I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 139 The two families meet! The engagement will take place during the New Year! Nohara Tsuru is relieved!
Sakurada Ikuna knew that being with Mr. Sashi was perhaps the most correct and luckiest decision she had ever made in her life.

This sudden feeling of happiness was like a warm torrent, instantly breaking down the fragile dam built by Sakurada Ikuna's inferiority complex.

Looking at the man before her, who, though not good with words, proved his feelings through the most direct and reliable actions, her eyes, which had been somewhat dim, instantly shone with a brilliant light again!

“Mr. Saji…” Her voice choked with emotion.

In the Sakurada family's living room, the atmosphere had long since shifted from initial shock and restraint to a harmonious blend of rustic charm.

Ikuna's father, Ken Sakurada, a taciturn old farmer, after his initial wariness, looked at the man in front of him who, despite wearing designer clothes and driving a luxury car, was still the same simple, honest farmer who blushed when nervous and spoke from the bottom of his heart. The old father's heart softened a little.

Especially when he listened to Nohara Saji awkwardly, yet with utmost sincerity, recount the grand blueprint of "Nohara Agriculture Co., Ltd."

As they recounted how they would use the most scientific methods to grow the best rice in Akita Prefecture, a hint of appreciation and respect, belonging to a fellow professional, appeared in their eyes, which were somewhat cloudy from years of hard work.

At this moment, Nohara Sashi also thought of the skills he had learned from chatting with his younger brother, Nohara Hiroshi, who had seen the world.

She pursed her lips, then smiled shyly and said:
"...The mayor also personally visited Guangzhi, my younger brother, at my home today, saying he wanted to hear his guidance on the future development of our Daqu City."

Nohara Saji scratched the back of his head as if he were talking about something trivial, but his dark face couldn't hide his pride.

"What?! Mayor Ito?!" These words exploded in the minds of the Sakurada couple!

As farmers, the mayor of Daqu City certainly surprised them.

Moreover, he took the initiative to visit the Nohara family.

This shocked them even more.

"Good! Good boy!" Ken Sakurada slapped his thigh hard, all his doubts had faded away, leaving only a heartfelt appreciation and recognition: "It's a blessing for Ikuna to be with you! From now on, you must treat her well!"

"I will!" Nohara Saji suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to his future father-in-law.

Seeing that the atmosphere had been set, Yu Cai's mother, Sakurada Ryoko, a thoughtful middle-aged woman, finally smiled and steered the conversation back on track: "In that case, I think it would be better if we could find a time for our two families to sit down together formally for a meal and finalize the children's marriage."

Upon hearing this, Nohara Saji and Sakurada Ikuna's faces instantly turned as red as two branding irons that had been heated to a bright red.

……

When Nohara Sashi, feeling dizzy and as if walking on clouds, bid farewell to the Sakurada family, his honest and simple heart was completely filled with immense happiness.

When he got home, he practically danced with joy as he announced this incredible good news to his family.

"Ohohohoho—!"

Nohara Ginnosuke's infectious laughter nearly lifted the roof off the entire old house. Like a child who had returned to his childhood, he rolled around on the tatami mats laughing, "Great! Great! Our Nohara family is finally going to have a happy occasion! I... I'm going to be a grandfather!"

"You old rascal! It's not even close to being a done deal yet!" Nohara Tsuru punched him, both amused and annoyed, but her eyes, which had already turned into crescent moons with laughter, were also filled with immense joy.

"Congratulations, big brother!" Hiroshi Nohara and Misae also offered their congratulations with smiles.

"In that case, let's not delay!" Nohara Tsuru clapped her hands, and a resolute look, befitting a matriarch, appeared on her gentle face: "Tomorrow! It's set for tomorrow noon! Hiroshi, go to the best restaurant in town and reserve the largest private room! We want to welcome our in-laws with the highest honors!"

"Okay!" Hiroshi Nohara replied with a smile, and immediately took out his futuristic Panasonic P100 and dialed the number.

The entire Nohara family was immersed in a warm atmosphere filled with joy and hope.

……

The very next morning, the Nohara family's old house was already in chaos.

"No! Absolutely not!"

Nohara Tsuru stood with his hands on his hips, like an unshakeable gatekeeper, blocking Nohara Ginnosuke's way, his face full of anger.

