The door creaked open with a whisper of hesitation. Hinata peeked in, clutching the warm dinnerbox close to her chest. The scent of miso and grilled tofu drifted softly from within—comfort food, her best attempt.
The room was dim. Naruto sat on his futon, shoulders slouched, eyes blankly fixed on the ceiling, lips murmuring words she couldn't quite make out. His tone was low, soft, but animated, as if arguing with someone.
"Maybe if I fake a transfer of jurisdiction... no, no one would believe that... Maybe if I—"
She froze.
Was he... talking to someone?
There was no one else in the room. Just him, the silence, and...
Kurama.
Hinata took a quiet step back, guilt immediately rising. Eavesdropping is wrong...
Her gaze landed on the lunchbox she had brought earlier. Still there. Still untouched. Cold.
Her chest tightened.
She cleared her throat gently.
Naruto flinched, blinking wildly as if yanked out of a dream. He sat up fast, then offered an awkward wave.
"H-Hey, Hinata. Sorry, I didn't—uh—hear you come in."
"I knocked... a few times." Her voice was soft, concerned. "You didn't... eat the lunch."
"Oh—yeah." He rubbed the back of his neck, guilt blooming across his face. "I just... I've been kind of... not okay today."
"Is something wrong?" she asked, stepping forward. "I—I brought dinner too. I thought you might be hungry after training or reading..."
Naruto gave a faint smile, but it faded quickly. "Thanks, Hinata. Really. But I don't think I can eat right now."
Her hands tightened on the box.
"If... if there's anything I can do, even a little, please let me help," she said gently. "You look like you've been carrying something heavy."
He hesitated.
She stepped closer. "Naruto-kun?"
He exhaled, long and shaky, before nodding.
"You're kind, Hinata. Too kind. Alright... I'll tell you."
She sat down, eyes wide with worry, clutching the lunchbox like an anchor.
Naruto spoke slowly, voice low but steady—like each word cost him more than it should.
"It's about Sasuke."
Hinata's breath hitched. "Sasuke-san?"
"The Nations... they want her executed. Even after everything. After fighting Madara. Helping seal Kaguya. They still think she's a threat." He looked down at his hands. "And maybe she is. But I can't let them kill her."
Hinata blinked.
"Lord Hokage... Kakashi-sensei... he negotiated something. A condition. Something that'll stop the Union from demanding her head." He paused, like the words themselves refused to leave his throat.
Hinata tilted her head. "What... what condition?"
He finally looked her in the eyes.
"I have to marry her."
Silence. Crushing silence.
Hinata stared. Frozen. The lunchbox slipped slightly in her hands, clutched tight enough to hurt.
Naruto marrying... Sasuke?
Her mouth opened, then closed. She tried to find words, but nothing came. Her heart was thudding so hard she could barely hear.
"I—I'm sorry," Naruto stammered. "It's not what it sounds like! I didn't want this, not like this. It's just to protect her, I swear, Hinata! I'm not trying to—"
And then, with a shimmer of golden chakra, Kurama's head formed behind Naruto. Glowing eyes, sharp fangs, low and terrible voice.
"You've admired Naruto since childhood," he said, the words cutting like wind through autumn leaves. "That admiration became obsession. Then love. But have you ever asked yourself if he loved you?"
"Kurama!" Naruto barked, horrified. "Shut up!"
"No," the fox growled. "You shut up, Naruto. I've watched you two long enough. Listen, Hyūga—hate me all you want, but I'm telling the truth. Naruto has always loved the Uchiha girl. Even if he doesn't say it. Even if he doesn't understand it yet. It's not just duty. It never was. And you? You deserve someone who loves you back. You should accept this. And move on."
The head dissolved into golden mist.
Hinata stood, face pale, lips trembling. Her eyes shimmered. "Is... is that true?"
Naruto looked down. "I never meant to hurt you."
Hinata didn't wait for more. She turned, tears trailing silently down her cheeks as she ran out, the dinnerbox still clutched in her arms.
"Damn it, Kurama..." Naruto whispered, heart tight.
"You'll thank me later."
—T~T—
Naruto had never known time to drag like this.
The Hokage office, once a familiar place of scrolls and chatter, felt like a battlefield now. He paced in tight circles, glancing up at the portraits on the wall.
The First smiled warmly, eternally kind.
The Second looked stern, judgmental.
The Third, ever wise.
The Fourth... his father. Silent. Still.
Naruto stopped in front of him. "Dad... got any advice?"
The carved wood said nothing.
"Didn't think so..."
The door clicked.
