Chapter 6

Days had passed since Naruto's resignation letter and wedding invitation reached his old friends. The news spread quickly, reaching as far as Ino Yamanaka and others among the rookie nine and their senseis. Everyone was invited except for Sasuke and Sakura.

The revelation was a massive shock, and grief quickly followed. Many had hoped that Naruto might remain, but they had to accept that this was unattainable. They were losing their revered hero, who had chosen to pursue a life of contentment in Japan with his new fiancé, Keigo.

While some saw this as karmic retribution for their past mistreatment of Naruto, others celebrated his newfound happiness. A significant portion also blamed Sasuke for the turn of events.

Ino, Hinata, and Ten Ten were chatting over tea about Naruto's wedding and their attire for the engagement party. Their peaceful gathering was disrupted by Sakura's arrival. The girls' faces hardened into glares; they had distanced themselves from Sakura after learning about her affair with Sasuke and the subsequent heartbreak she had caused Naruto.

Sakura, oblivious to their animosity, breezed in, chirping, "Sorry I'm late for the tea party, I had to do my nails and my hair." As she moved to join them, she realized with confusion that there was no seat or cup of tea waiting for her.

"That's my seat, and where's my tea?" Sakura asked, oblivious to the cold looks directed her way.

Ten Ten stood abruptly, her hands slamming on the table. "Are you that dense, Sakura?! You think we'd invite someone who had an affair and doesn't even acknowledge the wrong in it? Do you realize what you did?! You hurt Naruto!! He didn't deserve any of that!" Ten Ten's voice echoed through the room.

Sakura rolled her eyes dismissively. "It's been over a year since then. Are you going to hold a grudge forever?"

Hinata glared at Sakura. "Get it through your head, Sakura. We don't want anything to do with you."

Ino added, "I suggest you leave now, Sakura."

Sakura was about to retort when she noticed the wedding invitation on the table. Picking it up, her eyes widened. "What?! That orphan is getting married to the number three hero Hawks?! Why does he get all the best men?!" Sakura's voice reached a screech.

Ten Ten smirked. "Because unlike you, Sakura, Naruto is not only beautiful on the outside but also on the inside. He's sweet, kind, loving, compassionate, and his pranks were funny. He's everything you're not, Sakura."

Ino chimed in, "He's everything that you're not, Sakura," drawing out her words in a mocking tone. Sakura threw a tantrum and stormed out.

Hinata sighed. "We should give Naruto a heads up about Sakura potentially causing a scene at his wedding."

Meanwhile, the boys were having their own gathering at a BBQ restaurant. They chatted about Naruto's wedding, expressing their surprise and excitement. However, their camaraderie was disrupted by Sasuke's sudden appearance.

Shikamaru glared at Sasuke. "What do you want, you troublesome Uchiha?"

Sasuke glared back. "None of your business, Nara. I just heard some rumors about the dobe getting married. Is it true?"

Kiba smirked. "So what if he is? You lost your chance, and now Naruto is happy with someone who treasures him."

After ushering Sasuke out, the group contemplated the possibility of Sasuke and Sakura causing a scene at the wedding. They decided to warn Naruto, an agreement sealed with nods all around. As their food arrived, they resumed their meal, looking forward to the wedding and the happiness it would bring to their friend.

To be continued...