Chapter 60
The Night of the Wedding

The wedding day had arrived.

On the warming winds, the lush tree leaves swayed above against the blue sky as the numerous guests made their way into the ceremony grounds. Surrounding the area were cherry blossom trees – fully in bloom with the season, delicately drifting onto the green grass at their feet. It was indeed a beautiful day for a wedding. Making their way through the entrance, the brothers from Suna joined in on the ceremony, dressed in fine clothes that were both formal and indicating their status as important guests. Stepping off to the side, they paused, quietly scanning around themselves.

"Hey," Kankuro uttered. "Where did Temari go? She was with us just now!"

Unsure, Gaara shook his head after briefly following his brother's glances. "Beats me," He said, quietly. "I don't think she went too far."

"Hey, Kazekage entourage!" From the sound of the booming voice, they turned. Ahead of them on the way to their seats was the Fourth Raikage and Killer B, both of them with their wedding gifts for the happy couple in tow. "We're the Lightning entourage..." Killer B rapped, excitedly. "...Here to give our wedding blessings!"

As Kankuro entered conversation with them, Gaara silently stepped aside towards the blossoming trees, seeking brief refuge and escape. Stopping in his steps before the forest, he became lost in his thoughts. With a saddened tint to his eyes, he looked down towards the grass, overhearing the three shinobi bolstering in their shared happiness for Naruto and his Hyūga bride. As the conversation was carried off by the gentle winds, he was left alone with his bothersome thoughts – duty, the village, and Tenbu. The last few months had surely been eventful in such a short amount of time, and he knew that there was no telling of what could occur in the immediate future. The mysterious enemies and their strange weapons troubled him – and so did the knowledge of the Land of Claws. A threat was definitely waiting beyond the horizon, hiding amongst the shadows of deceit, and as Kazekage he certainly had his suspicions. Taking a silent breath to himself, he turned from the forest's edge, swallowing his thoughts as he decided to focus on the joy that was before him – his friend's wedding.

Before he could join his comrades in the celebrations, he sensed a watchful presence approach him from the darkened cover of the forest. Turning towards the presence, he warmly smiled. "You made it!" He spoke, watching the shadow step closer to where he stood.

As the tree leaves rustled from silent movement, a wolfish shape was seen within the black shadows of afternoon, its violet eyes visible from the scattered rays of the sun that peaked through the canopy of leaves above. Beyond the lay of the thicket, the silhouette of the beast slowly disappeared, its form changing into that of a woman – Nomasaki. Comforting him, she did not seem pained from her transformation – had she recovered? From underneath the blossoming pink of the cherry blossoms, she timidly approached the young Kazekage before her as a soft smile formed on her lips. Once she was out of the shadows and into the light, he saw the gleam of her dress – a blue kimono with gold and red trimming along its sleeves, the fabric hugging her feminine figure snuggly yet subtly at the same time, its silky fabric glistening in the sun's rays. She was dressed the most elegantly he ever seen, aweing him. Pausing in her steps once she stood before him, he noticed a twig caught within the strands of her golden hair, poking out from behind her ear.

Smiling widely at his reaction, her cheeks blushed lightly. "I couldn't miss this! It's the wedding of a very good friend of ours." She chuckled. "Since I'm still on my mission, I asked Moro-sama if it would be alright. Luckily, the tracking unit were able to pull a few strings for me." Surprising her for a moment, a small stream of sand gently moved towards her head from his hidden gourd at his side. Gingerly, the sands grasped the twig, removing it from her head of gold hair. Fixing her straying strands, she tossed her long golden hair over her shoulder. Becoming flustered, she timidly averted her glance. "Well… My mission is to guard you and your siblings, and you're all attending the wedding, so… Technically, I'm still on my mission." Meeting his glance, she gave a warm smile. "I know how much this wedding means to you, so I wanted to surprise you."

"That's very kind of you," He nodded, smiling back. "I'm glad you're here."

As he looked down at her before him, he noticed the careful and precise detail to her dress. The blue appeared as though there were tiny flicks of white imprinted onto the fabric, while the red and gold that lined her sleeves were vibrant and filled with essence. Upon her waist, her white obi was tied elegantly in even knots, defining the subtle shape of her smooth hips. With her golden hair and soft lilac eyes, to him she was perfect. The more he looked at her, the more flustered he could feel himself become. Carefully, he thought over his words, looking at the tender young woman standing before him.

