Tsunade's return didn't bring much change to Konoha. Though she often remarked that Himan from the Gekko Clan wasn't fit to be Hokage, she herself didn't seem too driven to change things either. Her words to Kazuki back then now seemed more like defiant banter—long forgotten since she left.
She hadn't rejoined Konoha as a ninja, nor did she leave it entirely. In today's world, Konoha remained the most livable village in the shinobi world. Tsunade couldn't bear to leave.
Time slipped by, and in a flash, Kazuki turned eighteen. For Kazuki, this age marked an important stage in his life, as he was about to fulfill his marriage promise to Uzuki Yūgao! The wedding arrangements, tied to one of Konoha's most respected figures, were grand and lavish. The entire village and even the Land of Fire were decorated with red to celebrate Kazuki's wedding!
Within the Gekko Clan, inside Kazuki's small house, he sat dressed in his groom's attire on his sofa. It was the first wedding he'd experienced in both his past and current life, and he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
At that moment, Karin suddenly burst into the room, calling out, "It's time! You need to go pick up the bride!"
"Got it!" Kazuki adjusted his clothes one last time, straightening up and heading for the door. After all, it was just a wedding, nothing to fear.
Outside, the members of the Gekko Clan had already assembled, ready for the procession. Himan stood at the front, his spirit vibrant. Kazuki glanced at everyone and waved.
"Let's go!"
"Yeahhhh!"
The powerful energy they displayed might have misled others into thinking they were off to battle. And for Kazuki, it wasn't entirely different from a confrontation.
"Come quick, come quick! The Gekko Clan's wedding procession is here!"
"Wow, they're throwing money!"
"Really?"
"See for yourself! They're so generous!"
"It's no surprise the Gekko Clan has made the whole Land of Fire aware of the wedding—they are the family of the Fifth Hokage, after all."
"Kazuki isn't just any member of the Gekko Clan, he's Konoha's greatest benefactor! The strongest ninja!"
"The strongest ninja?"
"Yes, a few years ago, when Konoha was under attack from a terrifying enemy, all the other shinobi were defeated. Even the Hokage at the time had to retreat! Only Kazuki stood his ground, defeated the enemy, and protected Konoha!"
"Who'd have thought he accomplished something so incredible? A true hero!"
"Absolutely! If he hadn't been so young back then, he might already be our Fifth Hokage!"
Compared to Himan, the villagers favored Kazuki more. To them, he was their true savior.
Amid the villagers' blessings, the Gekko Clan's wedding procession arrived at the Uzuki Clan. The Uzuki Clan had prepared everything. Yūgao, dressed in her bridal attire, wore a white gown and traditional makeup.
When Kazuki saw Yūgao's stunning appearance for the first time, he couldn't help but be captivated. Their eyes met, and it felt as though no one else existed—just the two of them.
"Yūgao, you look beautiful~"
"Mmm~"
The normally reserved Yūgao showed a rare hint of shyness. Standing before him was a woman so radiant, about to become his wife. Kazuki's emotions were indescribable.
"Kazuki, what are you waiting for?" The Uzuki Clan's patriarch urged, noticing the two in a daze.
"Starting today, she'll be yours—every day, you'll see her, there's no need to stare so intently!"
Kazuki snapped out of it, laughing, "Apologies, apologies!"
With the bride by his side, they set off!
At the wedding feast, many friends joined: Hatake Kakashi, Haruno Sakura, Yamanaka Ino, and others Kazuki was close to in Konoha. Even Sasuke appeared, though he kept a low profile due to his sensitive status.
Kazuki held Yūgao's hand, visiting table after table to toast their guests. At one table, he paused, surprised.
"Konan?"
"Congratulations," Konan raised her cup to him and quietly took a drink. Still as composed as ever, she sat alone, a shadow of sorrow on her face, perhaps pondering the meaning of life after Nagato's passing.
Kazuki felt no need to delve into her personal matters. His focus today was on celebrating his wedding with Yūgao, finally bringing an end to their long journey together. From engagement to marriage, Yūgao had waited for him for ten years!
The wedding feast continued through the day, with all of Konoha indulging in the celebrations. Many shops offered discounts, and some even free services. Konoha was steeped in happiness, as if the entire Land of Fire were celebrating along with Kazuki.
Late at night, as the festivities quieted down, Yūgao returned home with Kazuki. For once, Karin was absent, leaving just the two of them. In the large house, only a small room held them both.
Kazuki and Yūgao sat side by side on the bed, barely a centimeter apart, close enough to feel each other's warmth but not quite touching. Neither made a move, feeling slightly bashful on their first night as husband and wife.
But after a brief pause, Kazuki took the initiative, gently holding Yūgao's hand.
"Kazuki..."
"Shh, just kiss me~"
The Land of Fire's celebration lasted for three days, while the other nations continued their lives under tension. The Land of Water, only recently free from the Bloody Mist's shadow, slowly rebuilt its military under Fifth Mizukage Mei Terumi, enjoying a brief respite with a Kage-level guardian to maintain peace.
The Land of Lightning was restless, unaffected by recent losses, yet strained by economic stagnation and growing military ambitions, setting their sights on other lands. As Iwagakure and Sunagakure felt the effects of Kazuki's actions, their high-ranking shinobi were fewer.
Seeing their vulnerability, the Raikage kept probing their defenses with small raids, finally grasping the extent of both the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind's forces. Although Iwagakure suffered considerable losses, some, like the Third Tsuchikage Onoki's son Kitsuchi, managed to escape and preserve their strength.
Despite Iwagakure's weakened state, it was still formidable. To defeat them would require a high price, even for Kumogakure. Sunagakure, on the other hand, had become a prize fought over by various factions.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg