Naruto didn't expect this many people. No, not even close.
He had expected a crowd, sure. Some villagers, maybe his friends, a few shinobi from other nations… but this? This was overwhelming.
The entire village of Konoha had turned up. The crowd overflowed beyond the wedding grounds, spilling into nearby rooftops and trees. Kids sat on shoulders, old people clutched their canes and craned their necks for a better view. Lanterns floated above, swaying gently in the summer breeze. Flags fluttered with the Uzumaki swirl and Uchiha fan, entwined in a rare symbol of unity.
Even people from distant lands had come—travelers, dignitaries, merchants, even ex-nin who had once fought in the war.
Naruto stood near the altar, heart pounding beneath his black ceremonial yukata. It was hot under all those layers. Not just heat. Nerves. That bone-deep, stomach-churning kind of nervousness that even war hadn't stirred in him.
"I-It's just a wedding," he whispered to himself. "My wedding."
Konohamaru was zooming around with a big camcorder, documenting everything like a man on a mission. "Smile, Boss!" he yelled while filming Naruto's back, then darted away before Naruto could turn around and scold him.
Fangirls tried to swarm him, screaming his name, crying about broken hearts, shouting things like:
"Why her?! Why not me?!"
"Uzumaki-kun, you've ruined my life!"
"Is she prettier than me?!"
Security had to cordon off the section just to keep them from mobbing him. Poor Shino and a few ANBU were stuck keeping them away. Naruto could only sweat and chuckle nervously.
He wasn't used to being popular.
Nobles lined up in elegant rows, each with a gift box wrapped in brocade silk, each eager to shake his hand or bow stiffly with reverence. Naruto had to bow back so many times, his back was starting to cramp. Even the Fire Daimyō's own son—future ruler of the Land of Fire—stepped forward to offer his congratulations with a formal smile.
"Your courage has not only saved the world but inspired nobility to see shinobi in a new light," he said. "It is an honor to witness your union."
Naruto bowed so low his nose nearly touched the floor. "Thanks a lot, Your Highness."
But it was when he saw Gaara that Naruto's heart leapt.
The Kazekage walked through the crowd with his usual silent grace, his red hair catching the sun like flame. Temari followed behind him, fan folded under her arm, and Kankurō trailed after, already looking annoyed with the ceremonial robes he was forced to wear.
"Gaara!" Naruto called, eyes lighting up.
Gaara gave him a faint smile. "I couldn't miss this."
"I didn't think you'd come all the way from Suna!"
"This is a historic event," Gaara said. "And you are… my first friend. I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Naruto grinned, and they clasped forearms in a silent brotherhood that went deeper than words.
From the Raikage's side, Darui and Samui had come. Darui gave a nod and a lazy salute.
Samui… avoided Naruto's gaze entirely.
Probably because the last time they met, she had coldly backhanded him when he'd sobbed at her feet, begging for Sasuke's pardon.
Naruto gave her an awkward smile. She looked away, stiff as a kunai.
The most surprising arrival, though, was none other than the Mizukage—Mei Terumī herself.
Draped in an exquisite aquamarine kimono, she glided through the crowd with her usual blend of elegance and veiled menace. Behind her trailed her loyal blue-haired swordsman—Chōjūrō or Chōsarō or… something—still visibly nervous as he eyed every corner.
"You clean up well, Naruto-kun," Mei said with a wink, her glossy lips curving into a smile. "If I had known you'd grow up into such a fine man, I might have kidnapped you to Mist."
Naruto coughed, face turning beet red. "Uh, thank you… but I think I'm good here."
She laughed, that soft, dangerous laugh that made even Jonin sweat.
But that wasn't the end of it.
Kurotsuchi, the future Tsuchikage, arrived in a bold red robe and promptly smacked Naruto on the back hard enough to make him stumble.
"Damn," she said with a grin. "Didn't think the class clown would land someone like her. Gotta say, I'm a little jealous."
"Don't flirt with the groom," Shikamaru muttered from behind, adjusting Naruto's collar for the umpteenth time.
Kurotsuchi winked at Naruto anyway. "If she ever dumps you, you know where I'm at."
"I-I'm good," Naruto stammered.
She winked again, then walked off laughing.
The sun was rising high now, warm golden beams slicing through the trees, catching on silk banners and ornaments. Music started—a slow, traditional melody played on koto and shakuhachi—and the crowd grew quiet, almost reverent.
Naruto's hands were clammy.
He wasn't afraid.
He'd been through pain, blood, loss, and war. He wasn't scared of life or death.
But he was nervous. About her.
Would she change her mind?
Would she hate this?
