Author notes: Since we've already had a girls' night, let's do one for the boys!
Chapter Summary: The finale, the Hokage nuptials was finally happening, celebrating their love with friends.
Chapter 14 The Wedding
As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, Naruto, the Hokage, stood at the center of his office-turned-bachelor-party headquarters. The room buzzed with laughter and camaraderie. It was one of his craziest ideas since his childhood days of pranking the Hokage monuments. Tomorrow would be special for him and his lover in many ways, but tonight, he was surrounded by his closest friends. It was about the bonds of friendship forged over years of adventures—and misadventures—that could only belong to this unique group he called family.
"Naruto, how does it feel knowing you're tying yourself down forever?" asked Kiba, who wanted to be single forever.
"Honestly? It feels like an adventure I can't wait to start!" the blonde groom raised his glass before continuing more earnestly. "To all of you knuckleheads who've been with me through thick and thin, I couldn't have asked for better comrades or friends."
Shikamaru chuckled, nudging Shino. "Did he just call us knuckleheads at his own party?"
Shino adjusted his sunglasses and replied, "Coming from Naruto, that's almost a compliment."
As the night wore on, everyone toasted the soon-to-be-married Hokage friend.
"So Neji," Sai chimed in with his usual deadpan delivery, "What's that shiny thing on your finger?" Everyone's eyes landed on Neji's left hand, where a ring fit snugly.
"Neji!" Kiba barked. "You got hitched without telling us? To Sakura, no less!" He still couldn't believe what he'd seen by the lake last night—and now they were married!
The married man glanced at his ring, which he hadn't even flexed once tonight. He shrugged nonchalantly but couldn't suppress a small smile. "It was... unexpected even for me." The room erupted into a mix of disbelief and laughter.
"WHAT?!" Lee looked like he couldn't process it but quickly bounced back. "For real? Without inviting me as your best man?"
"We wanted something small and personal," he explained with an easy smile, but the teasing didn't let up.
Chouji shook his head in disbelief as he reached for another handful of chips. "Man, you guys kept that on the down-low!"
The dog boy leaned back with a smirk. "This couple, hooking up by the—" Before he could finish, the Hyuuga was by his side in a flash, tapping two points on his throat with his gentle fist. Instantly, his voice cut off, leaving him wide-eyed and muted. His muffled grumbles were met with laughter from the group as he waved his arms, trying to voice his protest. The Hyuuga just crossed his arms, satisfied.
"Guess that's one way to keep him quiet," someone chuckled, while Kiba threw Neji an exasperated look but couldn't help but smile.
Naruto heartily clapped Neji on the back. "Congrats, man! I can't believe you stole my thunder right before my big day!"
Even Kakashi, Yamato, and Iruka-sensei nearly choked on their sake in surprise from their sideline seats, never expecting the Hyuuga boy to tie himself down so soon.
"So Hyuuga," Sai quipped with a straight face, "did Haruno make you promise never to take that ring off?"
"Had you making Sakura-chan do the same?"
"Now that's enough gossip for one day," Neji replied coolly.
Nara shook his head in disbelief but couldn't help smiling. "Marriage is troublesome, Hyuuga. Don't say I didn't warn you," he muttered good-naturedly.
Shino spoke up quietly. "Guess that means we need two parties now!"
The groom-to-be raised another toast—this time specifically for Neji and Sakura's happiness.
"To Naruto and Neji!" Lee cheered with his over-the-top enthusiasm.
"To all of you," Naruto began with a grin that could light up a room, "for being there through thick and thin—and for having worse hair days than me!"
Shikamaru leaned back lazily in his chair. "It's troublesome how much you've grown on us," he drawled with a smirk at Naruto's sentimentality.
"If you guys look like shit tomorrow, you're not coming to my wedding!" the blonde groom yelled after his buddies. "Especially you Neji. You have to be up early, be mindful!"
Laughter erupted in a boisterously chaotic. The sensei observing with amusement but choosing not to join the banter—content just watching the younger generation bond over surprises and celebrations.
At the Hyuuga compound, Sakura was at Hinata's place, wondering how the guys were doing at the Hokage office for Naruto's last night of bachelorhood. She found herself among an equally curious group of kunoichi, all intrigued by the glinting platinum band on her ring finger. Questions flew like shuriken—ranging from "How did he propose?" to "Was it romantic?" Sakura smiled, deflecting with playful vagueness as her friends teased her about her spontaneous marriage to Neji. Both groups celebrated with joy, delighting in their friends' happy unions.
A Hokage's wedding was never going to be a simple affair, and preparations took way longer than expected. But finally, today was the day. Everything—from the venue to the agenda—had been meticulously planned down to the last detail. The guest list included renowned figures from all over, so security was a top priority.
