Chapter 66: Put A Ring On It

Goku stared into the mirror, his toothbrush hanging loosely from his mouth, foam gathering at the corners of his lips. His eyes, usually so carefree, had a flicker of something deeper—something heavier. He wasn't a guy who spent time dwelling on emotions or thinking things over until they made sense. That was never his way. But today? Today felt different.

He spit into the sink and rinsed, the cold water splashing against his face, jolting him back to the moment. His reflection stared back at him, unchanging, yet something gnawed at him from the inside. It wasn't nerves about the wedding. He wasn't even thinking about that part. It was something else. Something distant but real. A power.

His fingers stilled as his senses tingled again, reminding him of the presence approaching from the far reaches of space. It was faint, but unmistakable. Vegeta. His ki had been steadily creeping closer over the last few days, and Goku couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was coming. The timing couldn't have been worse. He had bigger priorities today—Hinata, their wedding, their future—but that damned Saiyan prince had a knack for showing up when things were about to get good.

"What the hell are you up to Vegeta?" Goku asked, staring out of the window as if he could see the endless stars and the incoming power. Vegeta wasn't just a threat; he was a problem, one that Goku knew he couldn't ignore forever. He was stronger now—Goku could feel that too—and it only made things more complicated. How much time did they have before the Frieza guy came into the picture? Before they had to face the reality of a war with someone who made even Vegeta tremble in fear?

It gnawed at him, the weight of it sitting on his chest. He wasn't scared—Goku didn't really get scared—but there was something unsettling about the whole situation. He clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking from the pressure. It was always like this. Every time he thought he could take a moment to breathe, something else came crashing into his life.

A new enemy. A new battle. And now, on his wedding day, of all times.

"Why now?" he thought aloud. "Of all days Vegeta... really?"

It was frustrating. He could handle the fights, the threats, the training—he could deal with all of that any day of the week. But this was supposed to be different. This day was for Hinata, for them, a day to finally breathe and just be happy. Yet even as he stood here, half-dressed and trying to focus on the day ahead, the looming presence of Vegeta was like a shadow creeping in from the edges.

He ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake the thoughts away. "Focus, Goku," he muttered to himself, his voice low but firm. "You've got bigger things to think about."

He couldn't let the BS ruin the day. He couldn't let anything ruin this for Hinata, she deserved this moment. Hinata had been through hell and back—he'd seen it in her eyes, even if she rarely ever talked about it. He admired her strength, her resilience. She never asked for much, never demanded anything from him except to be by his side. Goku smiled a little at the thought. That was one of the things he loved about her—she didn't expect him to change, to become someone he wasn't.

She accepted him, flaws and all.

He glanced over at the suit hanging in the corner of the room. It was pristine white, something so different from the gi he wore every day. It felt strange, the thought of putting it on. The idea of stepping into something that symbolized so much more than just strength. Commitment, love—words that Goku didn't often say but felt deeply in his own way.

"She deserves this," he said aloud once more. Hinata stood by his side even when things got ugly, when the world turned against him, when he was misunderstood, when the world feared and hated him, even when the world seemed to be collapsing around them.

She was his rock, though he wouldn't be able to explain that properly if someone asked.

Still, he felt it. Hinata made him feel things he couldn't quite put into words. Like right now, as he stared at himself in the mirror, all he wanted to do was make sure today went perfectly for her. Even with Vegeta's ki approaching, even with the nagging sense that something was about to go down, Goku was determined.

He straightened up, squaring his shoulders as he slipped on the white jacket. His movements were slow, deliberate, and for once, his carefree grin was absent. He tightened his fists a little, feeling the fabric settle over his skin. While dressing himself however, his mind drifted one more time, back to that flicker of energy in space. Vegeta. The name lingered like a dark cloud, insinuating that there was a high likelihood here that something deeper was going on. He could feel it. And if Vegeta was coming back to Earth, it wasn't just to chat.

"Frieza…" Goku whispered. He'd heard the name before, from his late father, from Vegeta. But now it felt like the shadow of a monster that was finally looming over them. His blood ran hot just thinking about it. A fight was coming, and it wasn't going to be easy. He'd have to push himself harder than ever before, and this time, he wasn't sure if even his strength would be enough.

He had to wonder... could they win? Could he, Vegeta, and the others really take down someone like Frieza? And what would it cost them if they tried? His mind flashed to Hinata, to their future, to the life they were going to be building. He wanted that future, but there was this ever-present sense that things wouldn't stay peaceful for long.

Not with Frieza out there. Not with Vegeta being... well, Vegeta.

"But I'm not alone," the Saiyan thought, his resolve hardening. He had Hinata. He had Piccolo. He had his friends. He wasn't just fighting for the thrill of it anymore. He was fighting for a future—for them. And that gave him a strength he'd never had before. With a final glance in the mirror, Goku smiled again, the worry slipping away, replaced with that familiar fire in his eyes.

