"So, your… father is… 'marrying' again, then?"

"That's why we're here." Another feminine voice answered, somewhat flatly.

"Yes." Yūshirō nodded, not for the first time. He wasn't entirely sure why she was asking, when she clearly knew, but it was only polite to answer a question asked. "They are all getting married."

The wedding, of course, took place in Umi. Although the place had been a small village once, it was a fair bit more, nowadays. A set of islands renowned for their pristine beauty and tranquil surroundings, or the place where the former Emperor lived, depending on whom you asked.

They were kilometers away from the main island. Here, a tranquil beach, embraced by nature, apparently formed the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Fine white sands lay nestled between lush hibiscus bushes bursting with color and towering palm trees that swayed gently in the sea breeze. The water in the cove was crystal clear, a stunning palette of blues and greens that shimmered under the sun. A few large rocks, worn smooth by the sea, were found there. Surrounding the cove, massive cliffs draped in verdant greenery.

"I do not understand your human customs." Eishin continued, with a scowl. "Wasn't he joined in such a 'marriage' to several human females, already?"

Yūshirō gave her a long look, unsure where to begin exactly. "…It's not really conventional, even for us." He said. "But it works for them."

"Tch." Eishin made a derisive sound. "Why would females even bother wasting time sharing a male, especially such a depraved one? There is only one possible reason, truly." She shook her head. "However, now that he has lost all of his power, in every form, this farce is bound to end soon."

"It's never been about power — And they're not 'sharing' anyone, they're all — My dad is not depraved." Yūshirō said, but knew her mind was set on this, already.

"Certainly not." Eishin smiled flatly. "Your kind prones the sanctity of this joining, and yet that man has changed the terms of the pact, already."

Yūshirō sighed again. "It's a mutual thing."

"Lies you tell yourself to sleep at night, Nii Yūshirō." Eishin said, mockingly. "If such was the reason, why hasn't that man… 'married' your mother? She is powerful, and, I suppose, not the most terrible-looking of humans."

"I don't think Mom's really interested in marrying." He said. Eishin nodded in what could pass for approval. In fact, Yugito had laughed when Yūshirō asked her about it, quite hard.

"Quite reasonable, for someone who beds someone like him anyway." Eishin said, and Yūshirō hid a wince.

"Don't put it like that."

"Put it like what?"

He sighed. Eishin's eyes went back to more interesting matters, such as Lady Kaguya, who was attending, and who she was assigned to defend. As though there was anyone Eishin could fight that the older Ōtsutsuki couldn't — besides, there was only one reason the woman was here, a reason named Orochimaru. But such decisions were taken by their Moon Council, and they held on fast to some traditions.

Although Naruto had expressed a desire to keep the ceremony small, his intentions seemed only to apply to the previous day's dinner, which Yūshirō had enjoyed as a cozy gathering of close friends and family. Today, a massive crowd had assembled on the beach. Later on, when he would finally arrive, it would be apparent from Naruto's almost invisible eye-roll that although he hadn't particularly wanted so many to come, he had half-expected it.

Then again, events tended to get a bit bigger when guests came for eight people.

Yūshirō found himself seated close to Jiraiya and Hitoshi. And in between Yui and Eishin. Whoever had decided on that must have been rather cruel, he thought.

"This is all ridiculous." Eishin declared, arms firmly crossed. "And nonsensical. Why does Uzumaki Sakura, the strongest of their marriage-bind, not get rid of all the marriage-bounded ones weaker than herself, including your father? For all her controversial, bastardized metamorphoses, as well as her lack of decorum, she is a master of the Void Arts. There is no reason for her to waste her time with cripples." She shook her head, and Yūshirō tensed. "Were she back on Tsuki, she would have taken on new, powerful suitors, letting them vie for her favor, choosing only the strongest among them to continue her lineage."

"Look." Yui, finally reaching her limit, interjected sharply. "If Tsuki is so wonderful, why did you leave?"

Eishin barely blinked. "Instruct that weakling to refrain from speaking to me so familiarly, Nii—"

"Eishin." Yūshirō's voice was firm when he spoke. "Her words might have been harsh too, but don't talk to Yui like that. And I don't appreciate your comments about my family, especially when they're not here to answer you."

Although… Perhaps it was for the best that they were not here — Ino had a way of breaking people down with just a few choice words, and Sakura was not exactly known for her restraint.