At her feet lay a pile of "evidence" brimming with "Tokyo chic"—a Burberry casual jacket with an exaggerated print, a Versace silk shirt so brightly colored it was blinding, and a Gucci belt with a huge metal logo.

"Look at what you're wearing!!" Nohara Tsuru pointed at her husband, who had a protruding belly and a disgruntled expression, her voice filled with exasperation: "Today, we're going to meet our in-laws to discuss the marriage! Not to attend some yakuza annual meeting! If you go out dressed like this, people will think we're some nouveau riche!"

"Outrageous!" Nohara Ginnosuke's face flushed red as he retorted, his neck stiff with arrogance. "This is fashion! Do you understand fashion? Hiroshi spent a fortune buying these from Tokyo! How impressive! How prestigious! Wearing them out will let our in-laws know that the Nohara family is now rich!"

"I don't care! Change it right now!" Nohara Tsuru remained unmoved. She took out a dark gray suit that she had prepared beforehand. It looked simple, but the fabric and tailoring were quite exquisite. "Today, what we want to do is highlight the simplicity of the Nohara family! We want them to know that although we are rich, we are still a down-to-earth and honest family! That way, they can entrust their daughters to us with peace of mind!"

This traditional speech prompted Hiroshi Nohara and Misae to nod in agreement.

After all, if Ginnosuke Nohara really wore that outfit...

That's truly outrageous!

Even Hiroshi Nohara was a little helpless, wondering if buying such trendy clothes for his father was the right thing to do...

But something seems off right now...

Looking at his wife's fierce gaze, Nohara Ginnosuke finally let out a long sigh, a sigh filled with the deep regret of a hero whose talents had been wasted.

He really liked this outfit; it made him look like an artist who had just returned from Tokyo.

"Sigh, I know, I know." He listlessly took the "plain" suit, muttering to himself, "I wonder when I'll ever be able to wear these fashionable clothes out and look impressive..."

……

At 11:30 a.m., at the most famous traditional Japanese restaurant in Oguri City, "Shogetsu-ro".

A black Toyota Crown Majesta and a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser stopped at the entrance of the quaint and elegant shop almost simultaneously, one after the other.

Hiroshi Nohara helped his mother, Tsuru Nohara, who had changed into a respectable kimono, his father, Ginnosuke Nohara, who was wearing a simple suit, and Misae, who was smiling, out of the car.

Meanwhile, Nohara Sashi thoughtfully opened the car door for Ikuna and her parents.

However, there was a child of about ten years old following behind.

That's Yuuki, Yuuka's younger brother. (Original character)

The two families officially met at the entrance of "Songyuelou" where a blue warm curtain was hung.

"Oh dear! My dear in-laws! My dear in-laws!"

Ginnosuke Nohara went to greet him almost immediately, a warm smile as bright as the sun blooming on his old face.

Ken Sakurada, the taciturn old farmer, looked at the man in front of him who was about the same age as him but had an unusually good spirit. A kind smile appeared on his usually serious face.

His smile was somewhat forced, and when he politely nodded to show his respect, his eyes twitched slightly.

Although they came here to discuss marriage arrangements.

but……

Who would come up to someone and immediately call them "father-in-law" or "mother-in-law"?

The two mothers, on the other hand, were like long-lost sisters, and upon meeting, they warmly held each other's hands.

"Oh my, Yu Cai's mom, you really are... getting younger and younger!"

"Oh, no, no, you're the one who looks good in this kimono, Mama Sasuke! It really suits your elegance!"

In this harmonious atmosphere filled with mutual praise, Nohara Tsuru looked at Sakurada Ryoko's face, which, although etched with fine lines by time, still revealed the beautiful features of her youth. In her always gentle and watery eyes, a faint sense of familiarity suddenly flashed.

“Um…Yu Cai’s mom,” she asked tentatively, “have we… met somewhere before?”

Sakurada Ryoko was also taken aback when she heard this. She carefully examined Nohara Tsuru, and a hint of confusion appeared in her eyes, which also had a sense of familiarity.

"Now that you mention it... I also feel like you... you look kind of familiar." She paused, as if remembering something, and her eyes instantly lit up: "You... you wouldn't happen to be... from Daqu City Girls' Junior High School, would you? I remember, in our student council that year, there was a particularly powerful vice president who looked just like you! Everyone called her 'Iron-Fisted Crane'!"