He was Goku, after all. He'd faced worse odds before. Today, he had something far more important to focus on—giving Hinata the day she deserved. Whatever came next, whatever battles waited for him, would have to wait.

He wasn't going to let anything ruin today.

Hinata sat before the vanity, her fingers trembling ever so slightly as they brushed across her face. The soft, intricate strokes of makeup were familiar, but today, they felt different. Heavier, somehow. She wasn't the kind of woman who put much stock into outward appearances, but this was her wedding day. This was supposed to be the day she looked her best for Goku, for herself, for everyone.

Her lavender eyes flickered toward the mirror, and she paused. Was this really her? The girl who had once struggled to even speak her mind, now sitting here, preparing to marry the most powerful man she'd ever known. It felt surreal. She smoothed her hair back, hands more steady now, but her mind was racing.

Could she really do this? Could she stand by Goku's side as his wife, knowing what was coming? The threats, the battles, the danger—they had always been there, and they always would be. But now, the stakes felt higher than ever. She wasn't just his comrade anymore. She was about to become his partner, his wife, and the weight of that was more than she had anticipated.

"Am I enough?" The question echoed in her mind, as it always did in moments like this. She had trained for years, fought through challenges that would have broken her before. But being Goku's wife wasn't just about strength. It was about standing beside him in the face of the unknown, in the face of the kind of enemies she couldn't even comprehend.

She touched her cheek lightly, staring into her own reflection. The makeup was perfect, the dress was waiting for her—everything looked right on the surface. But inside, she felt a swirl of emotions she couldn't quite place. Love, yes. She loved Goku more than she had words for. But fear lingered there too. Not fear of him, or even fear of the battle ahead. It was the fear of not being able to keep up.

"Will I always be chasing him?" she wondered. Goku's strength, his carefree spirit—he was a force of nature, and sometimes she felt like she was standing in his shadow, even though he never made her feel that way.

She smiled softly, thinking about him. Goku didn't have a clue about things like doubts or fears. He just moved forward, barreling through life with that infectious energy of his. It was one of the things she loved most about him. His ability to just... be. He never worried about the future, not the way she did. He just trusted everything would work out.

But today was different. She could feel it. The threats weren't far away anymore. They were here. She didn't sense the way Goku did, but she had seen the look in his eyes lately. The way his face tightened, if only for a moment, when they talked about what was coming. The Frieza guy. Vegeta. The danger loomed, even on their wedding day.

"I hope we get time," she whispered, her eyes drifting back to her reflection. Time to live. Time to love. Time to be together without the constant weight of the world on their shoulders. But that was wishful thinking, wasn't it? They were warriors. They fought for a world that was always at war.

She reached for the delicate white dress hanging nearby, her fingers brushing the soft fabric. It was beautiful. Pure. Like something out of a dream. She wanted to wear it for Goku, to show him that no matter what came next, she would stand by his side. No matter the battle, no matter the danger, they were in this together.

Hinata slipped into the dress, the cool fabric settling over her skin like a second layer of armor. "This is it," she thought, her heart steadying with each passing moment. "I'm ready. I'm ready for him, for us."

She glanced toward the window, feeling the breeze drift in. There was something in the air, a quiet tension she couldn't shake. But today wasn't about fear or danger. It was about love. It was about standing together as husband and wife, no matter what awaited them on the other side of the vows. About the bond they shared, the promise they were making to each other. It felt surreal, like a dream she never thought would come true. But it was real. She was marrying the man she loved—the man she had admired for so long, from the shadows and in the limelight, close and afar all the same.

And when the time came, she would be there. Strong. Steady. Ready to face whatever came their way, because she loved him. Because she believed in them. Because this was the life she chose—and she wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'm ready," she whispered to her reflection. "No matter what comes next, I'm ready."

The grand ceremony, set in the heart of Konoha, had drawn nearly everyone from every corner of the village.

Goku stood at the front, clad in his crisp, pure white suit that seemed almost to shimmer in the light. The suit was a perfect fit, tailored to accentuate his athletic build, the material sleek and strong, just like him. His wild hair had been tamed—slightly—into a more controlled chaos, and there was a serene strength in his gaze as he waited, hands relaxed at his sides.

He wasn't nervous. He had faced goddesses, demons, androids, and aliens; this was just another challenge, one he welcomed above all.

Beside him, the groomsmen stood tall, each wearing similar white suits, though none quite matched the effortless power Goku exuded. Naruto, in particular, looked like he was trying to play it cool, but the occasional fidget betrayed his nerves.

"You alright, dobe?" Sasuke asked, his voice low, almost bored. He had one hand in his pocket, his posture lazy but his eyes sharp, always astute and attentive.

"Yeah, just… thinking," Naruto muttered, his eyes flicking over to where Ino was managing the crowd. He caught a glimpse of her blonde hair, the way it caught the light, and his chest tightened. "You know, about… stuff."

Sasuke smirked. "Stuff? Don't tell me you're getting cold feet about a wedding that isn't even yours."

