Chapter 72 – The Festival of Blossoms

Hanagakure shimmered with color and music. The Festival of Blossoms, the village's grandest annual celebration, brought people from across the Land of Flowers. Petals rained from the skies through floating Genjutsu projections, the streets alive with laughter, lanterns, and the aroma of festival food.

But amidst the joy, Shisui faced a dilemma.

He stood before a secluded shrine, performing a high-level hand sign combination. Arch Energy surged around him like golden mist as his eyes glowed with the power of his Aetherion Eye.

"Soul Link Clone… Tamashii Ketsugo Bunshin!"

A brilliant flare of light pulsed—and from it stepped another Shisui, identical in every way. But this wasn't a shadow clone. This was something more: a dual-essence version of himself. A partner. A reflection.

"Let's make the best of this day," Shisui told his clone.

The real Shisui walked with Liryssa, elegantly dressed in a flowing floral yukata, her fin-like ears partially hidden beneath a ceremonial veil. She clung to his arm shyly, marveling at the lights and the strange but beautiful traditions.

Meanwhile, the clone took Naoko and Himeya—both dressed stunningly in their own yukatas—through the winding lantern streets, enjoying traditional snacks, firework shows, and a taiko drum performance. Both women laughed freely for the first time in days.

As the sun set, all four of them met on a scenic hill overlooking the village—a place where lovers traditionally watched the final fireworks.

Shisui looked at his three women, each radiant in their own way. He turned first to Naoko and Himeya, his expression soft but firm.

"I owe you both an apology," he began. "I should've trusted you enough to tell you. My marriage to Liryssa wasn't planned—it was a desperate choice to protect my life and hers. But I won't make excuses."

Naoko crossed her arms. "Damn right, you won't."

Himeya gave a small smile. "But… we understand now."

Without another word, Shisui stepped closer to Naoko and leaned in—pressing his lips to hers in a long, passionate kiss under the glowing sky. She gasped at first, then melted into it.

He turned to Himeya next, brushing her cheek gently before claiming her lips as well, kissing her with the fire and regret of all the words he hadn't said.

Liryssa watched with a soft smile, her cheeks flushed, but not with jealousy. Only quiet contentment.

The four of them sat side by side as the fireworks erupted above in shimmering blossoms.