The rebuilding of the Uchiha district truly marked the end of the recovery process from the Fourth Shinobi World War. It had been roughly five and a half years since the war had ended, those sixty-six month were a time of mourning and rebuilding for most people. Forty-two of those months had been the time that Sasuke had been with Mei.
In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't that long. However going from a lost nineteen year old trying to find his place in the world, who was looking for a night's comfort in an unfriendly part of the world, to a more level-headed and wise twenty two year old who was focused on the future by building a family, seemed like growth that should have taken far longer than three and a half years.
That growth was all well and good, though it wouldn't do much good if his new family didn't have a proper home to live in. By "proper", he meant a home that he wanted to raise them in and conveniently ignored that Mei could literally have any plot of land or home in the Land of Water. Perhaps he was still a bit off from being considered "wise".
It took about three or four months until Sasuke had fully repaired the Uchiha district, the first part had been the quickest and most fun of the entire process. In order to rebuild, he would have to remove the ruins of buildings blocking his way. He took a brief, sad look at the feeble remains of his old district, before activating his Susanoo and going to work.
Under normal circumstances, Sasuke would have considered the wanton destruction as uncouth, however it had been far too long since he had let loose and it was a good opportunity to check that he was still in tiptop shape.
In hindsight, he probably should have given the rest of Konoha a warning about what he was going to do, as no sooner had he bulldozed through three buildings, did a large crowd form to watch him. There was a mixture of fear and confusion in their eyes that he found amusing, he could only imagine what thoughts they had conjured up about the spectacle.
He had rejected his heritage and was destroying his clan's grave as a way to disown himself, perhaps? Or maybe that Mei had broken up with him and he was venting his anger by ripping apart some old structures.
After he informed the villagers of his intentions the crowd dispersed rapidly, with only one person remaining.
"So, you gonna need any help with all of this?" The grinning blond-haired ninja asked.
"Not from you." Sasuke quickly replied, turning his back to him and getting back to work.
"Asshole." Naruto muttered with a small grin tugging at his lips.
He caught up to Sasuke and with a tornado blend of orange and purple, they were soon both standing on flat ground, primed to be built upon. Naruto's golden aura and Sasuke's purple exoskeleton dissipated, as they pondered the next step in Sasuke's master plan.
"You plan on getting rid of that?" Naruto asked, gesturing to the pile of rubble that they had just created.
"Aren't there builders that can reuse this stuff?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto walked over and picked up a stray brick that immediately crumbled in his hands.
"Yeah, I'm sure that brittle materials like this are exactly the kind of foundation that you want to build your new home on. How much of this have you actually thought out, Sasuke?"
"I'm... not much of an architect, and to be honest I didn't expect to get any help with this. I figured I'd at least clear the way so I could see what I'm dealing with."
"So you're just making this up as you go along?" Naruto asked incredulously. The silence he got from the Uchiha was deafening and he couldn't stop the weary sigh that escaped him.
"Well, what would you suggest? Don't tell me that you've suddenly taken up the craft of construction?" Sasuke asked irritably.
"Alright, let me ask you this: Have you got any money set aside for this?"
"I've still got some funds remaining, not enough for the whole district though."
"The whole district? How many kids are you planning on having?" Naruto asked, to which Sasuke chuckled lowly. "Well, we can at least make a start on your house, you have the money for that."
"I think I'll have a hard time convincing anyone to work for me, you saw how they fled like rats after they were satisfied they weren't in danger."
"Maybe let me handle that." Naruto smiled. "You should worry about getting rid of all that crap over there so they actually have room to work."
"You have these people at your beck and call, that must be a useful asset to have." Sasuke jeered to Naruto, as he walked away.
"Having this kind of influence isn't something that can be bought with money, only blood, and God knows I've shed enough for this village. Can't be acquired, only earned." Naruto replied.
And true to his word, once Naruto had raised the call for the rebuilding of the Uchiha district, it was like the floodgates had opened and soon, everyone began to lend a hand.
Over the following weeks, the ground was dug up and clean, new pipes were installed, allowing for fresh water to flow freely. Where once, broken homes swayed unsteadily, new houses were raised, ready to be filled and to stand strong for several generations. Pristine paint covered old wounds and once again the fan of the Uchiha was ready to stoke the Land of Fire.
It was only when Sasuke saw his newly built home, that he truly felt closer to his role as the Uchiha patriarch. While his previous house wasn't lacking for size, staring at the manor in front of him, made him wonder if he had gone a bit over the top in his specifications. Working on it bit by bit robbed him of seeing how huge it actually was in its totality.
