It is now afternoon, and several hours have elapsed since the caravan from The Sand arrived this morning to meet with the next Hokage. Team Seven, at the moment, was wandering through the bustling village. Today feels different; both Naruto and Sasuke are unusually quiet. Sakura can't take her eyes off Sasuke while Kakashi-sensei strolls behind his team, engrossed in his usual erotica novels, seemingly unfazed by the whispers about his public reading choices.
In an instant, Naruto and Sasuke halt, exchanging a knowing glance and nodding in unison before turning to face Kakashi.
Kakashi: What's gotten into you two now?
Naruto: Kakashi-senpai, I want you to increase our training to new heights! I must keep up, as everyone around me is leveling up. I can't be the only one left behind.
Sasuke: I'm totally on board with Naruto's idea. I must ascend to greater heights of strength. I have a promise to keep, and I won't let him outshine me. Whatever Goku can achieve, I can surpass him.
Kakashi's eyes lingered on Naruto and Sasuke for a moment before shifting to Sakura, his intense gaze causing her heart to race uneasily.
Sakura: I.. w.. well... I would like to train some more, too. I understood that during the Chunin exams, my skills in close-quarters fighting were not up to par, and it was one of the reasons I fell short against Ino in our fight. I understand that I may not possess the same skills as Sasuke or Naruto, but I refuse to be left behind, waiting for them to rescue me on every mission. I also won't allow Ino to outshine me.
Due to the unwavering spirit of his students, Kakashi felt an intense sense of pride. Witnessing Goku's intense training session this morning might have ignited a burning desire to elevate their skills and strive to become even stronger.
Kakashi: Alright, since everyone is on board, starting tomorrow, I'll kick off your training regimen! For now, head back to your homes and rest up; you will need it. In the meantime, I will have to create a personalized training strategy for each of you, focusing on the areas where you need help to level up! Let's gather tomorrow at the training grounds number seven at 6 AM. And just a heads up, skip breakfast, or you might regret it later.
Elsewhere in the village.
Goku made his way to the Hokage Tower, freshened up after an intense training session with his mother, Tsunade. As Goku entered the Hokage's office, he saw the Hokage sitting at her desk, with Shizune standing closely behind her. Meanwhile, the guest from the Sand Village faced the Hokage with a serious expression. As the door swings open, the atmosphere thickens, and every gaze in the room locks onto Goku as he enters the room with a childish grin.
Goku: Yo, did I miss anything important? Why is everyone so on edge? You all should take a moment to unwind. It's like we are at war with each other again.
Tsunade's stern gaze immediately silenced Goku. Goku attempted to alleviate the tension, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Consequently, he proceeded to approach the Hokage and positioned himself in front of her, alongside Temari.
Tsunade: Now that everyone is here, let's begin this meeting.
A representative of the Sand began to speak. Goku, who had just stared at the gentleman, was trying to figure out who he was because he had seen him before.
Baki: Lady Hokage, my name is Baki, and I'm the representative of the Hidden Village of the Sand, as well as Temari's sensei.
A loud noise echoed through the Hokage office as Goku slammed his right fist into the palm of his left hand. All eyes inside the office were on Goku now.
Goku: That's why you look so familiar. I totally forgot who you were.
The Hokage once again glared at Goku, warning him from the last time.
Goku: Sorry.
Goku had managed to take Baki by surprise for a brief while, successfully. Subsequently, he took a scroll from his pocket and presented it to the Hokage.
Baki: Lady Hokage, this is the agreement between our villages for this political marriage between Temari of the Sand and Son Goku Senju. Our village leaders have already signed it. It only awaits the signature of Goku and your Hokage to bind both villages in this marriage officially and make Temari a Leaf Kunoichi.
She took the scroll and stared at it momentarily before returning it to Baki.
Baki: Lady Hokage.
The room was silent. The representatives of the Sand began to question her actions, believing there would be no peace between the villages. Tsunade took a deep breath and spoke.
Tsunade: First, technically, I'm not Hokage yet, so hold on to that scroll. I won't sign anything in the meantime. Second, there's another thing we need to talk about regarding my son, Goku.
Baki: Lady Hokage, regarding your son Goku's placement in the Clan Restoration Act, our elders are already informed, courtesy of Lord Danzo. He sent a scroll, outlining the details right before we made our way to the Leaf Village. Our elders have consented to me accepting and continuing to proceed with the acceptance of the marriage agreement between our two villages.
This piece of information took aback both Temari and her brothers.
A gaze was cast in Temari's direction by Tsunade. She was able to distinguish her facial expression. The words that came from her sensei, Baki, were a piece of information that she had been unaware of up until now. As a result of this, Tsunade cursed Danzo. She was working on the assumption that the members of Sunagakure would become furious and decline the marriage proposal.
Temari was taken aback when she learned that she would be sharing a marriage with other females in addition to herself. On the other hand, the fact that her sensei did not reveal this information to her was even more aggravating. She shifted her gaze to confront Goku. As the two of them looked at one another, she was at a loss for anything to say about the circumstance. Was he looking for something like this? For the sole purpose of having many spouses, to be entered in the Clan Restoration Act. Would he treat her as if she were nothing more than a plain mare intended exclusively to simply produce offspring in an attempt to bring back a clan that had died?