"You look…–," He said, his words trailing timidly. "…beautiful."

"T-Thank you," She stammered with a nod, her cheeks reddening. Averting her glance towards her kimono, she touched the fabric over her chest with her fingertips, lightly adjusting its cover. "I made it… I was working on it for a while, actually."

"Really? You made it yourself?"

"Yes," She nodded, exchanging a timid smile. "I make all of my clothes. My mom taught me how to sew when I was a little girl, so it's been a long hobby of mine."

Glancing at him from head to toe, she smiled. Never had she seen him dressed so formal before. It amused her, in a way. Dressed in a long coat that reached his ankles, she admired the stitching of the grey fabric and its burgundy lining – the tailoring was immaculate, even on the matching pants. Even more amusing to her was his messy red hair, appearing slightly tidy for a change and combed with a light hint of gel. He could definitely pull off a suit, she thought. Considered to be handsome by many willing suitors back in Suna, she knew in her heart that no one could even compare – she was smitten.

"You're quite ravishing, yourself," She snickered. "It suits you."

"Was that a pun?" He mused, raising a nonexistent brow.

"Possibly. It played out quite well, didn't it?" After a brief chuckle to herself, she noticed one of his buttons upon his chest was undone. Softly, she grasped it, startling him slightly. Gingerly, she snapped the button into its place, adjusting the fabric upon his collar in a doting nature. "There,"

"Thank you," He nodded, humbled by her gesture. "We should join the others in the ceremony–,"

"Ay! Kazekage-sama! Come over and chat! This sake is where it's at! YEAH!"

Standing across the tranquil grassy meadow was the Fourth Raikage and Kankuro, witnessing Killer B rapping with silent awkward grimaces. Taken aback from the booming rhymes, Nomasaki looked on at the dancing man confused. Although she could feel the eight-tails immense chakra in the air around them, the person who contained it certainly did not match the tailed-beast in terms of demeanor – puzzling her in an almost complexing way, making her wonder if her sensory abilities were tricking her.

Glancing towards them, Gaara gestured in their direction, a subtle friendly smile on his lips. "Let's go meet with the Kage, they're waiting for us."

"T-The Kage?" She stammered, nervously. "Is that allowed? I mean… I'm only a jonin from the tracking unit!"

"It's a wedding," He turned to her, smiling softly. "It's the one time they can act like regular people. There's no reason to be scared, and–," As she looked up at his warm expression, she knew what his eyes conveyed. Deep in his turquoise eyes, she felt his warmth and admiration, and an enveloping sense of comfort. Meeting her lilac eyes, he gave a gentle smile. "I want them to meet you."

Surprised from his words, her eyes widened as she could feel her cheeks redden greatly. It was only a few weeks before where they had the ill-fated meeting with the council regarding their relationship, and now – the foreign leaders, all highly-skilled shinobi rulers – would know of the wolf-blooded woman from the north who the Kazekage claimed as his lover. She felt her heart pound in her chest, anxiety rising as she could feel their strength close by – their skill, their

wisdom, their prestige. She wondered if they carried prejudice as Suna once had, remembering the tales of the Land of Water and the bloodline genocides – although the new Mizukage appeared to have two Kekkei Genkai, which may be assuring in their case. Glancing towards the four leaders in the distance towards Kankuro and Killer B, she attempted to quell her rising nervousness – afraid her wolfishness might slip out once again.

"Hey, Gaara!" Kankuro waved. "Over here!" Squinting from the bright springtime sun, he seen the shape of a woman clothed in blue standing with his younger brother in the distance, her gold hair jolting his memory. "Huh? Nomasaki? Ah, you made it after all! Nice to see you!" Realizing his position, he flinched, his expression turning into a grimace. Glancing behind him, the barrels of sake were in plain sight, and before him in the distance stood the one person who had the worst susceptibility to alcohol in all its forms. Thanks to his siblings and their stories, he knew Nomasaki's embarrassing weakness. Awkwardly, trying not to draw attention to himself, he leaned in towards Killer B, interrupting his rapping abruptly. "Quick…! Hide the alcohol…! Now…!"

