Three nights later, beneath the gates of the Hidden Rain Village, Naruto stood tall in a black montsuki, a fresh boutonnière pinned to his chest, brimming with confidence and joy.
Hashirama, Mito, Minato, Hiruzen, Konan, and others all joined the wedding entourage.
Hashirama grinned, "Hiruzen, you're really something. Even after death, you get to witness your own son's wedding…"
Hiruzen chuckled, "And what a ceremony! This is as grand as anything the daimyo could pull off."
Minato smiled wistfully, "Honestly, it all feels like a dream…"
Hashirama raised his sake cup. "No more words—tonight, let's drink until we drop!"
He shot a cautious glance at Mito as he spoke. Ever since that drunken brawl with Tobirama, Mito had been even stricter with him—no more drinking, no more gambling.
[Just to remind you: Tobirama uses soul rice cultivated by Naruto to brew sake, which is why even Impure World Reincarnation souls can get drunk.]
Mito relented, "Today is Naruto's big day. Go ahead and drink—but don't embarrass yourself like last time."
Hashirama nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Mito! Even if someone steps on my face tonight, I'll beg them to stop—I won't lift a finger, I promise!"
Hiruzen (thinking): Lady Mito's intimidation is something else…
Minato (thinking): Even the First Hokage can't escape a wife's iron rule. Sometimes, I envy the Second Hokage—no family, no strings, living wild and free. But those days are gone… Tonight, let's just drink!
Konan suddenly spoke up, "If you're drinking, count me in."
Minato blinked in surprise. "Huh? Konan, I thought you never touch alcohol?"
Konan replied, "It's a day for celebration."
Minato teased, "You sure don't look like you're celebrating…"
At that moment, festive music echoed through the village. The wedding procession, having crossed nations, finally arrived from Konoha to the Hidden Rain!
Instantly, the place erupted with cheers—a stark contrast to Konoha's chilly silence. Flowers and applause lit up the rain-soaked village, setting it ablaze with joy.
After all, Naruto was a hero here, not a rogue. In the Hidden Rain, he was the pillar everyone looked up to, loved, and respected.
The procession halted.
Hinata's palanquin was carried to the very front.
The curtain lifted, and she stepped out with quiet grace, every movement radiating the poise of a true lady.
"Naruto, go greet your bride, dattebane~!"
In the spiritual world, Kushina was all smiles.
Suppressing his excitement, Naruto strode forward. Under the gaze of all present, he took Hinata's hand and, surrounded by blessings, stepped together into the gates of happiness…
So much so, no one noticed the chaos at the back of the parade.
Kakuzu's forehead veins bulged, Earth Grudge Fear's black threads writhing. "Second Hokage, let me go!!"
Tobirama held him down. "Calm down, Kakuzu! It's better to tear down a temple than ruin a wedding. Whatever it is, wait until tomorrow!"
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Kakuzu was fuming, practically steaming with rage.
Tobirama struggled to restrain him, thinking: Why does this guy have endless strength whenever money's involved?
"If you don't calm down, I'll call my big brother to sit on you."
"…Fine." Kakuzu finally cooled off.
"Second Hokage, let me go. I won't settle the score with him—yet."
Tobirama released him.
Kakuzu got up, grumbling, "I knew something was off on the road. It really was that spendthrift! How much money did he blow on this wedding?!"
Tobirama dusted him off, trying to soothe him. "Don't forget, we squeezed ten billion out of the Land of Water's daimyo, plus six resource-rich islands. Even if Naruto splurged on this wedding, we can cover it…"
Kakuzu huffed, "We crossed the sea, argued with those stingy daimyo until our tongues nearly fell off, and he spends my hard-earned money on a party."
Tobirama clapped his shoulder. "Try to understand—not everyone is like us, sworn to bachelorhood."
Kakuzu muttered, "I was married. Had kids, too."
Tobirama froze. "What!?"
He felt utterly betrayed.
Kakuzu glanced at him. "Don't believe me?"
Tobirama reasoned, "I really don't. When you failed to assassinate my brother and got locked up in Hōzuki Castle by Takigakure, you were already over fifty when you got out. How could you have married?"
Kakuzu replied, "I got married before I went after the First Hokage…"
Tobirama frowned. "Then why go after my brother when you had a good life?"
Kakuzu shrugged, "Money, of course. The folks who didn't want the war to end offered a fortune for the First's head—promised half even if you failed, just to get someone to try…"
Tobirama asked, "Did you ever get paid?"
Kakuzu's voice turned cold. "No. So when I left Hōzuki Castle, I killed every last bloodsucker in Takigakure."
Tobirama sighed, "Well, can't blame you…"
The truth: After Kakuzu failed his mission, Takigakure's leaders, afraid of retribution, tried to wash their hands of him. They promised to use the bounty to develop the village and care for his family. But when he finally got out, nothing had improved—his wife and kids were gone, and his blood-earned money had been squandered by the higher-ups.
In his fury, Kakuzu went on a rampage, stole the Earth Grudge Fear secret technique, and became a ninja who fought only for money.
—
Late that night, the high tower of the Hidden Rain Village was silent.
Everyone else had tactfully stayed away, leaving the happiest night to the happiest couple.
Though they shared the same roof, their hearts were in very different places.
Naruto—an old soul in a young body—felt the wisdom of ages; he could be a teacher, looking back to move forward.
Hinata—knowing the past and the future, but lacking real experience—was a bundle of nerves, shyness, and anticipation all at once.
Their wedding had come years earlier than in the previous life. This was Hinata at her most innocent and bashful.
Naruto coaxed gently, "Hinata, would you mind if I teach you a few things… hands-on?"
Hinata smiled shyly, "I may be clumsy, but I'll do my best to make you happy, Naruto-kun."
Naruto caressed her cheek, his voice full of tenderness. "Silly girl, happiness is something we make together…"
Hinata whispered, "Naruto-kun's happiness is my happiness."
Naruto felt his heart melt.
They gazed into each other's eyes, then leaned in for a kiss.
"Once more," Hinata murmured.
Naruto kissed her again.
"Once more."
"Once more."
"Once more…"
Hinata's eyes grew hazy and full of longing.
"Naruto-kun… do you think you can help me put my kimono back on when we're done?"
—
The night was short, but the journey ahead was long.
Outside, the rain continued to fall, but it no longer felt cold or oppressive. Instead, it was sweeter and more refreshing than ever before.
——————————————————
Congratulations to Naruto and Hinata for finally finding happiness together!
And congrats to our dear reader "Blood Rain Flower Explorer" for claiming the top reward on August 25th!
Special thanks to Dream~Farewell, Ōtsutsuki Tomato, "Names Are So Hard to Choose," Ancient Autumn Who Loves Qinlan Goose, the Mad Squire of the Grand Court, "Tired Tired," "Powered by Love," Kiryu↗Sento↘War↗Rabbit↘, "Send Razor Blades," Little Xin Juanjuan, and all our readers for your support!
Hehe… The list of supporters is long, but I've read every name and picked a few at random above. To save space, only a few are listed, but my gratitude is endless~~ Good night, everyone!
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