He ignored the small, satisfied smirk that Yui flashed towards Eishin.

Eishin turned, her gaze reflecting a hint of surprise. "Oh?" She drawled, a curious intensity in her eyes. "So there is some steel in you after all." Her tone suggested intrigue, as if she had just discovered something valuable and unexpected. Yui's eyes narrowed again.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, was grinning, his expression unnerving as he sent Yūshirō a significant look, which caused a shiver to run down his spine. The moment Jiraiya's eyes met Eishin's, however, the smile vanished. Hitoshi gently pulled him aside, shaking his head.

There were plenty more people coming. Some, Yūshirō knew, some, he had never seen before, and some, he doubted he would see again for a long while.

"So, your father's getting married again?" A man inquired with a raised eyebrow. "How does that even work…?"

Yūshirō responded with a curt nod, trying not to sigh. "…Yes. He's getting married again."

PLEASANT DAYS

Another crowd of people, predominantly women, arrived at the beach for the wedding.

They all entered through a singular portal, parading along the white sands in vibrant, flowing dresses and, for some, carrying blossoms. Mitsuki's arrival was now certain.

On the horizon, ornate boats edged toward the shore, their sails gleaming in the sunlight, the same way the waves that kissed the shore did. Shinjiro and his party, as well as his family, were likely aboard.

The Uchiha, however, remained averse to seafaring — Sasuke led his clan, as they arrived through more than twenty shimmering portals, all clad in uniform robes.

The beach buzzed with a large gathering, and for a fleeting moment, Sasuke wondered if they had arrived too late. But then he recalled who exactly it was they were dealing with, and relaxed. He asked, just to confirm, and then joined in the lively conversation that echoed throughout the beach.

Each time a portal materialized, a hush fell over the crowd in eager anticipation of the bridal party's arrival. Yet since Sasuke's entrance, over thirty portals had sprung open, each time revealing only tardy attendees or additional guests.

Out of all the habits that Naruto might have taken from Kakashi, Sasuke wished he would have chosen any other. Well, nearly any other, but considering Hanabi's penchant for literature usually made Kakashi seem well-adjusted, he supposed that front was covered already.

And so, slowly, the guests and the outside public, who he wasn't entirely sure had been invited in the first place, passed through all the phases of anticipation.

Excitement, curiosity, wonder, impatience, renewed hope, and finally, acceptance. Relaxation.

The woman who was to marry the twin bridal parties glanced around occasionally. And then she shrugged. Anko had never been one to worry much about formalities, in the end. Perhaps it was why she had been chosen.

"Do you believe we did well in picking the wedding gifts?" Hinata asked, not for the first time.

"Yes." Sasuke said, giving her a swift smile.

"I know Hanabi will, of course…" Hinata said, worrying her lower lip. "But what if—"

"They will love it."

"What if Toru—"

"Oh, he will love theirs, too."

"What if Akemi—"

"What if they love them?" Sasuke interrupted gently.

Hinata took a deep breath, her eyes tracing the patterns of light cast by the noon sun. "You're right. I just want everything to be perfect for them."

"It will be." Sasuke assured her, his eyes briefly scanning the crowd before returning to Hinata. "They're surrounded by friends and family who love them. That's more than enough." He paused, before adding. "…Oh, and I suppose we're here, too." She laughed.

Across the beach, Nacchan and his partner were the center of a small, animated group, laughing and talking with ease. Despite her usual placidity, Sarada's face was lit up with joy. Hermione's hands gestured wildly as she spoke, and Boruto, ever attentive, kept an arm around both of their shoulders, occasionally whispering something in their ears. Children stayed close to them: blonde, brown, and black-haired — Hanami, Kazue, Kaito and Rei.

Anko, meanwhile, had found her way to a quieter corner, a plate of food in hand, clearly content to observe the festivities from a distance, undoubtedly muttering something about the bridal party — something rude — to Shisui, who laughed. Every so often, her eyes would flick towards the crowd, a mischievous glint appearing as she watched her daughter.

Sasuke felt a twinge of pity for Yūshirō, who hadn't done anything to deserve being stuck where he was, in between his sons, Anko's daughter, and a rather rude Ōtsutsuki. Then again, considering Naruto's casual approach to formality and ordered seating, it might reflect more on his son's choice to stay put.

