Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto (either manga or anime!); the wonderful Masashi Kishimoto-sensei owns all rights. However, the plot and Namiko Uzumaki are mine!

Chapter 54: The Next Step

Namiko woke to find Sasuke's side of the bed cold. 'I wonder where he is right now. It's barely light outside.' She activated her chakra sensing, which seemed easier for the first time in weeks. She tracked his chakra outside at the training grounds but couldn't tell exactly what he was doing.

The mid-February air still had a chilly bite to it, but tolerable. She wandered downstairs and out to the training grounds to check on him. As she got closer she could hear the sounds of metal against wood. When Sasuke came into view, she saw him flipping through the air with his eyes closed as he threw out a mix of kunai and shuriken. Each squarely hit the center of the bullseyes.

She walked over to the closest target and yanked out the kunai embedded inside, twirling it around her finger. "Why are you out here so early? It's barely after sunrise."

The corner of his mouth tipped up at the sight of her. "I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd train for a bit and slip back into bed before you woke, but I should've known you'd wake up."

"What's on your mind?"

"Just…thoughts about the future," he said quietly, his gaze drifting to the ground before locking back on her face as he stepped in front of her.

Namiko smiled softly as she returned the kunai to his hand. "You're allowed to share those with me, you know. Last I checked, we're in this together, right?"

He held her gaze for a moment before he looked past her, at the empty expanse of the forest around them. "It's just…everything is happening all at once. The Akatsuki, the war, us…" He looked back at her, a hint of vulnerability in his expression. "And them," he added, his hand instinctively resting on her stomach. "I just want the three of you to be safe."

Namiko covered his hand with hers, intertwining their fingers over the gentle swell that marked their future. "I know. It scares me, too. But I think we can handle it," she whispered, leaning into his touch. "After all, they'll have you for a father, right? Strong, stubborn, and determined."

Sasuke's mouth twitched into a rare smile. "And they'll have you for a mother. Intelligent, fierce…and maybe a little too perceptive for her own good." He brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I just want to make sure they grow up safe, that I can protect you all."

Namiko reached up to cup his cheek, her thumb tracing his cheekbone. "Sasuke, you already protect us. And you always will. You don't have to keep doubting yourself."

For a moment, Sasuke leaned into her touch, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. He placed his hands on either side of her hips, pulling her tightly against him. "Thank you, Namiko," he murmured into her hair, his voice barely above a whisper.

He kissed her forehead, then the tip of her nose before passionately kissing her lips. He moved one hand to her lower back and the other holding the back of her head. Namiko kissed back, nipping gently at his lower lip as she fisted his shirt in her hands, pulling him flush against her body.

"Maybe I need to add impatient to that list too." Sasuke let out a quiet chuckle against her mouth, feeling the warmth of her lips and the spark that always seemed to flare whenever they touched. He moved his hands from her hips to her backside, lifting her against the tree.

Namiko's fingers threaded through his dark locks, holding him close as if she couldn't get enough. His mouth wandered from her lips to her jawline, tracing a slow, reverent path along her neck. The stark contrast between his warm lips and cool air made her shiver in the morning chill.

"Do you have any idea what you do to me?" he whispered, his breath warm against her skin as he pressed his forehead to hers.

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "I might have an idea," she murmured, tracing delicate fingers along his neck. "But maybe you should remind me."

Sasuke gave a cocky smirk, as if she'd read him perfectly. He tightened his hold on her, his gaze darkening with a glint of unguarded emotion. "Maybe I should," he murmured. "Just so you don't forget."

Namiko arched a brow, her heart pounding a little faster. "I don't think that's possible." She shifted, pulling him even closer, fingers tracing the outline of the Uchiha crest on the back collar of his shirt.

He captured her lips in a searing kiss as he carried her back to the house and to their room. After two times of making sure she wouldn't forget, the two fell asleep entangled in their blankets and each other.

They both woke near lunchtime and prepared to go about the rest of their day. Sasuke had plans to train with Kakashi and Namiko had plans to go to lunch with Naruto and then the library.