Would she resent him?
Then, the stair gates at the far end of the courtyard slowly began to part.
The crowd hushed. People moved aside. Heads turned.
A clear path opened up through the gathered masses.
And then, stepping into the golden light, surrounded by kunoichi escorts, was—
Sasuke Uchiha.
For a moment, Naruto forgot to breathe.
She looked ethereal.
The white wedding kimono flowed around her like clouds draped in moonlight. Layers of hand-woven silk shimmered subtly with a pearlescent sheen, tied together with an obi of indigo and soft silver. The sleeves brushed the ground, each movement of her walk a gentle wave of restrained grace. Her slender frame was accentuated not by tightness but by poise—every step dignified, regal, almost unreal.
Her hair, usually short and wind-roughened from missions, was longer now—let down and lightly curled at the ends, cascading over her shoulders like night spilling over snow. One side was neatly pinned with a small crystal hair ornament in the shape of the Uchiha fan. Soft bangs framed her face, but the left side had been grown longer—falling carefully over her left eye, hiding the Rinnegan from view.
That, Naruto realized, had probably been her decision.
To show she wasn't a shinobi today.
Just… a bride.
The red eyeliner around her eyes made her gaze sharper, more striking. Her lips were tinted pale pink, just enough to contrast her porcelain skin. She wore no excessive jewelry, no extravagant crown.
She didn't need it.
She carried herself like a queen walking through a battlefield of awe.
And though her face was calm—emotionless even—Naruto saw it.
A faint twitch of her fingers at her side. The tiny rise of her chest from a breath she hadn't meant to take.
She was nervous too.
She didn't smile. She didn't wave. She didn't look at the crowd.
Her eyes were locked on one thing only.
Him.
Naruto's breath hitched. His heart beat louder than the koto in the background. Every word of advice, every foolish tip from Kiba or Lee, every line of ceremony he'd rehearsed with Shikamaru evaporated from his head.
There was no war.
No Hokage duty.
No weight of the world.
Just her. Sasuke.
And she was walking to him.
—T~T—
The music softened to a warm, ceremonial tune as Sasuke walked gracefully through the stone path of flower petals. ANBU silently stepped aside to allow her through. Her every footstep was measured, composed, regal. And though her face betrayed no emotion, inside her chest, her heart was beating hard enough to break ribs.
Naruto stood at the altar, trying not to fidget like an idiot. When she drew close enough, Kurenai and Ino—her bridesmaids in formal wear—gently gestured her up the small steps to the main stage.
She moved forward, face still blank as paper. But her fingers were slightly trembling, and Naruto caught that detail in one fast glance. So he wasn't the only one feeling like a bomb was going off inside his chest.
From the other end, Teuchi—dressed neatly in a pressed brown haori—and Iruka, clad in formal jonin dress robes, took Naruto by the shoulders and began walking him up the stage too.
"You're doing fine," Iruka whispered with a proud smile, hand warm and steady on his shoulder. "Breathe slow. And stand tall."
"Make sure you don't faint, kid," Teuchi said with a quiet grin. "I've got your ramen when this is over."
Naruto gave a tight, shaky laugh. "Thanks…"
And then he was there. On the stage. Beside her.
Sasuke stood like carved ice, poised, unshakable. Naruto, in his black wedding yukata with golden-red linings representing the Uzumaki crest, fidgeted with the edges of his sleeves.
He looked at her. She was so close. Closer than he had imagined in his worst or best dreams.
"Uh…" Naruto cleared his throat and whispered, "You look… cool."
Cool? Cool?
He wanted to punch himself.
Sasuke didn't look at him. Her eyes stared ahead at the crowd. Her voice, when it came, was low.
"You told Kakashi for this kimono?"
Naruto blinked, then rubbed his neck, sheepish. "Uh… yeah… I'm sorry, I may have overstepped. It's just… I remembered you once said it belonged to your mom, and I thought—"
"Thanks."
"…Wait. What?"
Still, she didn't turn to look at him. But he caught the faint twitch at the corner of her mouth. Something between a smile and a smirk, quickly extinguished.
Before he could say more, Kakashi stepped up onto the platform.
He was dressed formally—for once without his mask, though his headband still rested over one eye. His silver hair, though still unruly, had been brushed back to some degree, and he stood with surprising dignity. The crowd stilled as he lifted a small scroll, clearing his throat.
"My name," Kakashi began, "is Hatake Kakashi. Sixth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf… and the luckiest, most exasperated sensei the village has ever known."
A chuckle rippled through the crowd.
"I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you. To the lords and ladies, village heads and shinobi leaders, honored guests and precious villagers who have come today from across the elemental nations—your presence here is not only humbling… it's historic. Thank you for honoring us."