Toru had declared a wedding wouldn't be complete without a few Tailed Beasts roaming around freely, and there they were — Matatabi, Yūgao and Kage's Kurama, at the very least. The former was causing a certain amount of disruption, because someone clearly hadn't been warned about the dangers of having coffee served freely.

"You can call me Gama." The man who could be called Gama said, extending a hand to Sasuke's fourth cousin Urushi, an avid birdwatcher who had, long ago, been kicked out of Konoha's sanctuary for accidentally ('accidentally') terrifying children who had been trying to chase pigeons away.

"Is that not your name?" Urushi asked.

"Eh." Gama shrugged, and the motion was eerily familiar to Sasuke. Not just because he had known the man for years, but because they had learned from the same teacher — in a way — and he knew exactly where both of them had picked this same casual, one-shouldered shrug. Hinata knew it, too. "That's as good a name as any, I'd say."

"Gama?" Someone piped in — Kazuhiko, Sasuke's third cousin twice removed, infamous for once taming a two-headed serpent during a perilous mission in the Land of Rivers, just to win a wager. "Like that one fighting game player?"

Somewhere nearby, Hebi chortled, and Gama gave her a frown. Likely something to do with how she rated his performance at those.

Roku, on the other hand, snorted. "Games are a waste of time. This is the sort of sh—" He paused, glanced at his daughter. "…Thing that I told you you should stop, about a thousand times."

Gama rolled his eyes. "Oh, and that means I should, right?"

"If you ever found the other half of your brain."

"I must have left it in the same place you left yours, yes — the part that has hobbies." Gama said easily. "Besides, if you think Mina hasn't learned to curse like a sailor from you already, you're dead wrong."

Roku only let out a sheepish laugh and a sigh. "…Whatever you say."

"Weddings still aren't your thing, huh." Gama pointed out, wrapping an arm around the gruff man's shoulders. That he didn't throw him off said more about the two of them than words could say. "You're even grumpier than usual."

"They're a security risk." Roku grunted, more out of habit than anything else.

Gama raised an eyebrow. "When's the last time anyone managed to commit a crime on the Ring?" Roku answered with another grunt. The intent barriers were rather good at detecting actual intent. "Thought so, yeah. It was the chicken egg-stealer—"

Gama yelped when Hebi pinched his ass.

"Leave him alone, stupid. Weddings are just not everyone's thing." Hebi said, before remembering to introduce herself to some of Sasuke's relatives she hadn't met yet.

"I know you find them pointless, yes." Gama shrugged. "I'm behind you."

She glanced at him, raising a thin eyebrow in question. Gama shrugged again — there was no innuendo in that, Ryūko confirmed it.

It was a warm day, the air was thick and hot, and flutes trilled from the musicians' corner, echoing into the distance. Following Anko's example, more of the guests started eating, drinking, and generally talking among themselves. Under normal circumstances, it would be considered poor behavior to start eating before the bridal party. Except, they were missing. Sasuke sipped a cup of wine and wondered why he had thought Naruto and Toru, together, would manage to do anything properly at all. They had indeed matured over the years — and admitting even that much was almost painful — but they were still, well, themselves.

"Why do you think they're late?" Hinata asked.

Sasuke nearly snorted. "Pick your poison. Maybe they decided day drinking was a wise idea, maybe Sakura is pissed off about having to wear anything remotely formal again, maybe—"

Hinata shook her head. "You shouldn't talk ill about people who aren't here."

Sasuke sighed. "I suppose not."

There was a pause. "…Besides, I would put the blame on Hanabi." Hinata admitted, and Sasuke laughed.

"Kage and Hinata are here." Sasuke's fifth cousin, Taizo, announced. He was the Uchiha district's baker's son — not Toshio, but Yoji's. Like his father, he had relatively poor eyesight, which had led him to opt out of becoming a shinobi as well. A few decades earlier, he and his father had been slightly mocked for it, but it turned out that good bread could ease quite a few tensions.

A few voices cheered in response — some more sober than others, and Sasuke noticed that Jinsuke, who was standing with their clan, along with his wife and second daughter, was hiding a pleased grin. He was among the slightly less sober ones, and his Sakura was seemingly trying to prevent him from refilling his cup.

It was hard to guess there were some of the most powerful men and women and beings among the universes gathered here. For a wedding that was missing its main participants.