Namiko walked up the main street of Konoha, tugging at the edge of her shirt so it blended more with her skirt. Her bump had become a bit more pronounced, and she had resorted to wearing a looser black shirt that skimmed over her stomach to mask her growing waistline.

'How much longer can I hide them with clothes? I'm only seventeen weeks now; that means I'm not even halfway through this pregnancy! What if my body isn't strong enough for this? I'm supposed to be strong and capable as a kunoichi, but now I feel like I'm falling short as a woman.' A tear slipped down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away.

Naruto saw her wipe her cheek as he approached her and immediately jogged up to her and hugged her. "Are you okay? Did that asshole say something to make you cry? Where is he?"

Namiko shook her head, a wry laugh slipping out. "I'm fine. It's not Sasuke. So stop the overprotectiveness, nii-chan. My mind is just going into overdrive worrying about everything that could happen with…you know."

"Oh. Oh…" he said as realization hit him. "Well, it's nothing that ramen can't fix!"

Namiko breathed out a laugh at her brother's sweet, goofy grin and linked her arm with his as they walked the rest of the way to Ichiraku. "You're the best big brother ever, you know?"

Naruto's grin just got bigger. "Eh, I just love ya."

They walked up to the counter at Ichiraku, and Ayame greeted them with a smile. "Naruto! Namiko! It's so good to see you both! Do you want your usual?"

"You know it!" said Naruto excitedly as he sat down.

Namiko stood for a moment before sitting down. "Actually, can I get shoyu ramen with shrimp?"

"Trying something new? I approve," said Ayame as she turned around and relayed the order to her father.

Naruto grimaced at Namiko. "Since when do you eat shoyu ramen, let alone with shrimp?"

"It just sounded good," she said with a shrug. "So, how are things with you and Hinata?"

Naruto's cheeks flushed, and he scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. "Well…I guess things are good? Actually, really good!" He leaned in, as if sharing a secret. "She's amazing, ya know? Like…I always knew she was kind and strong and sweet and beautiful, but now it's like I'm really getting to know her."

Namiko smiled, watching her brother with warmth. "She's been in love with you for years, Naruto. It's nice to see you finally noticing her and loving her back."

Naruto looked down, his fingers tapping on the countertop. "Yeah, I feel kinda dumb for not seeing it sooner. But hey, better late than never, right?" He brightened up, looking at her. "Enough about me though. I'm here for you! You were worrying about…you know," his voice dropped to the barest whisper, "Them. So, how are you holding up?"

Namiko was very thankful that Ayame and Teuchi were too busy to pay attention and no one else was there. She looked down at her stomach as she tugged at her shirt again nervously. "I don't know, Naruto. Sometimes I feel okay, like I'm strong enough to handle this, and then other times…I feel so small. Like I'm not going to make it through. I'm just…scared."

Naruto's eyes softened, his usual boisterous energy quieted for a moment. "I get it, Namiko. And it's okay to be scared, but you've got people who love you and are here for you—me, Sasuke, Hinata, all of us. And you've got that Uzumaki strength." He placed a reassuring hand over hers. "You're stronger than you think."

Namiko squeezed his hand, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Thanks, Naruto. You really are the best big brother."

"Yeah, well, just remember that the next time I start getting on your nerves," he joked with a wink.

Ayame placed their bowls in front of them with a bright smile. "Enjoy, you two!"

Namiko took a deep breath, the savory scent of her ramen calming her. She picked up her chopsticks and gave Naruto a determined look. "All right. No more tears. Let's eat."

But right as they were about to take a bite, both Uzumaki siblings vanished into thin air.

"Uchiha Sasuke is here to see you," said Shizune as she laid some papers on Tsunade's desk.

"Let him in." Tsunade nodded her head, looking at him quizzically as he entered her office. "What are you doing here?"

"Hokage-sama," he began, his formal tone catching Tsunade slightly off-guard. "I know you don't like me very much, but I ask that you put that aside. I want to talk to you about Namiko."