Naruto shot him a glare. "Not like that, teme. Just… reflecting, I guess."

"Maybe you should start thinking less and acting more," Sasuke suggested, his tone just edging into mocking.

"Like you're one to talk, Mr. I-married-the-first-woman-who-actually-wanted-to-kill-me," Naruto shot back, though his grin took some of the sting out of the words.

Sasuke shrugged. "Haku and I have a great thing going. You might want to figure out if you've got that same thing with Sakura or… Ino or whoever else."

Naruto opened his mouth to retort, but the sound of the ceremonial drums silenced him. Yugao, her role as both Goku's older sister and the one who had watched over him as Neko when he was but a child, walked up to the front, her hand resting lightly on Goku's arm. She was dressed in a sleek black kimono with white accents, a contrast to the brightness of the wedding attire around her. Her expression was composed, though the tiniest hint of a smile played on her lips.

"You ready for this?" Yugao asked, her voice low enough that only Goku could hear.

"Yeah," Goku said simply. "I'm ready."

Yugao nodded, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze before stepping aside, her role done for now. She moved to stand with the bridesmaids, her eyes scanning the crowd for a moment before she settled in place.

As she stepped back, the bridal procession began. The crowd turned in unison, every eye locked on the sight of Hinata as she began her own walk down the aisle. Hiashi Hyuga, her father, stood tall and proud beside her, guiding her forward with a steady hand.

Hinata was absolutely stunning, her gown a masterpiece of flowing white silk that clung to her form in all the right places. It was simple but elegant, with subtle details that spoke to her warrior spirit—a high neckline, long sleeves with intricate embroidery that mirrored the patterns of chakra pathways, and a skirt that moved like water as she walked. Her hair was pinned up with delicate silver combs, and her lavender eyes were sharp, focused, yet soft when they met Goku's gaze at the end of the aisle.

"Wow," Naruto muttered under his breath, awe clear in his voice. "Hinata… she looks freaking gorgeous."

"Of course she does," Sasuke said, his tone matter-of-fact. "It's her day."

Hiashi's grip on Hinata's arm was firm but not overbearing. He didn't say a word, but as they reached the front, he met Goku's eyes with a look that spoke volumes—this was his daughter, his heir if she wanted to claim it, and now he was entrusting her to another. To a boy he had come to respect as the man standing before him...

Hair blowing in the wind at the outset of his own attack, the boy faced his best friend's father with a battle-crazed expression. Hiashi stared back with a piercing glare, Byakugan eyes unrelenting in their figurative assault. Was the boy finally showing his true colors after all these years of dormancy? Was he finally turning on them like he feared upon inspecting him as a child?

And then Goku smiled. What? Was he enjoying war?

"You must be Son Goku, I presume?" He played the fool.

"Yup!" The boy responded callously. "You look a lot like Hinata."

"Indeed, she is my daughter," the man responded, not letting his guard down. "Would you happen to know where she is?"

"Uhhh..." Goku stammered, not used to facing the pressure of a caring parent. "Let me check."

"And how would you do that, child? Are you playing me for a fool..." The parent began, tone dipping lower and lower.

"Nope I can sense her energy," the boy said, closing his eyes and sitting Indian-style along the war torn ground. "Gimme a sec." Hiashi watched for any potential deception, but found the exact opposite of the evidence he was looking for. The boy told zero lies!

And then he was caught off guard by the boy punching the ground, shaking the entire village block vigorously.

"Damnit! She's not in the village anymore!"

"What? Where is she headed?"

"I-I'm not sure! But I have to go after her right now!"

"Wait, I may have a lead."

The boy looked up impatiently, he was raring to go. "Yes?"

"Those robots were targeting her. They all had a strange R and R logo on them. Any ideas about who they are?"

"The Red Ribbon Army. Had a run in in the past with those guys, they're bad news. But what are you trying to say?"

"They're the ones," Hiashi begun, relinquishing his dojutsu. "They're the ones who took her away from the village!"

Goku clenched his fists, looking at the ground due to his own failure. "It's my fault, I'm the one who let her go!"

And then he looked up to see the adult in the vicinity smile grimly, his palm placed on the much shorter boys right shoulder.

"I see the impact that you've had on her, Son Goku," he started. "I can only assume what you two mean to each other, but you have my regards. If you need support or assistance in your mission to save Hinata, do not be afraid to come to me."

"My mission?" The boy looked up, meeting his elder's eyes.

"Yes, you are going! Nobody else can do this except for you!"

"Right right I knew that." And with that, Hiashi ceased his grip on the Saiyan's shoulder, fixing his face into a look of affirmation...and threat?

"Now go. See to it that she's brought back alive and well, I know you are more than capable of it. Do not disappoint me."

Goku gulped, sensing the man's energy level spike to a level beyond his own with this last statement. An enraged Hiashi was something to behold!

The boy recovered from his stupor and tightened his resolve, smirking. "Hai, I won't let either of you down! You can count on me."

The two nodded at each other, with the man of visual prowess looking at the boy of absolute strength fleeing the scene. Except, it was not on foot.

The Saiyan closed his eyes, focused his ki properly, and as if he was a professional at it levitated off of the ground. While it was implied during the Chunin Exams that Goku had a capability of flight based on his performances, it could have been argued that he simply propelled himself with his ki and lacked genuine, out of this world aerodynamic ability.

Whelp. The boy could actually fly on command.

Watching the boy wobble through the sky in an uncoordinated fashion, Hiashi chuckled despite the circumstances. His daughter had a bond with a kid who possessed the raw power to change the world in any way he saw fit.

She was in the safest hands known to man.

Hiashi's curiosity was evident. "And what was the wish? Is the legend of the wish granting dragon actually true?"

Goku nodded affirmatively. "Yes, it's true. We summoned Shenron, and I used the wish to repay a debt. About two years ago, a young boy had his father and tribe killed by Tao Pai-Pai. I wished for their revival."

The older man sat back, absorbing the magnitude of Goku's actions. "A noble wish, indeed."

And then he looked Goku in the eyes once more. "But tell me, Goku, do you think it was the correct decision given the current state of Konoha? If you could do it over, would you make the same wish?"

Goku's expression grew serious, his eyes unwavering. "Yes, I would. It wouldn't be fair to only revive those killed by Orochimaru when someone new is added to the death toll every single day. What about the Uchiha clan? What about Naruto's family? What about my own? What about yours?"

Hiashi was silent for a moment, contemplating Goku's words. He saw the logic and the compassion in the boy's reasoning. "I understand your perspective, and I do not berate you for your decision. However, being a free agent makes you a rogue shinobi in principle. This does not bode well for your predicament. The village needs to ascertain your loyalty, or else you may need to be controlled forcibly."

Goku raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but questioning. "Why does loyalty have to mean being controlled? Isn't there another way?"

Hiashi's gaze softened. "You speak with wisdom beyond your years, Goku. But the shinobi system is built on control and order. Without it, chaos would ensue."

The boy nodded, accepting Hiashi's explanation without protest. "So, what's next?"

The man straightened, moving on to his next question. "How were you able to find the Dragon Balls in the first place?"

Goku grinned, his enthusiasm returning. "With a radar. It can track the Dragon Balls no matter where they are."

Hiashi's eyes narrowed slightly. "And have you given up this radar to the village authorities?"

Goku shook his head. "No, I still have it."

Hiashi extended his hand. "May I see it?"

Goku reached into his pocket and pulled out the Dragon Radar, tossing it to Hiashi, who caught it and examined it closely. His Byakugan eyes saw the intricate details of the device, noting the other small containers in Goku's pockets as well. But he chose to focus on the radar.

"This is impressive technology," Hiashi remarked, handing the radar back to Goku. "I can discern that you have been honest with me, and I appreciate that."

Goku took the radar, smiling brightly. "Thanks, Hiashi-sama."

Hiashi's expression softened further, an uncharacteristic gratitude in his eyes. "Because of you, my daughter has become strong. Stronger than I could have ever imagined. She admires you greatly, and for that, I cannot hold my presuppositions or distrust in you any longer."

Goku flashed a thumbs up, his cheerful demeanor unwavering. "I'm glad I could help, Hiashi-sama. She's totally awesome."

Hiashi stood, a rare smile gracing his lips. "You have my gratitude, Son Goku. And my blessing. Feel free to visit the Hyuga compound at your leisure."

Inside the compound, Hiashi and Hanabi awaited them. The former's stern face softened slightly upon seeing his daughter. "Hinata, Son Goku. Welcome."

Hinata stepped forward, embracing her father. "Tou-san, I've missed you."

Hiashi's voice was gentle. "And I you, Hinata."

Hanabi, standing beside her father, grinned. "Hinata-nee! It's good to see you! And you too, Goku."

Goku leaned against the wall, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert. "Hey, Hanabi. Hey, Hiashi."

Hiashi's gaze shifted to Goku, a hint of respect in his eyes. "I can see you have taken good care of my daughter."

Goku smiled sheepishly. "I try my best."

Hinata, sensing the need to address the reason for their abrupt visit, spoke up. "Tou-san, I've been invited alongside Goku to train with Kami. It's an opportunity I can't pass up. But I want you to know, this decision is mine. Goku isn't forcing me or influencing me to go."

Hiashi nodded thoughtfully. "I understand, Hinata. You have always been strong-willed, and I respect your decision. But Goku," he said, turning to the Saiyan, "I must ask you to promise me something."

Goku straightened, his expression serious. "I'm listening."

Hiashi's voice was firm. "Promise me you will keep Hinata safe. And that one day before I get too old to care, that you return to this village and deliver me grandchildren. This is a nonnegotiable order."

Goku's eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded earnestly. "I promise, Hiashi. I'll protect Hinata with everything I've got. And we'll come back... and the grandchildren thing... "

Hanabi, always the tease, piped up. "And make sure those grandchildren are as strong as you two!"

Hinata blushed slightly but laughed. "Hanabi!"

Hiashi's stern facade cracked, and he allowed a small smile. "Very well. You have my blessings. But remember, Hinata, this village will always be your home."

Hinata embraced her father once more, her heart full. "Thank you, tou-san. I will make you proud."

And as any man of merit should, Goku did not flinch, did not look away. He accepted the silent challenge with a firm nod of respect, understanding the weight of what was being given to him.

Hiashi stepped back, allowing Hinata to stand in front of Goku. She looked up at him, her expression calm, but there was a fire in her eyes that he recognized—a determination, a promise that she was as committed to this as he was.

Kakashi, standing at the front as the officiant, glanced around the gathered crowd, his gaze unreadable behind his mask. His Hokage robes fluttered slightly in the breeze as he raised his hands to quiet the whispers and murmurs that had filled the air.

"Thank you all for gathering here today," the Hokage began, his tone formal yet warm. "We're here to witness the union of two— Son Goku and Hyuga Hinata—who have proven time and again their strength and valor as they have contributed mightily to our village becoming as strong as it is today. They stand before you, ready to make a vow that will bind them together, not just as partners in the affairs of warfare, but as partners in life."

There was a slight pause as Kakashi's words settled over the crowd. Even those who were normally more skeptical or cynical couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. This wasn't just any wedding—this was a joining of the strongest in the world.

As Goku is the strongest man, Hinata is the strongest woman. And for their respective fields, it isn't particularly close.

"In a world where only the strongest survive," Kakashi continued, "these two have shown that strength is not only about power but also about trust, loyalty, and the willingness to stand by one another, no matter the odds. Today, we honor that strength."

Naruto shifted slightly, unable to keep still. He caught a glimpse of Ino again, standing at the edge of the crowd, her eyes trained on the ceremony but her thoughts clearly elsewhere. He swallowed hard, a knot forming in his stomach. This wasn't the time to dwell on his mistakes, but they loomed large in his mind, taunting him with their unresolved nature.

Sasuke noticed Naruto's discomfort and leaned in slightly. "You need to fix this. Soon."

Naruto nodded, his throat tight. "I know."

Meanwhile, up front, Goku's eyes never left Hinata, a small smile playing on his lips. "You nervous?"

Hinata met his gaze, unflinching. "No. I've faced worse."

Goku chuckled softly. "Good. I'd hate to think you'd be scared now."

"Never," she replied, her voice firm.

As Kakashi continued with the ceremony, the crowd listened intently. Jiraiya and Tsunade sat together, both of the sages unusually quiet, their typical demeanors tempered by the gravity of the moment. Further down within the crowd, the ever peaceful Konan held one of her twins, Yahiko, in her arms, while her husband in Nagato held Aiko, their eyes reflecting gratitude toward the soon to be wedded as they watched the ceremony unfold.

Without Goku's existence, Konan and Nagato would have never broken free from their psychological imprisonment. And without Nagato performing the Rinne Tensei on the innumerable individuals killed by the Shinju Tree alongside Piccolo Daimao and his likeness, Hinata alongside many others in the crowd would no longer be roaming the land of the living.

Gaara and Chi-Chi, now married themselves, exchanged a look of mutual understanding. They knew what it meant to stand beside someone in both battle and life, and they silently wished the same strength and daresay luck for the couple before them. Despite not attaining Goku as she initially wanted to, she couldn't have been happier with her husband. Sometimes the plan that was written for you is greater than the plan you had for yourself, and in her case she counted her redirection as a blessing from the powers that be.

Even Piccolo, standing at a distance, hidden from all but those with sight beyond sight, watched with a keen interest. He didn't belong in the crowd whatsoever, but he couldn't ignore the significance of what was happening. This was more than just a ceremony—it was a moment of transition, a new chapter in the lives of the only two people alive that he genuinely respected.

After a period of formality and filler, Kakashi finally reached the part of the ceremony everyone had been waiting for.

"Son Goku, Hinata, you've both come here today to make a commitment, to take a vow that will bind you together. This is not a vow taken lightly, nor is it one that can be broken easily. It requires strength, patience, and above all, love."

Kurenai, standing as Hinata's maid of honor, felt a swell of pride as she watched her former student, now a woman standing tall and strong. She knew better than practically anyone the trials Hinata had faced to get to this point, and she couldn't be prouder.

Naruto, still struggling with his own inner turmoil, glanced at Sakura, who was focused intently on the ceremony from her position as a bridesmaid. His heart ached, he knew he couldn't avoid it forever. Sooner or later, he'd have to face it.

But today wasn't about him. He had to remind himself he was not the main character, or even the co-protagonist here. Unfortunately, he knew he was relegated to being Krillin's replacement, if only a slight upgrade from it.

The story was all about Goku and Hinata. In that order. Everyone else was expendable.

"Do you, Goku, take Hinata to be your lawfully wedded wife, to stand by her in battle and in peace, to protect her, honor her, and cherish her as long as you both shall live?"

Goku didn't hesitate. "I do."

Hinata's heart skipped a beat, but she remained composed. This was the moment she had been waiting for.

"And do you, Hinata, take Goku to be your lawfully wedded husband, to stand by him in battle and in peace, to protect him, honor him, and cherish him as long as you both shall live?"

Hinata met Goku's gaze, her voice unwavering. "I do."

The crowd held its breath, the air thick with expectation. Everything had led to this moment, the culmination of years of struggle, of growth, of battles fought side by side.

The moment had arrived. Goku stood poised, his eyes locked onto Hinata's, their breaths synchronized in anticipation. The village had gathered, eyes filled with admiration, envy, and respect. Kakashi was about to speak the final words, binding them together...

This was their vow, their commitment to each other.

Kakashi nodded, satisfied. "Then, by the power vested in me as Hokage, I now pronounce you husband and—"

Then, like a thunderclap, Goku's senses screamed.

SHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Before anyone could react, the sky tore open with a deafening roar. A spherical object descended at breakneck speed, flames licking the edges as it plummeted toward the Earth. The entire wedding party looked up, shock and disbelief etched on their faces.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Is that—?"

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

The space-pod slammed into the ground with a force that shook the village to its core, the impact sending debris flying and obliterating the reception area. Tables flipped, decorations were shredded, and the air was filled with the sound of chaos.

The crowd gasped, eyes widening as they whipped their heads toward the source of the disturbance.

Kakashi's Sharingan flared as he instinctively moved to protect those nearest him. Sasuke was already in motion, his Mangekyo activated, ready to face whatever threat had just crashed their ceremony. Neji, Shikamaru, and Lee among the other combatants present fell into their own defensive stances, the instincts of battle-hardened shinobi taking over.

But amidst the panic, as the crowd erupted into frantic murmurs and defensive postures, Goku didn't flinch. He didn't even glance at the source of the destruction. His focus was entirely on Hinata, and in that brief, stolen moment, the world fell away.

"Hinata," Goku said, his voice cutting through the chaos. "This is our moment, our day."

Hinata's eyes, filled with fierce determination, met his. "Right, nothing can take this from us."

Everything outside of this—Vegeta's arrival, the concerned faces of their friends, the looming threat—ceased to matter..

And then, without another word, Goku's arms encircled her waist, pulling her into him, the heat of his body pressing against hers. Hinata responded, her fingers sliding up to rest on his broad shoulders, and for a heartbeat, everything else ceased to exist. They were in their own universe, an unshakable force standing tall amidst the ruin.

And then they kissed.

It wasn't a simple kiss. It was a kiss that shattered time itself, that silenced the very chaos surrounding them. Their lips met with a passion that had been building since the moment they first truly saw each other, since every battle they had fought side by side, since every glance, every touch that had passed between them.

Time itself seemed to slow. The world faded to nothing more than a blur of color and distant sound. It was just them now—Goku and Hinata—connected in a way that transcended everything. Their kiss deepened, the raw emotion between them reaching heights neither had ever imagined. It was not just an embrace of love; it was the culmination of their shared journey.

Every hardship, every victory, every tear, and every laugh was poured into this kiss.

The world around them faded into insignificance. The kiss deepened even further as they could not resist the other. The universe could wait. The prince of all Saiyans could wait. This was their time, their moment of absolute connection.

Goku and Hinata were no longer two individuals but one indomitable force.

Hinata's lips were soft, but there was strength in the way she kissed him back, a silent acknowledgment that nothing would stand in their way. Her hand trailed up his neck to cup his face, thumb brushing lightly against his cheek, pulling him even closer if it were possible. She was trembling, not out of fear, but from the overwhelming emotion pouring out of her and into him. Tears welled in her eyes, not from sadness but from the sheer weight of love.

And the kiss lingered. The world outside the two of them became meaningless. The sounds of the crowd faded into a distant hum, and even hiss of the hatches opening from behind them went unnoticed. This moment belonged to them and them alone.

As the kiss continued, Goku's hand moved up to cradle the back of her head, his fingers threading through her dark hair. The way he kissed her was gentle yet demanding, a perfect contrast of his Saiyan strength and the boundless tenderness he felt for her. His lips parted slightly, drawing her closer still, and Hinata responded, her body pressing into his, the intensity of their connection enough to set the very air around them ablaze.

Tears slipped down Hinata's cheeks, mingling with the emotion that surged between them. It wasn't sadness—it was everything. Every moment she had waited for this, every fear she had overcome, every quiet hope she had nurtured all led to this instant. She was his, and he was hers, in the most complete and undeniable way.

Naruto, watching from a distance, couldn't help but feel the weight of what he was witnessing. This wasn't just a kiss. It was a declaration, a defiance against everything the world had thrown at them. He admired Goku's resolve, the way he could block out everything that didn't matter, focusing only on what was in front of him—on what was most important.

He was definitely taking notes.

Sasuke, always the stoic, kept his eyes trained on the now-open space pod. His Sharingan flickered, analyzing the emerging figure. Still, he couldn't help but smirk at the audacity of Goku and Hinata, kissing like they were the only two people in the world.

"Typical," he muttered. "Leave it to Goku to ignore a crisis for love."

Kakashi, standing nearby, glanced up from the book he hadn't even pretended to be reading. "That's dedication," he murmured, watching the two of them as if he knew the importance of moments like this. "It's the kind of tunnel vision that moves mountains."

Even the figure emerging from the pod paused for a brief moment, unsure of what to make of the couple so thoroughly lost in each other. The Prince of all Saiyans stood there, arms crossed, his armor gleaming under the sun, face set in a deep scowl.

The kiss stretched on, time bending to their will. It was endless, eternal even, a treaty signed till death did them part.

"What the hell am I witnessing?" Vegeta's voice cut through the air, sharp and irate. "Kakarot! You think this is the time to be making out? I didn't come all this way to watch you—"

But Goku wasn't listening. Neither was Hinata. They couldn't give less of a fuck. His hands tightened around Hinata, pulling her in even closer, his lips still fused to hers. He didn't care if the world was ending—this was their moment, and not even Vegeta, with his royal pride and fierce ego, could take that from them.

He could go kiss their ass.

The crowd's attention had long since shifted to the arrival of the pod and Vegeta's entrance, but Goku and Hinata remained utterly absorbed in each other, the kiss unbroken. They could feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, the gentle breeze stirring their hair, and the absolute certainty of their bond as it solidified with each passing second.

After a few more moments, Hinata finally pulled back, her eyes still locked on Goku's, a soft smile playing on her lips. Her breath was shallow, her face flushed, but her smile was radiant. She gazed up at her husband, her heart overflowing with love and an unshakable sense of peace. She had never felt more certain of anything in her life. This was where she belonged, right here in his arms.

Goku smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Told you, nothing was gonna ruin this."

With one last soft kiss to her forehead, he finally turned to face Vegeta, who was glaring impatiently, arms crossed, tapping his foot with visible annoyance.

"About damn time, Kakarot," Vegeta growled, his eyes narrowing. "Now, are you ready to acknowledge me or are you planning on kissing her through the next battle too?"

Goku grinned, still holding Hinata close. "Hey, you know how it is, Vegeta. Priorities."

The universe could wait.

Goku and Hinata were husband and wife via the decrees of Kami and the legal system, and thus the world had no choice but to accept it.

Vegeta stepped forward, his expression hard. "Enough of this sentimental garbage. We have work to do."

"Yeah, yeah," the younger Saiyain said, finally turning to face Vegeta fully. "But this doesn't mean you get to ruin our day. We'll settle whatever you need to settle, but you're gonna have to wait."

Vegeta scowled, clearly not used to being told to wait. But something in Goku's tone, in the way he stood with Hinata at his side, made the Saiyan prince pause. "Fine. But don't keep dawdling for long, Kakarot. This is a matter of life and death."

Goku nodded. "It always is with you, Vegeta."

The cheers and laughter that followed the wedding kiss quickly faded as the gravity of the situation set in. Vegeta, the Prince of all Saiyans, had returned, and the air crackled with tension as he stood with that unmistakable scowl, his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowed in restless impatience.

Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes darting to Goku. "You know we can't let him walk away from this, right?"

"He's got bad news written all over him," Sasuke muttered, his Sharingan spinning lazily. "It's not a question of if he'll strike, but when."

"Do you want us to take him down so the wedding can commence, Goku?" Neji asked, his voice cold, his eyes trained on Vegeta like a hawk eyeing prey. His Byakugan had already locked onto the Saiyan prince's vital points, his mind ready to strike without hesitation.

Lee, still the fiery spirit of the group, stepped forward with a calm look on his face. "I'll be his opponent if it comes to that. Konoha can't afford to have someone like him roaming around unchecked."

But before any of them could move, Goku raised a hand, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Hold up. Let me talk to him."

Naruto looked at Goku, incredulous. "You sure about that?"

Goku met Naruto's gaze, his eyes calm but resolute. "Yeah, I'm sure. I've got a feeling this isn't just about a fight."

Hinata, standing next to him, spoke up with clarity. "I'm coming with you."

Goku turned, surprised for a second before a warm smile crossed his face. He nodded, grabbing her hand and pulling her into a kiss—strong, chaste, and instinctive. Hinata's lips puckered into his as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Kami, he loved her.

Without another word, they walked toward Vegeta, their steps steady, filled with unshakable confidence. As they moved, the ground beneath them almost seemed to tremble, their combined aura crackling in the air.

Vegeta stood there, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as Goku and Hinata approached. The energy was electric as they closed the distance. Their eyes locked in a battle of wills—Goku's calm yet burning determination versus Vegeta's relentless pride.

Kakashi, observing from the sidelines, kept a close eye on both of them. "This could go south real fast," he said to no one in particular, though his words carried the weight of a leader's concern.

Hinata placed a gentle hand on Goku's wrist. No words were needed; her support was loud in its silence.

The standoff continued, neither Saiyan breaking their intense eye contact, the air heavy with the unspoken. Finally, Vegeta's smirk faded as he broke the silence. His voice was low and dangerous.

"Kakarot… I didn't come here for your abominable ceremonies or pathetic pleasantries. I'm here because we've got a problem. Whether you like it or not, you're involved."

Goku didn't flinch. "What's going on, Vegeta? There's only two reasons why you'd be here."

Vegeta's eyes darkened, and the smirk completely dissolved. "It's Frieza. He's hunting me as we speak, and after he succeeds in killing me, you and everything you know will be next."

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "So what? You show up here, thinking we're just going to help you out of the goodness of our hearts?"

"Frieza?" Naruto echoed, the name unfamiliar but the menace in Vegeta's voice clear as day. "Who the hell is that?"

Vegeta's gaze flicked to Naruto, and for a brief moment, there was a hint of contempt. "Frieza is the most powerful being in the universe. He destroyed our home planet, he killed our people, and now he's coming here. You think any of you have a chance against him?" He turned back to Goku. "But you, Kakarot. You… might be able to stand a chance."

Goku's eyes narrowed. "What happened out there, Vegeta?"

Vegeta's fists clenched, his voice barely restrained. "He followed me to Namek, trying to use the Dragon Balls for his own ends. When he realized he couldn't, he blew the planet to hell."

The shock rippled through the group like a tidal wave, but Goku remained unshaken. "And now you think he's coming here?"

Vegeta's unease was rare, but unmistakable. "He doesn't know about this mud ball yet. But he will. And when he does, he'll do to this planet what he did to Namek."

Hinata's grip on Goku's hand tightened as she listened. There was a darkness in Vegeta's tone that even she couldn't ignore.

But Goku, being who he is, wasn't fazed.

"Then we take the fight to him," he said, his voice calm, but with an edge of steel. "We're not gonna sit here and wait for him to come here and destroy everything."

Vegeta's eyes narrowed with scrutiny. "You think you're ready for that, Kakarot? Frieza's power… you've never faced anything like it."

"Then we'll find out," Goku replied, a fierce determination in his voice.

Hinata chimed in, her eyes momentarly locking onto Vegeta. "If we're going to fight, then we're going to do it on our terms. Not his."

"Easy to say," Vegeta shot back, his tone biting. "But how do you propose we reach him before he arrives here?"

Goku looked at Vegeta, a calculated gleam in his eye. "We meet him halfway. Take the fight to space, away from Earth. You came here in that pod. We can find a way to get to him before he even knows what's coming."

"Make no mistake, this is temporary. The second Frieza's gone, I'll be coming for you, Kakarot," Vegeta's voice dripped with disdain. "You and every last one of your pathetic friends."

"Maybe you will," Goku said, not backing down. "But for now, as far as I know he's still around. And I'm willing to bet you hate Frieza a bit more than you hate me."

Vegeta's lip curled, but there was no denying the truth in his fellow Saiyan's words. "Fine. But don't think for a second that this makes us allies. I'll use you to kill Frieza, and then I'll finish off what's left of you."

"Good," Goku said, his tone equally challenging. "I wouldn't want it any other way."

Naruto, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of disbelief and reluctant respect, finally spoke. "So, we're really doing this? We're going after this Frieza guy?"

"Looks like it," Goku responded, his expression serious as he glanced back at the group. "But we've gotta be smart. We find a way to get to him without leading him back here."

Sasuke nodded, though his eyes remained fixed on Vegeta. "But if this turns out to be a trap…"

Vegeta smirked again. "You can try."

Kakashi, ever the strategist, stepped in to calm the growing tension. "We need to prepare. Even though we say this line seemingly every time: this is truly unlike anything we've faced before. That being said, I believe we can pull it off."

Goku's mind was already working through the details. "We'll need the best minds on this. We've got the power. Now we just need the plan and then the execution."

As the group began discussing their next steps, the tension remained thick. No one trusted Vegeta completely, but they all knew that for now, they had no choice but to work together.

Hinata stayed close to Goku's side, her trust in him unwavering. She knew the risks, but she also knew that Goku would never back down from a fight, especially not one that threatened the people he held dear.

And she wouldn't back down either, she was his wife now!

And as the sun set on the day that was supposed to be the beginning of his new life with Hinata, Goku couldn't help but feel a familiar surge of excitement. An opponent who might bring the best and more out of him! Finally!

This battle, beyond survival itself, was really about proving once and for all, who was truly the strongest in the universe.

"Let's do this," Goku said, his voice filled a warriors valor. "For Earth, for us… and for the fight!"