"Gotta hide the sake! From Nomasaki! YEAH!"

Bad rapping aside, Killer B used one of his emerging tentacles to hide the barrel of alcohol under the tablecloth, 'discretely' – with a loud crash of the table as it was placed, alerting everyone standing nearby of the sudden noise. Dismayed, Kankuro averted his glance, shielding his embarrassed expression with his palm as he sighed.

Gently, putting his hidden nervousness of affections aside, Gaara touched her hand, holding it softly in his. Jolting her senses, Nomasaki's face reddened greatly, looking up to him with widened violet eyes. For the first time without the assistance of his sand, he touched her hand without fear. As she clasped her fingers with his, she felt his warmth, comfort, and protection – conveying what he felt within a simple gesture.

"Come on," He guided, gently smiling at her. "We should introduce ourselves."

Startled, she gasped as he led the way, her feet stumbling upon his calmly paced strides towards the four leaders in the distance.

From across the reception area, Kiba sensed the wolf nearby. Turning from his spot with Shino, his past sensei Kurenai and her child Mirai, he seen her – his expression instantly turning flushed and embarrassed. "Ah–!" He gasped. "H-Her!" Shocked, his eyes widened greatly from the sight. Beside the Fifth Kazekage and holding his hand, she stood with the other Kage and their respective attendants, all of them engaged in cheerful conversation about the wedding – her expression timid and content as she exchanged caring glances with Gaara during their discussions. "T-That woman…!" He pointed, turning to Shino at his side. "That's the wolf! She's… she's with the Kazekage?! What the hell?!"

Catching his attention, Shino glanced at his quivering friend. "Is that the girl you struck out on, Kiba?" He asked, as if a jab. "It doesn't appear she's single, after all."

"Hey! S-Shut up, Shino…!" Kiba shot back, visibly embarrassed and uncomfortable. "I-I'm into someone else now, remember?"

Putting his hands in his pockets, Shino walked off with Kurenai and her toddler. "Whatever you say."

"Gah!" Kiba turned, beginning to sweat. "C-Come on, don't go spreading it around!" Thinking to himself, he remembered that horrifying experience from his first attempt at the Chunin Exams many years ago – where he and his team witnessed a bloodthirsty Gaara kill three Amegakure ninja in cold blood. The vicious scent of Shukaku's chakra was still burned in his brain from the memory. Despite it being well over eight years ago, the recollection still shook him to think about. Embarrassed with himself, he gulped as a single bead of sweat dripped from his forehead – not only would he have a wolf to worry about, but the Kazekage if word ever slipped. I know he's changed since then… but he still makes me nervous… I really hope this never comes back to bite me…

"Arf!" Akamaru barked, as if in condolence for his mistake.

Standing amongst the crowd of excited weddinggoers, Ino looked across towards the Five Kage and their guards, jolting at the sight where she seen the Kazekage standing with his violet-eyed partner. Tall, red hair, and from Suna – her widened blue eyes cracked the code the drunken tracker-nin gave them that night weeks before. It was him. Stunned at the reveal, she glanced at them in surprise and in smug admiration, placing her hands at her hips while she watched them from afar. "So, the rumors are true!" She beamed, a smirk on her lips. "She really did snag a Kage, after all! I knew she was hiding something from us."

"Ino–!" Sakura hushed close by. "Not so loud!"

Following her friend's gaze, she looked on towards them in absolute bewilderment. The unthinkable was evidently true after much speculation. That man from Suna who hardly socialized was no longer single, the man who was once a cold-blooded killer turned redeemed leader – and her mountain-born acquaintance was his lover. A strange sight to behold, especially to see him with a such a woman – the wolf. Still stunned by the revelation, she sighed to herself, trying to make sense of things.

"Still, I thought he was not the kind of guy to… ya know, want a relationship. He's so emotionless, and she is so…–?"

"Unpredictable?" Ino chuckled. "Opposites attract sometimes. Maybe this is a rare case?"

Walking towards them, Tenten sighed, a soft smile on her lips as she stood in admiration and ease. "I kind of seen it coming, but honestly… I'm still just as bamboozled as you two."