A flicker of curiosity crossed Tsunade's face, but she leaned back, waiting for him to continue. "Go on."

Sasuke took a deep breath. "I want to marry Namiko." He didn't look away, though she could sense the hint of nervousness in his normally unreadable eyes. "She means everything to me, and I want to be there for her. And for our family. I know that because we're under eighteen we need the Hokage's permission to get married, which is why I'm coming to see you."

Tsunade let out a thoughtful sigh, studying him. "Marriage is a big step, especially for someone like you, Sasuke. Are you sure you're ready? Namiko's already been through so much because of you, even before you got her pregnant."

He nodded solemnly, guilt flashing across his face for a brief moment. "I know we're young and I know I can't erase the suffering she's been through because of my sins in the past, but I can make sure she doesn't go through that ever again. I've made mistakes, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe – and happy." He paused, squaring his shoulders and locking his gaze with Tsunade's. "I love her, more than I ever thought was ever possible."

"I know," she replied, earning a small, surprised look from Sasuke before his usual guard slid back into place. "I knew you truly loved her when I saw the way you treated her in the hospital a couple of weeks ago. You may like to act like you don't care and keep your emotions on lockdown, but when it comes to her, you're anything but emotionless."

"She's changed me for the better. Otherwise, I could've ended up on the other side of this whole shinobi war."

Finally, Tsunade nodded. "All right, Uchiha. You have my blessing." She crossed her arms, her smile becoming a little more mischievous. "But if you ever make her regret this decision, you'll be dealing with more than just me."

A rare glint of humor entered Sasuke's eyes. "Understood."

He gave a small, respectful bow and turned to leave, feeling a new sense of purpose. Tsunade watched him go, her expression softening with fondness and pride. "Oh, he better be ready for everything that comes his way…"

Namiko was the first to realize they were no longer in Konoha. When she heard a groan beside her, she looked over to see Naruto with worms hanging out of his mouth before he leaned over to spit them back into the nearest bowl.

Fukasaku closed his eyes, shaking his head. "Now, boy, you loved Ma's arthropod cooking the last time you were here."

"Well, it's different when you're expecting delicious, beautiful ramen and get a mouthful of worms!" snapped Naruto.

"Where are we?" asked Namiko, taking her time to examine her surroundings.

"Mount Myoboku," answered Shima. "Pa reverse summoned you both."

Namiko's eyes widened, her voice slightly panicked, "What?! Why are we here and how do we get back?"

"Don't worry, Namiko-chan, I'll return ya both after Great Lord Elder divines yer futures," replied Fukasaku. "Follow me, you two."

Namiko and Naruto followed Fukasaku into a large open room with a large, old toad sitting on what appeared to be a throne. "I've brought 'em, Great Lord," said Fukasaku as they stood in front of him.

"It was indeed I who summoned you…er…who are you again?" said Gamamaru.

Naruto groaned. "Uzumaki Naruto! C'mon, could you remember my name already Giant Gramps Sage?"

"Ah, that's right…Naruto. And who is the girl?" asked Gamamaru.

Namiko stepped forward nervously. "Uzumaki Namiko; I'm Naruto's younger twin sister."

"That's right…it is good to meet you face to face." Gamamaru looked at her carefully. "It appears the prophecy I gave about you is already coming to pass."

Namiko froze, blinking slowly. "What prophecy?"

Gamamaru looked over at Fukasaku. "Did you not tell her the prophecy?"

"I told Tsunade-sama, but Great Lord Elder, you never said who the prophecy was about," explained Fukasaku.

"I didn't?" Gamamaru hummed thoughtfully. "Wait, what prophecy was that again?"

Namiko shot Naruto a look and leaned to whisper to him, "Is he all there in the head?"

"Beats me," whispered back Naruto with a shrug. "He's like this every time."

Fukasaku sighed. "The prophecy said 'The dual chronicles of onyx and fire will unite and a secret will be a harbinger of chaos and destruction. Once released, balance and peace will be restored, both within and without.' That's the one you last gave me."