He gave a deep bow, and the crowd responded with a respectful hush.
Kakashi straightened, eyes soft as he looked at the couple before him.
"Now, I was once the leader of a very unusual team. Team 7. A team of three genin who could not have been more different. One was a loudmouthed, knuckle-headed prankster with no sense of restraint and an even worse sense of direction. The other—an elite, top-ranked genius from one of the most feared clans in the world, stoic as a statue and cold as a snowfield. And between them… chaos. Constant chaos."
Another wave of laughter washed over the crowd. Naruto rubbed his neck and looked down, grinning bashfully.
Sasuke exhaled—just barely—but her brow rose a millimeter.
"They fought like brothers. And not in the sweet, family-dinner kind of way. No. More like the break-an-entire-training-ground, destroy-half-a-mountain kind of way."
Louder laughter now, even a few whistles. Naruto chuckled. Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly in a way that meant Kakashi should probably tread lightly.
"They chased each other for years. Through warzones, through ruins, through pain, grief, betrayal, madness, even through the heart of the world itself. One ran. The other chased. And sometimes… they switched roles."
Silence followed that line. Kakashi's voice had softened.
"But no matter how far they went, their paths always circled back to each other. Because they were never really enemies. They were always reflections—of pain, of love, of hope. Brothers, not by blood, but by something stronger. They were rivals, yes. But more than that—they were bound."
Naruto looked at Sasuke.
Sasuke didn't look at him, but her fingers curled at her side.
Kakashi continued, his tone more personal now.
"I used to worry that they would destroy each other. I watched them clash so many times I thought I'd grow old between jutsu sequences. But now… Now, I realize something."
He looked directly at the crowd. Then back to Naruto and Sasuke.
"They were never trying to destroy each other. They were just trying to understand each other. And today, they stand here—not as enemies, not even as shinobi—but as two souls who chose each other in the end. Chose peace. Chose to live."
Sasuke looked down, her lips pressed in a tight line. Naruto stood straighter now, listening with eyes slightly wide, hands still at his sides.
Kakashi allowed the silence to settle.
"And yes," he added dryly, "before any of you ask… they are both under nineteen. And yes, they are tying the knot. And no, I didn't expect it either."
Laughter exploded across the courtyard.
"But if two of the strongest, most complicated shinobi of their generation want to get married, who am I to say no?" Kakashi chuckled. "Frankly, I'm just glad they're not fighting each other over a volcano this week."
Naruto couldn't help it—he laughed too. Even Sasuke's lips curled, if barely.
Kakashi smiled. "So, with the blessings of the people, of the clans, and of the gods—may this union mark not just the healing of old wounds, but the beginning of something stronger. Something neither war nor pain could tear apart."
He spread his hands open toward the altar.
"With my permission as the officiant, and my pride as their former sensei… may the ceremony commence."
—T~T—
Naruto stood there, stiff as stone, trying not to visibly sweat through his formal wedding yukata.
The sun was bright, the wind soft, and the entire village—and several other villages, judging by the accents and banners—watched in eager silence as the wedding ritual continued.
Then came the moment he wasn't ready for.
"The ring," the ceremonial master said. "Groom, please present the ring to your bride."
Naruto blinked. "The what—?"
Panic flared across his face.
Ring. Ring?! He looked down at his hands, sleeves, pockets—why did formal clothes have no pockets?!
He was just about to consider using a shadow clone to run to Ichiraku's and get a noodle as a makeshift ring when, mercifully, a hand tapped his side.
"Here," Shikamaru muttered from the side of the stage, handing over a small black box. "You forgot this."
"I love you, man," Naruto whispered, snatching it like it was a lifeline.
Opening it, his breath caught. Inside was a modest silver band, but etched into it was something that made his chest clench—a swirling red Uzumaki spiral and a black Uchiha fan, perfectly balanced. Simple, yet meaningful.
Sasuke looked at the ring, then at him. Her expression remained unreadable, but something in her eyes softened—just a flicker.
Naruto awkwardly took her hand, his fingers brushing against her cool, slender ones. She didn't flinch. He swallowed and slipped the ring onto her finger, not quite trusting himself to speak.
Done. Phew.
He let out a silent breath of relief.
"Now," said the officiant, a balding, wise-looking elder dressed in traditional robes, "we proceed with the 'Tea of Unity' ritual, as per Fire Country's ancient customs."
From the sidelines, Iruka stepped forward holding a small lacquered tray. On it was a single porcelain cup, filled with gently steaming green tea. Iruka knelt before the couple, his face full of quiet pride.
