Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters.
Chapter 7: The Wedding
The second Naruto's eyes opened the next morning he had a huge grin plastered to his face. He was simultaneously excited and nervous beyond reason. You'd think it was his wedding day by all the butterflies in his stomach. He shook himself from his mental reverie and began the motions of getting ready for the big day. He dressed in his yukata, a dark blue robe with a sandy brown sash, ate a rushed breakfast, and headed out the door.
He had a few errands to run before he headed over to the Hyuga estate and decided to take his time since the wedding didn't start for another couple hours. As he strolled down the street a familiar spiky ponytail caught his attention through the small early morning crowd of Konoha citizens.
"Oi! Shikamaru!" Naruto called out making his way toward the lazy chunin. Shikamaru turned with his usual calm expression and lifted a hand in greeting. As Naruto neared him he noticed his friend wasn't alone.
"Good morning, Naruto. You remember Temari of the Sand," he said motioning to the pretty blond at his right. She smiled at Naruto upon the reintroduction and nodded her head slightly. She wore a very nice black kimono with a red sash and a huge fan secured on her back. Naruto grinned back at her warmly.
"Of course. How have you been, Temari? How's Gaara and the rest of the family been?" he asked.
"Oh, I've been very well, thank you. The Kazekage is keeping busy, as you might imagine. He asked me to say hello to you in particular, actually, if I happened to see you while I was here for the wedding," she said with a crooked grin.
"You're here for Neji's wedding?" Naruto asked in surprise.
"Oh yes. The Kazukage was the one invited, but he's much too busy to leave the village at the moment, so asked me to come as Sunagakura's representative."
"Well, it's a pleasure to have you here," Naruto said with a little bow. "It would have been nice to see Gaara, but I must say you improve the scenery a lot more than he does, eh, Shikamaru?" Naruto asked elbowing Shikamaru in the ribs. Shikamaru looked incredulously at him for a moment and looked away deciding not to respond. Temari on the other hand blushed a little then burst out laughing.
"And here I'd thought you'd matured a little in the last 3 years for a second," she said still chuckling a little. She slapped him hard on the shoulder and gave him a toothy grin to match his own.
He laughed along with her and caught Shikamaru grinning at Temari for a second, before he cleared his throat. "Well, we'd better get going if you don't want to be late." She looked back at him and nodded.
"Yeah, thanks. It would look pretty bad for the Suna representative to try and sneak in while the couple is exchanging their vows. I'll see you there, Naruto." As she turned to go Naruto and Shikamaru exchanged a look that spoke volumes in the span of a few seconds. From Shikamaru's end the look said something along the lines of 'You're not the only one with plans tonight.'
He had a little over an hour and didn't want to cramp Shikamaru's style, so decided to make a detour to the Yamanaka flower shop. He was a little relieved not to see Ino behind the counter, but who must have been her mother. He bought a lovely prearranged bouquet for the couple and and small white lily corsage for Hinata. After making his purchases he headed back toward the Hyuga estate and joined the throng of other guests being welcomed for the festivities. He didn't spot Hinata at the gate, but offered the flowers to Saka-san who he recognized from the other day saying it was for the happy couple. He smiled his thanks and took them to a large table laden with other gifts and parcels. He followed the path up to the now familiar garden looking for any familiar faces. He finally spotted Ino and Kiba sitting together next to Lee and Sakura. Ino's yukata was just as nice as she had boasted the day before. It was crisp white with light pink petals and vibrant bluebells all over it. Sakura's was just as pretty. It was a deep red with pink cherry blossoms all over it that matched her hair. As he walked closer Sakura looked up noticing him.
"Well, well. Looks like Hinata wasn't just covering for you yesterday. You look very nice, Naruto. You could have combed your hair though," she teased with a grin. Ino giggled next to her.
"Yeah, right. Tried that once. Never again. But never mind me, you guys look great in those yukatas," he said earning smiles from both ladies. "Hey you guys haven't seen Hinata have you?" he asked looking around.
"No, sorry, Naruto. I think she's probably going to be sitting in the family section. She might even be part of the precession. I can't wait to see Ten-Ten walk out in her gown! I wonder if they made her go traditional or if she picked a Chinese style gown. She wouldn't show us last night," Ino said in a rush.
"I can't wait to see Neji in all those robes," Kiba snickered.
"I know, right!" Naruto said taking a seat next to Lee. " When Hinata and I picked them up the other day I couldn't believe he was supposed to wear them all at once. But Hyugas always look good in traditional dress. I'm sure he'll be able to rock it."
"I agree, Naruto," Lee said smiling. "Speaking of, Hinata-san. You look lovely! It is rare we get to see you in the traditional Hyuga dress," Lee said standing up and bowing slightly. Naruto turned to see Hinata standing in the aisle smiling at them all. He stood up and snapped his mouth shut, which had been hanging open. If he had thought she looked beautiful in her outfit last night, that was nothing to cap what he thought of her now. She was wearing a light lavender yukata with purple japanese maple leaves all over it and a matching purple sash. Her hair pinned up elaborately and a set of fresh water pearls hanging delicately around her neck.
