The afternoon sun bathed Akagakure in waves of golden light, its warmth illuminating and revitalizing the Uzumaki below. The village buzzed with activity, red-haired clansmen weaving through newly built streets, their laughter echoing across the island. Over the past year, Akagakure had transformed from a fledgling settlement into a beacon of hope. Children now darted between homes, their carefree voices a stark contrast to the clan's painful past.
Over the past year, she had tasked her closest subordinates, like Akinari, with searching the outside world for surviving Uzumaki. Bit by bit, they brought people home. Many already knew of Akagakure before her search parties arrived- the news of their village had spread like whispers in the wind, drawing the scattered clan back to their roots. Still, the numbers were sobering: fewer than ten had been found.
It wasn't nearly enough for Kushina's ambitions. But with over a hundred Uzumaki already gathered, she had a foundation, a spark. From that ember, she would rebuild their former glory.
This was her ultimate goal beyond her own personal life- restoring her clan to greatness. A powerhouse surpassing the Great Villages.
To that end, she had spoken often to her people about duty. About the responsibility each Uzumaki carried to ensure the survival of their bloodline. Marriage, children, and legacy. She told them openly that every baby born was another stone laid in the foundation of their revival.
Though admired and respected, Kushina kept her circle small: Aina, Akinari, Nagato, and her secretary Rina. The rest revered her from afar, treating her less as a woman and more as a living symbol.
Her policies made sure their reverence bore fruit. She launched several programs to encourage population growth. Families with three or more children received medals of honor, presented by Kushina herself- a gesture that carried immense weight for a clan that basically worshipped her. These families also gained preferential housing and rare ninjutsu from Kurama's centuries-old collection, fueling their legacy.
On top of this, Kushina had instituted something entirely new- an Uzumaki dating program. Some laughed at the idea, but it worked. New bonds were forming, and laughter often carried through the evenings as young couples courted one another.
Already, the results were clear. In just one year, five new Uzumaki babies had been born. Many more women were pregnant. The sound of crying infants was no longer rare but a welcome chorus of rebirth.
Today, this vision culminated in a wedding Kushina was preparing to officiate: the wedding of Aina and Akinari.
They had been engaged even before Uzushiogakure fell, childhood sweethearts. For the past year, however, duty had pulled them apart. Kushina had leaned heavily on their strength, drowning them in missions and leadership responsibilities. Yet, somehow, they had nurtured their bond amidst the chaos. Today was proof of that resilience.
Kushina herself was not immune to the occasion's gravity.
Kushina's dress was a striking shade of crimson, the color of fresh blood and blooming roses, a perfect reflection of her fiery spirit. It was simple in design yet elegant in presence, its off-the-shoulder ruffles framing her collarbone and shoulders with a delicate, feminine grace. The fabric clung lightly to her figure before flowing down in soft waves.
Her long red hair, usually left to tumble freely, had been carefully tied back with sprigs of small violet flowers that contrasted beautifully against her vibrant locks. Stray curls fell by her face, softening her sharp features and lending her an air of quiet beauty. (Image)
She looked radiant.
She turned to Kurama, who lounged in human form on a too-small chair, engrossed in a dusty scroll.
"What do you think, dattebane?" she asked, a shy edge softening her usual bravado.
He looked up and froze for the barest fraction of a moment. His red eyes widened, betraying a rare slip in composure. Though he had lived centuries and rarely cared for human notions of beauty, Kushina had a way of shattering his defenses.
"Hmph," he said at last, turning away. "I think no one will remember the bride after seeing you."
Kushina's face flushed crimson, her heart skipping at his words. Coming from him, it was more than a compliment. "Thanks," she said bashfully, her fingers fidgeting with a frill. She hesitated, then added, "Can you come to the ceremony with me?"
Kurama considered refusing. The lives of Aina and Akinari meant little to him. Humans married, loved, and died; it was the way of things. Yet the thought of Kushina's inevitable pleading look made him sigh inwardly. He knew he would give in eventually.
"Hn," he grunted, nodding.
"Thanks!" she chirped, throwing her arms around him in a quick hug, her warmth lingering as they headed to the Akakage building.
----
The great hall of the Akakage building, once a shrine, now bore the trappings of celebration. White and purple decorations hung from pillars, and neat rows of chairs lined the aisle. Every surviving Uzumaki was present. Their laughter and voices filled the air, vibrant and unbroken, a sound that had nearly gone extinct with Uzushiogakure's fall.
Kushina stood at the altar in the role of officiator, her scarlet dress glowing against the backdrop of flowers. Behind her, Kurama rested in his fox form, reduced to the size of a bear. To the Uzumaki, his presence was divine. Whispers spread through the crowd, some reverent, and some awestruck.
Akinari stood to Kushina's right, tall in a fine tuxedo. Despite his rich battlefield experience, his hands twitched at his sides, betraying nervous anticipation.
The doors opened. Little Fū, in a green dress, was the first to step out. She skipped down the aisle, scattering purple petals with childish glee.
Then came Aina. Her gown was deep purple, embroidered with delicate silver threads that shimmered in the sunlight. Her eyes glistened, filled with joy and disbelief. Once, she thought this day was lost forever. Now, here she stood, walking steadily toward the man she had always loved.
