Third Person POV
Time is a rather interesting thing.
We can be watching the clock, waiting for a certain hour, and it feels like it will never come even if it's just a few minutes away.
Just as we can look forward to a day that's months away, and suddenly it arrives, almost as if someone had manually moved the clock's hands.
Here, for us, this moment of time rushing forward brings us to a very important day:
Kushina and Minato's wedding.
That long-awaited day had arrived, whether for the bride and groom, their best men and maids of honor, friends and family or rather, for the one who helped make this moment real for them, their daughter.
The preparations were already finalized and everything that needed to be done on the day of the ceremony was being properly handled.
And fortunately, the conflicts of the ongoing war had eased significantly with the arrival of October, making it possible for all the couple's guests to attend since many, like themselves, were active ninja.
The ceremony would take place at the Uzumaki Clan Temple in Konoha, scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM, allowing enough time for the ceremony to proceed calmly and still have sunlight by the end.
As the ceremony time approached, Minato and Kushina had already begun preparing for their big moment. Anxiety and happiness filled them both.
And as you might imagine, the older Uzumaki was the one showing it the most.
Although she was sitting not by choice, but by necessity Kushina couldn't go long without gesturing or even moving her legs, completely restless.
Mikoto and Yoshino were with the older Uzumaki at that moment they were her maids of honor and great friends of the redhead. Both were helping her get ready since they were already prepared.
Kushina's long red hair was loose and slightly wavy at the ends, with only two defined strands framing her face.
Extremely light makeup enhanced her features a faint eyeshadow in a creamy yellow tone and mascara to add volume to her lashes her face was naturally beautiful and needed no extra products.
And before the Uzumaki could ask for the thousandth time in the last two minutes Mikoto and Yoshino how she looked and if she should change anything, two brief knocks were heard on the room's door and it opened immediately.
Amaya and Tsunade entered the room together, quickly drawing Kushina's attention to them. Like the bride's maids of honor, Tsunade and Amaya wore dresses in a creamy gold tone however, the younger Uzumaki's dress was the only one among them that wasn't long.
The two newcomers had taken responsibility for checking the final preparations to prevent Kushina from trying to do it herself. With everything quickly checked, they returned to the older Uzumaki.
The moment had finally come for Kushina to get dressed.
Her dress was completely white, in a one-shoulder style with a layered skirt. Her veil began just behind the separated strands at the front and ended practically on the floor, along with the dress's hem.
A pair of earrings and a necklace of small pearls adorned the Uzumaki's ears and neck, along with a white rose hair clip pinned in her hair on the right side of her head, delicate touches to complement her look that matched the redhead perfectly.
And the smile gracing Kushina's lips at that moment was probably the thing that made her most beautiful: So much happiness it hardly seemed possible to contain within the Uzumaki.
However, Kushina wasn't the only one like that.
In another room, not far from where the Uzumaki was with her maids of honor, Tsunade, and Amaya, Minato was also smiling so happily it could be categorized as goofy.
The Namikaze stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting his clothes. His black suit perfectly outlined his physique and highlighted his striking blue eyes and blond hair.
Shoes of the same dark color were on his feet, and a lapel pin in the shape of two small white roses was attached to his jacket pocket to match the hair clip Kushina wore.
And Minato might be a great ninja, extremely skilled and intelligent, but anyone seeing him trying to arrange the traditional necktie of the outfit wouldn't say so.
Just like his future wife, the blond was accompanied by his best men, Fugaku and Shikaku, who at that moment were laughing at his situation, not at all concerned with trying to help him and just enjoying themselves. And just as the Nara and Uchiha laughed, Jiraiya, who was also in the room, was amused by his brilliant pupil's difficulty.
Just as she went to meet her mother earlier, Amaya soon after joined her father, updating him on all the arrangements she and Tsunade had checked. And seeing the Namikaze's difficulty, the younger Uzumaki helped him with the "difficult" task of handling that tie.
Shortly after, the redhead left the room, heading to the Uzumaki Clan Temple. The ceremony reception had been entrusted to the younger Uzumaki, as she was a member of the bride and groom's family and one of the few who would be available before the event started.
Amaya Uzumaki POV
If someone asked me to define how I was feeling at that moment, I'd probably say I was like Shisui most of the time: Completely restless and excited at the same time.
My parents' wedding had finally arrived and I was almost as happy as they were. Their joy and excitement made me happy, really, really happy.
It hadn't even been five minutes since I arrived at the reception set up at the entrance of the Uzumaki Clan Temple, and the first guests had already started to arrive.
Some people I didn't know personally until then, but I had heard their names due to their deeds in various missions or even in comments from Minato and Kushina.