"Hello and welcome everyone. I'm so glad you could make it," she said sweetly. Then shifting her gaze to Naruto she blushed slightly and said, "I forgot to thank you for walking me home last night, Naruto-kun. Thank you."
"No problem at all. Wow, you look beautiful, Hinata-chan. I love your hair like that." She blushed even deeper at his praise. "Oh yeah, I got this for you." He took out the corsage and put it around he wrist. She smiled warmly at him.
"Thank you, Naruto. Lilies are my favorite," she said softly looking at the small white flower.
"I love your yukata, Hinata," Sakura said filling the silence. Hinata looked up startled and smiled.
"Thank you, Sakura. It is fun to dress up like this every once in a while isn't it?" she said.
"You got that right, Hinata-chan," Ino said teasingly making the girl blush even more.
"Well, I have to go. The ceremony will be starting momentarily. Please say hello to everyone else for me if you see them," she said turning to go. Naruto watched her retreating form until she was out of sight.
"You can sit down now, Naruto," Sakura said while Ino giggle along with her. Naruto blushed slightly, but sat without a word. Shino and Choji arrived several minutes later filling their row. Shortly after the ceremony started.
First Tsunade walked out in her usual Hokage cloak and hat followed by Neji, Hiashi, and Hinata. Tsunade walked up to the raised platform and turned to the crowd. Neji followed her and stood off to her right. Hiashi and Hinata took their seats in the front row. Next came a young Hyuuga girl with a basket of white rose petals. She scattered them all over the aisle before taking her seat next to Hinata. Then the bride entered the garden to the gasp of many in the crowd.
"I guess she got her Chinese dress after all," Ino whispered under her breath to Sakura.
Ten-Ten was wearing a bright red fitted dress elaborately embroidered with gold thread. Her usual bun hairstyle was replaced with an elaborate style wrapped around a golden head piece that looked like it was raining gold all around her. Her father walked her down the aisle bowing to Hiashi when he came to him then to Neji before taking his seat. Neji's gaze was so captivated by his bride he almost forgot to bow back to him. After the father took his seat Tsunade addressed the assembly.
"Friends, family, esteemed guests welcome to the joining of these two shinobi. As Hokage it is not only my responsibility, but my upmost pleasure to preside over jubilant occasions such as this. Too often in our line of work we are taken before we can find our someone to share our lives with. It is a truly joyful moment we share with Hyuuga Neji and Hisagia Ten-Ten today." She looked at the couple for a moment and continued. "Love each other as if there is no tomorrow and treasure each other every day you are given. If there is any one here who can give adequate cause these two should not be joined speak now or forever hold your piece." There was silence in the garden. When the Hokage began taking again Naruto saw the relief in Neji's face and wondered if he had suspected the Hyuga elders of speaking out against them. "Then join hands," Neji took Ten-Ten's hands in his and looked her in the eyes, "And repeat after me. I do take you as my eternal partner. To protect as I have my village, to hold to as have my ideals, and to love as I have like nothing else before." In a strong clear voice Neji and Ten-Ten repeated the Hokage's words together. When they were done Tsunade smiled put her hands on her hips and proclaimed, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Neji, you may now kiss your bride." Without wasting a second Neji scooped her up and kissed her while the whole assembly cheered.
From there everyone adjourned to the reception area in an adjacent garden. Kiba found a table for everyone while Choji went off to find drinks and food for everybody. Naruto leaned back and just took in the scene. Ino and Sakura teasing Lee about crying at the ceremony, Shikamaru and Temari talking at a table nearby, Neji and Ten-Ten surrounded by well wishers at the raised table at the head of the garden. He noticed Hinata sitting at that table talking and smiling with other guests. He sighed. He'd have to wait a while before setting his plan into motion. He looked around for Tsunade, but didn't see her anywhere. He had wanted to commend her on her speech. It had hit home with him and he was sure every other shinobi in the crowd could relate to what she had said. He looked back up at the head table, but Hinata was missing.
"I believe I just saw Hinata go in that direction, if that's who you were looking for," Shino said calmly from his right. Naruto looked over at him surprised. "That way I believe," Shino reiterated pointing.
Naruto grinned. "Thanks man," he said before standing and heading in the indicated direction. He found her not far from the party in a secluded nook sitting next to a coy pond. "There you are," he said quietly. She squeaked and stood up suddenly. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," he said walking over to the pond. "Nice spot you've got here."
"Yeah, all the people were getting to me. You'd think it was my wedding by how many people were congratulating me on the wonderful match." She smiled at him and looked back at the fish swimming around in the water. "This was my mother's favorite place in the garden. She used to bring me here and tell me wonderful stories about the founding of the village and the great heroes of our clan." She smiled sweetly again. "I come here to reset."
"I know what you mean," Naruto said. He perked up with a great idea. "Hey, you wanna see my reset spot?" he asked excitedly.