Finally, after all his labours and stresses, Sasuke had a place that he could proudly call his own. His own district, his own home.
Turning around, he stood to face the crowd of people that had helped for the past few months. He wasn't really sure what he should say to them, words of gratitude of course, but he had never been particularly good at thanking people. Normally, Mei and Naruto had gotten the gist of what he meant whenever they received a rambling mess of words that were intended to show appreciation.
He had always believed actions spoke louder than words, so looking at a group of expectant faces was a little unnerving to him. He turned to Naruto with a desperate look on his face to bail him out. Sighing, Naruto moved in front of the crowd.
"I think what Sasuke is trying, and failing, to say to all of you, is thank you. With your help, I hope that we can finally put the past behind us and move forward into a new chapter for Konoha. Don't misconstrue that as me saying we should forget the atrocities that were allowed to take place here. It is the mistakes of the past that we need to learn from, so as not to repeat them. Your willingness to help repair the Uchiha's home is a testament to that, letting go of grudges and hate, so as to make way for the next generation."
To Sasuke's cynical eyes, it looked like Naruto could have gone on babbling and tossing in buzzwords forever, all while the crowd continued to eat it up, but thankfully he decided to cut it short. After the crowd had finished clapping their hands together like seals, Sasuke approached Naruto and they went to sit down on a newly built bench.
"Not bad, you might have actually turn out to be a promising Kage after all." Sasuke commented.
"I don't know man, it kinda felt like I'm just making these speeches up as I go along."
"You mean you weren't doing that all the previous times?" Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"You were so not the worth the effort." Naruto chuckled. "What's your plan now?"
"Head to Kirigakure, give this place some new occupants."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you got the best deal out of all of us. Brand new home and you get to spend the rest of your days as a trophy husband."
"You do know you could that as well if you wanted, rather easily too I'd imagine?"
"Nah, I think I'd get bored quick. I'm just saying, you get to live in the lap of luxury while Sakura and I are training and doing leg work."
"Oh come on, Sakura is practically already running the hospital and you'll be Hokage in about two years."
"I think it'll be a bit longer than that." Naruto muttered.
"Well, look on the bright side, you've got the people's love and respect."
"Every silver lining, eh?" Naruto smiled.
"Isn't that supposed to be my line?" Sasuke stood up and bumped fists with him.
"You gonna be back soon?" Naruto asked.
"Probably not, things to take care of before I settle in here fully. Plus, it's fun to hang out with you in short doses, but being around you for months on end means I'm getting pretty sick of looking at you."
"Then I guess I'll see when you I see you, dick." Naruto stuck his tongue out and flipped him off.
"Count on it. Hey, do me a favour and make sure this place is still here when I get back."
"You're not gonna... poke my forehead, are you?" Naruto asked, causing Sasuke to laugh.
"Goodbye, idiot." Sasuke began levitating before he took off out of the village.
"See you, ya bastard." Naruto smiled as he watched Sasuke fly out of view.
While Konoha was being fully restored with the inclusion of the Uchiha district, this place hadn't changed much. Kirigakure was about as drab as ever, landing at the gates to the village, Sasuke groaned lowly and cracked the joints in his legs, it always felt good to use his feet again after flying. Passing through the village he did receive more nice looks than scowls, at least if the village wasn't brighter, the people were.
Heading straight for Mei's office, he couldn't stop reminding himself that the last time he had been here was when they had fought, and by fought he meant that he essentially called her barren. Even with his apology, he couldn't help but still feel guilty. His irrational mind had once again got the better of him.
Climbing the stairs, he tried to think of what he should say. Start off with light conversation, or just dive into the deep end and wear his heart on his sleeve. No, that wasn't his style. Well, when he was sober at least.
Walking past her guards he found her talking to Chojuro, while it may looked like she was passing on wisdom to her apprentice, to Sasuke's eyes he could only see her tying up loose ends before she was ready to stay with him permanently. A little selfish on his part, sure, but he didn't want her attention to be divided between being a mother and being Mizukage.
He was already nervous enough about being a father, being about as qualified to be a parent as Sakura was to be an anger management therapist. It was one thing to want a child, it was quite another to nurture, raise and care for one. He wanted her watching his every step, ensuring that he wouldn't screw up his child worse than any past member of his clan.
Upon seeing Sasuke standing at her doorstep, Mei dismissed her protégée and stood to greet him.
