Naruto didn’t expect this many people.
No, not even close.
He had expected a crowd, sure.
Some villagers, maybe his friends, a few shinobi from other nations… but this?
This was overwhelming.
The entire village of Konoha had turned up.
The crowd overflowed beyond the wedding grounds, spilling into nearby rooftops and trees.
Kids sat on shoulders, old people clutched their canes and craned their necks for a better view.
Lanterns floated above, swaying gently in the summer breeze.
Flags fluttered with the Uzumaki swirl and Uchiha fan, entwined in a rare symbol of unity.
Even people from distant lands had come—travelers, dignitaries, merchants, even ex-nin who had once fought in the war.
Naruto stood near the altar, heart pounding beneath his black ceremonial yukata.
It was hot under all those layers.
Not just heat.
Nerves.
That bone-deep, stomach-churning kind of nervousness that even war hadn’t stirred in him.
“I-It’s just a wedding,” he whispered to himself.
“My wedding.”
Konohamaru was zooming around with a big camcorder, documenting everything like a man on a mission.
“Smile, Boss!” he yelled while filming Naruto’s back, then darted away before Naruto could turn around and scold him.
Fangirls tried to swarm him, screaming his name, crying about broken hearts, shouting things like:
“Why her?! Why not me?!”
“Uzumaki-kun, you’ve ruined my life!”
Security had to cordon off the section just to keep them from mobbing him.
Poor Shino and a few ANBU were stuck keeping them away.
Naruto could only sweat and chuckle nervously.
He wasn’t used to being popular.
Nobles lined up in elegant rows, each with a gift box wrapped in brocade silk, each eager to shake his hand or bow stiffly with reverence.
Naruto had to bow back so many times, his back was starting to cramp.
Even the Fire Daimyō’s own son—future ruler of the Land of Fire—stepped forward to offer his congratulations with a formal smile.
“Your courage has not only saved the world but inspired nobility to see shinobi in a new light,” he said.
“It is an honor to witness your union.”
Naruto bowed so low his nose nearly touched the floor.
“Thanks a lot, Your Highness.”
But it was when he saw Gaara that Naruto’s heart leapt.
The Kazekage walked through the crowd with his usual silent grace, his red hair catching the sun like flame.
Temari followed behind him, fan folded under her arm, and Kankurō trailed after, already looking annoyed with the ceremonial robes he was forced to wear.
“Gaara!” Naruto called, eyes lighting up.
Gaara gave him a faint smile.
“I couldn’t miss this.”
“I didn’t think you’d come all the way from Suna!”
“This is a historic event,” Gaara said.
“And you are… my first friend. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Naruto grinned, and they clasped forearms in a silent brotherhood that went deeper than words.
From the Raikage’s side, Darui and Samui had come.
Samui… avoided Naruto’s gaze entirely.
Probably because the last time they met, she had coldly backhanded him when he’d sobbed at her feet, begging for Sasuke’s pardon.
Naruto gave her an awkward smile.
She looked away, stiff as a kunai.
The most surprising arrival, though, was none other than the Mizukage—Mei Terumī herself.
Draped in an exquisite aquamarine kimono, she glided through the crowd with her usual blend of elegance and veiled menace.
Behind her trailed her loyal blue-haired swordsman—Chōjūrō or Chōsarō or… something—still visibly nervous as he eyed every corner.
“You clean up well, Naruto-kun,” Mei said with a wink, her glossy lips curving into a smile.
“If I had known you’d grow up into such a fine man, I might have kidnapped you to Mist.”
Naruto coughed, face turning beet red.
“Uh, thank you… but I think I’m good here.”
She laughed, that soft, dangerous laugh that made even Jonin sweat.
But that wasn’t the end of it.
Kurotsuchi, the future Tsuchikage, arrived in a bold red robe and promptly smacked Naruto on the back hard enough to make him stumble.
“Damn,” she said with a grin.
“Didn’t think the class clown would land someone like her. Gotta say, I’m a little jealous.”
“Don’t flirt with the groom,” Shikamaru muttered from behind, adjusting Naruto’s collar for the umpteenth time.
Kurotsuchi winked at Naruto anyway.
“If she ever dumps you, you know where I’m at.”
“I-I’m good,” Naruto stammered.
She winked again, then walked off laughing.