"Eh?!"

Nohara Tsuru was completely stunned.

She stared blankly at the woman in front of her, who looked a few years younger than her—the mother from Yucai School, her future in-law—and a surprised smile immediately appeared on her face: "You...you are...Liangzi?! The one who always follows me around, calling me 'Senior He,' Liangzi from the Literature and Art Department?!"

"Senior He!"

Two hands, no longer young, clasped tightly together once again after more than thirty years!
That purest sisterly bond, born from their student days, was like a lightning bolt that pierced through time and space, instantly shattering the slight estrangement between the two families caused by their first meeting!
"Oh my god! What a coincidence!" Sakurada Ryoko exclaimed with delight.

“Who says otherwise! I never dreamed that my future daughter-in-law would be my junior's daughter!” Nohara Tsuru nodded repeatedly.

The two mothers were so excited that their eyes were red, and they held hands and had so much to say.

The two fathers, on the other hand, were like comrades who had found their organization, and they instantly united on the same side.

"I knew it! I just felt that you, my dear in-law, were a perfect match!" Nohara Ginnosuke patted Sakurada Ken's shoulder heavily, as if they weren't just in-laws who had met today, but old brothers who had been drinking together all their lives.

"Yes, yes!" Kenya Sakurada smiled憨厚ly, but he was still a little reserved, though that feeling quickly dissipated.

It must be said that Ginnosuke Nohara has a considerable advantage in easing tensions and being a natural at making friends.

Seeing this dramatic scene, Hiroshi Nohara, Misae, Saji Nohara, and Ikuna Sakurada, the four young people, looked at each other and smiled.

Only the shy boy who had been following behind his sister since earlier was now secretly observing the man, who was like a god in legends, with his big, curious eyes.

Hiroshi Nohara, the younger brother of my future brother-in-law!

Moreover, he saw the man smiling as he took out a brand-new copy of Weekly Shonen Jump and a high-end-looking pen from his pocket.

"You must be Yuuka's younger brother, Yuuki?"

Hiroshi Nohara walked up to him, his voice as gentle as a spring breeze in April: "I heard from your sister that you really enjoy watching Yu Yu Hakusho?"

"Um...um!" Sakurada Ikuki's face turned red instantly. He was so excited, like a little fan who had been called out by his idol, that he couldn't even finish his sentence.

He really enjoyed watching Yu Yu Hakusho.

He's a fan of Hiroshi Nohara!

"Here, this is for you."

Hiroshi Nohara handed over the magazine, and on the color page featuring a handsome image of Yusuke Urameshi, he signed his name in a flamboyant style. "Wow—!"

As Sakurada Ikuki looked at the powerful signature, a scorching light, comparable to a searchlight, suddenly burst forth in his usually somewhat shy eyes!

He looked at the signed color page with delight, his face beaming with happiness.

From this day forward, I will become the most enviable chosen one among all the JUMP readers in the entire Oguri City!
Especially in his junior high school years.

It will probably attract even more envious glances from everyone!

This is a signed copy by Hiroshi Nohara, the author of Yu Yu Hakusho!
After Hiroshi Nohara joined in to liven things up, the entire private room was immersed in a warm and joyful atmosphere.

As the wine flowed and the conversation warmed up, the focus naturally shifted from those legendary "Tokyo experiences" back to the young couple in front of them, who were shyly bowing their heads, yet their eyes and brows couldn't hide their sweetness.

"Cough cough!"

Nohara Ginnosuke was already flushed from drinking, but he hadn't forgotten the important matter, so he cleared his throat: "Um... my in-laws, my in-laws' mother."

He raised his glass, smiled at the Sakurada couple, and said, "Look at my son, Saji, and your son, Ikuna, they're a perfect match, so handsome and beautiful... Shouldn't we... put our marriage on the agenda?"

These words instantly propelled the already lively atmosphere in the private room to a whole new climax!

"Hey, you old rascal! How can you be so direct!" Nohara Tsuru punched him, both amused and annoyed, but her eyes, which had already turned into crescent moons with laughter, were also filled with satisfaction and anticipation for the marriage.

Ken Sakurada looked at his precious daughter, who was so shy she was about to cover her face, and a kind smile appeared on his usually serious face.

He raised his glass and clinked it heavily with Nohara Ginnosuke's; the sound carried the honesty and straightforwardness of a farmer.