Kakashi stepped in, for once not fashionably late, his face unreadable behind the mask. He went to his desk, sat down, and immediately flicked two fingers.
An ANBU appeared like breath fog on glass—silent, masked, respectful.
"Escort Naruto to the dungeon," Kakashi said simply.
Naruto blinked. "Wait—you're not coming, sensei?"
"No."
Naruto's mouth opened, then closed. He sighed and followed.
The Hokage tower's lowest floor was colder than he remembered. The ANBU walked ahead, his footsteps quiet but decisive. Naruto tried to lighten the mood, just a little.
"So uh... you've ever been married?"
Silence.
"No? Okay... uh... know any good conversation starters for criminal warlords?"
Nothing.
"Dude, come on, even Sai gives better company—"
The ANBU stopped. A gate loomed ahead. Thick iron bars. A flicker of chakra as seals lifted.
Inside, the cell was dim. Damp stone, silence... and her.
Tied like a silken cocoon, her entire body encased in a restraint seal wrap from neck to toe. Visors sealed her Rinnegan and Sharingan. She tilted her head at the sound of steps.
"...Naruto?"
He winced. She recognized me by my footsteps? "Hey, uh, Sasuke. Hope you had a nice sleep."
No answer. Of course not.
"Uh... how's the hand?" He raised his bandaged prosthetic awkwardly, flexing it.
"I'm still getting used to mine," he added sheepishly. "How's your arm—"
Idiot. Her arms were bound. She couldn't even twitch.
He looked around the cell, desperate for something. "So, um... nice cell?" he offered weakly.
A long silence.
"...Stop fooling around."
"Yeah, uh. Sorry. Y'know." He rubbed his neck. "So. Uh. You know... what's your answer? And hey—it's fine if you disagree! Seriously. We'll fake your execution, I have this crazy plan, smoke bombs, a clone decoy, I can hide you underground for years! I swear I can pull it off, just say the word—"
"...Naruto."
"YES?!"
"After a lot of consideration," she said slowly, "I have decided to..."
Of course. He braced for it. Decline it. Obviously. What was I thinking? I'm such an idiot, she'll never—
"...accept Kakashi's alternative."
Naruto stared at her.
His jaw dropped.
"...what?!"
—T~T—
Naruto stood there, mouth open, limbs awkwardly stiff, the damp air of the cell clinging to him like guilt. His voice came out brittle, too quick.
"Sasuke… you don't have to force this on yourself. I—I can figure something else out. I swear, I'll keep you alive. I'll take you to Ame—no one's gonna look for you there. I can give you a new look—cut your hair, dye it, maybe even an eyepatch or something cool. No one'll recognize you, y'know? You can live a quiet life… safe, far away from all this."
Sasuke turned her head slightly, the visors still covering her eyes. But her voice was razor-clear.
"...Am I a burden to you, Naruto?"
"What? No! Of course not! You're my best friend, y'know?!"
Her voice was low.
"Do you… hate me? For trying to kill you. For the war. For—"
"No!" he cut in before she could spiral further. "Never! I—I understand why you did what you did. Doesn't mean I agreed, but hate? No way. I forgave you a long time ago."
"Then," she said softly, "I accept the marriage alternative."
Naruto nearly tripped over his own thoughts. "Wait—hold on—you don't have to be that hasty, okay? I—I mean, I'll make sure you live without marrying me too, we don't have to jump to that, I can fake your death with a shadow clone, I've done it before, we can—"
"I calmly made this decision," she said, her voice composed but carrying a faint, tired weight. "But if you don't want to marry me, that's fine. I'll go along with your escape plan, then."
He froze.
Why did her voice sound so… bitter saying that?
His throat bobbed. He scratched the back of his head, heart pounding against his ribs like a prisoner begging to be let out. "A-Are you sure, Sasuke? I mean… we're just seventeen, and—"
"I'm eighteen," she said bluntly.
Naruto blinked. "Wait, what?"
"You're two months younger than me," she continued calmly. "And yes. I'm sure."
He rubbed his temples.
Kyuubi chuckled dryly inside him. Congratulations, Naruto. You just proposed to the Uchiha.
I didn't propose—!
You paced, fumbled, and panicked. And still managed to get a yes. You're hopeless. But at least she's into hopeless.
Naruto groaned. "This is really happening, huh?"
Sasuke, her voice cool as ever, just said, "Apparently."
—T~T—
Steam rose in lazy swirls from the ramen bowl as Naruto slurped half-heartedly, noodles slipping from his chopsticks and falling back with a wet plop. He stared into the broth like it might tell him what the hell to do with his life.