Standing before the Kage and their bodyguards, Nomasaki timidly stood holding Gaara's hand, watching the conversation unfold as she felt comforted by his presence. Although her heart fluttered in her chest from nerves, her expression was at ease and calm, her lips curved into a welcoming smile as she noticed the Kage's glances towards her.

"Ah, the wolf-girl," Ōnoki remarked, an elderly smile on his cracked face. "I remember you."

"I'd like to introduce you all my partner," Gaara spoke. Turning to the young woman at his side, he gave her a warm smile as he held her hand. "Nomasaki."

Bowing her head slightly, she smiled towards the leaders, all traces of nervousness leaving her lilac eyes. "It's an honor to meet you all."

"Likewise," The Raikage nodded, grasping his drink. "If the Kazekage chose you, you must have a balanced head on your shoulders."

"Young woman," Mei asked, her glance curious. "Are you still a shinobi since I saw you last?"

"Yes, Mizukage-sama." Nomasaki nodded. "I'm a jōnin of both Suna and Yama."

"Ah," Mei sighed, amused by her answer. "It's good to see young women such as yourself as shinobi. It makes me all the more proud to be a Kage."

"She's the right-hand of our tracking unit," Gaara entered, smiling lightly. "She's one of our top tracker-nin and she has the sensory abilities of the Yamamori clan."

"Yamamori? Really?"

Timidly, Nomasaki gave a nod. "Yes, sir. I have the clan's Kekkei Genkai. I'm originally from the Land of Mountains where my mother hailed, but my father is of Suna. Kyō-sama is my father, the chieftain of Yamagakure."

"You don't say?" Intrigued, the elderly Tsuchikage gave an acknowledged sigh. "I heard that Suna was backing away from its old ways and arranged marriages," He mused, turning to Gaara. "It's good to see you unscathed, Kazekage-sama. We stubborn old-folk can be difficult to deal with at times." After an exchanged nod and smile from the young Kazekage, the former fence-sitter approached closer to the couple. "When is the wedding?"

Flustered, the couple's expressions drew blanks, their cheeks reddening as they took in the abrupt question. Glancing towards each other, they both tried to bite their tongues to prevent an unwarranted answer from escaping their lips – embarrassed and silent in their state of fluster. Overhearing the fumbling words of the Kazekage and his partner, Mei's shoulders slumped – remembering her failed marriage ceremony. Even the Kazekage is getting married…

The night soon approached as the wedding ceremony came to a close.

After a portion of the many guests bid their farewells and wishes to the married couple, the amber glow of the paper lanterns lit signaled the proceedings of the reception. During the loud chatter amongst the guests, Gaara had the chance to introduce Nomasaki to Rock Lee – who gave her a strong shake of the hand and gushed his happiness towards her, surprising her greatly as she attempted to process his fast chatter. Finally, Gaara had an opportunity to greet Naruto and his bride, with Nomasaki holding his hand beside him. While they conversed in the night, Hinata asked Nomasaki to join her and the other women by the gifts table. With a smiling nod, she accepted and followed her towards the group of women ahead. Cheerfully, and some of them drunkenly, the guests gushed about the ceremony and danced upon the grass. Surprisingly, Nomasaki managed to steer clear of the sake, with Temari keeping a watchful eye on her friend's terrible habit. Once they had privacy, Naruto and Gaara sat along an empty table, catching up with each other since they last crossed paths months before – and in the lab the day prior.

"Naruto," Gaara started, watching his partner mingle contently from a distance. "How did… you propose?"

Slightly surprised by his question, Naruto quickly finished his sake, turning to him with a curious glint to his drunken blue eyes. "Propose? Like marriage proposal?"

"Yeah."

Smiling to himself, Naruto leaned his elbow onto the table as he remembered that winter's day months ago. In his buzzed state, he blushed as he reminisced – remembering Hinata's tender smile as he asked her. "Well," He sighed, chuckling to himself. "The timing just felt right, and it ended up slipping out! Luckily, she said 'yes', so it worked out in the end." Sitting up, he turned to his friend at his side. "Why do you ask?" Suddenly, his memory jolted, his glossy eyes widening as he leaned closer to the silent Kazekage. "O-Oh! Are you and Nomasaki tying the knot?!"