It amazed him how beautiful she still looked to him after all this time. He was still as attracted to her as ever, absence did make the heart grow fonder, though he suspected it was something more. It was all well and good for them to fool around and entertain the idea of their future, it was another thing entirely to have a brand new house waiting to go. His responsibilities and priorities felt all a bit more real to him now, and he wanted her to be by his side every step of the way.
"Sasuke." Mei smiled warmly.
She didn't get much time to say anything else as he grabbed her by the waist and pushed her up against the wall, his lips hungrily overwhelmed her. Mei's hands desperately clawed into his silky hair as he pressed his body against hers, before rapidly robbing her of clothing.
The Anbu standing outside by the door turned their heads to look at each other, though their masks were expressionless, the gesture said everything. The moans coming from the Mizukage's office were only getting louder, and made them consider if their cushy guard job was all it was cracked up to be.
Sasuke had always maintained that the couch in her office was as comfortable as their bed and, lying next to him on it, she couldn't help but agree.
"Well, hello to you too." Mei panted, regaining her breath. Sasuke laughed and pulled her to him, letting his tongue lazily explore her mouth.
"Figured I'd start off our parenting endeavour on a strong note." He said, parting from the kiss.
"Make a show of dominance, eh? Can't say I'm complaining, though I'm pretty sure half the village must have heard of us."
"Let them hear, having their Mizukage happy should increase morale."
"Indeed. So, what have you been up to the past few months?"
"Building, building and more building. Plus, I don't want to see Naruto for like, another year." He groaned.
"I'm all for having you to myself for a while." She smirked.
"That's good, because I don't plan on going anywhere. Though I distinctly remember the last time I was here you got fed up with me."
"That was before I knew how much of a lush you were." She chuckled.
"You make it sound like I'm an alcoholic wreck."
"No, but I've found that you are generally more fun when under the influence of alcohol."
"You sure about that?" Sasuke asked, harkening back to their fight.
"Well, it makes you honest if nothing else."
"What about you, how have you been spending your few months of freedom?" Sasuke asked, desperate to change the subject.
"It's been alright, I've gotten used to the whole "long distance relationship" thing by now. The people have been catching on that there's a transition coming, I think it should be pretty easy for me to pass the torch."
"You won't need to worry about distance anymore, I told you, I've taken care of all my affairs. I'm going to be stuck to you like glue." Sasuke said, gently stroking her hip.
"You're going to be following around like a little puppy, then?" Mei smiled.
"I think you know better than anyone, how hard it can be to bring me to heel." Sasuke grinned in return. He moved on top of her, before lowering his head to bring his lips to hers.
Mei now had much more freedom than ever before, as she was fine tuning Chojuro to replace her. The young, soon-to-be-Mizukage, had already gotten his feet wet when she had stayed with him in Konoha for that week.
It wasn't surprising that Mei wanted to leave office on a high note. Both her and Tsunade weren't Kages for long, however they did what was needed at the time, putting their respective villages ahead of their own desires. Neither had expressed particular interest for the job when it was offered, though Mei wanted to help her people, and Tsunade could see how having Jiraiya at the helm could only end horribly.
It seemed the other villages would be following suit, with A and Ohnoki set to retire in mere weeks. Not to mention that Gaara had pretty much started the passing of the torch years ago when he became Kazekage.
Though Sasuke knew all eyes would be on the new Hokage. He didn't much believe in ideas such as fate or destiny, though if he was to make an exception, Naruto was practically born for that position.
While Gaara might have started the transfer of power to the newer generation, Naruto would finally cement it in stone when his head was etched in rock next to his father and the other Hokage.
Sasuke scowled at himself as his thoughts once again circled back to the blond-haired ninja, he just couldn't seem to escape him, no matter how much he wanted to.
Drinking some tea after breakfast outside in Mei's garden on an unnaturally lovely morning, his sophisticated musings were interrupted by a howl of an animal that sounded like it was in pain. Mei shortly came out in her robe, with her own cup of tea and sat down next to him.
"I'm still surprised that you make such a nice breakfast, if you'll pardon my scepticism. I think it's because you do it so rarely." Mei teased.
"Well I was cooking for myself long before you came into my life, you know? Always had to have a good breakfast."
"Do you always lay out shirtless afterwards too?"
"Robes were never my style, I'd throw a shirt on if it was cold or get dressed properly. But for just lounging out here, in one of the rare days that it's actually sunny here?" Sasuke shrugged.