"Ah, yes, and I was right." Gamamaru's gaze fell back to Namiko. "She's pregnant, which was a precursor to Pain's destruction and the announcement of the Fourth Great Shinobi War, and once her children are born, peace will return."

"What?!" shouted Naruto.

"My…children?" breathed out Namiko. "They're the reason the destruction happened?"

Gamamaru's expression softened slightly. "No, child, the knowledge of their existence was just foreshadowing of the chaos to come, but their birth will be the reason it stops." Namiko held her breath for a moment before Gamamaru continued, "They must be protected at all costs. Which brings me to my next prophecy…" he turned to Naruto. "Naruto, you will soon meet an octopus and afterward you will come to battle a lad whose power lies in his eyes."

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he clenched his jaw. "It must be Uchiha Madara," he growled out before a look of confusion glossed over his face. "Wait, did you say 'octopus'?"

"I could not see it clearly, but I know I saw octopus legs," said Gamamaru. "Gerotora, I also had a dream where you gave both of them the key to the Yondaime Hokage's seal."

A toad stretched to reveal a scroll wrapped around his middle. "Fine, but only because you said so, Great Lord Elder." Gerotora unrolled the large scroll filled with strange symbols and a box near the top.

"What's this?" asked Naruto, his mouth agape as he stared at the scroll.

"The key that the Yondaime made that locks and unlocks the seals on your stomachs. With this, you could even let the kyuubi out to run free, if you wanted," explained Gerotora. "Now, each of you press your hand on that square area. Once you do, you'll have obtained the means to perfect that jutsu that Jiraiya told you about, Naruto."

Both siblings hesitated, but Namiko spoke up first, "Does this mean we could release the kyuubi at will?" Namiko felt Naruto's gaze snap on her.

"You could, but most likely you'd die if you did that." Namiko reached out and gripped Naruto's hand tightly. Gerotora continued, "Feeling unsure? I can't say I blame either of you.

"But why?" asked Fukasaku.

"The kyuubi gets its powerby mixing two things together: its chakra and its will. For either of you to use its power you must be able to extract only the kyuubi's chakra and convert it to your own chakra. But it's not as easy as it sounds," explained Gerotora. "When you pull out the kyuubi's chakra, its will tags along. The kyuubi's will is a mass of hatred that is bound tightly to its chakra. Your will must be stronger than its will or the kyuubi will take you over. You must be free of hate."

"The Yondaime created Naruto's seal to slowly leak a continuous stream of the kyuubi's chakra in hopes the two could blend seamlessly." Gerotora's tone darkened. "But Namiko's seal was made to use her chakra to fortify the seal and keep their chakra completely separate with no leaks. Until now."

Namiko's brow furrowed, her voice nervous, "What do you mean?"

"It appears your seal is now weakening due to your chakra being diverted to help protect and grow your children in the womb. So now that her chakra is no longer fully concentrated on the kyuubi's seal, it's failing," explained Gerotora.

Namiko's grip on Naruto's hand tightened, her pulse quickening as the reality of her situation sank in. "So...what happens if my seal fails completely?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Gerotora's gaze was solemn. "If your seal fails, the kyuubi could escape and it could destroy everything, including you. But if you can learn to control the kyuubi, that power can help you protect those you care about."

Naruto's jaw clenched, his eyes fierce with determination. "Then we have to figure it out. Both of us. If it means protecting each other and everyone back home, we'll do whatever it takes."

Gamamaru nodded approvingly. "You share a powerful bond, but be cautious. You'll need guidance beyond even what I can offer."

Namiko took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her role more than ever. "What kind of guidance? What do we need to do to control this?"

The Great Elder toad's eyes seemed to grow heavy as he looked at them both. "You will need to seek allies. The power of your bond is strong, but there are others who hold a unique resonance with your challenges." He looked pointedly at Naruto. "Perhaps the other jinchuriki will help you understand how to merge and resist. Seek him out."

Fukasaku interjected, "The hachibi's jinchuriki might help you understand the balance needed to overcome the kyuubi's will or possibly know how to repair the seal."