Startled from the question, Gaara averted his glance, visibly flustered. "N-Not yet. Well, I…" His words trailed, a faint blush sneaking past his stoic expression. "I'm thinking of… when it's time to pop the question… how I would… go about asking…"

Beaming, Naruto gasped, excitedly. "Ah! Is that so? Well," Surprising Gaara for a moment, he felt Naruto place his hand on his shoulder with a chuckle. "I wish you the best of luck! You two seem happy together, so that's really all that matters. If you do ask her, I'm sure you'll have no problem."

Turning to him, Gaara gave a subtle soft smile. "Thanks, Naruto."

"Kazekage-sama!"

Suddenly, a ninja clothed in the Suna flak jacket appeared before them that night, the gleam of their forehead protector catching their attention, interrupting their conversation. Somewhat dismayed by their appearance, Gaara gave him a stern glance.

"What news do you bring?" He asked. "Anything to report?"

"The tracking unit we sent to locate Tenbu's hideout," They spoke, as they sat kneeling before him. Frustration entering their eyes, they grit their teeth. "They haven't returned…! No hawk, no message, or anything! We fear for the worst..."

"We're playing right into their hands, then…" Gaara spoke, his voice low – glancing his narrowed eyes to his side. Closing his eyes briefly, he calmed himself with a silent breath. When his eyes opened, he looked upon the ninja, sternly. "We'll make our next move against them when I return to Sunagakure. Have all available ANBU stand guard along the border in case of an ambush, and station some within the village core. We can't let our guard down against them."

Obediently, the Suna ninja nodded. "Yes, sir. Understood!" Within an instant, they disappeared under the cover of night, leaving the late reception unnoticed in a cloud of smoke from their teleportation technique.

"That group is still a nuisance, huh?" Naruto asked, looking down. "Tenbu?"

"Yeah," Gaara nodded. "They're less of a concern than the Akatsuki was, but still… They're a threat to Sunagakure and my family." Turning towards the direction of the Konoha women and guests, his eyes closed halfway, saddened as he watched Nomasaki enjoy her time with her new friends in the distance from where they sat. Her cheerful smile upon her lips evoking him to despair about their new foes. "…and her, too." Turning towards the group ahead of them in the distance, Naruto followed Gaara's gaze, giving a sympathetic frown. "She's a tracker-nin. It's only a matter of time before they deploy her. She was injured by that weapon when they attacked during the exams… I don't know what I'd do if she was hurt again." Gazing down at his lap, his eyes narrowed. "Ginkō… that ore… You said it contains nature energy. Whatever it's made of, it caused her sensory skills to falter. I fear they may use that to their advantage, if they attack again."

"That's rough, I'm sorry to hear that," Naruto spoke, quietly. "I'm sure she'll be fine. Tenbu does seem worrisome, but they can be stopped. We have that ore, right? If we can figure out its weakness, we can use it against them! If we could defeat the Akatsuki, we can defeat any foe that comes our way." Breaking the solemn tone with a bright smile, he gestured the thumbs up in front of him. "Also, remember you can count on your Konoha allies for backup! You can count on us."

His sadness fading slightly, Gaara gave a small smile. "I'll keep that in mind," He nodded. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it," Naruto nodded, stretching as he stood up. For a moment, he gave a tired drunken sigh, smiling from ear to ear. "Now, I'm going to find my wife! We leave for our honeymoon in the morning."

"Best wishes to you." Gaara said, a light smile on his lips.

Nodding in return, Naruto gave a hearty-smile, and walked off to join his bride in the distance. As Gaara was left alone to collect his thoughts, he had much to think about – Tenbu, a proposal, everything was happening so fast and at an unpredictable pace.

The future was troubling to him.

"Gaara, are you alright?"

Surprised by the soft voice, he looked up to meet her warm lilac eyes. Standing before him, Nomasaki gave him a curious glance tinted with worry. Assuring her, he gave a light smile. "It's nothing," He nodded. "Are you…–?"

Catching his attention, she held out her hand to him, her expression gentle and blushing lightly. "Did you… want to join me?"

Smiling to himself, he stood up from his seat, taking her hand. "Always."

Following her to the reception area, he was offered at least some temporary form of peace within his mind. While he stood with his Konoha friends one last time before departing for the night, he pushed his troubled thoughts aside, focusing on enjoying the evening of the celebrations.

Late that night, he contemplated his next move…