Her bridesmaids and his groomsmen were next, familiar faces among the clan- Ay, Kaho, Hatsuo, Renji, and Miori. They followed in pairs, their bonds with Aina and Akinari evident in their warm smiles.
When the couple faced each other before her, Kushina raised her hands, her voice steady and clear.
"Clansmen of Akagakure," Kushina's voice rang clear, imbued with the weight of her leadership, "today, we gather not just to witness a union, but to celebrate the unbreakable spirit of our people. Aina and Akinari are proof that even when the world tries to tear us apart, love and devotion endure.
Marriage is not only a bond between two people, but a vow to walk together through hardship and joy, to carry each other's burdens, and to build a future worth protecting. But for us Uzumaki, marriage is more- it's a shared dream: to rebuild our clan and to forge a legacy that will never fade.
As your Akakage, but more importantly, as one of your own, I stand honored to consecrate this union. By the power of our clan's vitality, the seals that protect us, and the spirit of Akagakure, I call upon you to honor this bond. Let their union be a beacon, guiding us toward a future where no Uzumaki stands alone."
The crowd murmured in awe, their reverence for Kushina palpable. Her gaze softened as she turned to the couple. "Aina, Akinari, share your vows."
Aina spoke first, her voice trembling with emotion: "Akinari, when Uzushio fell, I thought I'd lost you forever. In the darkness of Kusagakure, your memory kept me alive. It was only due to your sacrifice that I endured. You are my strength, my home, and my reason to fight. I vow to stand by you, to build our family, and to protect Akagakure with every breath, so our children will know the pride of our clan." Tears glistened in her purple eyes as she squeezed his hands.
Akinari swallowed hard. "You are my beginning, Aina. Before I ever held a blade, I held your hand. When the villages rose to swallow our home, when the storms tried to scatter us, you were the reason I survived. Even when the world tore us apart, I carried you in my heart. Today, I vow to protect you, not just as a shinobi, but as your husband. I will cherish you in peace, guard you in war, and love you for every breath I have left."
Kushina smiled at the scene before her, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
The Uzumaki erupted in cheers as Aina and Akinari kissed, their joy igniting the hall. Kushina's heart swelled, but her eyes flicked to Kurama, his fox form a steady presence. A vision flashed: her in a flowing white gown, Kurama in human form beside her, his red eyes soft as they stood before this same altar, vows binding them. Her cheeks warmed, and she quickly looked away, but the fantasy lingered.
----
Afterward, the Uzumaki gathered in another hall. Music and laughter echoed as food and drink were passed around. At one table, Kushina sat with Aina, Akinari, and their friends. Kurama sat next to her, now in his human form, though he was largely indifferent to his surroundings.
Kushina lifted her cup. "So, Aina, Akinari- how does it feel? Officially husband and wife."
Aina, radiant in her purple gown, blushed and her voice filled with gratitude, "It's wonderful. Lady Kushina, thank you for today. I never thought I'd see this moment- not after everything."
Kushina smiled, "You two earned it, dattebane. Seeing you together… it's what Akagakure's about. A family and a future."
Akinari chuckled, his arm around Aina. "You've got us working so hard, I wasn't sure we'd find time to marry! Those missions you pile on- tough, but they brought us here."
Fū, nibbling on a sweet mochi, piped up, her orange eyes sparkling. "It was so pretty! Can I be flower girl again?" Her enthusiasm drew warm laughs, easing the table's tension.
Aya, ever practical, sipped her tea. "The clan's growing fast, thanks to you, Lady Kushina. Those programs are inspiring everyone. I heard three more women are expecting."
Kaho nodded, her red hair catching the firelight. "It's true. Akagakure's alive because of you. The kids running around… it feels like Uzushio, almost."
Nostalgia made its way across the table- though it didn't bring the same sadness as before.
Aina leaned in. "So, Lady Kushina, when's your turn?"
Kushina froze, nearly choking on her drink. Her gaze flicked, almost unconsciously, toward the great fox lounging next to her. Kurama raised a brow, meeting her eyes.
For just a moment, Kushina imagined it- herself in white, walking down an aisle, Kurama waiting at the end, not as a beast but as a man. His red eyes softened, his hand extended. Her heart leapt in her chest at the vision; it was exhilarating.
Quickly, she shook it away, forcing a laugh. "Me? I don't know. There aren't any men worthy enough in the Uzumaki."
The table chuckled, but her eyes lingered on Kurama a moment longer, her earlier vision resurfacing. She imagined his rough hand in hers, his deep voice vowing to stand by her, their bond sealed before the clan. Shaking it off, she raised her glass. "This wedding is more than a beginning. It's a promise. We'll grow stronger, together, dattebane."
Aina squeezed Akinari's hand, her eyes bright. "We'll do our part, Lady Kushina. For you and for Akagakure."
The hall buzzed with hope, the Uzumaki's laughter a testament to their rebirth. As firelight danced across their faces, Kushina felt the weight of her dream and the warmth of Kurama beside her, anchoring her to this moment, a fleeting peace in the tragedies of the Shinobi World.