"It wasn't a complaint, it makes you seem... relaxed, I like it." Mei smirked, taking a sip of her tea before the howling began again. "That damn dog." She muttered.
"Since when does Kirigakure have dogs that are that loud?" Sasuke asked.
"Only recently, a family whose child had apparently been pestering for them to get a pet, finally gave in after months of refusing. Unfortunately for them, they just happened to get the pick of the litter when it comes to screaming. The father was insistent on getting rid of it immediately, however when he saw how attached his daughter had gotten to the mutt, he just didn't have the heart."
Sasuke scoffed at this, he was sure the father didn't have the heart, but once the neighbours had lost their patience by constantly being woken up by the mongrel, they'd help him with getting rid of it.
"You ever have a pet, Sasuke?" Mei asked.
"No, well... kind of. There was a friend of the Uchiha clan who was big on cats, Itachi and I used to visit her whenever Itachi had errands to run. I used to gather paw prints of the cats there and I guess I've had a soft spot for the creatures ever since." Sasuke smiled.
"But you've never properly owned one, though?"
"Owned one? No. But I do have a current animal that's more of a partner than a pet." He said, standing up and moving to the middle of the garden.
"If you summon a giant snake in my garden I will burn it, then you, to ashes." Mei declared, causing Sasuke to laugh.
"No, not a snake. Something much more majestic." Sasuke assured her, before making a few hand signs and placing them on the ground.
With a poof of white smoke, two huge wings emerged to blow the fumes away, as well as create a sizeable gust of wind. Mei couldn't help the involuntary and undignified squeal that left her mouth, standing in her garden now was a massive, brown hawk. While the sheer height of the bird had initially caught her off guard, she couldn't help but admire the sheer elegance of the creature.
She also didn't miss how Sasuke affectionately stroked the animal's beak.
"Garuda, my personal summon." Sasuke informed her.
"He certainly is a big one." Mei commented, feeling a little silly at not having anything more intelligent to add.
"Don't think I didn't hear your little squeak." He smirked. "He's always been reliable, whenever I summon him, always ready to go. That's why I still bring him out from time to time, just to show that I appreciate him. Even though I don't really need his ability to fly anymore, he's still dear to me. Yeah, kind of like a pet I guess."
Sasuke turned to her and extended out his hand to her. "Care to join me?"
"You want me to fly, now?" Mei asked, shocked.
"Come on, you've heard how enjoyable it is from me, don't you want to experience it?"
It took about two seconds before Mei's curiosity got the better of her and Sasuke helped her climb onto Garuda's back. He wrapped his arms around her stomach which admittedly, did reassure her.
"Is he going to be able to fly properly with both of us on his back?" Mei asked.
"You think I'd hold him in such high regard if he couldn't carry me and my partner, just watch."
With a flap of its powerful wings, the hawk rose from the ground quickly before gaining altitude as well as speed. It wasn't long until they were high above Kirigakure, Mei was speechless as she gazed upon the surrounding lands from a perspective she had never seen before.
"Incredible, isn't it?" Sasuke asked in a raised voice.
Mei could only nod in astonishment. It didn't escape her how Sasuke seemed to be shivering at this altitude and was doing his best to dodge her hair from blowing in his face. Up here, she was even more thankful that Sasuke had his arms around her, he was ensuring that her robe didn't come loose and blow away.
They soared in the air, taking in the views of the Land of Water for as far as their eyes could see. After twenty minutes, the cold had gotten to both of them and Sasuke directed Garuda to bring them back. When Sasuke could make out the village, he leaned over to whisper in Mei's ear.
"We're going to be taking the express way down." He grinned mischievously. Before Mei could ask what he meant by this, she found herself plummeting to the ground. "Thank you, old friend." Sasuke rubbed the top of Garuda's head quickly before diving after Mei.
"You bastard!" She screamed at him when he had reached the same altitude as her. Sasuke's face was almost red from laughing at her terrified expression, and after he had sufficiently amused himself and saw how close they were to the ground, he caught her in his arms, bridal style and immediately slowed their descent.
"A much gentler landing I think, my lady." Sasuke smirked at her, as he softly glided them back towards Mei's garden. Landing with immense grace, Sasuke delicately placed Mei down and braced himself for the world of pain he knew was coming.
"Never... do that again." She quietly warned him.
"You have my word." Sasuke vowed, struggling to keep a straight face.
Mei walked inside without saying another word to him, which he knew was never a good sign. Though, despite the cold shoulder he was bound to receive for the rest of the day, he was adamant that the look of sheer horror on Mei Terumi's face which he had just witnessed, had been more than worth it.
