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Chapter 496 - Chapter 496: The Wedding Ceremony Is In Progress

After Iruka finished speaking, the entire hall erupted into applause. The air inside the grand Konoha auditorium was filled with warmth and celebration. Banners of the Hidden Leaf fluttered gently in the breeze that came through the open doors, sunlight streaming across the smiling faces of shinobi and villagers alike.

Iruka stepped down from the podium and approached Naruto, who stood proudly at the altar in his ceremonial robes — a blend of the Leaf Village's traditional wedding attire and a hint of his Hokage-like orange flair. Hinata, standing opposite him, looked radiant in her pure white kimono embroidered with subtle lavender hues. Her Byakugan eyes glistened with emotion as she met Naruto's gaze.

Iruka smiled and handed Naruto the microphone. "Naruto," he said gently, "you're marrying Hinata today. Do you have anything you'd like to say to her before everyone here?"

Naruto took the microphone, scratching the back of his head shyly before glancing at Hinata. In his mind, countless memories surfaced — every moment they had shared, from childhood till now. He took a deep breath and began to speak from the heart.

"I think everyone already knows that I'm marrying Hinata today," Naruto began, his voice trembling slightly. "It's kinda embarrassing to say this in front of everyone, but… Hinata fell in love with me first. And me, being the big idiot that I was, didn't realize my own feelings until much later. I just realized… that I've always loved her."

A ripple of laughter passed through the crowd. Hinata blushed deeply, covering her mouth with her sleeve. Naruto smiled warmly at her.

"I remember the first time we met," Naruto continued. "It was snowing that day. Hinata was being bullied by a few boys who were teasing her about her eyes. I was just a kid then — weak, loud, and dreaming about becoming Hokage someday. But when I saw her crying, something in me just snapped. I ran in to protect her!" He chuckled softly. "Unfortunately, I wasn't strong enough back then. I couldn't even use the Shadow Clone Jutsu properly, and I got beaten up. But hey, I managed to protect Hinata!"

The crowd erupted in laughter again, and Hinata's face turned bright red. Even Iruka couldn't help but smile proudly.

"At that time," Naruto said with a nostalgic grin, "Hinata left a deep impression on me. She was shy, always looking down, never talking much… but her eyes were so gentle. They made you want to protect her. I thought she was special — and she really was."

He paused for a moment, his expression softening. "But even though she was that special… I didn't realize her feelings back then."

From the audience, Kiba snorted and wiped his nose. "Seriously, Naruto, you idiot! I already knew Hinata liked you back then!"

Beside him, Shino adjusted his glasses, nodding. "That's true. Every time Hinata saw Naruto, she'd blush and faint. It was statistically obvious."

Sakura giggled softly. As a fellow kunoichi, she understood the quiet depth of Hinata's love — a love that had endured years of waiting and pain.

Naruto continued, "I remember during the Chūnin Exams, when I was injured, Hinata came up to me and offered me an ointment. I didn't even understand why she did that at the time. I just asked, 'Why me?'"

From the crowd, Kurenai — Hinata's former sensei — smiled fondly. She remembered that moment well, having encouraged Hinata to be brave and give Naruto that ointment. It was a small act of love, but one that spoke volumes.

Naruto chuckled, shaking his head. "Looking back now, I realize that was Hinata's kindness — her care for me."

He took a deep breath, his tone becoming serious. "There were so many moments like that… and I didn't notice. Even during one of the darkest battles of my life — when Pain had pinned me to the ground — Hinata ran straight into danger to protect me. She confessed her love right there, in front of death itself. That moment… changed everything for me."

In the crowd, Jiraiya crossed his arms, eyes narrowing in quiet pride. He knew Naruto was referring to that battle — the one that had nearly cost him everything. It was also the moment Naruto had learned what true love meant.

Hinata's tears began to fall as she looked at Naruto, her heart overflowing with emotion. Naruto smiled back, stepping closer.