Ayame finally leaned over the counter, wiping her hands on her apron. "Naruto, are you okay? You're eating ramen like it's sake. That's not how you eat ramen."
Teuchi grunted behind the stove. "You've been muttering to yourself for twenty minutes. What happened? Some mission trouble?"
Naruto let out a long, suffering sigh, chin nearly sinking into his bowl. "...I'm getting married."
Both Ayame and Teuchi froze.
The sound of the ladle slipping from Teuchi's hand echoed like a shuriken striking wood.
Ayame blinked. "...Come again?"
"I said I'm getting married." Naruto repeated, his tone halfway between disbelief and despair.
"Now?!" Ayame slammed her hands on the counter. "You're seventeen!"
Teuchi narrowed his eyes. "Did you… knock a girl up, Naruto?"
Naruto choked on his broth. "What?!"
Ayame was suddenly in his face, grabbing him by the collar. "Who is it?! Who's the poor girl? Who's the mother?!"
"What are you talking about?!" Naruto yelped, squirming. "What does 'knocking up' even mean?!"
"It means you impregnated someone!" Ayame said, cheeks red with fury.
Naruto froze. The world froze. Even the noodles stopped steaming for a moment.
"WHAT?!" he shouted, wrenching himself back. "I'm a virgin! And it's not like that at all!"
Teuchi raised an eyebrow. "Then what the hell kind of marriage is this?"
Naruto groaned and buried his face in his hands. "It's just that… Sasuke was gonna get executed. And to save her… I have to marry her."
Ayame blinked. "...Sasuke? As in Uchiha Sasuke?"
Naruto nodded solemnly.
Teuchi whistled. "You always did have strange taste in friends."
"It's not like that!" Naruto yelped. "We're not even together! This is just political ninja bullcrap! They think if I marry her, she'll be 'tied' to the Leaf and won't be a threat. It's all strategy."
Ayame crossed her arms. "And you just agreed?"
"I had no choice! It was either that or let her die. I couldn't just… let them kill her."
Teuchi gave a thoughtful grunt. "Hmph. You're doing it for her sake, then. To protect her."
Naruto nodded, face serious now.
Ayame narrowed her eyes. "But are you ready for that kind of responsibility? Marriage ain't just a legal jutsu. It's a lifelong mission."
Naruto's eyes widened. "I—I don't know. I just didn't want her to die, y'know?"
A pause. Teuchi ladled another bowl and slid it in front of Naruto. "Then eat. Eat until you find your answer. Because you can't protect anyone if you're running on empty."
Naruto stared at the ramen. Then, slowly, he picked up his chopsticks.
"I just hope… she doesn't regret saying yes."
Ayame leaned forward again, this time gentler. "Then make sure she never does."
—T~T—
The iron cell door creaked open. Dim light from the hallway spilled onto the stone floor as Ino stepped in first, her expression unreadable. Behind her came Sai, face calm but eyes alert, and three ANBU, masked and silent, a tension in the air like drawn wire.
"Time to get you out of the sack," Ino muttered, kneeling beside Sasuke and placing her fingers in a seal. One by one, the restrictive jutsu seals burned away into soft blue light. Chains clinked to the floor with a final thud.
Sasuke didn't say a word. She flexed her wrists slowly, testing muscle, bone, ligament—everything stiff but intact. Her arms arched back with a few satisfying cracks of joints being reminded they exist. She rolled her neck. More cracks. She stood, her legs unsteady only for a moment.
Sai offered a brittle smile. "Don't try anything funny. We have orders to restrain you."
Sasuke didn't even glance at him. She straightened her back, reasserting poise, her silence sharper than any kunai.
Ino made the seal for Mind Body Switch, then nodded a moment later. "She's clean. No mental traps or chakra booby traps." Then she pulled out fresh clothes—dark navy pants and a simple grey blouse. "Put these on. You're getting an upgrade."
"Where are you taking me?" Sasuke asked as she changed, unbothered by their presence.
"You'll be held in the Hokage's guest room. Under surveillance. A few days for evaluation, then…" Ino hesitated, "your new life begins."
Sasuke nodded silently.
Once fully dressed, Sasuke followed them out. The dungeon hallway was cold stone and silence. But once they reached the tower's upper levels, sunlight poured across the marble like a forgotten blessing. Sasuke squinted slightly, the brightness nearly stinging.
Even still—four ANBU surrounded her, two flanking behind, two ahead.
Ino walked beside her, arms crossed. "You know, I never thought the girl we all admired would end up marrying the class clown."
Sasuke's eye twitched. She didn't turn her head.
"Oh, don't give me that look," Ino teased. "Just saying—Naruto's fan club is gonna be pissed. I can already picture some of them trying jutsu-fueled black magic to curse you for stealing their golden boy."
