Three days later, Naruto's formal proposal arrived at the Hyūga estate, delivered directly into the hands of Hiashi Hyūga, the clan head.
The betrothal gifts alone were worth more than a hundred million ryō.
Hiashi didn't give an answer right away. Instead, he closed the doors and spoke privately with Hinata.
"Hinata, you already knew Naruto was coming to propose, didn't you?"
"Yes, Father."
"Konoha's been anything but peaceful lately. First you, then Hanabi—both of you targeted by villains. That you both survived is thanks in no small part to Naruto's help. For that, I'm truly grateful. You love each other, so marriage is only natural."
He paused, hands gripping his knees tightly.
"But the times are turbulent. Tsunade has stepped down, and many in Konoha are still in mourning for the fallen. If you get married now, even if it follows all the proper customs, it'll stir up controversy…"
His voice softened. "Could you… reconsider? Or maybe postpone the wedding for a while?"
Hinata looked at him. "Is that… what Father wishes?"
Hiashi sighed. "You're already a kunoichi who can stand on her own. I won't interfere in your life's most important decision. I just want you to weigh the pros and cons. Every father wants his daughter to be happy—but happiness is built on the foundation of a supportive environment."
"When Tsunade was Hokage, she never labeled Naruto a rogue ninja. Kakashi seems to want to continue that. But to many in the village, he's still a traitor—some even think there's a conspiracy."
"It pains me to think my daughter will be the subject of so much gossip."
Seeing the conflict in his eyes, Hinata felt a pang of guilt. But she spoke her heart: "I'm ready to face whatever comes."
Hinata had always been gentle and considerate—she'd never want to hurt those close to her, even for love.
If Hiashi had firmly opposed the marriage, she might have compromised.
But, hearing her resolve, Hiashi's hands relaxed. He slowly stood up.
"So that's how you feel. I understand. If this is your decision, then as your father and the head of the Hyūga, I'll support your marriage with everything I have!"
Hinata looked up in surprise. "Father…"
He walked to the window, opened it, and gazed at the drifting clouds, his expression complicated.
"You've been going out for walks late at night, haven't you? All this overprotection… it's really just a gilded cage. Maybe it's good for you to leave this place for a while."
"As for the rumors, I believe they'll fade in time."
He turned, offering a gentle, fatherly smile.
"If my daughter has chosen a man, he can't be a bad person. I believe in you."
"Thank you, Father…" Hinata's eyes filled with tears as she bowed deeply.
After changing into formal attire, Hiashi returned to the reception hall. With all the dignity of the Hyūga, he addressed the Hidden Rain envoy.
"Take all these betrothal gifts back. Tell Uzumaki Naruto that the Hyūga have no need for such things. What matters is that he treats my daughter well—more than any gift ever could! If he lets my daughter suffer even a little in the Hidden Rain, he'll never set foot in this house again!"
The envoy bowed. "Understood. I'll deliver your message."
—
The wedding day arrived.
Hinata donned her pure white shiromuku, applied her bridal makeup, and stepped into the palanquin, setting out from the Hyūga compound.
The bridal procession wound its way through Konoha's main street.
On either side, every house was shut tight. Not a single person came out to watch.
But behind closed doors and curtains, countless eyes peeked out, and whispers spread in the shadows.
"So her heart was never really in Konoha."
"Even if she protected the village, it was just her duty as a ninja, right?"
"Most of the trouble around here… was because of her."
"Why did the two advisors plot against her? Because she's got that dangerous power, and never told anyone where it came from."
"Good riddance. Once she's gone, maybe things will finally calm down…"
These rumors didn't represent everyone.
Ninjas led by Kakashi and the Ino-Shika-Chō trio still offered their blessings, but given the sensitive times, they couldn't do so openly.
Instead, they stood quietly along the route, seeing her off in silence.
Kurenai Yūhi's baby, Sarutobi Mirai, had been born not long ago.
As Team 8's jōnin leader, Kurenai stood in the crowd with Shino and Kiba.
Kiba grinned. "Didn't expect Hinata to be the first of our class to tie the knot!"
Shino replied, "It's not surprising. If you ask me, Hinata has been blushing around Naruto since forever."
Kiba huffed. "So what? She can get married first, but there's no way Naruto's beating me to the Hokage seat! The Seventh Hokage is gonna be me—Inuzuka Kiba!"
Shino deadpanned, "Kiba, not to burst your bubble, but I don't think you're next in line for Hokage. If you ask why—"
Kurenai interrupted, "Look, Hinata is waving at us…"
Sure enough, the most ornate palanquin cracked its curtain, and Hinata quietly waved in their direction.
Shino, Kiba, Shikamaru, Ino, Chōji, Tenten, Neji, Lee—all their classmates—returned the gesture they'd agreed on beforehand.
There were no flowers, no applause.
But Hinata felt no disappointment. Her father, her clan, and her cherished friends were all supporting her in their own ways.
And more than anything, at the end of this road waited the one she'd chosen to spend her life with.
The curtain fell.
The bridal procession exited through Konoha's main gate.
Crossing the forest, they emerged onto open ground.
There, the Hidden Rain's welcoming party stretched out like a long dragon.
As the two processions met, the sound of drums and festive music filled the air.
Departing from the Land of Fire, the grand convoy rolled on toward the Land of Rain.
—
Returning from negotiations in the Land of Water, Kakuzu and Tobirama disembarked and mounted tall horses, taking the road back to the Hidden Rain.
Why didn't Tobirama just use Flying Thunder God?
Because, when it came to money, Kakuzu insisted on ceremony!
And that sense of ceremony kept him from interfering in certain things.
On their way, they stumbled upon the massive wedding procession.
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "A wedding? Guess we'll have to wait…"
But by evening, the procession still hadn't ended!
Tobirama shook his head in awe. "What a lavish parade. Could it be the Fire Daimyō's daughter getting married?"
Kakuzu's emerald eyes narrowed. "Hmph. If this was my territory, anyone who dared waste money like this on a wedding—I'd break their legs myself…"
At last, the end of the procession came into view.
Tobirama grew curious. "Let's follow and see which family this is. Looks like we're headed the same way anyway…"
Kakuzu snorted. "Hmph… Let's see whose spoiled brat is behind all this."
So, riding tall horses and hauling hundreds of chests of gold and silver, Kakuzu and Tobirama joined the end of the procession, making their way toward the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rain…
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...
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