Shikamaru was about to lose his mind. What was happening?
Choji had given the perfect wedding gift: dinner at an upscale restaurant that no ordinary shinobi could ever afford. It was festive, memorable, and totally appropriate.
Who could top that?
Staring at Choji, who cheerily called for another serving of ice cream, Shikamaru couldn't help but wonder if this was still the friend he knew. Had Choji suddenly grown up overnight?
I need to decide on my gift now, Shikamaru thought, mentally racing through options.
None of them felt quite right.
Cash! That would let Naruto and his bride buy whatever they wanted. But wait... if I'm the only one giving money, people might think I didn't put any effort into it. That'd look terrible.
He shivered at the thought.
Choji, oblivious, offered him another bite. "You look cold. Too much ice cream?"
Shikamaru shook his head. "No... ice cream helps cool off after barbecue. And I always eat ice cream, even in the snow country. My appetite beats the cold."
Choji grinned. "Can't argue with that."
Shikamaru sighed. "Choji, what did you say your gift is again?"
Ding! Question Incoming!
What gift did Shikamaru choose?Correct answer wins 1,000,000 gold coins. Wrong answer penalty unknown.Answer format: Shikamaru's gift is ___.
Nara Shikamaru (buzzing in): "Shikamaru's gift is a trip!"
Ding! Evaluating...Correct! Shikamaru wins 1,000,000 gold coins!
Danzo Shimura: "Am I the only one this system bullies?"
Danzo, who had never answered a single question correctly, seethed while gold poured into Shikamaru's account.
Hashirama Senju: "He's even faster than our buzz-in races!"Tobirama Senju: "I don't want your opinions, I want my million!"
Ding! Next segment: The Newlyweds!
Uzumaki Naruto: "Newlyweds? Who's marrying who? Hinata?"Inuzuka Kiba: "Naruto, can you stop talking every time Hinata faints?"Naruto: "Sorry, can't help it!"
Scene: A quiet path in Konoha.Kakashi trudged along, lost in thought. He didn't notice the girl slipping by at first.
Tsunade: "Wait... Kakashi? The Sixth Hokage?!"Hashirama: "Hey, the Sixth really came out himself?"Danzo: "…"Kakashi: "Uh... this can't be real."Chōchō: "My family line finally produced a Hokage! Proud of you!"Yamanaka Ino: "Kakashi's amazing!"Obito Uchiha: "Congrats."
Obito scowled. Good things always seemed to happen to Kakashi. But the show must go on.
On screen:
Hinata (calling): "Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi flinched, his gaze torn away from the stream chat where Obito had just accused him again.
Obito Uchiha (chat): "Where are my eyes?"Kakashi: "I... I don't know! Ask me and I'll ask who?"Obito: "You're finished. You betrayed my Sharingan!"
Recovering, Kakashi bowed politely. "Oh, Hinata! Sorry, that was rude. Where are you headed?"
Hinata: "To Sakura's. Haven't seen the girls in ages."
Kakashi: "Ah, the last single ladies' party. How's wedding prep going? Naruto holding up?"
Hinata: "He's fine."
Kakashi (murmuring): "I could use a nap myself."
Hinata: "Sorry to disturb you. Bye!"
Hinata walked off into the distance. Kakashi sighed with relief.
Ding! Question Incoming!
What was Kakashi worrying about?A. Naruto's weddingB. This morning's paperworkCorrect answer earns 100,000 gold coins. Wrong answer and you die.
Tobirama Senju: "This is too easy. No clue?"Naruto: "Obviously his wedding!"Hashirama: "I thought he meant paperwork..."Tobirama: "No, don't overthink it. Wedding!"Hashirama: "And that's why Dad had my brother and I have more kids!"Tobirama: "Mom, why did you have three more?"Tobirama: "..."
Ding! Time's up. Tallying votes...A votes: 4,567,465B votes: 250
Ding! Correct answer: ADing! The 250 who chose B, perish where you stand!
In an instant, 250 shinobi evaporated from the Pure Land, causing chaos and confusion across the realm.
Ding! You idiots. This is the Newlywed segment. Did you not hear? Stay in the Pure Land if you're that dumb!
Hashirama: "Glad I picked A!"Tobirama: "Do you feel bad saying that after your stray comment?"Madara: "Think he'll care?"Obito: "He might... but would he admit it?"Hashirama: "I think he would."Hashirama: "See? I was right."
Everyone groaned as the system mocked them once more.
End of Chapter 41
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