Before the ceremony, Naruto summoned Neji, head of defense and security, to his office for a final review of the security plan. Even on his wedding day, the village's safety was still his main concern. Neji had doubled patrols around Konoha and dispatched extra teams to comb through nearby forests for any signs of trouble. With so many shinobi off duty to attend the wedding and safeguard important guests, they had to stay alert against potential threats.
Responsibility settled over him, it wasn't every day that your close friend tied the knot. He understood how crucial this whole thing was—not only for ensuring Naruto's big day went smoothly but also for safeguarding everyone in Konoha.
Neji stepped out of the Hokage's office, catching sight of Uchiha's falcon soaring over the Uchiha District.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was leaving Konoha, heading to his late brother's grave at the Uchiha Hideout, where Itachi had sacrificed everything for him. Sasuke still harbored resentment toward Konoha for those events in the past, but he knew the new generation wasn't to blame. He wanted to pay tribute before embarking on his journey across the shinobi world with his future wife, planning only occasional returns to Konoha over the next decade.
Sasuke was making his way out of Konoha. He was on his way to his brother's grave at the Uchiha Hideout—the place where Itachi had sacrificed himself for him, to pay tribute to his brother before he left Konoha. Sasuke couldn't forgive Konoha for that past, but he also realized the new generation wasn't to blame. He decided to journey across the shinobi world again with his future wife, only returning occasionally over the next decade.
As he arrived in the district, he bumped into Hyuuga Neji. They nodded at each other; there was always mutual respect between them. Though they weren't best friends but respected each other as solid comrades—Sasuke took on offensive missions for Konoha while Neji handled defense. The news of Sakura marrying the Hyuuga had caught Sasuke off guard; he never expected to lose the pinkette to him.
"Checking up on me?" Sasuke asked with a slight smirk.
Neji shrugged. "Just making sure you're not causing trouble before you go."
"Too late for that," he smirked, handing over a small box. "Make sure Naruto gets this. Sorry I can't be there." Despite being pardoned, he felt his presence wouldn't be welcome due to his past actions with Akatsuki and his quest for revenge.
Neji took it without question. "Understandable." He understood Uchiha's reasons for staying away—his history was still too fresh in people's minds.
Before parting, Sasuke made one last request, looking at the him seriously. "Take care of her."
Neji met his gaze steadily. "You know I will." With that, they went their separate ways—Sasuke to his journey and Neji back to life in Konoha, both knowing some things were better left unsaid but well understood between them.
[Wedding Day]
The Hokage's wedding was the talk of Konoha, dubbed 'The Wedding of the Century'. The morning ceremony was a private affair with a select group of guest list, while a grand reception was planned for the evening. Everything was perfectly arranged.
Set against the iconic Hokage Monument in Konoha, the ceremony had a stunning backdrop. Naruto's parents would have been proud. A deep red carpet lined the aisle, with beautiful floral arrangements everywhere. Thoughtful details were abundant. Naruto's groomsmen—Neji, Sai, Shikamaru, Kiba, Chouji, Lee, and Shino—each added their own flair to the day. Sakura, Ino, TenTen, and Hanabi stood beside Hinata as bridesmaids, each with her unique grace.
The Best Man and Maid of Honor tried to keep a low profile despite their recent marriage making headlines. As guests settled into their seats with smiles and nods shared among them, the music began. All eyes turned to see the bride stepping into view in her dream wedding gown with a long veil and elegant tiara. Her father escorted her down the aisle. Bouquet in hand, she walked slowly toward her husband, Naruto the Hokage.
Standing proud and handsome at the pulpit with Neji beside him as best man and ring-bearer, Naruto couldn't help but smile widely at his bride, how beautiful she looked coming down the aisle. As she reached him with tears streaming down her face—happy tears—he gently wiped one away as they exchanged vows. With those heartfelt words said aloud for all to hear, they were pronounced husband and wife. The kiss sealed it—a perfect moment followed by cheers from their loved ones.
Walking back down the aisle hand-in-hand under a shower of applause felt perfect to everyone present: a beautiful bride, a dashing groom—all captured in memories alongside their stunning bridal party as they posed for group photos afterward.
[Wedding Banquet]
The morning wedding ceremony went smoothly, and by evening, the reception was in full swing at the swankiest hotel in town. The Hyuuga family knew how to throw a wedding, sparing no expense. The banquet hall was spacious enough to accommodate their guests. Everywhere you looked, cultured folks mingled—dignitaries from allied clans, nobles, and elites from across regions filled the massive hall, buzzing with sophistication.
Sakura glanced around the ballroom; everyone was dressed to the nines, chatting under sparkling chandeliers. Tables were draped in elegant linens, adorned with floral arrangements that matched the bouquet perfectly, and there was a jazz band setting the mood just right. Servers moved through with trays of champagne and fancy snacks that were almost too pretty to eat. Everything was breathtakingly beautiful.
She was really looking forward to a dance with her husband, Neji. But pinning him down seemed impossible. First, he received a message from Anbu Black Ops for last-minute security checks—because you never know who might crash a high-profile event like this. The man had been around just a moment ago, then some clan business demanded his immediate attention. She missed having him by her side.
The night went on without him showing up much, but Sakura tried to enjoy everything around her while hanging out with her fellow bridesmaid kunoichi. She knew Neji and his team was doing their best to balance everything, still hoping they'd get some time together.
The newlyweds dazzled everyone with their flawless first dance, moving together as if they were part of the same rhythm. Just as their performance wrapped up and the Best Man and Maid of Honor were about to take over, Neji appeared beside her with impeccable timing. He flashed an apologetic smile and offered his hand. "Care to dance?" he asked smoothly. Before she could tease him about disappearing all evening, Neji planted a quick kiss on her lips, leaving her momentarily speechless.
"Well, you did ditch me all night," she teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. In response, Neji leaned in again for another kiss, this one full of apology and enough to make her blush.
"Hey!" she laughed, taking his hand.
Together they glided onto the ballroom floor as if it was second nature, weaving through the crowd with ease. A round of applause erupted from the guests filled the room. Sakura slipped her arm through his as they reached center stage, the lights seemed to dim just for them, capturing the moment perfectly as they began their dance.
Their dance was something else—a graceful waltz where it almost felt like the music was just background noise compared to Neji's firm grip guided her through each smooth step. Under those glittering lights, it was as if the world had melted away, leaving just them. Soon enough, the bridal entourage joined them on the dance floor, and before long, other guests mingled in as well.
Neji held his wife close as they danced cheek-to-cheek. He whispered into her ear, "You've made me the happiest man alive tonight, Haruno."
They were lost in each other's eyes. And honestly? Sakura believed him because right there under those twinkling lights—it felt true. She smiled up at her man and teased softly, "And you've turned my world upside down—in the best way possible, Mr. Hyuuga!" Even though they were married now, using their playful nicknames for each other never got old.
The waltz ended to gentle applause from those gathered around them, and it was time for a grand dinner. The room buzzed with conversation while plates clinked gently as guests indulged in the feast.
Sakura, seated next to Neji at the bridal party table alongside all their fellow bridesmaids and groomsmen. Nearby, Naruto and Hinata sat at their special head table surrounded by immediate family around them. Kakashi and Iruka-sensei were there too, always feeling like family to Naruto.
The food spread was absolutely amazing—from delicate lobster bisque to the juicy filet mignon, each dish just got better and better, courtesy of the top chefs in town. As each course arrived and left, Sakura chuckled softly watching her husband eat with perfect table manners. She even caught one of the groomsmen trying to mimic his style with the prime rib.
Noticed her amusement from his peripheral vision, Neji raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny?" he asked, taking another careful bite of his risotto.
"Didn't know you had such fancy manners?" Sakura teased.
Neji smirked, setting down his utensils with precision. "I've been practicing to keep you impressed."
"Still trying to impress me huh, Mr. Hyuuga?"
He dabbed his mouth with a napkin. "Is it working, Mrs. Hyuuga?" His eyes held hers steadily.
Sakura grinned. "Oh yeah, I've always been a sucker for a man who knows his way around a dinner fork." They laughed together—the kind of easy comfort they always had. "You sure know how to flatter a girl."
Neji raised his glass and they clinked glasses softly. "Only the one who's turned my world upside down," he echoed back her earlier words.
Sakura felt a warm glow spread across her cheeks as she and Neji exchanged a meaningful glance. Their conversation softened into whispers that made her blush even more. It was just like on the dance floor earlier—nothing else mattered outside their little bubble. She felt pure joy being there with her dear friends—and especially having Neji by her side through it all.
From the head table, Naruto noticed them and gave his best man an approving nod before diving back into his conversation. Meanwhile, Hyuuga Hiashi wasn't too pleased with his nephew for getting married without informing him first.
Dinner was a breeze as everyone chatted away. Afterward, as the plates shunshined away, Neji stood to give his best man speech. His voice carried over the room as he recounted their relationship's challenges during the war. Hinata, the bride, was moved to tears, grateful that her cousin had survived and could witness her marriage to Naruto. Without her cousin's presence and support, there might not have been a relationship between her and Naruto-kun at all.
After Neji wrapped up his speech, Sakura stepped up as maid of honor, sharing some heartfelt words that had everyone laughing. Then the groom himself, took the mic with his usual charm before and finally a moving speech from Hinata that left everyone in happy tears.
Soon after, the newlyweds were in the spotlight, cutting their wedding cake on the stage. As they fed each other slices, Neji and Sakura raised their glasses with the rest of the guests to toast the happy couple. Just as the pinkette was about to join in on the cake-cutting fun, her bestie swooped in.
