The wedding ceremony had finally come to an end.
After Iruka's heartfelt closing speech, he warmly invited both sets of parents onto the stage. Naruto and Hinata stood proudly before their families as Minato, Kushina, and Hiashi Hyuga joined them. Following tradition, both sides exchanged tea and respectfully addressed each other as "Father" and "Mother." With that symbolic act, the ceremony was officially complete — Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Hinata were husband and wife.
After the formalities, Naruto and Hinata changed into their toasting outfits — Naruto in a traditional white haori with the Uzumaki crest, and Hinata in an elegant lavender kimono embroidered with delicate flowers. Together, hand in hand, they made their way to the banquet area to greet and toast their guests.
Beneath the wide-open canopy of the open-air venue, laughter and chatter filled the air. Guests helped themselves to drinks and fresh fruit laid out across long tables. In the center of it all, a large screen displayed a video montage compiled by Konohamaru — moments from the wedding preparations and heartfelt messages from their friends. The crowd roared with laughter and warmth as memories flashed across the screen.
At one of the tables, Ino Yamanaka finally had a moment to herself. After making sure all the flower arrangements and decorations were perfect, she went off in search of Sai. She spotted him by the refreshment table, holding a menu and studying it like a mission report.
Ino sneaked up behind him, gave him a playful pat on the back, and hopped in front of him with a teasing grin.
"Hey! You done staring at that menu yet?"
Sai looked up, wearing his calm smile, dressed neatly in a black formal outfit. "It's done. Everything that needed to be handled is complete," he said lightly. "I've been really busy today."
Ino pouted slightly and tugged at her dress. "How about this, then? Does it look good?"
Sai blinked, his gaze steady. "It looks good," he replied simply.
Ino giggled, satisfied, and grabbed his arm. "Come on! Let's go take pictures with Naruto and Hinata — everyone's already there!"
Sai sighed, though a faint smile tugged at his lips as Ino dragged him along toward the photo group.
Across the lawn, Shikamaru Nara was holding a glass of sake, standing with Kiba, Choji, and Shino. The four friends chatted while watching Naruto's group pose for pictures.
Shikamaru sighed. "What a drag… Getting married looks like such a pain. Do we really have to go through all this trouble?"
Choji took a gulp of his drink, coughed, and smacked his lips. "Whoa, this stuff's too strong! I'm switching to something lighter!"
Kiba laughed loudly, patting Choji on the back. "Come on, Choji, you're supposed to have an Akimichi stomach — can't handle a little sake?"
Shino adjusted his glasses. "If marriage is this complicated, perhaps it's more efficient to simply not marry."
Shikamaru snorted and looked at him sideways. "You're free to do that, Shino."
Kiba shook his head with a grin. "Man, you're a genius in the weirdest ways, Shino."
Before Shikamaru could complain again, Temari appeared, grabbed his hand, and said firmly, "Stop grumbling and come take a group photo!"
Shikamaru let out a resigned groan. "Troublesome…" Yet, he followed her anyway, earning laughs from his friends.
Choji was soon whisked away by Karui, leaving Kiba and Shino alone on the lawn.
Elsewhere, Rock Lee was enthusiastically toasting with Neji, while Sasuke stood calmly beside Itachi and Shisui. The long-estranged Uchiha family — Fugaku and Mikoto among them — had also come to witness Naruto's big day.
Laughter, chatter, and music blended together under the evening sky. Despite the larger crowd, it all felt comfortably familiar — like something out of a cherished memory.
After another round of photos, Naruto raised his glass high. Hinata stood by his side, radiant with happiness. Minato, Kushina, and Hiashi joined them at the main table for a toast.
"To family," Minato said warmly, raising his cup.
"Cheers!" Naruto and Hinata echoed.
Around them, friends and allies followed suit, clinking glasses and exchanging smiles. If not for their ninja stamina, most guests would have been exhausted long ago.
Then a familiar voice called out — "Naruto!!!"
Naruto turned and froze, eyes widening. Walking toward him were three figures he never thought he'd see together again.
"Nagato! Konan! Yahiko!" Naruto exclaimed with a bright grin.
It was the original founders of the Akatsuki — or rather, the reformed spirits of those who once sought peace in their own way.
Nagato stepped forward first, embracing Naruto. Yahiko grinned and gave him a friendly punch on the shoulder. "Good job, kid! You clean up well — you actually look kinda cool today!"
Naruto laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Heh, thanks, Yahiko-nii!"
Yahiko chuckled, pride shining in his eyes. "You're Jiraiya-sensei's legacy, Naruto. You've brought the peace we all dreamed of. I'm proud of you, little brother! Come on, let's drink to that!"
They clinked glasses. Konan smiled softly and joined in. "Congratulations, Naruto. You've finally found your happiness."