The expression in Goku's eyes conveyed it all. He was also being compelled to do it, much like she was. Only be beneficial for his seed. To continue the legacies of the two clans. She felt a sense of sorrow, yet recalled that they were ninjas who had sacrificed the chance for an ordinary life. The freedom to make choices had been stripped away, as she and Goku had been molded into trained assassins, wielded as instruments of death by their villages.
After concluding the meeting with Sunagakure and the Hokage, Goku accompanied Temari and her escorts to the hotel where they would reside for the upcoming days. Goku had taken the initiative to secure luxurious accommodations for Temari and her family. Upon their arrival, Goku handed the keys to Baki and her brother Kankuro, suggesting that they order anything from the menu that had already been covered. Goku asked Temari whether she could spare a moment, as he wished to talk with her briefly.
She waved at her brothers off. Goku and Temari just stood alone in the lobby. Temari, for the first time, just realized she was a bit taller than he was.
Goku: I just wanted to apologize for everything that is going on. I know being forced to marry someone you don't like or know must be hard, plus having a set person also take others as well.
She paused, her gaze fixed on Goku for a brief moment. She felt a growing frustration as Goku persistently avoided eye contact with her. She unfurled her giant fan from her back and slammed it on the ground, catching Goku's attention.
Temari: I appreciate it when people engage with me directly, making eye contact, particularly the person I will marry. And I'm curious, why are you saying sorry? This isn't something you've caused, is it?
Goku attempted to reply, but was interrupted.
Temari: Where is the person I observed during the Chunin exams? He was fearless and mature in his demeanor. Let's clarify: I'm doing this from my village to ensure peace.
Goku tried to speak again, but once more he was silenced when Temari again slammed the bottom of her war fan on the floor, this time with a bit more force, causing cracks on the floor to appear.
Temari: However, Goku, you must realize that when we get married, you will not punish, blame, or hurt me, no matter what. If you ever attempt it, it won't matter if you're the Hokage's son; I will end you in your sleep or castrate you. I had a long day, and I'm tired, so I'm heading to my room. Since it seems that I will be here for a couple of days, I expect you to take me out early tomorrow morning to the train yard. I'll be waiting for you.
And with that, she walked off, leaving a nervous Goku behind. Goku just stood there watching her walk away. Goku then realized something that he hadn't during the Chunin exams and had a slight blush on his face. Goku noticed how well-shaped her legs were, especially her thighs.
Temari stepped into her room, where she and her brothers were residing. She had to acknowledge her fondness for the spacious, lavish apartment. Kankuro observed his older sister as she walked in.
Kankuro: Everything went okay with the Hokage's brat.
Temari: You do realize we are also brats of a Kage. But yeah, everything is okay. He just wanted to talk about what's going on and if I was okay with it. I'm tired, I'm going to take a long, hot bath.
Kankuro watched as his sister walked away toward an empty room.
Kankuro: Knowing you, poor guy, didn't have a chance to talk.
Kankuro had murmured that final part to himself, doubting she had caught his words. Shortly thereafter, Kankuro was struck in the head by one of Temari's ninja boots.
Eight days went by. During that time, the elders had presented Tsunade as the new Hokage to everyone in the Village. The crowd assembles, erupting in cheers for their new Hokage. Tsunade stood atop the Hokage Tower and gestured for Goku to join her by her side. Tsunade then elevated her voice and proclaimed Goku as her son and the future leader of the Senju clan.
In the past eight days, Goku dedicated the majority of his time to training with Temari, starting from the early morning and continuing until the afternoon. Afterward, they walked with her around the village while Goku guided her through the sights. Goku observed the way some of the ninjas and a majority of the villagers looked at Temari, their expressions filled with frustration and anger.
At last, the moment arrived for the new Hokage to sign the marriage proposal between Konohagakure and Sunagakure. The Hokage office was overflowing with individuals—Danzō Shimura, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, the Suna representative, Goku, and Tsunade. Just as Tsunade was about to sign the agreement forcefully, Goku intervened to halt her actions. He turned to Temari once more and asked if she wished to continue. Temari provided him with the same answer as before. She would do anything to ensure that the village remains at peace. Goku afterwards presented his terms before signing. He mentioned that they would not get married immediately, but rather when he turned eighteen. Additionally, if she were to fall in love with someone else within the next two and a half years, she would be able to terminate the engagement without facing any penalties.
Danzo was about to deny Goku's request, but Homura and Koharu cut him off as they agreed with his terms.
Tsunade then names both Goku and Temari as ambassadors between the two villages. Allowing them to travel anytime between sand and leaf.
End of Chapter
A/N: Hi all, thanks for reading this fic. I never thought it would get this popular. I just started writing about my favorite anime character and one of my favorite anime series. But unfortunately, I just wanted to take a quick moment to let you all know that I will be taking a break from writing. I had a death in my family that has me taking extra responsibilities and taking care of my mom, and I haven't had much time to write. I don't know when the next chapter will be posted, but be sure that I'm not dropping it or abandoning it. The story will continue, but not right now. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for reading my story, and God bless every single one of you.