Naruto looked at Namiko, his resolve hardening. "Whatever it takes, we'll find him. Right, Namiko?"

Namiko nodded, a glimmer of determination rising in her own eyes. "Right." She turned back to Gerotora, her hand hovering over the square. "If this key helps us, then let's do it."

Without hesitation, both siblings pressed their palms onto the scroll's square. A warm surge of chakra coursed through them, tingling under their skin as the symbols imprinted themselves onto their minds. It was a strange sensation—one of unity yet formidable power, a reminder of what they carried within.

Gamamaru watched them with a mixture of pride and concern. "Your path will be arduous. But know that I have faith that you will fulfill the prophecy…and bring forth the peace our world so desperately needs."

Namiko looked down, placing her free hand over her stomach. Though fear still lingered, it was now joined by a new, steadfast resolve. She would protect her children, her family, and everything they held dear—no matter what it took. It was time to seek out the other jinchuriki.

Fukasaku returned them to Konoha, right in their previous seats at Ichiraku, earning perplexed looks from Teuchi and Ayame. The siblings apologized and explained that it was a shinobi thing before finishing their food and going their separate ways. Naruto headed to see Tsunade and ask for help to reach out to Kumo about the hachibi. "There's no reason to worry anyone about your seal yet. Hopefully Killer Bee can help us figure things out. Baa-chan can help us get ahold of him."

Namiko decided to still go to the library to borrow several books on pregnancy and childbirth, and when Yomu gave her a curious look, she quickly feigned innocence and said they were because of Kurenai. Yomu seemed to accept that as an answer and quickly bagged up the books for Namiko without saying another word.

When Namiko arrived home, she was surprised to not find Sasuke anywhere in the house. She stretched out her chakra sensing, finding him near the pond.

She slowly walked down the worn path to the pond, enjoying the flowers that were attempting to make an early appearance before spring had even arrived. At the end of the path, the area opened up to reveal the pond and Sasuke standing at the end of the dock, blowing fire across it.

"You know, it mesmerizes me every time I see you do that jutsu," said Namiko as she stood on the edge between the grass and the start of the dock, her arms folded under her bust.

Sasuke looked at her over his shoulder. "Do you want to learn? Tsunade said you could still use ninjutsu as long as it wasn't in a spar."

"I doubt I could do it. I've never used any sort of fire nature chakra."

"You'll never know until you try." He walked over to her and tenderly grabbed her hand. "It was an Uchiha rite of passage. You weren't considered a full-fledged member of the clan until you could do it." He tugged her hand as he walked backward on the dock stopping at the end.

"Okay, fine, I'll try. Show me."

He went through the hand signs with her. "Focus your chakra in your chest. Once you've done the signs, inhale and as you exhale, imagine your chakra flowing up your throat and out your mouth."

"Okay…" She went through the signs fluidly but as she blew out her breath, only a faint puff of smoke appeared, barely enough to disturb the air. Namiko frowned, watching as the smoke faded quickly. "Guess I really don't have the knack for fire," she muttered, half-amused, half-disappointed.

Sasuke's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Don't be so quick to give up. Try again, but this time, visualize the heat—let it build."

She sighed but nodded, determination settling in her eyes. She repeated the hand signs, concentrating harder this time, feeling her chakra pooling warmly in her chest. As she exhaled, a small flame flickered from her mouth and danced briefly in the air before vanishing.

Her eyes widened, and she turned to Sasuke, unable to hide her excitement. "Did you see that?"

He nodded, his smirk growing into a rare smile. "See? Told you. You have more Uchiha fire in you than you think."

Namiko blushed, a mixture of pride and bashfulness warming her cheeks. She glanced out at the pond, feeling encouraged by the small success. "Think I could do it bigger?"

"Only one way to find out," he replied, his voice softening. He positioned himself behind her, his hands gently guiding her arms into a more relaxed stance before settling them on her hips. "You're focusing too much on the result. Just think of it as letting the chakra flow, not forcing it out. It's like…letting your breath carry a flame from within."