Sasuke's sons were squabbling with Yūshirō again, he could see it. They were eating from a single plate, too, and Hinata tried to hide a chuckle at Sasuke's audible grunt. There were times he wondered what his own father would have thought of his sons, and he had the distinct feeling that his standards for grandchildren would have been rather more lax than they had been for his children.

Or perhaps he was projecting a bit, thinking of Hiashi, who was rather soft on them. Regardless, Hiashi wasn't present — relations had cooled significantly since he had branded Hanabi, and although Hinata was far too gentle to entirely ignore his existence the way her sister did, things were still rather frosty between them.

And of course, the man had remained wary of Sasuke ever since the day he had brought up the matter of his sons' possible futures—

Then, excited laughter. Anticipation. Giggling, a few wolf-whistles, too.

"They've come!"

"Here he is!" "Which one is she?" "My, they look younger than I expected…" "Look at Toru, he's blushing!"

Little shit. Toru nervously adjusted the collar of his traditional black hakama. The beach buzzed with excitement as guests whispered and pointed, their eyes fixed on the sudden appearance of the bridal parties.

Toru's heart pounded — a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Being a legendary warrior had been rather easy: you just needed an enemy to defeat. Drawing was rather easy: you just had to have a clear picture in mind.

This, however, was not a battle. Was not art, either, although a case could be made for it, perhaps.

Most of them were already here, finally having learned how to use Ring Cores — or rather, having grown bored of asking others for rides.

On one side, Naruto stood, flanked by his wives — and his wife-to-be, who seemed about as uneasy under the scrutiny as Toru himself felt right now. Yeah, he thought, the dual wedding, although not his idea, had been a great one. The women all wore elegant uchikake and sported rather soft smiles, too, he supposed. Rather pretty, except Hanabi and Sakura, of course. You couldn't hide an oni's true nature with just a few garments.

Although they all, in rare unanimous accord, decided against an entirely traditional ceremony, considering the dislike they bore for most kami, they had held onto some parts. There was no shrine to be seen, however, no red torii gate. And they were rather short on the parental side of things, Toru thought, rather morbidly — among the eight of them, there was a grand total of five parents alive.

Four of them came near Naruto's group.

"It's just a wedding, Mom." Sakura said in bored tones, when her mother studied her dress again, with rather shiny eyes. "Not even my first, really. I'm not sure why you're like that."

"I'm not the only one crying." She said, holding on to her daughter's only arm tightly.

"Yeah, but Dad's weird." Sakura sighed. "If there's anything to cry about, it's the excessive quantity of planning and traditionalism here. Enough to drive a woman mad."

Mebuki might have been referring to Noriko, whose emotions mirrored Ino's current state. Both women shed tears freely, pouring out praises for Yoisen's dress, who also wept, her face flushed with emotion.

Rather clever on the latter's part, Toru thought; winning over the mother first ensured a smoother path when it came time to charm the daughter. He hadn't met Akemi's father before they had been well into their relationship, certainly, but he was sure it would have worked rather well.

Ino shot him a pointed look, and Toru raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. She was kind enough to shield their thoughts from others, in case the Ring Core wasn't enough on its own, but it didn't mean she couldn't hear them herself.

There were more guests than he had expected, and more flowers, too. Who had put so many of them on the aisle leading to the archway…? White and crimson, everywhere—

...Ah, no. Mebuki hadn't just meant Noriko, then. Toru realized this when his brother joined his side as his acting parent, right after Mikoto, who wore an easy, albeit watery, smile.

"…Not you too." Toru muttered. "Please, stop crying, you're starting to make me feel bad."

Shisui wiped away a stubborn tear, attempting a shaky laugh. "Can't help it." He managed, his voice thick with emotion. "It's not every day I see my little brother get married."

"First dual wedding…?" Toru asked.

"Just… Just shut up."

Mikoto simply patted his hand gently. It was her way of telling him to shut up, too.

His gaze swept the garden, taking in the sea of white and crimson petals that blanketed their path, reflecting the colors of the setting sun. Toru looked back at the guests, a mixture of family, friends, and more than a few faces from distant lands; a good quarter of them were bonds forged through hardship. Sasuke grinned at him, snapping his fingers in a cheesy gesture that Toru promptly returned with a grin. Hinata hid her face in her hands, and continued to do so when her husband did it again for the other bridal party.