Sasuke's fingers twitched subtly. A faint flare of chakra prickled behind her eyes. He has fan girls now?
Ino smirked, sensing the ripple. "Oh yeah. Fan club, merchandise, a weird gossip scroll called Uzumaki Weekly... War hero, remember? He's practically the Leaf's golden flame."
Sasuke's lips were neutral, her expression unmoved, but her gaze narrowed ever so slightly. Fan club? Of course he'd have one. Idiot.
They reached the guest quarters—a modest but elegant room with a tatami floor, a low table, and a futon already laid out. Ino led her in and gestured vaguely.
"You're not allowed to leave the room without escort. You'll be watched at all times. Don't try to suppress your chakra—you'll trigger a response seal. No summoning animals, no seals, no scrolls. No escape."
Sasuke scanned the room. A moment later, her Sharingan flickered to life—just briefly. Six chakra signatures, all female ANBU. Hidden poorly. Probably intentional.
Ino stepped back. "Try not to kill your wedding guard detail, okay?"
Sasuke igno her. She walked calmly to the low table, picked up the Konoha Daily, and unfolded the front page.
There it was. A smiling Naruto, giving a peace sign beside Kakashi. The headline?
"Peace Hero Naruto Uzumaki Soon to Wed!"
She stared at it in silence, then turned the page. Sat down. Crossed one leg over the other.
And began to read.
The Academy was a storm.
Naruto had barely stepped into the courtyard when the kids swarmed him like bees on honey. Especially the girls. Mini tornadoes of curiosity, excitement, and chaos.
"Naruto-sensei!"
"Is it true you're getting married?!"
"Who is she?!"
"Is she pretty?!"
"Did you knock a girl up?!"
"Is she older than you?!"
"Was it Sakura?! Or maybe Ino?!"
Naruto's eye twitched. "W-What does knocking up even—? No! I didn't knock anyone up!"
More questions. Screams. Blushing. Laughter. A feral game of guess-the-bride broke out.
"Clone Jutsu!" Poof!
One unfortunate shadow clone was left to manage the chaos, doing crowd control with a forced smile and barely concealed panic. Naruto made his escape into the building.
He weaved through the halls, stopping at a familiar door.
Iruka's office.
Inside, the older man sat stiffly, eyes glued to the front page of Konoha Daily. That damn headline again. "Peace Hero Naruto Uzumaki Soon to Wed!"
Iruka's brow was furrowed deep enough to crack stone. As Naruto stepped in, Iruka stood abruptly.
"Naruto! What is the meaning of this? Why are you getting married?! Who is she?! Why so soon?! Did you knock a girl up?! Is she older than you?! Is it Sakura?! Ino?! Someone from your peers? Or someone else entirely?!"
"Sensei—please!" Naruto flailed his arms, red in the face. "Calm down!"
Iruka's eyes narrowed. "Explain."
Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "It's Sasuke."
A pause. Dead silence.
Iruka blinked. "...You knocked the Sasuke Uchiha up?!"
"Gah—No! Would everyone stop saying that?! I didn't do anything! It's just—she's being targeted for execution. The Nations are paranoid. But Kakashi-sensei got them to agree to spare her if she gives up her Shinobi status and… becomes a civilian wife. So, uh… they picked me."
Iruka stared, lips parted slightly. "That's..."
"I had a plan, y'know! Disguise, fake death, smuggle her out to Ame. But she—she accepted the damn proposal."
Iruka sank back down into his chair. "That's... heavy, Naruto. And how is she taking it?"
Naruto shrugged helplessly. "Calm. Cold. Like usual. I can't even tell what she's really thinking…"
There was a long beat of silence, filled only by the distant laughter of kids through the windows.
"Anyway," Naruto muttered, rubbing his arm, "the wedding's tomorrow and, uh… I was wondering if you'd be my dad figure? You know... for the ritual part."
Iruka stared.
Then his throat moved as he swallowed hard. His hands clenched on the desk. And finally, his voice broke as he said, softly—
"Yes."
—T~T—
Sasuke sat quietly, back straight, legs folded beneath her, the silence of the guest room a strange thing—so different from the hush of a battlefield, or the quiet of mourning. This silence was gentle, too gentle. It gave her thoughts the space to wander.
Her mind drifted to the faint scent of camellias and steaming rice. A memory. Her mother, Mikoto, combing her hair when she was just a child—tiny, stubborn, and fierce even then.
"Tell me the story again," little Sasuke would say.
Mikoto would chuckle, brushing gently through tangled locks. "The one about the prince?"