Hinata looked at him a moment stunned then laughed. "I don't know, Naruto-kun. I should probably get back."
"Come on they won't miss us for another half hour or so. It won't even take that long. It's pretty close to here actually," he pleaded with her.
She couldn't' help herself. "Okay, fine. Lead the way," she relinquished. He smiled and grabbed her by the hand.
"Then lets go!" he said pulling her toward the exit.
10 minutes later they were standing in front of a huge Japanese maple tree. Naruto looked up into the branches smiling. "This is the oldest tree in Konoha," he said still looking up into the foliage. "When I was little I would come here to watch the festival fireworks. It also has a great view of the Hokage monument. You wanna see?" he asked looking at her excitedly.
She looked dubiously up the gigantic tree. "I don't know, Naruto-kun. This isn't really a climbing dress," she said apprehensively.
"No problem. I don't mind taking you up," he said scooping her into his arms bridal style. Her face was instantly a color that could have rivaled Sakura's yukata. He grinned down at her and leapt up to the first branch nimbly making his way up to the upper branches. Finally he stopped on a strong, sturdy limb close to the top and set her down. He settled down next to her gazing out at the Hokage monument in front of them. He had been right. It was a spectacular view from up here. She could even see the Hyuga estate with everyone partying in the garden.
"Wow! This is amazing, Naruto-kun!" she exclaimed. He looked over at her child like enthusiasm and smiled. She turned and smiled widely at him. "No wonder you like this place so much, you can see the whole village from up here!"
"Yeah, I came here a lot when I was young. It's where I decided I'd become Hokage. One day I looked out at the monument and all the people down below and decided the only way they'd accept me was if my face was up on that wall looking over them. It's where my dream was born," he said smiling reminiscently. They sat in a thoughtful silence for a time after that.
After a while Hinata looked over at him. He was looking out at the Hokage monument looking very thoughtful and determined. "I always knew it meant a lot to you, Naruto-kun, becoming Hokage. Thank you for sharing this place with me."
He looked over at her startled out of his thoughts. "It means even more to me now. Because of the girl I'm going to marry. Her family is important, you see. They would never accept a no one like me. I have to become Hokage to prove my worth to them." He looked over at her startled face. "Can you guess who she is yet, Hinata-chan?" he asked softly.
She knew exactly what she wanted to say, but the words wouldn't come out. For minutes she could only look into his bright, blue eyes and try to believe what they were telling her. When at last she found her voice she smiled and said "I-"
Suddenly four Anbu agents appeared around them. "Naruto, Tsunade-sama is reactivating you. You are to report to the Hokage tower with us immediately."
Naruto and Hinata just stared for a minute. "Umm, guys, we're a little busy right now, can I meet you there in, say 10 minutes?" Naruto said a little irritated.
"No. Tsunade-sama said immediately. I am authorized to remove you by force if need be," the anonymous masked man replied calmly.
Naruto made a noise close to kitten mewling and looked at Hinata. "I am so sorry, Hinata-chan, but this seems pretty serious. Look I'll see you for training tomorrow, though right?"
"Of course, Naruto-kun. Shino and I will be there around 10," she said softly. He smiled at her then looked at the Anbu agent in charge and all 5 of them disappeared without another word. Hinata just sat looking at the place he had been sitting a moment before and finally asked her final question.
"Am I your mystery girl, Naruto-kun?"
At the Hokage tower Naruto barged into Tsunade's office without knocking, per usual, with the four Anbu officers in tow. She looked up from her empty desk and took in the angry youth's face. She looked over his shoulder and made a gesture to dismiss the Anbu. They all disappeared in puffs of smoke.
"You picked a hell of a time to reactive me, Oba-chan! I was in the middle of something really important when you-"
Tsunade put up her hand silencing him. "I had a very good reason, Naruto." She looked down at her desk again a pained expression on her face. "Jiriya is dead," she said heavily.
It took a few moments for her words to sink in. Images of his mentor flashed through his head. "What?" was all he could manage to say.
"Jiriya was gathering intel on the leader of the Akatsuki when he came face to face with him. He fell in battle against him. We are currently decoding his last message, but that isn't why I have called you here with such haste. The leader of the toads has requested your immediate presence. As Jiriya's pupil you must now follow him as a Toad sage. You will begin training immediately. There is a toad emissary waiting to take you to Mount MyĆboku as we speak. I am sorry, Naruto, but you do not have time to grieve for him. Neither of us do. The village is in a critical juncture. If only one member of the Akasuki is strong enough to take out Jiriya singlehandedly we are facing an incredibly dangerous situation. You must go and become a senin, like your master before you. Dismissed." Tsunade stood up and turned to look out the window.
Naruto stood for a moment stone faced, then as it all sunk in at once a look of pure, singleminded determination settled into his expression. "Understood," he said in a steely voice and walked out the room closing the door behind him.
Tsunade stood there for a moment before breaking down. She leaned against the window, hugged herself, and cried for her fallen comrade. "I'm sorry, Naruto, but we need you to be strong. You are Konoha's best hope now."