Childhood friends of both or colleagues who became close through missions, and who were now significant in my parents' lives.
Members of clans like the Akimichi, Haruno, Yamanaka, Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame. From the Sarutobi clan, the Sandaime, Hiruzen, and his wife Biwako were also there, as was Asuma. And as I imagined, he came with Kurenai and her father, Shinku Yūhi.
Rin's parents were also present, as was Nohara herself and Obito who came with her Minato had invited them first, since they were his students on Team 7.
Gai and his father, Dai, had also been invited. They were a bit late because they had gone to finish their day's training before attending.
My brother was also late to appear, and he came with Itachi since their parents were already with mine, Shisui was tasked with keeping the younger Uchiha company since he didn't know many people there.
– Welcome! – I greeted them and smiled as I finished marking a confirmation of their presence on the sheets in my hands.
– Hi, Amaya – Itachi greeted me with a contained smile on his expression.
– Kami-sama, I can't believe what I'm seeing! – My brother spoke and I looked at him – Did Lady Kushina actually manage to get you to dress like a girl?
I just rolled my eyes at the teasing, shaking my head negatively, and Shisui laughed.
– I didn't know ferrets were allowed at weddings... – A third familiar voice made itself present, and we turned our eyes to him.
Kakashi was a little behind the Uchihas in front of me, like them, wearing formal attire. Shisui allowed himself a smirk at the Hatake's teasing.
– Scarecrow-face, who knew you knew how to dress for an event like this – My brother smiled mischievously – I bet you can use this as practice for your own wed–... – But I didn't let him finish.
I hit Shisui's head with the rolled-up sheets in my hands, making him stop talking instantly to complain about the sudden hit. Knowing my brother and his teasing, it wasn't hard to guess what he would use as his mischief this time with Kakashi:
Calling him my fiancé, since until then he had only used that on me, precisely because he had no contact with the Hatake. And if I could avoid any embarrassing situation involving Shisui's jokes at least until my parents' wedding was over, I would do so.
Kakashi allowed himself to laugh at Shisui while my brother complained. Itachi looked at the two without really understanding why they were acting that way with each other, and I approached the Uchiha, speaking quietly to him.
– I'll explain that later – I said quickly and Itachi nodded – Shisui, you're blocking the entrance for other people.
– But...
– No "buts," go – I indicated the entrance with the still-rolled sheets in my hand, and although he continued to protest quietly, my brother entered the Temple with Itachi.
– He never changes – Kakashi commented and I looked at him next.
– And you don't help by provoking him either – I said and the Hatake shrugged.
– Can't miss a good opportunity when it arises – I gave a weak laugh, joined by Kakashi.
Only then did I take a better look at the Hatake. He wore formal attire, with a dark closed blazer. And although he still wore his mask, it matched his outfit. But it was completely new to see him dressed that way.
– You look handsome... – I complimented him without thinking, but only then did it hit me that I had said that out loud – I mean, that outfit really suits you.
I tried to correct myself quickly, already imagining my cheeks starting to turn red with embarrassment. And when I looked at Kakashi, I saw him with his eyes lowered and slightly flushed.
Kami-sama, why did I have to make a comment about his appearance out loud?, I wondered. Especially with all the history of foolishness Shisui has already put us through by treating us like a couple...
– You... – Kakashi spoke in a low tone and I looked at him – Also look... Very beautiful.
And if I was embarrassed before for complimenting the platinum-haired boy and imagining he might have been bothered by my unlikely comment, it was my turn to turn completely red.
Kakashi wasn't someone who complimented others' appearances, and having him compliment me like that was unusual.
And possibly, we both would have fled from that subject and gone our separate ways as the ceremony progressed, if one of my parents' acquaintances hadn't appeared there running.
– Amaya-san! – The man called me, and like me, Kakashi turned his eyes to him – We have a problem!
– What happened? – I asked quickly, completely leaving aside the tension from the previous moment with Kakashi.
– Aemi and Shin are feeling sick, I had to take them to the hospital and I won't be able to bring them!
Hisoka was a mission colleague of Minato's, and my parents had invited him to the wedding and asked his permission for his children, Aemi and Shin, to be their flower girl and page boy.
Before Kushina entered the Temple, Aemi would cover the path with rose petals to announce my mother's arrival, and then, accompanied by her brother, would carry the rings to the altar.
– Go to the hospital and only worry about your children – I said calmly.
– But what about the commitment I made to Minato and Kushina... – I gave a weak smile to reassure Hisoka.
– Don't worry – I placed a hand on the man's shoulder and looked at him – Aemi and Shin's well-being are your priority now.
Hisoka didn't try to contradict me, but I could see the regret in his eyes over the whole situation. He nodded weakly, accepting my request, while apologizing. The next moment, he was already running away.
