Hinata sprinted down the path, clutching a small gift bag, until she spotted Kakashi standing alone in a field, deep in thought.
"Kakashi-sensei!" she called.
Kakashi flinched, clearly startled. As Hinata bowed deeply before him, a bead of cold sweat formed on his cheek. He had no idea what was going on.
"What's wrong, Hinata? Are you alright?" he asked, trying to steady himself.
Hinata looked up. "I heard… that you're very worried about our wedding."
Kakashi turned his head, looking at the sky. "You heard…?"
"Yes," Hinata replied softly.
"You know about… the guest list?" he asked, his voice beginning to tremble.
"Yes."
"And the security arrangements?"
"Yes."
"And… the mission schedules?"
"Yes."
Kakashi's head drooped. So they had found out after all.
"I don't want the wedding to become a burden on everyone," Hinata said quietly.
"What? No, no." Kakashi shook his head frantically. "Your wedding must happen. If anyone has to go on guard duty that day, let the Hyūga clan handle it."
"There's no need. This day is important for your family too. I want every member of your clan to be present."
"That is my duty as Hokage," Kakashi said solemnly.
Tsunade (chat): Kakashi! That's exactly what I wanted to hear.Kakashi (chat): Um… thank you, Fifth Hokage-sama.Tsunade (chat): You'll be Sixth Hokage someday. Skip the formalities.
On screen, Hinata still looked anxious. Kakashi gave her a gentle, reassuring smile.
"I'll take care of the guard duty myself. You just focus on preparing for the big day."
"Okay," Hinata nodded, relief spreading across her face.
"I must return now," she said, bowing again before dashing away.
Kakashi, meanwhile, arrived back at the Hokage's office expecting a quiet evening, but instead found a full crowd waiting for him.
Inside stood Kiba, Shino, Tenten, Choji, Lee, Sakura, Ino, Sai, and Shikamaru. Nearly the entire original group, minus Naruto and Hinata, had gathered. The Twelve Guardians were nearly complete.
Ding! Question One:Why isn't Neji Hyūga in this scene?A) He's on a mission and can't return in timeB) He's helping Hinata with wedding plansC) He didn't survive the war
Correct answer wins 3 million gold coins. Incorrect answer carries unknown consequences. This is a lightning-speed Quick Answer. You have three minutes and three chances.
A hush fell over Konoha.
Neji… If A or B brings a smile, C is a knife to the chest.
No one dared speak that third choice.
Ding! Quick Answer activated!Neji Hyūga, please answer!
Neji's voice echoed confidently. "What's with the long faces? Think I'm gone? If dying means I'm out of the picture, fine. I choose C."
Hinata (chat): Brother…Neji: What's there to pity? If I die on the battlefield because I was outmatched, that's an honorable end.
Everyone watching suddenly felt so... small.
Ding! Judging Neji's answer: CDing! Correct. Neji awarded 3 million gold coins.
Naruto (chat): No way… He's really gone?Tenten (chat): Neji! That can't be…Lee (chat): I haven't even beaten you yet! You—Neji (chat): You fools. I'm not dead yet! If I save up more gold and buy a resurrection technique, I won't die. Idiots.
Hashirama (chat): Little brother… so clever!Tobirama (chat): Shut up.
On screen, Kakashi turned to the group and raised a fist. "Leave it all to me. I'll make sure every one of you can attend Naruto's wedding."
(Author's Note: I regret writing this entire wedding arc. Too much filler. I might as well jump off Hokage Rock.)
Later, as the sun dipped toward the horizon, Hinata sat alone on a gentle slope. She stared into the lake, reflecting on what a wedding really meant.
That was when Iruka appeared.
"Hinata? Is that really you?" he asked, rushing over.
Hinata looked up. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears—of gratitude, of pressure, of being overwhelmed.
Iruka gasped. "Hinata! Did that brat Naruto mistreat you?"
He panicked. "I'm sorry! I never taught him how to treat a lady… but I don't know how either!"
In his flustered state, Iruka stumbled on the grass and tumbled down the slope.
Hinata couldn't help but burst into laughter through her tears.
"What are you laughing at?"
Iruka sat up, dazed. "Am I… supposed to say something else?"
Hinata wiped her eyes. "You jumped to conclusions, apologized for something unread… and then rolled downhill."
Iruka's mouth hung open. "Really? Did I?"
They sat together as the sunset dyed the lake a brilliant red.
"It never occurred to me that our wedding might cause so much trouble for others," Hinata murmured.
"Don't say that," Iruka smiled. "No matter how great a hero Naruto becomes, he's still our Naruto. For me, and for everyone who's supported him, helping you both is only natural."
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei," she said gently.
As night fell, they parted ways. Iruka watched her go.
Meanwhile, Kakashi burst into the Hokage office.
"Thanks for stepping up, Iruka-sensei!" he shouted.
Iruka blinked in confusion. "Huh? When did I...?"