She felt his warmth against her back, steady and reassuring. Taking a deep breath, she focused again, feeling her chakra intensify with each heartbeat. This time, when she exhaled a bright flame burst forward, about a meter wide, reflecting off the pond's surface in a brief blaze of orange light.

She gasped, turning to look at Sasuke with wide eyes. "I did it! I actually did it!"

He looked at her with pride in his eyes. "See? I told you. Just takes practice."

"Thank you!" She threw her arms around his neck and laughed delightedly at her accomplishment, but her laughter was quickly cut short. Her hands flew instinctively to her stomach, and she looked down in surprise.

Sasuke watched her with concern. "Are you okay?"

Her eyes sparkled as she looked up at him, her voice soft but filled with wonder. "I think I just felt them move, Sasuke. I just felt this little fluttering sensation."

Sasuke's expression softened as he placed a tentative hand over hers on her stomach, his gaze locked with hers before his Sharingan woke, looking over her chakra. He could see the color of their twins' chakra, bigger than last time. "I'm not Hinata so I can't see their individual movements, but their chakra is slightly moving inside of you."

"Maybe the fireball jutsu motivated them to move," she said with a grin. "I guess they're true Uchiha already."

Sasuke held both of her hands in his. "So are you."

Namiko's grin turned into a smirk. "So I passed the test?"

"It wasn't a test; you're already a true Uchiha as far as I'm concerned." He took a deep breath, his gaze never leaving hers as he held her hands a little tighter. "But…there's still one thing left. Something I want to do right."

Namiko tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? And what's that?"

He hesitated for a brief moment, as if gathering the right words, then released one of her hands and reached into his pocket, pulling out a simple but beautiful silver ring with a shimmering red gem at its center. "This…was my mother's," he murmured, his voice soft and reverent. "I've kept it hidden in that chest you found."

Namiko's breath caught, her gaze shifting between Sasuke and the ring. "Sasuke, I don't…I don't want you to do this out of obligation or a sense of duty—"

He cut her off. "Namiko, you could never be an obligation to me. That's like saying breathing is an obligation. I knew from the first time I saw you at Uchiha Senbei when we were five years old that I was going to marry you one day. And you know that when I set my mind to something, I achieve it. It's always been you."

Tears gathered in her eyes as the realization set in, her voice barely a whisper, "Sasuke…"

Sasuke took a steadying breath, his voice low and unwavering. "After I left Konoha, my only regret was that I thought I'd never see you again and I'd lost you forever. I shut my heart off to love so it wouldn't hurt so much. But sometimes the unplanned things, turn out to be the most important things in our lives. You saw my lowest point and built me up. You gave me hope and a purpose when I had none. Since you popped back into my life, I realized I could love again. And I love you more than anyone else in the world. You're the only one I'll ever want or need. Will you marry me?"

Her tears spilled over, her expression a mixture of joy and awe. She didn't even hesitate. "Yes, Sasuke," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "A million times yes."

He slipped the ring onto her finger, his hands lingering as if to memorize the feel of hers in his. He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering on her jaw as he pulled her to his chest, pouring all his heart into their kiss. "I love you, Namiko," he whispered against her lips.

She pulled back so she could see his whole face. "And I love you, Sasuke."

The two stood at the end of the dock wrapped in each other's arms for several minutes, just enjoying being with each other before Sasuke broke the silence. "So when do you want to make it official?"

"Are you in a hurry?" Namiko asked playfully.

"Just asking."

"I mean, with the war hanging over everyone's heads, I don't think a big wedding would be a good idea. I don't necessarily want anything big anyhow; I wouldn't even mind it if we just asked baa-chan to marry us in her office." She shrugged.

"You'd be okay with that?" he asked hesitantly.

Namiko wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded. "If we want something bigger later, that's fine, but I'd rather just make things official now and worry about details after this stupid war is over."

"Then let's go."

Namiko froze. "Like right now?"

Sasuke nodded. "I already talked to her today to ask to marry you since we're both under eighteen and would need the Hokage's permission. She gave us her full support."