"Come on, Sakura! We need a group photo with the girls!" Ino called out, trying to be heard over the chatter.
"Alright, alright. I'm coming," Sakura laughed, and turning to Neji. "Be right back, okay?"
"Okay, see you in a bit," Neji replied warmly.
"Thanks, babe. I'll be like five or… ten minutes, tops!" she promised with a quick peck on his lips.
Ino rolled her eyes playfully. "Jeez, can't leave your hubby alone for a minute, can you?"
Neji grinned and said, "Go before I hold you back," he pulled the cherry blossom in for another kiss while Ino watched with an exaggerated grin.
Blushing, Sakura let herself get dragged away by the blonde toward their group of friends for some much-needed photo time. Neji watched her leave with a smile on his face.
Once the photo session wrapped up, Sakura found herself mingling with the other guests, all while keeping an eye out for Neji. Her gaze swept across the room until she spotted him on the far side. He was caught up in yet another conversation—no surprise there. Whether it was formal chats or being introduced to influential guests by Hyuuga Hiashi, Neji handled it all with his usual calm demeanor, like mingling was just another part of his responsibility. This time, it was with some village official who probably wanted his input on something crucial.
Earlier, he'd promised he'd be back with drinks but had been gone for what felt like forever—probably tangled up in more discussions. Realizing it might be a while longer before he returned, Sakura decided to grab her own drink and headed out into the sprawling garden for a breather.
Meanwhile, Neji caught a glimpse of his cherry blossom slipping outside and decided he'd had enough of the endless chatter. Time to track down his better half. Politely excusing himself from the group, he followed her into the garden. There she was, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
"There you are," Neji said, slipping his arms around her waist as he joined her. "Sorry I got tied up back there."
Sakura gave him a playful nudge. "You know, I might have to get used to sharing you with all these fancy folks now that you're such a big deal!"
Neji chuckled, pulling her closer into a warm embrace. "So, am I forgiven?" he murmured as they swayed gently to the music coming from the hidden speaker among the flowers.
she cuddled up to him and whispered, "Yeah, you're forgiven."
"You good with this distance?" Neji asked softly while they danced, remembering their first dance lessons when he kept a careful distance.
Sakura smiled at the memory of those first lessons when he was such a gentleman about maintaining just the right gap. With a soft laugh, she said, "Now that we're married, I don't think we need any distance at all."
Neji looked at her with love before leaning in for a tender kiss under the moonlit sky. "I've been thinking about taking you home all night," he whispered against her lips.
Sakura flushed a little, meeting his gaze with affection. She loved how they could share these feelings so openly without holding back. She'd been lost in thoughts of him too, ever since their passionate morning together, desiring him more than she ever knew was possible. "I was just thinking the same thing," she admitted, a shy smile playing on her lips.
Just then, a voice crackled through a speaker, calling for Neji's presence. He sighed but gave Sakura a reassuring smile. "One last thing I've got to do," he promised, sealing it with another kiss. "Then we're out of here... and you can have me all to yourself," he said as he started to walk away.
"You better not keep me waiting too long," she teased, feeling anticipation bubble inside her as she watched him disappear into the reception hall.
Inside, the grand ballroom hummed softly as the night began to wind down. Neji stepped up to deliver his closing speech. Dressed in a sharp black suit, he looked every bit the handsome and confident Hyuuga prodigy. Sakura watched him with a fond smile from the back of the room, feeling a mix of pride and admiration as he handled the crowd with such grace. He had a way of owning the room, standing tall with a unique charm that made everyone hang on every word.
Delivering this closing speech was a long-standing Hyuuga tradition at all their family events, especially on Hinata's wedding day. This time, it was Neji's turn to shine as the clan representative—a sign of his growing status within the family. Having him take center stage made everything feel even more significant for Hinata on her special day.
Watching Neji capture everyone's attention was both new and familiar for Sakura. He wasn't just a prodigy or a charismatic speaker; what she loved most about him wasn't just his killer looks or how he could work a crowd—it was his genuine kindness and incredible heart. The man was just too good to be true—but thankfully real in every way that mattered.
Neji finished his speech to a chorus of applause; Sakura couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Sure, he might be admired by many tonight, but hey, he was all hers!
After the speeches and formalities, it was time for the bride's special dance with her father. Hinata spun gracefully around the floor with Hyuuga Hiashi before transitioning into a sweet dance with Naruto. It was a symbolic moment, moving from being her father's daughter to starting a new chapter with her husband.
The reception wrapped up beautifully. Everyone had their eyes glued to the happy newlyweds, soaking in the joy and love that filled the air. Sakura and Neji quietly made their exit into the night.
End notes: I'm not totally happy with how it all ends, but I think I did my best with it and I'm finally okay with how it turned out. Just one last chapter to go!
If you like this story, don't forget to support my new story, 'Inconveniently Yours, Marrying Mr. Yesterday'.