"You're right, in-laws! It's time to settle things for the children as soon as possible!"

The term "in-laws" should definitely be used!
We've already drunk the wine.

Everyone was having such a pleasant conversation.

The Nohara family values ​​the ordinary Sakurada family so much; if we don't know our place, that would be truly shameful!

“In that case,” Sakurada Ryoko, a mother with a more meticulous mind than anyone else, said with a smile, steer the conversation toward the most crucial detail: “Then let’s discuss when would be a suitable date for the engagement?”

"I think it'll be around New Year's!" Nohara Tsuru clapped her hands, a smile appearing on her gentle face. "New Year's is a festive time! Our two families can get together then and settle this matter! As for the wedding, I think it should be next summer. The weather will be nice then, the scenery will be beautiful, and Yuka will look like a fairy in her wedding dress!"

This vivid description caused Sakurada Ikuna's already rosy cheeks to turn bright red instantly, like a branding iron that had been heated to a high temperature, the heat almost setting her on fire.

She subconsciously raised her head, her large, watery eyes uncontrollably drifting towards the man beside her, who was also somewhat stunned by this sudden happiness.

When Nohara Sashi received that expectant and shy gaze, his heart was instantly filled with an immense power called "responsibility"!

He suddenly stood up, his burly body trembling slightly with extreme excitement.

He didn't look at anyone else, only at Yu Cai, whose simple eyes burned with two raging flames that could start a prairie fire!
"Yucai!"

His voice was no longer simple and honest, no longer clumsy, but filled with an unquestionable, absolute sense of responsibility that belonged to a man!
"I...I, Nohara Saji, am clumsy with words and don't know how to say nice things. But, here, in front of both our families, I promise you!"

He pointed to his chest, and the sound was like a bell tolling for his future!
"From this day forward, you are the one and only wife that I, Nohara Saji, have chosen! I will definitely treat you well from now on!"

"If anyone dares to bully you, I'll... I'll fight them to the death!"

This simple declaration, full of local flavor, struck the softest spot in Sakurada Ikuna's heart like a scalding electric current!
She stared blankly at the man in front of her, who, though not good with words, proved his feelings with the most direct and reliable actions. Large tears, filled with happiness and emotion, welled up in her already moist eyes.

"Ok!"

She nodded heavily, her voice trembling with emotion.

Seeing this scene full of sincerity and simplicity, all the elders present showed knowing and gratified smiles.

Amidst this joyous and touching atmosphere, Hiroshi Nohara, like a master mood setter, added another spark to the family dinner, a spark that would drive everyone wild.

"Now that the marriage arrangements for my elder brother and sister-in-law are settled," he said with a smile as he stood up. From the few seemingly ordinary gift bags by the door, he took out several well-packaged gift boxes and respectfully placed them in front of the Sakura couple.

"Then our Nohara family cannot be impolite. This is a small token of our appreciation on behalf of my whole family to Uncle and Aunt. It is nothing but a humble gift, and we hope you will accept it with a smile."

The Sakurada couple were completely stunned.

Looking at the gift boxes in front of them, which were even larger than the ones from yesterday, their hearts, which had been somewhat numb from the overwhelming surprise, began to pound wildly again.

When Hiroshi Nohara opened the boxes one by one, the dazzling light instantly dazzled everyone's eyes!

A bottle of "Fourteenth Generation" Longquan Daji Shang, also packaged in an antique wooden box, but from an even older age.

Two large boxes of A5 grade Kobe Wagyu beef with beautiful snowflake-like patterns and an enticing milky aroma.

And a piece of top-quality silk from Nishijin-ori in Kyoto, with a bright color and a silky feel, which looks very valuable!
"This...this...Hiroshi-kun!"

At this moment, Ken Sakurada could no longer hold on. His usually serious face was filled with disbelief and horror!

He stared blankly at the legendary "royal tributes" before him, which he had only ever seen on television and in the news.

He knew these things represented more than just money.

It is also a form of recognition and importance from the other party's family, representing the highest level of respect and attention!

"relatives by marriage!"

Sakurada Ken suddenly stood up, his eyes, slightly reddened with excitement, fixed on Nohara Ginnosuke. His voice was filled with heartfelt gratitude and determination: "You...you Nohara family really...value our Ikuna too much! I...I, Sakurada Ken, have nothing to say! I am truly grateful!"

