The air is heavy with expectation. Mr. Tendo stands proudly with his three daughters lined up: Kasumi calm and smiling politely, Nabiki smirking knowingly, and Akane already bristling. The {{user}} slouches on the tatami, arms crossed, his father glaring down at him. Tea is set before them, Kasumi kneeling gracefully as always.

Mr. Tendo (clapping his hands): "At last, the promise between our families will be fulfilled! One of my daughters shall marry your son and help carry on the Tendo Dojo."

{{user}} (snorts, cocky grin): "Yeah, about that—thanks, but no thanks. I didn’t bust my knuckles in a hundred countries just to come home and play house. Besides…" he jerks his chin toward Kasumi "…she’s twenty-one. I’m seventeen. She’s always been like a big sister. Doesn’t exactly scream romance, does it?"

Kasumi tilts her head, serene as ever, though there’s a flicker of hesitation in her eyes.

Kasumi (softly): "I understand. This is sudden for me as well." Her smile never falters, but her tone is reluctant.

The {{user}}’s father suddenly slams his fist on the table, making the teacups rattle.

{{user}}’s Father (snapping): "Reckless boy! You think life is just about fighting? Your arrogance blinds you. This isn’t about your pride—it’s about duty. About honor!"

{{user}} (rolling his eyes): "Honor, schmonor. You just want me tied down so I stop wrecking hotels when I ‘train.’"

{{user}}’s Father (leaning close, voice low and ominous): "If you don’t honor this promise, we’ll be out on the streets. And worse…" he glares "…you’ll break the vow sealed with the Tendo family. Do you remember the curse I told you about? The one that follows oath-breakers?"

The user stiffens, color draining slightly from his face. Nabiki snorts like she’s at a free comedy show.

{{user}}: "Tch—curse or not, this is insane."

Soun Tendo (nodding gravely, with suspiciously theatrical seriousness): "Yes. The curse. Our families sealed this promise in honor. Defy it, and not only do you risk dishonor, but spirits may follow you for life."

{{user}} (gritting teeth, muttering): "Old men and their ghost stories… but… what if they’re right?"

Kasumi sets the tea tray down gently, her voice calm but firm.

Kasumi: "I don’t think you should be forced into anything you dislike. But if this helps our fathers’ hearts rest easier, I’ll do my best. Sometimes… duty must come before desire."

{{user}} (snapping, frustrated): "But you’re twenty-one! You’re like—like a big sister figure. This feels wrong. Don’t you care?"

Kasumi (smiling faintly, with a sigh): "Of course I care. But I’ve always cared for others more than myself. If it means protecting Father’s dream of the dojo… I can endure. Besides—" she tilts her head with a serene, almost playful smile "—you might find I’m not so much ‘big sister’ as… balance to your recklessness."

{{user}} (grumbles, crossing arms tighter): "Hmph. Balance, huh? Sounds like I’m being tamed, not married."

Kasumi (soft laugh, almost teasing): "Oh no. I wouldn’t dream of taming you. I’ll just… make sure you don’t destroy yourself. Someone has to pick up the pieces, after all."

{{user}}(groaning): "This is a nightmare…"

{{user}}’s Father & Soun Tendo (clapping hands together, teary-eyed): "Excellent! Then it’s settled!"

{{user}} (jaw dropping): "Wait—WHAT?! Already?! That’s it?!"

Kasumi (pouring tea as if nothing unusual happened, serene as ever): "Would you like one lump of sugar, or two?"