"It is tradition," he explained gently, "that the bride and groom sip from the same cup. To show harmony. Balance. And mutual acceptance."
Naruto reached for it—and then froze halfway.
Wait.
Same cup.
He looked at Sasuke.
Indirect kiss.
His face immediately turned ten shades redder.
Sasuke didn't say anything. She merely raised an eyebrow, waiting. He could almost hear her voice in his head saying, You're the idiot who proposed this. Drink the damn tea.
So, he took the cup first and sipped. Then handed it to her, fingers brushing hers again. She sipped as well, without hesitation. The cup was returned to Iruka, and he bowed, stepping back.
The officiant cleared his throat and turned to the ceremonial scroll.
He began to read aloud, verses written in the archaic style of old Fire Country weddings.
"May the flame of union burn gently in the storm. May the wind of fate not tear the roots of this bond. May you walk side by side, even where paths grow wild…"
Naruto leaned slightly toward Sasuke and whispered, "Wow, that's really poetic."
Sasuke's voice was flat. "It's standard."
He grinned. "Still kinda nice, though."
The officiant continued, then turned another page. He paused.
"…Ah. And now… do you, Sasuke Uchiha, accept the symbol of your marriage from Naruto Uzumaki as…"
The man squinted.
"…As… 'Ultra Super Rare Golden Ramen Cup From the Demon Country'?"
A long silence followed.
People in the crowd leaned forward, confused murmurs starting to stir.
Naruto's eyes widened. "Oh… oh crap, I forgot to change that…"
The officiant turned to him slowly. "Is this… is this a mistake?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his neck. "I didn't have time, so I… kinda grabbed the closest valuable thing I had on me? And it was this ultra rare ramen cup I won on a mission in Demon Country…"
The man pinched the bridge of his nose. "Very well. Then let us proceed."
He turned back to Sasuke.
"Do you, Sasuke Uchiha, accept this Ultra Super Rare Golden Ramen Cup From the Demon Country as your symbol from Naruto Uzumaki?"
Sasuke was silent for a second. Naruto held his breath.
"I accept," she said coolly.
Naruto's heart thudded.
The officiant nodded, almost relieved. He turned to Naruto.
"Do you, Naruto Uzumaki, son of Minato Namikaze, accept Sasuke Uchiha, daughter of Fugaku Uchiha, as your wife?"
Naruto, still frazzled by the ramen cup incident, barely managed a coherent, "Uh, yes?"
The officiant nodded and turned again.
"Does she, Sasuke Uchiha, daughter of Fugaku Uchiha, accept Naruto Uzumaki, son of Minato Namikaze, as her husband?"
"I do," she answered clearly.
There was something final about that voice. Strong. Assured.
The officiant checked his scroll. "…Now the rest…"
Naruto blinked. "There's more?"
The officiant cleared his throat again, reading with practiced authority.
"Do you, Naruto Uzumaki, son of Kushina Uzumaki, accept Sasuke Uchiha, daughter of Mikoto Uchiha, as your wife?"
Naruto blinked. "Wait, didn't we just—? Uh—yes. Definitely, yes!"
He turned to Sasuke, wide-eyed.
"And do you, Sasuke Uchiha, daughter of Mikoto Uchiha, accept Naruto Uzumaki, son of Kushina Uzumaki, as your husband?"
Sasuke gave a small nod, her voice soft but clear. "I do."
"Do you both accept each other as spouses forever?"
Naruto stammered, "Y-Yes!"
"Yes," Sasuke said firmly.
The officiant closed the scroll with a small thud and raised his hand.
"Then by the power of this village, its traditions, and your will—I declare you husband and wife. May your garden be full of flowers."
Naruto blinked. "…We don't have a garden—"
"May. Your. Garden. Be full of flowers," the man said with finality.
Naruto shut up.
"Now…" the man smiled faintly, turning back to the couple, "You may kiss."
Naruto froze.
His feet rooted themselves into the stage. His eyes widened. Lips parted. He turned ever so slowly toward Sasuke.
"Uh, I, um—"
But she didn't wait.
She stepped forward. Fast. Purposeful.
And before Naruto could finish even one of his thousand awkward thoughts, something soft, warm, and undeniably real pressed against his lips.
It was just for a heartbeat.
But the moment landed like a lightning strike.
Gasps echoed. Then cheers. Then thunderous applause.
From the crowd, Kiba whooped. Ino squealed. Lee punched the air. Choji clapped with his whole heart. Gaara, in his calm dignity, gave a respectful nod. Kakashi smiled, closing his visible eye.
And Naruto?