"Yeah. The one who comes riding on a white fox. The one who saves the princess and they live happily ever after."
"You want to be the princess?"
"No way." Her younger self had huffed, arms crossed. "Princesses just sit there. I wanna be the one with the sword!"
"Then maybe you'll save the prince someday."
"Okay! Then I'll save Big Brother!"
"You can't marry your own brother," Mikoto had said gently, laughter in her voice.
"Why not? Big Brother is like a prince! And he lets me ride on his shoulders!"
"Maybe someday you'll find someone like him."
"Pfft, no way! He's the best! No one's like Nii-san."
Mikoto had smiled then. Soft. Wise. As if she knew something even time hadn't dared to whisper yet.
But now, sitting here years and scars later, Sasuke couldn't help but smirk bitterly. If only that little girl knew.
That her future wasn't a grand palace or a battlefield of honor—but this. A guest room turned holding cell. Surveillance in the walls. A marriage out of diplomacy. A husband-to-be who once shoved noodles up his nose when dared. The kid who used to yell about ramen and Hokageship in the same breath. The boy who, in winter, always had a runny nose and in summer, never bothered to wash his face.
Naruto Uzumaki.
Her fiancé.
Life didn't make sense. And perhaps it never would. But even so...
She had accepted the proposal—for him.
Because she didn't care about execution. She'd made her peace. She had lived in vengeance, bathed in blood and regret. She had tried to kill the very hands that had reached out for her. She had broken more than bones—she had broken trust, faith, hearts.
But he... Naruto. He never let go.
And she knew—she knew—if she died, a part of him would too. Not his body. His spirit.
So, yes, maybe it was selfish. Maybe she didn't deserve him. But if saving herself would keep him whole… then she would do it. For him. Just for him.
The door creaked open.
Sasuke turned sharply, muscles tense—until she saw the ANBU enter. A slender figure, face hidden behind a feline mask. Silently, the ANBU wheeled in a tall frame draped in a long cloth.
"What's that?" Sasuke asked, voice flat.
The ANBU said nothing, merely stepped aside.
Sasuke rose, brows furrowing as she gripped the veil and pulled it aside.
Her breath caught.
It was white. Pure white silk, aged by time yet lovingly preserved. Embroidered cranes across the hem. A sash the color of plum wine. The scent—faint but unmistakable—of camellia and sandalwood.
It was her mother's wedding kimono.
"…Why?" she asked quietly, more to herself.
The ANBU finally spoke. "Uzumaki-san insisted."
Sasuke turned slowly.
"Lord Hokage personally fetched it from the Uchiha clan vault," the ANBU added, before vanishing like mist.
Sasuke stared at the fabric for a long, long time.
Then, wordlessly, she reached out, brushing her fingers over it—ghosts of memory dancing in every thread. A child's dream. A mother's smile. A brother's shadow.
And now—Naruto. That loud, foolish, golden idiot.
She exhaled.
"…Tch. Baka."
—T~T—
Naruto tossed and turned in his futon, eyes wide open in the dark, heart drumming like war drums before battle. The stars outside blinked above Konoha, silent witnesses to a boy who never dreamed his life would turn like this. Marriage. Tomorrow.
Too fast.
Too unreal.
He'd sent out letters—invites scrawled with urgency and chicken-scratch handwriting—to those who mattered. Konohamaru. Shikamaru. Gaara. Even Killer Bee. But they were scattered, some at borders, others in missions. It was too soon. It was too much.
His eyes burned. He closed them.
Eventually, the wave of exhaustion dragged him down.
He opened his eyes.
And found himself in a sun-dappled room that smelled like old paper and warm miso. Two figures sat before him.
His breath caught.
"Mom? Dad?"
"Naruto," Minato said, smiling, arms open.
"Y-you guys—!" Naruto launched himself forward, hugging them both in one huge, trembling squeeze. He hadn't realized how much he needed this until now.
Minato chuckled, brushing Naruto's hair. "I never thought my son would lose his bachelor status before he turned into a proper adult."
"Oh, Minato!" Kushina wailed, crying loudly into her husband's haori. "He's marrying Mikoto's little girl! Our families are finally connected! Oh, I'm so happy, I could punch the moon!"
Naruto pulled back, blinking. "Wait, you know about that? You're okay with it?"
"Okay?" Kushina sniffed, "Sasuke's perfect! A little rough, but strong, loyal, intense—just like me! You chose well, sweetie."
"I think she's forcing herself," Naruto muttered, shoulders slumping. "She doesn't care about dying. I think she just doesn't want me to hurt."