Naruto was handling all this remarkably well, bearing it all with a soft grin. In fact, he wagged his eyebrows at Toru. There was a mischievous spark in his eyes that reminded Toru of their earlier days, too. A simple, playful gesture; years of friendship.

Mebuki was complaining about how low Sakura's dress was, which Sakura ignored with casual amusement, actually pulling it slightly lower, prompting her mother to stop.

"Don't take it personally, Mother." Hanabi said to her. "She's rude with us, too."

Sakura's mother huffed. "Don't I know this. I'm glad you're not like this."

Toru nearly choked on his indignant sound, and Hanabi just raised a mocking eyebrow at him. Karin simply laughed. "We are lucky, yes." She said. "That Sakura didn't come in the flame-patterned pants."

Sakura frowned. "What's your problem with them, exactly? They're comfy, stylish, and easy to wear."

"They make you look as though you've hit your mid-life crisis." Hanabi pointed out.

"Eh, I got a few more good years in me. Pants, too."

In fact, Naruto's amusement lasted until the harp strings stilled in their trilling, and an ocarina began its soft, joyous melody. The change in instrumentation marked a shift in him. Slowly, then with greater confidence, Yūshirō played. It was not perfect, likely, but that didn't seem to matter.

Naruto's eyes widened slightly as he took in the unmistakable sight of his son, and it seemed that the full weight of the moment only hit him then. He looked around, truly taking in his partners once more, absorbing the entire situation fully. To Toru, seeing this unguarded expression on his usually stoic friend was worth all the awful jokes in the world.

Then, in a whirl of energy, she appeared.

Akemi materialized before him, and for a moment, everything stilled — the playful jabs, the giggling, the rustling of silk — all faded into a hushed reverence as Toru's eyes locked onto her. The way she looked up at him with those deep, unwavering eyes, as if they were the only two people in the universe. Her smile thawed the nervous chill in his bones.

She was a vision, draped in a flowing gown that shimmered with subtle hints of gold, her pale hair braided elegantly and catching the sun's light. Toru caught his breath, and continued to stare as she walked towards him.

Her eyes were shining, his own were burning. His throat was so thick he could barely swallow as he watched her. And then, suddenly, hot tears were streaming down his face.

…It was just a wedding.

He continued to stare at Akemi through his blurry vision. It was just a wedding. She was marrying him. In spite of all the reasons she probably shouldn't, she was marrying him. Had chosen to love him.

Toru's shoulders shook.

Yūshirō watched as his family partook in the traditional exchange of nuptial cups.

His focus was split, certainly, but it didn't mean he had much trouble.

Each groom and bride ceremoniously sipped sake from three different-sized cups, known as sakazuki: the symbolic exchange of their marriage vows.

It was then the turn of the parents or the acting parental figures to partake. They too drank in succession — three sips from each of the three cups.

The initial trio of sips symbolized the unity of the couples. The subsequent set reflected the human flaws of hatred, passion, and ignorance; as was tradition. The final sips were the most significant, representing a collective aspiration towards liberation. Freedom from these flaws, binding the families not just through marriage, but towards greater harmony.

It also meant that (Great) Aunt Noriko, who stood in for Yoisen as well, had to drink several times too. Anko led the ceremonial phrases, echoed in chorus by the bridal party. Aunt Akemi's father wept quietly, the lace in his hand barely muffling his great sobs. Others among the parents shared this quiet sentiment. Turning to Yūshirō, Yui's smile radiated, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Then, with a casual wave of Anko's hand, the twin bridal parties were declared bonded for life; as though they hadn't been, before.

Suddenly, the sky erupted in a spectacle of light — brilliant fireworks soaring above, dancing in patterns that defied the usual constraints (and likely, regulation) of a wedding celebration. Mitsuki initiated a round of applause, the crowd joining in as colorful creatures traced the bright sky.

Anko's voice rose above the applause, in festive tones. "Now, we dance!"

He thought he heard his father grumbling audibly.

The afternoon fell into celebration.

Fireworks painted the heavens in dazzling bursts of color, and guests mingled and laughed, spirits high with the delight of the occasion.

Right before he stepped into a dance with Yoisen, Naruto allowed his gaze to sweep over the crowd one last time. He had initially dismissed it as a trick of his imagination, but now he was certain. The gentle squeeze from Yoisen's hand seemed to affirm his realization.