He was pink as a peach.
Still dazed. Still staring at her.
Sasuke turned away as if nothing had happened, but the faintest tint of color touched the edge of her ears.
And as the crowd exploded in cheers, and flower petals rained from above like spring snow, Naruto Uzumaki realized—
He wasn't dreaming.
He was married.
To her.
To Sasuke Uchiha.
And somehow… despite everything… he was the happiest idiot in the world.
—T~T—
The sun had dipped low, casting long golden shadows across the village. Paper lanterns swayed in the soft evening wind, and laughter echoed from all corners of the feast ground. Tables were packed from edge to edge, villagers and guests elbow-deep in food, drink, and celebration.
At the center of it all, beneath the large decorated tent at the head of the field, sat the bride and groom.
Naruto sat stiffly, barely touching his chopsticks. He didn't feel real. Everything felt like a painting, or a genjutsu. Or a prank by Kami herself.
He glanced sideways.
Sasuke sat beside him, legs folded neatly beneath her pristine white kimono. She was eating soba with complete indifference, like she'd done this a thousand times. Like she hadn't just married him to escape execution.
Each bite she took was methodical, elegant, and somehow extremely threatening.
Naruto swallowed hard—he hadn't even eaten yet, and it already felt like something was stuck in his throat.
Inside his mindscape, Kurama was having a nervous breakdown.
"It's over. It's done. I'm ruined."
Naruto barely blinked. "What now…"
"You married an Uchiha. The Uchiha who trapped me with her eyes. Do you have any idea how humiliating that is? I'm the Nine-Tails! The Great Fox! I should be feared, not married into!"
"You're not married into anything, she married me—" Naruto muttered under his breath.
"Semantics! You don't understand! The way she looked at me once… I still get hives thinking about it!"
Naruto sighed, resisting the urge to slam his forehead into the table. He hadn't eaten. His feet were sore. His yukata was tight around the waist. And Kurama was whining like a jilted cat.
From the crowd, Konohamaru continued filming, while several fangirls waved dreamily at Naruto from the back rows, sighing as if he'd broken their collective hearts.
None of it registered. His mind was mush.
Why did she agree?
Why so easily?
And how was she so calm?
A gentle voice beside him drew him out of the haze.
"Hey."
Sakura.
She stood to the side, tucking a lock of her pink hair behind her ear, a makeup brush in one hand, and an unsure smile on her lips.
"Mind if I check her face real quick?"
Naruto just nodded, grateful for the interruption.
Sakura leaned over and began dabbing lightly around Sasuke's cheek, then her jaw. "Your eyeliner's perfect, by the way. Didn't even smudge."
Sasuke grunted in acknowledgment.
Naruto blinked slowly, like a man waking from a long nap. "Sakura…"
She looked over. "Yeah?"
"Is… is any of this real?"
Sakura paused, straightening. "Yeah, it is."
"I mean…" Naruto gestured vaguely at the feast, the kimono, the guests, Sasuke. "This whole thing. It makes no sense. I proposed a fake marriage to save her life, and then she actually said yes. Then she kissed me. Then she drank the tea. Then she said 'I do' four times. And now we're here. And I feel like I'm going to die."
"You're not going to die, Naruto."
"No, really. I might. I haven't eaten anything because if I eat, it'll make it real. And if it's real, then I'm married. And if I'm married, then I'm married to Sasuke. And if I'm married to Sasuke then I—" he lowered his voice to a whisper, "—might die in my sleep."
Kurama snorted.
"You will. I'm definitely dying. You're next."
Sakura bit her lip, stifling a chuckle.
"You're malfunctioning," she said plainly.
Naruto rubbed his hands over his face. "I don't know what's happening anymore."
Sakura looked between him and Sasuke, then said, "Well, you're married. That happened."
Naruto whimpered slightly.
Sakura leaned down and said softly, "It's alright, Naruto. She's not going to kill you. Right, Sasuke?"
They both turned to look at her.
Sasuke blinked once, slowly, while still chewing a bite of rice.
Silence.
Not even a grunt.
Sakura's smile faltered. "R-right?"
Sasuke picked up her tea and sipped.
More silence.
"…Right," Sakura said, backing away. "Well, that's my cue."
She quickly adjusted Naruto's collar, brushed a nonexistent wrinkle from Sasuke's sleeve, and gave a half-nervous smile.
"You're doing great. Both of you. Just… breathe, Naruto. You've faced down gods. You'll survive a wedding."
Naruto looked up at her with glassy eyes. "But I didn't marry Kaguya."
Sakura snorted and patted his shoulder.