"Hahahaha! We'll be family from now on, so these little gifts are only natural!" Nohara Ginnosuke stroked his bald head and finally burst into a smug laugh: "When the time comes, Brother Ken, my in-law, let's go on a trip to Tokyo together, and my youngest son will buy you even better sake! Hahahaha!"

Hiroshi Nohara, standing next to him, twitched slightly at the corner of his eye. He was clearly the eldest brother's father-in-law, so why should I buy the good wine?
……

When this engagement banquet, which was full of "strategic significance," finally subsided in the afternoon sun, the two families had already become as close as one.

Nohara Ginnosuke and Sakurada Ken, two old men with very different personalities, were like long-lost brothers at this moment, arm in arm, drunkenly boasting about their "glorious deeds" in their youth.

Nohara Tsuru and Sakurada Ryoko seemed to have rediscovered their sisterly bond from their school days, holding hands and having endless heartfelt conversations.

The young people were even closer than before. Even the shy Sakurada Ikuki had been completely won over by his all-powerful "Hiroshi-nii" with empty promises of several unreleased Nintendo game consoles, and now called him "Hiroshi-nii" more affectionately than anyone else.

They call him even more affectionately than "Brother Xiaozhi"!

They were especially reluctant to part ways.

As the black Toyota Crown Majesta carrying the contented Nohara family slowly drove away from "Matsugetsuro," the Sakurada family stood at the door, waving and reluctant to leave.

That heartfelt joy and satisfaction, like the warmest autumn sunshine, illuminated everyone's path to the future.

……

It was already afternoon when I got home.

Nohara Ginnosuke was already completely drunk. As soon as he entered the house, he collapsed onto the tatami mat like a lump of mud.

He mumbled incoherently, repeatedly saying "in-laws," "drinking," and "I want to hold my grandson soon," his old face radiating an immense sense of satisfaction, as if he had gained the whole world.

"You old lecher!"

Nohara Tsuru, both amused and exasperated, covered him with a thin blanket. His gentle face, though flushed with a hint of drunkenness, still held clear, bright eyes that always held a loving smile.

Not long after, Nohara Sashi returned after seeing off the Sakurada family.

Looking at her eldest son, who, despite having drunk quite a bit, still stood tall and had clear eyes, her motherly heart was filled with immense pride and joy at that moment.

However, at this moment, Nohara Tsuru looked at his eldest son, pursed his lips, and decided to say something.

"Narrow-mindedness".

She took her eldest son's hand and sat down at the low table, her voice carrying an undeniable solemnity.

"Mom is very happy today. It's your blessing that you found such a wonderful girl as Yuka, and it's also a blessing for the Nohara family."

She paused, her eyes, though etched with fine lines by time, were still clear and bright, filled with solemnity and a sense of heritage.

"But Mom also wants to remind you of something."

“Our Nohara family is different now than before. We have money and status, and those women outside will definitely flock to us like cats smelling fish.”

"Mom doesn't ask you to do anything as amazing as your brother. Mom only asks that you stay true to yourself and keep the promise you made to Yucai today."

"Men of the Nohara family can be poor, can be stupid, but they absolutely cannot do anything to betray their women. Understand?"

This was Nohara Tsuru's heartfelt concern.

Looking into his mother's eyes, which were filled with worry and expectation, Nohara Sashi felt a sense of peace he had never felt before.

"Mom, don't worry."

Nohara Sashi nodded emphatically: "In my life, I, Nohara Sashi, have only ever considered Ikuna. No one can take her away, and I will never abandon her!"

Seeing his son's responsible demeanor, Nohara Tsuru finally felt relieved.

She knew that her seemingly dull eldest son actually understood what true happiness was better than anyone else.

That's good.

After all, Nohara Tsuru knew that his youngest son was destined to fly higher.

The small city of Daqu.

Akita Prefecture is a small place.

It was destined that this youngest son, who was destined to fly to the clouds and transform into a sacred dragon, could not be bound or locked up.

The Nohara family also needed their eldest son, who was simple-minded, good at managing household affairs since childhood, and obedient to his parents, to come and quietly guard their old home in Omagari City.

Nohara Sashi, the eldest brother, is truly the pillar representing the Nohara family in Omagari City or Akita Prefecture in the future!
(End of this chapter)