He had never seen anything like it. Such concentration, such skill.
There was a festival currently going on in Kirigakure. What it was for, he couldn't remember, though as the Mizukage's partner, Sasuke was expected to attend. Nonetheless, his days of being associated with the Mizukage were numbered, as Mei had announced the date that she would be stepping down, and Chojuro would be her successor. That date? Two months from today.
Honestly, it didn't matter much to Sasuke, as she was basically in her office pretending to do work, while in actuality she was just waiting for him to visit and alleviate her boredom. Chojuro was receiving all relevant paperwork, and was currently in the process of choosing his advisors. Though it would be Sasuke's genuine pleasure to stand by her side on the day she stepped down, when all the people would give her all the credit she so rightfully deserved in improving their quality of life.
That was all to come in the future however, Sasuke was focused on the here and now. His attention was fully directed at one of the many parlour games that the festival had brought.
"Sasuke, what are you doing?" Mei asked, finally catching up with him. She had been mingling with the villagers, many of whom had expressed sadness and well-wishes after she announced her retirement.
"It's a game of precision and confidence. You have to move with speed, despite your nerves and mind begging you to slow down." He spoke quietly, as if he was talking to himself.
"What, you mean the kunai game?" She asked.
Mei assumed he was referring to the old samurai who was sitting at a table, hand splayed out, stabbing at the space between his fingers at a high speed. He would alternate the order in which he attempted to pierce the gaps to make it more challenging.
"It's a stupid game, the best case scenario is that you get to walk away unscathed, I can't imagine why-" Mei was interrupted by Sasuke pulling up a chair opposite the samurai.
"You mind if I try that?" Sasuke asked kindly.
The samurai looked at him with a grizzled look. "I don't doubt your abilities, Sasuke Uchiha, it's your mind I'm concerned for. In this game, your fears have a way of going against even the most razor sharp reflexes and keen eyes. You let just one small bit of doubt creep inside your head, your looking at walking away with the same amount of fingers, as your friend has tails."
"I don't scare easy." Sasuke replied adamantly. The samurai nodded in what seemed to be agreement, and handed Sasuke the kunai.
"This might be the most idiotic thing you've ever done. Do you know how strong of a statement that is?" Mei asked incredulously, as Sasuke placed his palm on the table.
"Mei, relax." Sasuke reassured her by having his charcoal eye swirl into a blood red.
Spinning the kunai on his index finger for luck, Sasuke's hand moved at blinding speed thrusting into the narrow expanse between each of his fingers. Even the samurai watched in amazement as the kunai was reduced to nothing but a blur. Mei heard hushed murmurs from behind her and looked to see that almost the entire festival had paused and was watching in stunned amazement.
Finally planting the kunai in the table in front of the samurai with a thud, Sasuke nodded in satisfaction. A huge cheer went up from the crowd and Mei had to take a minute to pick her jaw up from the floor. After she composed herself, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"It seems all that wrist action is finally starting to pay off." Mei winked.
"It seems so." He laughed.
"Forgive me for ever doubting you."
"Forgiven." Sasuke grinned, before pulling her in for a deep kiss which inspired another round of applause from the audience.
"Now do it without the Sharingan." A lone voice called out from the crowd.
Suddenly, almost immediately, the entire village went deathly silent. It was as if Sasuke's entire manhood had been called into question at a moment's notice. Luckily, Mei knew him well enough that he wouldn't risk one of his digits for mere pride-
Sasuke had retaken his seat and looked resolute at the samurai.
"Sasuke, stop. I will not be the one to explain to all your friends, our future children, why you are missing a finger. Worse than that is how I know that you're going to constantly whine and moan at me for not talking you out of it." Mei pointed out.
They were all completely accurate and valid reasons to not proceed, however, it was like Sasuke had gone deaf and was unwilling to stop himself. He grabbed the kunai handle and plucked it out from the wood from which he had embedded it in. He lay his hand back on the table and spread his fingers as far apart as he could. He raised the kunai and took a deep breath, before plunging it down to its first target...
Finally pulling the bandage off his index finger, Sasuke smirked in satisfaction at seeing how his little nick had healed fully. It had only been his second strike when a stray firework going off in the other end of the village, mixed with the fear of losing a finger, had caused a momentary lapse in concentration and made him cut his finger.
It had been slightly embarrassing to go from lightning fast and receiving thunderous applause, to having the same deftness as a clumsy chef.