"I'm heading back to the medic table. If you pass out from nerves, I'll be nearby. Don't let her intimidate you too much."
"She already does."
"Fair."
With that, Sakura made her exit, leaving behind a quiet air.
Naruto exhaled heavily and looked around the feast. People were laughing, celebrating, toasting. Kids were running around. Kiba was hitting on someone. Ino was taking selfies with the Mizukage. Temari was yelling at Kankuro to stop eating all the dumplings.
Life was moving on.
And here he sat, next to the girl who haunted his childhood, his dreams, and his battles.
Sasuke, without turning to him, finally said, "Eat."
Naruto flinched. "W-what?"
"You're going to pass out."
"I'm not hungry…"
"You're lying."
He looked down at the bowl of miso soup in front of him. His stomach rumbled. Traitor.
"…Fine," he mumbled.
He picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of rice. It tasted like anxiety. Then he reached for the soup.
It helped. Slightly.
Sasuke finished her plate with silent efficiency.
Kurama, in the background, was still sulking.
"I want to file a complaint to the Sage of Six Paths. This is clearly spiritual harassment."
"Do you want me to feed you next?" Sasuke asked dryly.
Naruto nearly dropped his bowl.
"No! No, I'm good. I'm eating. Look. See? Chewing. Very happy man."
Sasuke said nothing, but the corner of her mouth twitched slightly. Maybe.
Maybe she was amused.
Or maybe plotting.
He honestly couldn't tell.
And Naruto realized—
This was his life now.
A terrifyingly unreadable wife. A sulking demon fox. Half the world celebrating. And a bowl of cold rice.
He took another bite.
Well… at least it wasn't boring.
—T~T—
The fire cracked and danced in ornate iron braziers placed around the ceremonial grounds. The feast had slowly begun to fade into a new phase—the traditional wedding dance. Music from flutes and shamisen drifted into the warm evening, echoing between the paper lanterns that shimmered like stars. The kunoichi had begun their performance: graceful, practiced, respectful.
Sakura led them in a radiant pink kimono, while Ino twirled in blue, followed by Tenten in crimson, Temari in pale lavender, and the others in a flutter of colors. They moved like waves in synchrony—elegant, disciplined, and powerful. For once, even the most hardened shinobi present gave pause, observing with genuine admiration.
Naruto and Sasuke sat side by side, watching in silence.
Naruto had finally begun to relax. A sliver of calm had nestled into his chest, not quite peace, but not full panic either.
Sasuke, impassive, watched the dancers with her usual aloof grace, hands folded on her lap, her white wedding kimono pristine and soft in the lantern light. The Uchiha fan was subtly embroidered into the hem, her dark hair spilling down over one eye, hiding the Rinnegan.
Then the crowd gently parted. Footsteps approached with purpose.
Naruto's momentary calm shattered like glass.
Kakashi came into view, not in his usual attire but in formal black and silver robes, his face half-masked, hair immaculately brushed. Beside him were several others: Mei Terumī, Mizukage of the Mist; Kurotsuchi, future Tsuchikage; Darui of the Cloud; and Gaara, stoic as always, flanked by his siblings.
And with them was a man Naruto didn't recognize. Middle-aged, thin-framed, with a tight bun of gray-streaked hair, dressed in robes adorned with the insignia of all Five Great Nations—Shinobi Union.
He approached Naruto and Sasuke with a formal bow.
"Congratulations," the man said with a polite smile. "Uzumaki-san. Uchiha-san. On behalf of the Shinobi Union, allow me to extend our most formal blessings."
Naruto blinked. "Uh… thanks?"
Kakashi nodded solemnly, his one visible eye serious.
The man reached into his sleeve and drew out a tightly rolled scroll, the seal of the Union clear on the front.
"I am here to conclude formalities. The union between Uzumaki Naruto, Hero of the Fourth Great Ninja War, and Sasuke Uchiha, formerly of the Akatsuki and known international criminal, has consequences far beyond Konoha."
He unrolled the scroll on the low table in front of them. The parchment stretched long and wide, detailed in fine ink.
Naruto felt the back of his neck prickle.
Sasuke remained unmoved.
The man read aloud.
"Sasuke Uchiha, an SSS-rank rogue shinobi from Konohagakure, who deserted the village at the age of twelve; who sought asylum under rogue Shinobi Orochimaru; who attempted assassination of multiple Kage at the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron; who joined the Akatsuki; who attempted a coup against the elemental nations by targeting the Daimyō system and Kage infrastructure… is hereby officially pardoned."
Naruto clenched his fists as murmurs rose from surrounding diplomats.
The man continued without a flicker of emotion.