Minato's eyes softened. "Maybe. But that only proves she cares. She's not the kind to bend for anything… unless it matters."
Kushina wiped her nose again—onto Minato's other sleeve. "And it's so obvious she likes you. She's just emotionally constipated, that's all."
"Yeah," Minato added with a grin. "Besides, no one else is worthy of her."
Naruto blinked. "Huh?"
"You gave blood for her," Minato said. "You chased her through hell and back. You never gave up on her. You already married your soul to hers years ago."
"I guess…" Naruto looked down, unsure.
Minato gently took his shoulder. "Listen. A few things. When she's angry, let her win the argument. When she's quiet, just sit with her. When she's tired, cook for her—or at least try. And when she looks away… that's when she needs you most."
The door suddenly burst open with a blast of smoke and drama.
"Hahahaha! Did someone say marriage?!"
Naruto's jaw dropped. "PERVY SAGE?!"
"Your one and only godfather has arrived!" Jiraiya swept into the room, striking a ridiculous pose. Naruto jumped up and tackled him into a hug.
"I wish this was real," Naruto whispered, voice catching.
Jiraiya grinned, tapping his forehead. "It is real… in here."
He handed Naruto a tattered, shiny-covered book. Icha Icha Nuptial Night.
"This'll guide you through the honeymoon."
"JIRAIYA!" Kushina roared, snatching the book and hurling it into a dream bonfire that exploded in pink flames. "YOU PERVERTED TOAD!"
Minato was silently trying not to laugh.
Kushina then grabbed Naruto's cheeks and smooshed his face. "You listen here, buster. You treat that girl right. With respect, with patience, with ramen."
"Ramen?"
"I want five grandkids at least—and name them after ramen, y'know?! Shoyu, Miso, Tonkotsu, Chashu—"
"MOM!"
They all laughed.
The room started fading. Naruto looked around, eyes wide.
"No, wait—don't go—!"
One by one, they hugged him. Jiraiya ruffled his hair. Kushina kissed his forehead. Minato gripped his shoulders.
And then—
Sunlight.
Real and bright, streaming into the real world.
Naruto sat up, breathing hard, hand reaching for air.
But a smile crept onto his face.
Today... was the day.
—T~T—
Sasuke lay in the wide guest bed, staring at the ceiling above her. The shadows in the corners of the room felt too quiet, too still. The bed was soft—too soft—and the silk sheets whispered every time she shifted. But her mind was louder.
Tomorrow, she'd be married.
She had fought wars. Faced down the Five Kage. Betrayed nations and walked through fire. But this—the stillness before something she couldn't fight—unsettled her in a way even Madara never could.
The chakra threads of the ANBU were still humming faintly above the walls. Watching her, always watching. But even that didn't matter.
Her mind refused rest.
So, she turned to an old technique—one she hadn't used since she was a child, when the screams in her head wouldn't let her sleep. She weaved her fingers through seals and gently cast a genjutsu—this one soft and dreamlike—on herself.
And then, the world shifted.
She opened her eyes.
Wooden walls. Faint scent of tatami mats. A paper lantern glowing dim in the corner.
Her breath caught.
She knew this house.
The air buzzed with the sound of summer cicadas. The faint smell of stew wafted from the kitchen.
Her home.
Not the one rebuilt from ashes.
But the one that lived before the massacre.
Sasuke stood, barefoot, walking toward the sliding door she remembered by heart. She pushed it open—
And there they were.
Itachi sat with their mother, Mikoto, gently slicing peaches and smiling like the weight of the world had never rested on his shoulders. Fugaku sat stiff and proud, his arms crossed, but not unkind. His eyes softened when he saw her.
For a moment, she stood frozen in the doorway.
Then Mikoto rose, eyes misting. "Sasuke?"
"Mom…"
Mikoto crossed the room in a heartbeat and wrapped her arms around her daughter. "My little girl…"
Itachi was next, pulling her close, his hand on her head the way he used to when she'd scrape her knees. "Sasuke. You've grown so much."
Her throat tightened, but the tears wouldn't fall yet. She was afraid that if she blinked, they would disappear.
And then Fugaku rose. He looked at her long and hard. There was silence between them—thick and uncertain. Then, with a small exhale, he stepped forward and drew her into a strong embrace.
"You've returned," he said simply.
"I… is this real?" Sasuke whispered. "Is this a genjutsu? A dream? You're all… gone."
Itachi shook his head gently. "Even if we're gone from the world, we're always with you."
"You carry us in every step," Mikoto whispered, brushing Sasuke's bangs back like she was five again. "You are not alone, not ever."