And only then could I let my worry show. And now?, I thought.
– What exactly were his children going to do? – Kakashi asked and I looked at him.
– After the best men and maids of honor enter, Aemi would prepare the path for Kushina's arrival – I explained quickly – Then she would return with Shin during the ceremony to bring the rings to my parents.
– And there's no way to cancel or find other kids for that? – The Hatake asked with some concern in his tone, just like me.
– Not anymore – I said – In five minutes everything will start – That's when an idea came to mind, and when I looked at the platinum-haired boy, it seemed he had thought of the same thing.
Third Person POV
Minato was already waiting to enter the hall of the Uzumaki Clan Temple, where his wedding would take place. The Namikaze might be calm, but in that situation, it was impossible for him not to be restless partly because he wanted to see Kushina soon.
The blond hadn't seen her yet that day, and his heart gave him no peace imagining how his future wife looked.
– I hope you don't faint at the altar when you see her – Tsunade said to the Namikaze and he looked at the blonde.
It was tradition for the groom to enter with his mother, but like Kushina, the blond was an orphan a common consequence of war. So, due to his closeness with the Sannin, Minato had invited her to enter with him to the altar as his mother.
The Namikaze smiled nervously and scratched his hair. He wouldn't say he wouldn't do it, since he couldn't even imagine how he might react when he saw his beloved entering in a few minutes.
When music began to play, indicating that Minato and Tsunade should enter to begin the ceremony, the Namikaze extended his arm to the blonde, who promptly linked hers with the younger man's.
Minato's heart must have skipped a few beats when he saw his friends present in the Temple hall, watching his entrance. A smile didn't leave his lips, although he was a bit nervous.
When they reached the altar, before each took their place, Tsunade adjusted the Namikaze's lapel pin again, and before she stepped away, the blond brought the Sannin's hands close to his face, placing a kiss on them in gratitude.
With Tsunade positioned next to Minato on the right side of the altar, it was then the moment for the couple's best men and maids of honor to enter.
Mikoto and Fugaku were first, as they represented the bride's pair. And soon after came Shikaku and Yoshino as Minato's, although they weren't a couple, they were long-time friends of the bride and groom.
With all of them accommodated, it was time for the flower girl to enter to announce the bride's arrival. Minato didn't show it, but he was restless, for two reasons:
The first concerning his daughter, whom he hadn't seen anywhere in the hall, let alone at the entrance. A thousand and one questions ran through his mind at that moment. And the second because of Hisoka and his children, whom, like Amaya, the Namikaze hadn't seen anywhere.
However, when a figure appeared at the entrance of the hall from where the blond had recently entered with Tsunade, Minato had to hold back his surprised expression.
Amaya wore a radiant and truly joyful smile as she entered. From the basket in her hands, dozens of petals were scattered by the Uzumaki along the carpet leading to the altar.
And to give her a more feminine air for that moment, a flower crown now adorned her hair. White on red. A truly beautiful contrast that matched the redhead perfectly.
When she reached the end, before the altar, before turning to the guests for the ceremony, the Uzumaki looked at Minato. Without making a sound, she simply mouthed a "don't worry" to her father.
And that was enough to calm the Namikaze.
Regardless of what had happened, it seemed Amaya had handled the unforeseen event better than he could have asked for.
As soon as she turned her body towards the guests, the redhead left the basket she had been carrying beside one of the front benches.
With unique refinement, the Uzumaki held the skirt of her dress, lifting it slightly in a gesture of greeting to the guests, and lowering her head slightly while bending her knees.
And seconds later, her body disappeared in a shower of rose petals like the ones she had distributed along the carpet to the altar a surprise for all the guests, including Minato himself.
The Uzumaki's great trick was nothing more than one of the most basic ninja techniques: A Substitution Jutsu.
The technique was generally used to substitute the user's body with some nearby object, and Amaya had used her theoretical knowledge of it to apply it practically at that moment.
With that, the redhead returned to one of the waiting areas that led directly to the hall, where Kakashi was. The Hatake had helped the Uzumaki with that moment, and both smiled at the success it had been.
And before anyone could think more about it, the wedding march began to play, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance.
The first figure seen by all was Jiraiya, and with him, arm in arm, was Kushina. And like her daughter moments before, with a more than radiant smile.
Normally, the bride would enter with her father, but as in Minato's case, the Uzumaki no longer had hers alive. However, if there was someone who represented a father figure for both the redhead and Minato, that someone was Jiraiya.
And if Minato's heart was already racing from nervousness about the moment, the blond was sure it had stopped completely. It was almost as if the world was in slow motion when his eyes fixed on Kushina.