"So today, in front of everyone," he said, his voice steady and sincere, "I want to confess back. Hinata… thank you. Thank you for always liking me, for believing in me, for showing me what real love feels like. Thank you for standing by me, even when I didn't notice you. And most of all… thank you for still loving me."

Hinata covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face. The entire crowd was silent, their hearts warmed by Naruto's words.

Naruto took Hinata's hands in his. "From today onward," he said, his eyes locked on hers, "I want to spend every sunrise and sunset with you. I want to wake up beside you, fall asleep beside you, laugh, fight, and grow old with you. Hinata Hyūga… will you share that life with me?"

Hinata, overwhelmed, took the microphone, her voice trembling but full of conviction. "I… I do!!!" she shouted.

The entire hall exploded with cheers and applause. Kushina wiped her tears beside Minato, beaming with pride. "That's our boy!" she said proudly. Minato smiled softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. "He's finally found his happiness."

Iruka, unable to contain his own joy, stepped forward again. "Wonderful!" he said, grinning. "Naruto and Hinata, please exchange your rings!"

Sakura approached with a small velvet box. "Congratulations, you two," she said warmly, handing it to them.

Naruto took one ring and placed it gently on Hinata's finger. She followed, slipping the other onto his hand, both smiling through tears.

Iruka raised his microphone again. "Now," he said grandly, "I declare that the groom, Uzumaki Naruto, may now kiss his bride, Hyūga Hinata!"

The crowd erupted once more as Naruto leaned forward and kissed Hinata tenderly. It was a kiss filled with all the years of waiting, pain, and unspoken love finally fulfilled. Konohamaru, holding the camera, hurried to capture every moment, his eyes wide with awe.

After the applause subsided, Iruka continued, "Now, we will have the official witnesses speak: The Daimyō of the Land of Fire, Lord Kakashi — the Sixth Hokage — and Jiraiya of the Legendary Sannin!"

The Daimyō stood, closing his folding fan with a grin. "You certainly kept me waiting, didn't you?" he joked, drawing polite laughter from the guests. Kakashi rose beside him, nodding. "After you, Lord Daimyō," he said. Jiraiya joined them, and together the three men ascended the stage amid thunderous applause.

At the podium, Kakashi handed the Daimyō a parchment. The nobleman smiled at the crowd, then read aloud, "As the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, I hereby declare the marriage between Uzumaki Naruto and Hyūga Hinata as lawful and recognized throughout the shinobi nations. May their union bring everlasting happiness!"

Applause roared across the hall. Then Kakashi stepped up, smiling under his mask. "Hello, everyone! Today, all of Konoha is overjoyed. Naruto — our hero, our future — is getting married! We've even got friends from the other villages here, so much that the Leaf feels like it's about to burst!"

Everyone laughed.

"I'd like to thank our honored guests — the Daimyō, our allies from the Sand Village, and especially Kazekage Gaara for attending. On behalf of the Hidden Leaf, I bless this marriage and wish Naruto and Hinata a lifetime of happiness."

Kakashi stepped aside, motioning for Jiraiya.

Jiraiya approached the microphone with a grin. "Well, what can I say? Naruto's my student — and the son of my student! So yeah, I guess that makes me his grandmaster, huh?" The crowd chuckled warmly.

"This kid's journey wasn't easy. From the lonely boy who used to eat ramen alone to the man standing here today, he's overcome everything — training in Sage Jutsu, taming the Nine-Tails, and saving the world. And Hinata… you stood by him through all of it."

Jiraiya's voice softened. "So, Hinata, I entrust him to you. Take care of him — he's been through more than most ever will."

Hinata nodded through her tears. Naruto squeezed her hand.

Jiraiya smiled, his eyes moist. "As one of the Legendary Sannin and a Sage of Mount Myōboku, I hereby witness and bless this marriage. Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyūga — may your love shine as bright as the Will of Fire itself!"

The hall erupted in cheers and thunderous applause.

Naruto and Hinata turned toward the audience, hands intertwined, smiles brighter than ever.

The wedding ceremony of Konoha's beloved hero was complete — and the entire world celebrated their love.

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