The video resumed, showing a lively scene inside Konoha. Hinata Hyūga had gathered with Sakura Haruno, Ino Yamanaka, Tenten, and several others to discuss wedding plans.
"So, how's the planning going?" Ino asked eagerly.
Hinata smiled at her friends. "It's almost done."
Sakura chimed in, astonished, "I can't believe Hinata and Naruto are the first among us to get married!"
Uzumaki Kushina (chat): My daughter-in-law! Come out so I can see you, my precious daughter-in-law!Minato Namikaze (chat): Kushina, tone it down. Don't scare her.Hinata (chat): …H-hello…Hizashi Hyūga (chat): Oh my…Kiba Inuzuka (chat): Alright, Hinata. No more fainting!Ōnoki (chat): So boring... all Konoha people.Fourth Raikage (chat): Agreed. So dull!
On screen, Tenten, still sporting her twin buns, asked, "What has Naruto been up to lately? Has he been helping out?"
Sakura fretted, "Is he actually pitching in?"
Hinata laughed gently. "He helps, of course, but it's my dad who's running around and panicking about everything. He's a nervous wreck over this wedding."
Ino teased, "Our fathers really can't stay calm for their daughters' big day, huh?"
As they chatted, Hinata's eyes narrowed. She stared at something—or someone—behind them.
"Orochimaru?" she whispered.
From behind a sweet shop emerged a pale man in a white coat. He paused, puzzled by the gathering.
Orochimaru (chat): …Why am I here? And why am I buying cake?Jiraiya (chat): Orochimaru! You dare show your face in Konoha? Seal the gates. Bring Tsunade!Tsunade (chat): Idiot! I'm Hokage here. Get in line.
Ding! Question Incoming!Why did Orochimaru come to Konoha?Correct answer wins 2,330,000 gold coins. Penalty for wrong answer is unknown.This is a real-time question. Mention Orochimaru's motive in chat to answer.
In the hushed Pure Land, no one dared speak. All eyes focused on Orochimaru.
Orochimaru scratched his head. "Honestly, I'm curious why I'm here too. Attending a wedding? Buying sweets? Does that make any sense?"
Jiraiya (chat): Only you would have such schemes!Orochimaru (chat): Schemes? I'm not a spirit. How would I know? Surely I didn't come just for Naruto's wedding. Do you really think that's realistic?Tsunade (chat): …He's got a point. Weddings aren't his style.
Ding! Evaluating…Orochimaru's answer: He came to attend Naruto's wedding!Ding! Correct. 2,330,000 gold coins awarded.
Jiraiya gaped. "What? You actually believe he came for that? The system's gone mad!"
Even Orochimaru himself looked stunned. "I… got it right?"
He muttered, "If you'd said I came to kidnap the bride, I'd believe that more."
Tsunade (chat): Tap him. Seal him. Make sure he's real.Sealing Technique (chat): …Only if you promise not to fight back.Tsunade (chat): …Fine. Orochimaru, let me slap you and test if this is real!Orochimaru (chat): Get lost.
Tobirama Senju (chat): Unbelievable. Orochimaru at Naruto's wedding? Minato, you truly have an interesting son.Uzumaki Naruto (chat): I'm just that awesome. Suck it, Sasuke.Uchiha Sasuke (chat): Hmph. You're average.Naruto (chat): Hey, I'm stronger. You ran off to Orochimaru, but Orochimaru's coming to my wedding!
On screen, Hinata walked past Konohamaru, who was talking with Shino Aburame. Their warm greetings felt especially touching in this moment.
But just as Konohamaru and Shino hurried off, Hinata paused on a staircase, overhearing a whispered conversation.
"Are they using gifts to decide who can attend the wedding?" Ino fumed.
"We've all gone through life-or-death missions with Naruto," Konohamaru protested. "Excluding anyone is completely disrespectful."
"That's absurd!" Ino scolded, shaking his collar. Konohamaru stumbled back in surprise.
Hinata sat alone on the steps, heartsick. Our wedding… turned out like this?
Rock Lee appeared beside her and knelt respectfully. "I know you're upset, Hinata, but…"
Neji Hyūga followed soon after, his expression concerned.
Choji stepped forward. "We'll volunteer to stand guard. Make sure everyone can attend."
Kiba and Lee chimed in together. "Yes! We'll keep watch."
Ino gently tugged Choji's sleeve. "No, that's not right. The Eight Gates weren't there. She'd worry."
Shino added, "And if we exclude others just for our sake…"
Konohamaru agreed, his tone firm. "I can't allow that either."
An uneasy hush fell over the group. Everyone not invited felt a pang of regret.