(Possibly both their hearts had stopped when the two soulmates met, but just long enough for them to stay alive...)
And they weren't the only ones like that.
Amaya and Kakashi had taken advantage of everyone's attention now being on the bride as she proceeded to the altar and seated themselves on the benches at the back, side by side.
And Kakashi for a moment let his eyes go to the Uzumaki beside him. The joyful smile on Amaya's lips was unique, and she had possibly never smiled like that before – the Hatake was sure of it because his mind told him he wouldn't have forgotten it if he had seen it before.
(And that wouldn't be the last time that smile would appear and Kakashi would see it grace the redhead's lips...)
__________________________________________________________________________
The officiant conducted that moment with a faint smile that never left his features. It was impossible for any of the guests present not to feel the same, after all, an incredibly light energy hung over everyone.
And the moment for the exchange of rings had finally arrived.
It was the moment when the maid of honor and page boy chosen by the couple would proceed to the altar. And the guests, as they did with everyone's entrance at the start of the ceremony, turned their gaze to the hall entrance when the officiant announced that moment.
However, no children were entering the hall.
Instead, two people rose from the bench where they were seated. Kakashi left his place first, stopping in the middle of the aisle, followed by Amaya.
The Hatake extended his left hand towards the Uzumaki since in his right he held the small red velvet box, courteously taking the redhead's right hand, where a long crimson satin ribbon was tied around her wrist.
Then Kakashi brought the girl's hand close to his face, where a delicate kiss was placed upon it. Their eye contact had not ceased at any moment, making that moment even more intense and with a rather romantic air.
Soon after, the two joined hands, intertwining them, and thus walked together towards the altar.
Besides the surprise of all the guests, whether acquaintances of Amaya or Kakashi, or of the bride and groom themselves, it wasn't common at a wedding to see someone older like the two acting as maid of honor and page boy, since the task was normally delegated to younger children.
However, none of the guests could say the role hadn't been performed very well by the Uzumaki and the Hatake. The feeling of passion and complicity they conveyed was almost like what they saw from the bride and groom that day.
It felt completely natural.
The two young people reached the altar, and Amaya allowed herself to smile more calmly before her parents, and had to hold back the laugh that wanted to come at the surprise on both their faces.
Releasing Kakashi's hand, she began to untie the crimson ribbon tied around her wrist. She extended her hand towards Kushina and Minato, asking them to do the same – and they did.
– With this ribbon, we represent what started your story – Amaya spoke sweetly, but with conviction.
And Minato and Kushina were surprised once more. A red thread, like the threads of the older Uzumaki's hair that once led the Namikaze to her and they learned of each other's feelings.
– And with these rings, let us reaffirm the bond between the two – Kakashi said right after Amaya finished tying the ribbon around the wrists of the bride and groom, extending to them the open box with the rings.
If the couple's emotions were already on edge with everything happening within the plan they made, at that moment they could no longer hold back. Both Minato and Kushina had tears streaming down their faces, from pure happiness.
Since the ribbon Amaya had tied to her parents' wrists was long, they could move their arms freely. None of that was known to the couple, but they accepted to carry on with the moment.
Kushina was the one who took the ring first and placed it on Minato's finger, with an even happier smile if that was possible than before. The blond did the same next with the older Uzumaki, trying not to cry more from emotion.
– And may you be united to each other from this moment on by a new red thread of fate – Amaya finally said to her parents, smiling almost as happily as they were.
The younger Uzumaki and the Hatake then stepped away from the bride and groom, staying more to their left where Mikoto and Fugaku were. The planned progression of the ceremony had changed completely, and the bride and groom looked at the officiant, who gave a weak laugh.
– My boy, after that I can only tell you to kiss your bride – The man said in a casual tone, eliciting a laugh from everyone.
And he didn't need to say it twice.
Minato drew Kushina close to him, pulling her by her waist and sealing her lips in a warm, lingering, and, like that entire ceremony, completely passionate kiss.
Applause and cheers came from everyone at that moment, and Kushina and Minato smiled at their guests, embracing.
And although the ceremony itself had ended, there would still be the celebration party until night.
By tradition, the parents of the bride and groom were the first to leave the altar steps where they had stood all that time, followed by the best men and maids of honor.
Amaya and Kakashi followed soon after, along with the guests, to the outside of the Temple, for another of the classic wedding traditions.
Minato and Kushina lingered a few more minutes as they were signing the documents that officially sealed their union and defined that the older redhead would adopt Minato's surname as her own.
When the newlyweds passed through the entrance doors of the Uzumaki Clan Temple, a shower of rice hit them. A wish from everyone for the couple's prosperity and happiness on this new journey together.