Sasuke dropped to her knees, bowing her head until it touched the floor. "Forgive me," she choked. "I made mistakes. So many. I lost myself. I—I almost destroyed the world you died for—"
Fugaku's voice stopped her. "You lived. That is enough."
"You stumbled," Mikoto said. "But you rose again. You made hard choices, my dear."
Itachi knelt beside her, his voice soft. "And when you had no one, you stood anyway. That is strength."
Sasuke lifted her head, eyes wet. "I don't deserve to be forgiven."
"But we forgive you anyway," Mikoto said, cupping her face. "Because you are ours. Because you endured."
Fugaku cleared his throat. "Now that the tears are over," he said gruffly, "let us address the elephant in the room."
Sasuke blinked. "What?"
"Marriage," Fugaku said. "To Naruto Uzumaki. How utterly nauseating."
"Dear…" Mikoto murmured, jabbing him with an elbow.
"I stand by my words," Fugaku said. "That boy has no manners. No lineage. And he eats ramen like a wild dog."
"Dad—!"
Fugaku raised a hand, silencing her. "But… I have observed him. And while he is loud, foolish, and often acts without thought… he has earned my reluctant respect."
Mikoto smiled softly. "He loves you, Sasuke."
Sasuke turned away slightly, ears pink. "He doesn't—"
"He does," Itachi cut in gently. "He chased you across nations. He bled for you. He never stopped believing in you, even when you didn't believe in yourself."
"That's more than love," Mikoto said. "That's devotion."
Fugaku folded his arms again. "That doesn't mean I approve entirely. However… I accept it. If he treats you poorly, I will haunt him personally."
"Dad…"
"One condition," Fugaku added, raising a brow. "The children. Ensure they carry the Uchiha name—especially the ones who awaken the Sharingan."
Sasuke coughed. "Children—?"
"I'm not imposing," he said firmly. "But revival of the clan rests on your shoulders. You are the last. I expect five grandchildren."
"Five?" Sasuke's voice rose an octave.
"At least," Mikoto added sweetly.
"Please don't encourage this," Sasuke muttered.
"I think you'll be a wonderful mother," Mikoto said. "Just… maybe don't teach them Chidori as toddlers."
Itachi chuckled softly. "And don't let them bite people, like you did with that civilian boy when you were six."
Sasuke groaned. "You remember that?"
"I remember everything," Itachi smirked.
"You were always wild," Mikoto said with a fond smile. "Strong-willed. And so, so stubborn. You've never needed anyone. But I'm glad you found someone you can lean on."
"I still don't think I deserve it," Sasuke admitted.
"You don't have to deserve love to receive it," Itachi said gently. "Sometimes, you just have to accept it."
"Let yourself be loved," Mikoto whispered. "Let yourself live."
They pulled her into one last embrace, warm and strong and everything she thought she had lost. For a heartbeat, she wanted to stay. She wanted to forget the world and sleep in this moment forever.
But the light behind them began to shift.
Itachi stepped back.
Mikoto kissed her forehead.
Fugaku gave a final nod. "Make us proud."
And then—
Sasuke's eyes opened.
Morning light pooled through the window.
The veil over the kimono still hung by the corner, catching the golden glow.
Her body felt heavy, but her heart—
Her heart was steady.
—T~T—
The apartment was loud before Naruto had even stepped out of the shower.
"Oi, Kiba, don't knock down his ramen stash!" came Choji's voice, half-laughing, half-panicked.
"Man, how does one guy even eat this much? I swear this is a fire hazard," Kiba muttered, pulling aside a stack of instant ramen cups.
"Ramen has spiritual value for Naruto," Shino said, arms crossed, standing stiffly near the doorway like a guardian bug.
Lee was already in the middle of setting up the drinks—glasses of Jojo-brand soft drinks, the carbonated kind that popped in your mouth with bubbles that changed flavors. Naruto didn't drink alcohol, and they respected that. Sort of. Kiba had tried to sneak in a little sake, but Shino had confiscated it.
"To Naruto's youth!" Lee cried, lifting his glass. "May this new chapter be full of passion, growth, and eternal love!"
"To youth!" Kiba echoed, clinking his glass.
"To BBQ," Choji mumbled, following suit with a nod.
The bathroom door opened with a hiss of steam. Naruto stepped out, hair damp, towel slung over his neck. He was shirtless, still drying his arms when he saw the gathering.
"Huh?" he blinked. "What the hell—what time is it?"
"It's still early," Kiba said, grinning. "But it's your wedding day. You didn't think we'd just let you stumble into it without a send-off, did you?"
