The System had only been active for less than two days, but the entire ninja world had already come to rely on it. Everyone's understanding of the System was evolving constantly, and even Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki found himself getting swept up in the future glimpses shown in the videos.
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Having received Iruka Umino's heartfelt guidance, Kakashi wasted no time. That very night, he rushed to Sunagakure to meet with the Fifth Kazekage.
He bowed deeply. "Here is the situation. Would it be possible for Sunagakure's shinobi to assist during the wedding?"
Gaara gave him a firm look and gestured for him to rise. "Raise your head, Sixth Hokage. I have already spoken with the Raikage, the Mizukage, and the Tsuchikage. We all agree. We want to help."
He paused, then continued, "Thanks to the bonds Naruto built between our villages, we have peace. It's only right that we show our support on the day he gets married."
(Author's Note: Honestly, Gaara looks so cool in this scene that I'm tempted to rewatch Episode 719.)
Gaara nodded solemnly. "We'll do everything in our power to make sure the ceremony goes smoothly."
Scene Switch: Iruka's House
Naruto's wedding was drawing near. Normally calm and composed, Iruka was in chaos. He cut his finger while chopping vegetables, spilled soup everywhere, and even knocked down his spice rack when he slammed his head in frustration.
Looking around at the mess, Iruka sighed. "I really shouldn't try things I'm not used to."
He bandaged his finger, then heard the doorbell ring.
"Coming!" he called.
At the door stood Naruto, hair neatly trimmed and dressed in a more mature style than usual.
"Iruka-sensei…"
"Naruto…" Iruka raised a brow. "What brings you here?"
Naruto looked a little embarrassed. "Well… I suddenly thought about you and wanted to see how you were doing."
Iruka studied him. "What's wrong, Naruto?"
Naruto rubbed the back of his head. "I'm getting married soon, and I didn't want you to still be alone or feel forgotten… so I came by."
Then he stepped inside and froze.
"Whoa… this place…"
"It's... complicated," Iruka muttered, then quickly added, "Want some ramen?"
Naruto brightened. "You're cooking ramen?"
"Obviously," Iruka said, gesturing to the mess. "And this is the result. By the way, you really should just marry Hinata already."
"Marry her? We haven't even—"
"Don't get me started." Iruka's tone sharpened. "She's been pacing around, worrying herself sick over you. You need to appreciate her more."
Naruto tried to act casual. "We haven't tied the knot yet. I'm just enjoying the last days of being single."
Iruka didn't even hesitate. "Baka! What part of Hinata's feelings don't you understand?"
Naruto blinked. "Iruka-sensei…"
Without even bothering to change clothes, Iruka grabbed Naruto by the wrist and yanked him toward the door. "You're coming with me to apologize to Hinata!"
"Wait! If Hinata's there, I can't—"
Naruto tried to pull away. "What do you even want me to say?"
Iruka frowned. "No more dodging. Say what you really feel."
Naruto scratched his cheek, mumbling, "I just wanted to eat ramen... and maybe have a drink…"
Iruka clenched his teeth. "Fine. Eat, drink, but don't act like this isn't serious."
Without another word, they walked together in the direction of the Hyūga estate.
Cut to: Kakashi's Office
Twelve familiar faces—Ino, Choji, Shikamaru, Lee, Tenten, Sai, Kiba, Shino, Sakura, and others—waited nervously. Naruto and Hinata were notably absent.
System Prompt:
"Question One: Why is Hyūga Neji not present in this scene?"A) He's still on a missionB) He's helping plan the weddingC) He did not return from the War
Quick Answer in 3… 2… 1…
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Option C. A fallen hero. No one wanted to face it.
Suddenly, a voice rang out.
"Quick Answer!"
Neji's calm tone filled the air.
"What's with the long faces? You think I'm gone? If death is death, I'll accept it. I choose C."
Hinata (chat): Brother…
Neji offered her a small smile. "What's so scary about death? If I fall in battle because I wasn't strong enough, then that's a warrior's end."
Everyone sat in stunned silence until the System announced:
"Neji's Quick Answer is correct. Awarded 3,000,000 ryo."
Tenten: "How can he… say it so calmly…"
Rock Lee: "I didn't even get to spar with you again…"
Neji (chat): You fools. I'm not dead yet. I just need to win more ryo, buy some life-saving jutsu, and I'll survive for sure. Shallow thinking.
Meanwhile, Kakashi reassured everyone.
"As the Sixth Hokage, I promise that no one will be excluded from Naruto's wedding."
(Author's Confession: I regret dragging this into a whole new wedding arc. This might be the most filler I've ever written. Forgive me.)
Scene: Sunset, Lake Hill
Hinata sat alone at dusk, reflecting quietly.
What does a wedding truly mean?
Iruka, now recovered, jogged up the slope and spotted her.
"Hinata?"
She turned, eyes shining with tears. "Iruka-sensei…"
He knelt beside her. "Did that idiot Naruto upset you?"
Tears welled in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Hinata. I never taught that boy how to treat a woman… but to be fair, I don't know how either!"
He rushed forward and tripped down the slope. Hinata gasped.
Then she started to laugh.
"You're laughing?" Iruka asked, stunned.
Hinata wiped her tears. "You assumed Naruto mistreated me… and apologized before asking anything."
Iruka blinked. "Isn't that what a sensei is supposed to do?"
They sat there together, watching the lake shimmer in the dying light.
"I didn't expect our wedding to trouble so many people," Hinata whispered. "Naruto brought everyone together as friends… but maybe I was too carefree."
Iruka smiled. "Don't think that way. No matter how much of a hero Naruto becomes, to us, he's still Naruto. Everyone is doing this because we want to. Let yourself be happy."
"Thank you," Hinata said quietly.
As they stood to leave, Iruka repeated something Kakashi once said.
"After all, Naruto is the one who united all the villages."
At that exact moment, Kakashi burst through Iruka's office doors, jumped on the desk, and shouted,
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka stood frozen, completely lost.