"Ah, I see your war wounds have recovered." Mei teased.
"I'd ask you to give me a war medal, but I think I'm a bit late." Sasuke jested.
The day that had long been in both of their minds had arrived, Mei was finally set to hand over the reins to Chojuro. It was going to be a glorious affair from all accounts, as people would rightfully thank and shower her in praise, for all that she had done for the village.
Sasuke for his part didn't have to give any speeches, as far as he could see, he was just there to stand pretty like the trophy partner he was.
"How do I look?" She asked.
"Exquisite as ever." He affirmed.
"You're quite dapper yourself, Uchiha." She admired.
"I've never really been one for formal wear." He admitted.
"Such a shame when you clean up that well, just missing one last piece."
"Which is?"
Mei gestured to an ornamental box on their table that had definitely not been there yesterday. Raising an eyebrow at her, Sasuke went over to the box and examined it. It looked expensive, hand crafted by a real professional then painted black. As well as formal, Sasuke didn't like wearing jewellery, showing any signs of affluence made you a target as far as he was concerned.
Gently opening the box, Sasuke half expected something to jump out at him for Mei's amusement. When didn't happen, and he saw what was instead inside of the box, he smiled.
Two rings, one that looked to be of silver with black... onyx on it? And another that was gold with a shiny emerald. The metalwork looked meticulous on both, with the jeweller probably spending a considerable time to make them, not least as because it was for the Mizukage.
"Icy white gold, with an exotic black diamond on top, that's yours. Mine is the classic yellow gold with a flawless, alluring emerald. Both of them were specially made here in the village. I chose the gemstones based on our eyes." Mei beamed.
She was only proving his point about how little he knew of jewellery, having such little knowledge of baubles that he didn't know diamonds came in black, or what white gold was. Standing in front of him, Mei took his hands in hers and looked at him intently.
"So, I am ashamed to admit that this isn't my first time asking this question but hopefully, it will be my last. Sasuke Uchiha, will you marry me?" She asked, with about as much earnest as anything he had ever heard from her.
"Yes." He responded casually.
Sasuke was not at all surprised when Mei had popped the question, though seeing her slightly disappointed reaction and the way she limply let go of his hands, he did regret that he had not given it the same weight that she had.
To Sasuke, it was only logical for them to get married. Even if they had only been "dating" for about four years, he had found everything he could have wanted from a partner in Mei. He simply did not see the point of waiting, when he knew he wasn't going to find anyone who surpassed her. Of course, he was anything but an expert in the subject, hence why he didn't move first, or sooner.
Of course for Mei, marriage had been her dream for a long time. He couldn't help but feel bad when he gave his calm, almost cold response and robbed her of a moment of pure childlike bliss.
When she turned her back to him to conceal her hurt, Sasuke swiftly spun her around to face him, placed his arms around her waist and leaned his forehead against hers.
"I'm not much good at this, though you already know that. I know it may have sounded like disinterest from me just now, but in actuality, I was just embracing it and accepting it as fact. I'm not one for big speeches, and I don't even have a lot to offer you. I'm arrogant and can be pretty egotistical occasionally. I'm also reserved at times, being quite awful at small talk. None of this has seemed to deter you though. I came to you at a time when I was directionless and aloof, you gave me a purpose once again and someone to care for other than myself. Mei Terumi, it would be my absolute pleasure to marry you."
Apparently he must have picked some things from Naruto, because his speech had the effect of turning her despondent look into the most wonderful smile he had ever seen. He brought his lips down to hers and they shared a warm, slow kiss.
"You pretend like you're not good at giving speeches, though I think you've got a few locked away somewhere up there." Mei joked.
"Possibly, though I only bring them out for special occasions. Speaking of which, I do believe you've got your own to give."
Mei nodded, before she reached in to the box and pulled out his ring. Taking his right hand, she slipped the ring on which fit almost perfectly. Admiring the diamond, Sasuke clenched his fist and found that the ring wasn't too tight or at risk of falling off.
"You can get it resized if it doesn't feel right." She told him.
"Won't be necessary." He smirked.
Sasuke repeated the exact same actions she had, only placing her ring on her left hand. He couldn't help but notice that the emerald was almost the exact same shade of green as her eyes, the jeweller had a keen memory.
"Well, I think it'll be one hell of an announcement to leave office on. You coming?" She chuckled.
"You don't have much choice on that matter anymore." Sasuke grinned, and took her hand in his before walking out to the rapturous applause of all of Kirigakure.