"I thought you guys would show up at the ceremony, not… like this." Naruto rubbed the back of his neck, half embarrassed, half touched. "Thanks, though."
"You better sit down, man," Kiba said, tossing him a glass. "Got some world-class tips for you."
Naruto caught it, confused. "Tips?"
"Wedding night stuff," Kiba said with a wolfish grin. "Listen—first of all, you gotta look cool when you open the door to your shared room. Walk in like a lion. Don't trip over the futon like I did that one time at the bathhouse."
"You've never been on a date, Kiba," Shino stated flatly.
"I've been on a few almost-dates, okay? Shut up."
Lee was nodding too enthusiastically. "It is important to maintain perfect breath control! During moments of heightened romantic tension, focus on your chakra flow through the lungs!"
Naruto blinked. "What does that even mean?"
"Just… focus on breathing. In through the nose, out through the passion," Lee said, very seriously.
"I'm not sure that's helpful," Naruto muttered, sipping his soda.
Shino stepped forward and handed him a small scroll. "My clan prepared this for you. It contains a traditional wedding blessing from our elders. Also, I added a few beetle oils for calming anxiety. Use sparingly."
"Uh, thanks, Shino."
Choji leaned over and handed him a neatly folded paper. "Here. A free one-month coupon for unlimited Akimichi BBQ. Only valid with you and your wife."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Whoa. You serious?"
Choji nodded. "Weddings are a big deal. Thought you'd need it."
"Man, thanks." Naruto held the coupon like it was sacred scripture. "Sasuke might not like BBQ, though."
"She doesn't have to eat, just bring her with you. The deal only applies to couples."
Before anyone could make another toast, the door opened again—this time to a sharp knock and the sound of a sigh.
Shikamaru stood at the threshold, carrying a bag in one hand and looking like he hadn't slept. "Alright. This is a drag, but the Hokage told me to deliver this."
"Hey, Shikamaru!" Naruto greeted him with a big grin. "Come to crash the party?"
"More like get you dressed before you show up in your pajamas."
He handed over the bag with a grunt. Naruto opened it and pulled out a neatly folded traditional wedding outfit.
The black outer yukata was made from fine silken fabric, detailed with gold thread that shimmered subtly in the light. The sleeves were slightly wide, the hems embroidered with cloud patterns. Beneath it was a white underlayer, stiff and formal. The sash was deep crimson, symbolizing vitality and strength, tied with a golden thread, meant to bring luck in marriage.
A pair of white tabi socks and lacquered zōri sandals completed the outfit, along with a formal hakama skirt of black and gray vertical stripes.
"Whoa," Naruto said, blinking. "This is… this is fancy."
"It's traditional," Shikamaru said. "The same style the old clans used. The Uzumaki clan crest is sewn into the inside lining."
Everyone went quiet for a moment.
Naruto held the fabric tighter.
"…Thanks."
"No thanks needed. Let's just get this over with," Shikamaru muttered, stepping in and rolling up his sleeves. "Kiba, Choji—don't just stand around like scarecrows. Help me get him dressed."
The next half hour was chaos. Kiba kept messing up the folds. Choji was trying not to wrinkle the hakama. Lee was shouting motivational quotes while trying to tie the sash with "extra passion." Shino eventually had to step in and adjust everything with quiet precision.
Naruto stood in the middle of the room, arms out like a training dummy, his expression somewhere between amused and panicked.
"This is tighter than I thought," he muttered as Shikamaru adjusted the collar.
"You'll get used to it. Ceremony's only a few hours. After that, you can change."
Naruto looked down at himself once they were done.
He almost didn't recognize the guy in the mirror.
Clean lines. Poised shoulders. No bandages. No dirt on his cheeks. No orange anywhere. Just black, red, gold—and a new beginning.
"…Whoa," he muttered. "I look like… someone else."
"You look like a man," Shino said simply.
"You look like someone who's about to start a family," Choji added with a grin.
"You look like a dashing hero from a love drama!" Lee cried, tears shining in his eyes. "A true romantic warrior!"
"You look like an idiot who's about to pass out if he doesn't stop fidgeting," Shikamaru added.
Naruto laughed, finally relaxing. "Thanks, guys. Really."
He looked around—at the faces that had stood beside him through childhood, battle, heartbreak, and victory.
This was his family. Even if they bickered. Even if they were weird.
"Alright," he said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's go."
Kiba slung an arm over his shoulder. "Ready to be the first one of us to tie the knot?"
Naruto grinned. "Ready as I'll ever be."
Outside, the sun was rising over the village, warm and bright.
And Naruto Uzumaki was walking into it—not as a boy chasing a dream, but as a man stepping into something real.