"Said pardon is granted solely on the basis of her voluntary union with Naruto Uzumaki, and upon the strict acceptance of the following conditions:"
~ She must remain married to Naruto Uzumaki.
~ She must permanently resign from all shinobi-related duties, missions, and ranks.
~ She is not to leave the confines of Konohagakure without prior approval from the Union Council and the Hokage.
~ If she leaves her residence, she will be under constant surveillance.
~ If at any time she exhibits signs of treason, she shall be executed immediately.
A heavy silence fell over the courtyard. Even the music had stilled, as the last note hung in the air, unacknowledged.
Naruto opened his mouth. "This is—"
But before he could continue, Sasuke reached for the brush.
With a smooth, fluid motion, she signed.
No hesitation. No argument. Not a single question.
Just ink and silence.
The man gave a curt bow. "Thank you. With that, the matter is concluded."
He stepped back and disappeared into the shadows beyond the lantern light.
Naruto sat frozen. "You just… signed it?"
Sasuke's voice was calm. "They needed insurance. They got it."
"But—"
"I knew this was coming."
Naruto couldn't argue. Deep down, so had he. Still, seeing it laid out in ink—that she could be executed, watched, shackled—felt like a betrayal.
Kurotsuchi stepped forward next, arms crossed, lips curved in a faint smile, but her tone—razor sharp.
"Well, Uchiha… welcome back to the cage. Hope you enjoy your leash."
Sasuke didn't flinch. "Shouldn't you be busy trying not to blow yourself up?"
"Cute." Kurotsuchi leaned closer. "Just remember: one wrong move, and there won't be a village left to bury you in."
Mei approached more slowly, her expression unreadable.
"You've caused pain to many of us, Uchiha," she said gently, almost wistfully. "You tried to destroy the world. And now, you're marrying its light."
Sasuke met her gaze. "Your point?"
"Break his heart," Mei said, lips curved with something between mirth and menace, "and I'll boil you alive."
Naruto's head whipped around. "Can we not threaten the bride right now?"
Darui was next.
He cracked his neck, eyes half-lidded as always, voice slow and dry.
"I haven't forgotten," he said. "Land of Iron. You chopped off Ay-sama's arm like it was nothing. You think marrying Naruto's gonna fix that?"
Sasuke tilted her head. "You want me to sew it back?"
Darui sighed. "No. Just… if you even think of betrayal, don't expect us to hesitate again."
Gaara stepped forward last.
Naruto stood, uncertain, but Gaara simply placed a hand on his shoulder and looked to Sasuke.
"Look after him," he said. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Sasuke, for once, said nothing.
Naruto nodded with relief. "Thanks, Gaara…"
Then the moment passed.
The visiting leaders dispersed, blending back into the feast. The music resumed, soft and tentative at first, then stronger. The kunoichi continued their dance, and the tension in the air slowly dissipated.
Naruto sat back down beside Sasuke, the cushion beneath him suddenly uncomfortable.
He leaned in. "You didn't even flinch. You knew what that contract said."
"I told you," she said, calmly reaching for her tea, "I knew this would happen."
"But they basically own you now."
"No," she said, sipping. "They think they do."
Naruto blinked. "That's not reassuring."
She tilted her head toward him, just slightly. "Would you rather I said no?"
His throat tightened. "…No."
"Then stop whining."
And just like that, Naruto Uzumaki, Hero of the World, sealed legend of peace… shut up.
Because in the end, the truth was plain:
She didn't marry him for her freedom.
She married him to protect his.
Even if it cost her everything.
—T~T—
Two hours after the overwhelming feast, political threats disguised as polite diplomacy, and enough emotional whiplash to kill a less stubborn man, Naruto Uzumaki found himself unlocking the door to his apartment—with Sasuke Uchiha trailing silently behind him.
The second the door creaked open, the cozy, familiar smell of instant ramen, cleaning spray, and warm wood greeted them. A sanctuary of cluttered peace.
Sasuke, still in her white ceremonial kimono, stepped inside without a word. Her gaze wandered, cataloguing the space—framed photos, the frog-shaped alarm clock, a half-packed ninja pouch on the table, an absurdly large toad plush in the corner. She moved to the couch and sat down, expression unreadable as usual.
Naruto scratched the back of his head, kicking off his sandals. He glanced over at her, then at the kitchen, then back at her again.
"Uh… ramen?" he offered, gesturing awkwardly toward the pantry. "I mean, not for any particular reason, just… y'know, habit."
Sasuke turned her head slowly and gave him a flat, unimpressed look.
He raised his hands. "Alright, alright, just checking."
She looked away. The silence settled like dust.
