law. Please watch over her like you did for me."

Emi carried a bouquet of white lilies, setting them down with gentle care before she knelt and offered a silent prayer. When she rose, she bowed her head slightly and whispered, "Thank you for raising Ren to be the man he is today. I promise to stand beside him and support him from now on."

Ren reached for her hand and gave it a firm squeeze.

When they turned to leave, he walked her back to the car slowly, his hand loosely holding hers.

"They died in a car accident when I was in high school," Ren said quietly as they approached the car. "My father was strict, especially with me, but he had a soft side when it came to my mother. He worked too much. We didn't have many family outings, but there was this one time, on my tenth birthday, we went to a theme park together. That was one of the best days of my life."

Emi looked at him softly. "I saw the photo in your room. The one at the theme park."

Ren nodded. "That's the one. I kept it all these years because it reminded me of what it felt like to be a family. I want to fill our room with more family photos. With you. And someday, our child."

Emi touched the small silver necklace that rested against her collarbone. "My mom gave this to me before she passed. I wear it to remind myself that she's always with me." She held it up for him to see. "Even though they're not here anymore, I believe our parents are watching over us. And I think they'd be happy for us. We'll carry their love forward in the life we're building."

Ren nodded and pulled her into a hug. "We'll carry it together."

*****

Three days later, Ren and Emi were married in a traditional Shinto ceremony at a shrine. They dressed in customary attire, Ren in a black montsuki and hakama, Emi in a white silk kimono. They stood before the shrine priest, performed the san-san-kudo sake sharing, and exchanged solemn vows witnessed by family and close friends. 

After the ceremony, the newlyweds were surrounded by congratulations. Sora and Daiki approached hand in hand, smiles wide and eyes bright.

"Congratulations, you two," Daiki said with a clap on Ren's shoulder.

Sora grinned and added, "Actually, we have some news." She paused, then looked at Daiki and back at the couple. "We're having a baby."

Emi's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, really?" Her hands flew to her mouth before she pulled Sora into a hug. "Oh my god, that's amazing! I'm so happy for you both!"

Ren blinked for a second, then burst out laughing. "Well, looks like you guys are hitting that milestone before us. Maybe I should start taking notes."

Sora laughed. "It wasn't exactly planned, but we're excited."

Emi turned to Daiki with a teasing smile. "Looks like someone's stepping into the role of a dad earlier than expected. Ready for it?"

Daiki smiled and nodded. "More than ready. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure our baby has everything they need."

Sora leaned into Daiki and looked back at Emi. "Now it's your turn. Work hard so our baby has a little playmate."

Emi blushed as Ren chuckled, reaching out to hold her hand. The four of them stood together, sharing laughter and joy.

After that, Ren and Emi turned to find Granny Chiyo approaching them with a calm but purposeful stride.

Granny Chiyo stood in front of Emi and looked at her for a long moment before speaking. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one for Ren," she said directly. "You gave him peace when he didn't know he needed it."

Emi bowed slightly, her voice soft. "Thank you, Granny."

Granny Chiyo nodded. "Now listen to me carefully. Being the head of Kazama, and leading the entire mafia across Japan, is not an easy role. It comes with heavy responsibility, difficult choices, and sleepless nights. There will be times when Ren can't say everything he feels. In those moments, stay strong. Stand by him. Support him. And always remember to forgive."

Emi nodded, her fingers tightening around Ren's hand.

Granny Chiyo's tone lightened as she glanced toward Daiki and Sora. "Now, hurry up and catch up with those two. They're already one step ahead." Her lips curved slightly. "I want to carry a great-grandson before I need someone to help me lift one."

Emi's face turned red, and Ren chuckled quietly beside her. Granny Chiyo gave them both a final approving look before walking away.

Ren leaned closer and whispered, "She really doesn't hold back. Let's work hard to create a baby together."

Emi's face flushed immediately as she looked up at him, flustered but smiling. "You make it sound like we're starting a project," she muttered, lightly nudging his arm.

Ren grinned and pulled her closer. "A very important one."

Emi laughed softly, still blushing. "Then… let's do our best, Mr. Kazama."

He kissed the top of her head and said, "We'll make a good team, Mrs. Kazama."