Naruto looked at her and teased, "And what about you, Konan-nee? Didn't you find yours too?"
Konan blushed faintly. Before she could respond, Nagato smirked. "Naruto, I saw it myself — Konan and Yahiko kissed!"
Yahiko nearly choked on his drink. "Nagato! You don't have to tell everyone that!"
Naruto burst out laughing while Konan covered her face. Nagato only shrugged. "What? I've got the Rinnegan — can't exactly not notice things."
Yahiko groaned in defeat as Naruto clapped his hands together. "Guess even the Akatsuki can find love, huh?"
Nagato chuckled. "Seems so." Then, before Yahiko could retaliate, he quickly walked off to find Jiraiya, muttering something about "safety first."
At another table, Jiraiya and Orochimaru were deep in conversation — or rather, a sake contest. Kabuto sat nearby, quietly observing.
Toneri Ōtsutsuki, dressed in elegant robes, raised a glass to Naruto and Hinata before retreating to the edge of the gathering, silently observing the laughter and warmth around him.
Kakashi, meanwhile, was playing host for the Kage and Daimyo in attendance. The Fire Daimyo sat alongside his counterparts, sharing drinks as the evening waned.
After nearly three hours, the wedding banquet gradually wound down. Guests began to depart one by one.
Later that night, in the Hokage's office, Kakashi Hatake poured tea for the remaining Kage. "Why not stay another day or two? There's no rush to leave, is there?"
The Fourth Raikage shook his head. "I've got to escort the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning back safely. Once that's done, I'll visit again."
Gaara, Mei Terumi, and Ōnoki nodded in agreement.
"That's fair," Kakashi replied.
Mei smiled slyly and leaned back in her chair. "Kakashi, I heard Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade are planning a wedding of their own?"
Kakashi gave a sheepish smile and nodded.
Ōnoki chuckled. "Hah! Guess we'll be coming back to Konoha again soon!"
Raikage grunted in amusement. "Old people getting married, huh? Guess love really doesn't have an age limit."
Mei's mind wandered. She recalled that awkward night when her aide Chojuro had accidentally walked in on her after a bath. Ever since then, things between them had been… complicated. She often found herself teasing him just to see his flustered reactions. He was young, loyal, and painfully easy to embarrass — which only made her more intrigued.
Mei exhaled softly. "If Tsunade can do it, then so can I…" she murmured to herself, smirking.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, pretending not to hear. "I'll let everyone know when Lady Tsunade's date is confirmed."
The Kage nodded, finishing their tea before heading off to rest. They would depart at dawn.
By dusk, Konoha was alive with the sounds of cleanup. Decorations were being taken down, and the last traces of the wedding were being cleared from the streets.
Shikamaru wiped sweat from his forehead and sighed. "Man, that was a lot of work. Dad, getting married looks like a total drag."
Shikaku chuckled beside him. "It's a major life event, son. A little trouble's worth it for something that lasts."
Shikamaru frowned, glancing at him. "You're talking about me and Temari, aren't you?"
Shikaku grinned knowingly. "You catch on quick. She's a good girl — strong, smart, keeps you on your toes. Bring her home sometime; your mother will cook."
"Troublesome…" Shikamaru muttered, but a faint blush crept up his cheeks.
Elsewhere, by the park's waterside, Sakura and Karin sat on either side of Sasuke, each holding onto one of his arms.
Sakura smiled. "Sasuke, when are we getting married?"
Karin teased, "Relax, Sakura. I'm sure he's already thought about it, right, Sasuke?"
Sasuke froze, caught between them. "Tch… you're both troublesome," he muttered, earning simultaneous smirks from the two women.
Across town, Choji and Karui were at the BBQ restaurant, devouring food.
"Is it good?" Choji asked with a grin.
Karui's eyes sparkled. "It's amazing! Way better than I expected!"
At the weapon shop, Tenten and Neji were tidying up after the celebration, chatting quietly as they worked.
At Sai's apartment, Ino's voice echoed: "Hurry up!"
Sai sighed, smiling faintly. "Okay, okay…"
Back at Naruto's home, Hinata sat beside Kushina and Minato at the dinner table. Kushina had personally prepared a feast.
"Hinata," Kushina said warmly, "from today, you're officially part of our family!"
Minato clapped. "Welcome home!"
Naruto raised his drink high. "Cheers!"
Hinata's eyes glistened. "Cheers!"
The four clinked their glasses, laughter echoing through the house.
Meanwhile, at the Hyuga residence, Hanabi knocked on Hiashi's door. "Father, dinner's ready."
Hiashi smiled gently, closing the old album filled with Hinata's childhood photos. "Thank you, Hanabi. I'll be there soon."
As the door closed, Hiashi looked at a picture of young Hinata in her training clothes and whispered to himself, "You've grown beautifully… just like your mother."
He smiled, proud and at peace.
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