Naruto, still trying to not combust from residual ceremony tension, gestured toward the hallway. "Anyway, you should, um… freshen up. Change out of that thing. Must be heavy, right?"
She raised a brow.
"You have clothes, right?"
Sasuke didn't answer.
"Oh… you don't."
Naruto paled. "Crap, I didn't think of that. You've been… y'know. In prison. Or, uh, on 'probationary confinement under diplomatic scrutiny.'" He forced a chuckle that died halfway.
Still silent.
Naruto rushed to the side closet, pulling out a wooden box. "These are… uh, clothes from the Uchiha vault. My mom stored them after… yeah. They're yours now."
He held out a folded dark gown—simple, but elegant. Black silk, crimson accents. Traditional Uchiha make. Sasuke looked at it, then at him.
She took it without a word and disappeared into the bathroom, the soft click of the door shutting leaving him alone.
Naruto exhaled and slumped against the wall. "This is gonna be one weird night."
He walked into his bedroom—and stopped dead in his tracks.
There, standing proud and evil, was the bed.
A king-size monstrosity of fluffy pillows, soft sheets…
…and rose petals.
And sakura petals. Real ones.
"WHAT THE—?!" he shrieked.
Where did these even come from? Was this Ino's doing? No—Kiba? Maybe Sakura's weird idea of 'fun'? Or was this some sick prank by Kakashi?
Either way—absolutely not. There was no way he could let Sasuke see this bed and think he had set this up.
She'd fry him.
He grabbed a pillow, a blanket, turned around—
—and nearly collided face-first into her.
Sasuke stood in the hallway, now changed. The gown fit her like water around stone—graceful, sharp, soft in unexpected ways. Her bangs were pushed to the side now, both eyes exposed—the Rinnegan dim, the other steady and clear.
Naruto blinked, and then turned away quickly. "Ah! Sorry! I didn't mean to—uh, you startled me."
She glanced at the pillow and blanket in his arms.
"I'll sleep on the couch," he blurted. "You can take the bed. I'll clear it—there were petals. Not my idea. I swear."
Sasuke stared at him. "You want me to sleep on that?" she said flatly, pointing toward the flowery nightmare bed.
"Fair point," Naruto muttered. "Still. I can't let you sleep on the couch. I'm not a total jerk."
"Then give me a futon."
"I don't have one."
"Then I will sleep on the couch."
Naruto shook his head. "No, you sleep on the bed. I'll clean it up, don't worry."
"I said I'll sleep on the couch."
"You're the guest—"
"You're the one who invited me."
"It was a political arrangement!"
They stood there, eyes locked, argument teetering toward absurdity.
Then Naruto smirked. "Alright. I'll sleep on the bed."
Sasuke narrowed her eyes. "No, I'll sleep on the—wait, what—?"
Too late. Naruto had already slipped past her, still holding the pillow and blanket, and collapsed on the couch.
"Good night," he called out. "Enjoy the bed of roses!"
She stood there, arms crossed, seething—though it was more exasperation than anger. After a long moment, she stepped into the bedroom, turned off the lights, and lay on the now mostly-cleared bed. There were still a few stubborn petals scattered around, but she ignored them.
The silence stretched again, this time softer, deeper. The moonlight filtered through the window, tracing gentle lines across the floorboards. Somewhere distant, a dog barked. Maybe Kiba's.
Naruto stared at the ceiling of his living room, still in his yukata, eyes open.
Kurama's voice rumbled in his head. You're a fool.
"I know."
You had one bed.
"I noticed."
And she's in it.
"…Yep."
You should've at least asked for half.
Naruto rolled over and buried his face into the pillow. "I'm not going to negotiate sleeping arrangements with Sasuke. I value my life."
Kurama sighed, a deep fox-like grumble. You married a feral queen with enough chakra to level the moon. And now she's in your house, in your bed, and you're here sulking like a child.
Naruto muffled his reply. "I'm not sulking."
You're sulking.
There was quiet from the bedroom. No movement. No sound. She was probably asleep already. Or meditating. Or plotting a coup against the furniture.
Eventually, Naruto's breath evened out. Not quite rest, but no longer war.
In the bedroom, Sasuke opened her eyes slowly, staring at the ceiling. The scent of sakura petals was still in the air. She hated how familiar it smelled. Like old springs and soft disasters.
She turned on her side, eyes drifting toward the sliver of light escaping under the door where Naruto slept.
She didn't regret signing that scroll.
Not because she believed in the peace it demanded—but because somehow, despite everything… this felt like a beginning.
Not forgiveness.
Not redemption.
Just… something real.
And real was enough.