There, among the revelers, he had seen eerily familiar figures. Or remnants of them, rather, with smiles as bright as any of them. Neither ghost nor truly flesh; memory made nearly solid.

Remnants of the departed, who had come for each of them.

Not just the shade of his parents, or the ones that could only be his very first teachers; not just Yoisen's kin. Not just Karin's, or Akemi's.

Each of them.

And only when it made sense for them to be here. For a moment, he had wondered just who possessed both the skill, the will, and the tact to summon them here, even briefly. It wasn't Yugito, who just smiled at him and shook her head in slight amusement, slight exasperation when she glanced toward the younger side of the crowd. It wasn't Boruto, and it wasn't Mitsuki either.

And then, Naruto saw Yūshirō hastily shoving his hands in his pockets, at about the same time Sasuke's twins let out tired sighs. And Matatabi, perched upon his son's shoulder, was simply glaring at Naruto, daring him to say anything.

A warm smile spread across his face, and he decided to honor Yūshirō's silent plea for discretion. It couldn't have been that easy, even for him, to convince Matatabi. His son wasn't quite that slick — there was too much of Naruto in him for that.

Turning his attention back to Yoisen, he extended his hand to her, the same way Hanabi extended her own to Sakura, for the first dance, Karin to Ino, Toru to Akemi.

As their fingers intertwined, the music swelled, guiding them into a song.

"May I have this dance, Nii Yūshirō?"

It was less of a question and more of a statement, cutting through the surrounding chatter and drawing the attention of everyone nearby. Eishin didn't seem to care much. In fact, the only trace of interest he had seen in her eyes had been toward the soul projection… and right now, too.

Especially now, with Tabi gone, whose mere presence still seemed to make Eishin wary. And Yūshirō, caught off-guard and slightly exhausted by the very same use of the technique, nodded, because there was no particular reason to refuse.

So he took her hand, and missed the tight expression that crossed Yui's face. Hitoshi, on the other hand, didn't, and he just nodded at his brother, who sighed and buried his face in his palms.

Eishin danced with a surprising elegance, her usual fierceness giving way to fluid movements perfectly in tune with the music. Her eyes sparkled with a challenge, and Yūshirō, never one to back down, matched her step for step.

Their dance was just hitting its stride when Jiraiya stepped up confidently, tapped Eishin's shoulder, and asked for the next dance in a tone that mirrored Ōtsutsuki formalities.

When Eishin dismissed him with a scoff, he clarified that he wanted to dance with Yūshirō, who accepted this invitation as well; she could only step aside, visibly irked, her eyes narrowing.

As Eishin departed, presumably to find another partner, Jiraiya deftly turned towards Yui, who was dancing with his brother. With a subtle maneuver, he swapped partners, taking her place in dancing with Hitoshi, and smoothly directed Yui towards Yūshirō.

Caught off guard yet again, Yūshirō nodded easily, and his fatigue was momentarily forgotten, as he took Yui's hand.

And it was a beautiful celebration, indeed.

There was food — too much food. The sort of amounts that the present Akimichi relished in, and the sort of amounts that would have anyone else regret having eaten so much right after. From roasts to hot rolls to salads and pies and fresh fruit.

Music, too. From all sorts of worlds. Bright and loud; slow and steady. Instruments some of the present audience had never heard, and some they could never play. Traditional folk songs to modern beats, to what sounded like clown music to most — something only Sakura seemed to enjoy, and that she had likely chosen.

They laughed. Laughed until their eyes watered and their sides ached. The sun began to set, and they laughed some more.

Yugito was wiping amused tears away when Naruto released her from the foot-stomping he called dancing.

They ate too much and drank and danced, all of them.

It was a sunny, beautiful day, with bright, open skies.

There were no signs of rain.

Naruto stood slightly apart from the festivities, his gaze contemplative. Sasuke sidled up beside him, offering a drink with a knowing smile.

"You look like a man who's conquered the world and wonders what's left to explore."

Naruto's smile was a faint echo of amusement. "That sounds rather specific. Do you know anyone like that?"

"You wouldn't know him." Sasuke answered. "But he was a real dick."

"Ha."

"Am I disrupting your ritual five minutes of solitude?"

"You definitely are."

"Good." Sasuke's grin widened. "Because Toru and Akemi are searching for you. Maybe you can help me tell who's more inebriated."

Naruto sighed. "Typical." He rubbed his temples. "Has the game started yet?"

What would soon follow was a game of Witch Hunt — a social deduction party game that he knew Yoisen was particularly fond of, which saw players divided into two teams: villagers and witches, only the latter knowing the identities of each other. The villagers, of course, had to determine for themselves which players to trust.

It was rather endearing, really: Yoisen had mentioned enjoying it, nearly bashful, and Sakura, seizing the moment, had quickly rallied the guests, urging anyone even remotely interested to participate.

…In her slightly threatening ways.

Which, in the end, left them with slightly too many participants. Naruto, although he let them sort that mess out, intended to participate. Besides, with everyone as engrossed in the festivities as they were, was it wrong of him to enjoy a moment's respite from the incessant streams of people…?

"Almost time." Sasuke nodded. "So, what were you brooding about?"

"I wasn't—" Naruto started, paused, and then chuckled softly, slightly amused. He gestured toward the others laughing in the distance. "…Aight, you got me. I just want to ensure this peace lasts, for them—"

"That's not your role anymore." Sasuke said, clapping his shoulder. "And it'll take some time getting used to. Believe me, I'd know."

Naruto muttered something indistinct.

"…Say. Do you ever think about how far we've come?" He then asked, quietly.

"Every day."

"…We fought for a place, for a tomorrow, and now… what? We watch our children grow in a world where they don't have to fight as hard?"

"That's it." Sasuke nodded, his eyes scanning the happy faces of their families. "Yes. We've paved the way. The path they choose, on the other hand…" He shrugged. "That's up to them."

I know.

"…I suppose that's not so bad." Naruto conceded with a reluctant grin. "Cheers to that."

"Cheers."

"Come play Witch Hunt, before Yoisen starts wondering where you went?"

"Of course."

With time, the festive mood, as well as a fair amount of persistent nudging from both Hitoshi and Jiraiya, Yūshirō found himself pleasantly intoxicated.

His cup seemed to refill as if by magic, his companions matching him sip for sip with a mirthful glint in their eyes that could have been conspiratorial, had their own spirits not been just as high, and their bellies, just as full of drink.

In such high spirits, the group of four, including an equally tipsy Yui, navigated their way home under a star-scattered sky. Their steps were unsteady, the path beneath them rippling as if alive. The cool night air caressed them, pulling them away from the faint laughter and lights of the party that was just the beginning of the celebrations.

Under the lanterns that lined their path, soft shadows danced, and their laughter seemed to hang in the air a moment longer. Yūshirō observed how Hitoshi subtly directed their procession, ingeniously positioning him next to Yui, while Jiraiya, true to form, had spent the evening irritating Eishin. The two brothers weren't that slick.

Surrounded by the rustic charm of Umi's dirt roads, flanked by trees and flowers swaying in the night breeze, the quartet was completely absorbed in the beauty of the night.

It was a beauty they scarcely noticed, so caught up they were in the moment, in the simple joy of their camaraderie. In that moment, they transcended mere friendship; they were young, brimming with dreams, drunk and invincible. Much like the generations before them. And like them, those who had been returned to them, they felt as though they would never grow old and die.

The same way, they were together, they laughed, and their bonds shone as brightly and expansively as the stars above.

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i/zhhLEr : The Men: Although they tried to include him in the picture, Uchiha Sasuke refused, insisting he wasn't the one getting married. However, when he took the picture, he made sure it looked as though his two brothers were marrying each other.

i/zhhn57 : The Women: Although she hadn't been married before, unlike Uzumaki Karin and Ino, the nerves didn't hit Hisame Akemi until the ceremony actually began. Uzumaki Yoisen, on the other hand, dropped her bangasa three times on their way there.

i/S2WsdC : The Worst: On a certain day, and possibly beceause of Uzumaki Hanabi, Uzumaki Sakura realized that sunglasses, paired with her usual disposition, were rather helpful in keeping unwanted people at a comfortable distance.

AN: We're stopping at 120 — yes, yes I know you probably don't believe me anymore, and I can't blame you — because it was the only option to satisfy my OCD-like tendencies...

...Damn, with this sort of indecisiveness, no wonder this ended up being 900k words. Anyway. Considering we're getting close to the finish line (don't say it)... any unanswered questions, any particular interest in some characters, whatever else... now's the time!

Next (full) chapter: Uzumaki Naruto vs. Peace