A wide, bright smile spread across her face. "Then let's do this."

An hour later they were in Tsunade's office with Naruto and Hinata as their witnesses. Naruto, standing beside them, was grinning ear-to-ear. "I can't believe you two are actually doing this right now! This is awesome!" His excitement was palpable, and Hinata, standing next to him, gave a gentle smile, squeezing his hand.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she looked at Sasuke and Namiko standing before her. "I have to admit, when you asked my permission earlier to marry Namiko, I didn't think you literally meant today," she said, folding her arms and leaning back in her chair. "But I can see there's no talking you out of this."

Sasuke gave a respectful nod. "Thank you for agreeing to do this." Namiko just smiled brightly at her godmother.

"Are you ready?" Tsunade asked, a soft warmth in her tone as she looked between Sasuke and Namiko.

The two nodded, their hands intertwined tightly, and Tsunade stood from her desk. "Let's make this quick, shall we?" she said, reaching for a small scroll on her desk. She held it up, her eyes focused on Sasuke. "Sasuke, do you take Namiko to be your wife, to honor and cherish her, in war and peace, as long as you both shall live?"

Sasuke looked into Namiko's eyes, his voice steady and certain. "I do."

Tsunade nodded, then turned to Namiko. "Namiko, do you take Sasuke to be your husband, to honor and cherish him, in war and peace, as long as you both shall live?"

Namiko's heart raced, her voice barely more than a whisper because of the happy tears threatening to spill over at any moment. "I do."

Tsunade smiled, sealing the scroll with a pulse of her chakra. "Then, by the power vested in me as Hokage, I now pronounce you husband and wife." She inclined her head toward Sasuke. "You may kiss the bride."

Sasuke leaned down to capture her lips in a soft kiss, simple and sweet but full of emotion and love. Namiko couldn't help the excited giggle that escaped her as she hugged him tightly, a tear slipping down her cheek as she took in the moment. He quickly brushed it away with his thumb before kissing her forehead. Namiko couldn't help the relief she felt a sense of peace, of completeness, that she hadn't known she'd been missing.

Hinata laughed softly, stepping forward to hug Namiko, her eyes bright. "Congratulations, I'm so happy for you!"

Tsunade hugged her next, whispering in her ear, "I'm glad you have each other. I hope you have a lifetime of happiness."

"Thank you both." Namiko swiped away her tears and sniffled as a laugh broke through. "I swear I'm happy, it's these stupid hormones."

"Of course you're happy! You're married to my best friend!" Naruto cheered, throwing his arms around both of them the second they broke apart. "And maybe one day they'll get to be our witnesses, right, Hinata?" Hinata flushed a very unhealthy shade of red and Namiko was sure her best friend was about to pass out.

Tsunade glowered at him. "It better be years from now, you understand? I will not have Hiashi throwing a fit in my office because you got a harebrained idea to elope or something else stupid."

Naruto nodded, waving his hand dismissively. "Yes, baa-chan, I understand. Years from now." He then threw his arm around Sasuke's shoulders. "So, I guess you're officially my brother now. Should I call you Sasuke-nii?" he teased.

"Only if you want a Chidori shoved up your ass," snapped Sasuke as he shoved Naruto's arm off, earning him a laugh from the blond. He quickly pulled Namiko to him. "Are you ready to go home?"

She kissed his cheek. "Definitely." She dropped her voice so only he could hear, "I'm so thankful to be your wife. I love you."

The corner of his mouth tilted up as he whispered low to her, "I love you too. Let's go home."

A/N: I bet no one suspected that's how this chapter would end! It may seem rushed, but there's a method to my madness, I promise. (And they may get a bigger wedding later, we'll just have to see.)
Next chapter will be an adventure for sure! You'll just have to see where they go and what happens next. I do want to let you know I may not post next weekend; I'll be out of town from November 15-17 and I don't know if I'll have access to my computer or have time to write.
See you all soon!
Love,
Eriisu

PS: Comments are my tip jar! (Thank you all for your continued love and support!)