Something Borrowed
Something Borrowed - Part of a wedding rhyme of articles that can create a lasting marriage. A borrowed item can bring the couple good fortune and well wishes. Something borrowed can be from a family member, a close friend, or even a kind-hearted stranger.
“You can’t do this now!” A young woman’s voice rang out above the commotion in the mansion. “Come on, Kana; the wedding is in three days!”
“I’m sorry, Kazue. I just don’t feel safe being in this wedding anymore.” Kana bowed her head to the other woman. “You’ll be ok with one less bridesmaid.”
Kazue stuttered as she stared wide-eyed at her friend. “But we would be without you! And it will be safe. We hired ninjas for this!”
Kana crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow. “A perv and three little kids. Oh, you’re right. I feel so protected.”
“Please just stay. I promise we will be fine.” Kazue pleaded softly, grasping the other woman’s arm.
Kana moved away from Kazue’s grasp. Her face was blossoming into anger. “There are some things more important than you and your wedding! I’m leaving; if the other girls leave too, that’s on them. Maybe you shouldn’t have had such a big wedding.” She yelled. “You should care more about my safety than this ridiculous fancy production.”
“I do care! The ninja—“
“Again, with the damn ninjas!” Kana exclaimed. “How do you even know they’re real ninjas? Did you really vet them? Knowing you, they probably came from the streets and started claiming they were ninjas to make a payday.” She mocked, her voice pitching higher.
Kazue stood silent and defenseless at Kana’s anger. Her friend continued her tirade, not pausing just to breathe. Tears began to flow from the bride’s eyes. It wouldn’t bother her that she would be a bridesmaid less, but this was Kana.
“And stop with your stupid crying. You’re not getting your way this time. I’m out of here.” Kana flipped her hair and turned away. Her heeled steps rapidly hit the marble floors as she left her friend alone.
Kazue continued staring into space in shock at how everything had turned out. What was she going to do? Would more people leave? Would the wedding be canceled? The young woman sank to the floor in tears. All she wanted was a beautiful wedding with all her friends and family there to celebrate. This stupid crazed fan was ruining everything.
“Are you alright, Miss Kazue?” A low, gentle voice called from the doorway of the room.
Looking up, Kazue saw the leader of the ninja team she hired, Kakashi Hatake. She took several deep breaths to calm herself down. “No, I’m afraid not.” She said softly, her voice shaking with restrained emotion. “One of my bridesmaids just dropped out at the last minute. She was one of my best friends. I understand that she’s scared. Truly, I do. But I wanted her to be here for this day.” Her tears re-emerged as her voice broke.
Kakashi walked up to the poor woman and knelt. He patted her shoulder lightly, feeling a bit out of his element despite the obligatory need to comfort her. “Well, there’s nothing to do about your friend.” He said, wincing as she hiccuped. “Perhaps we can use a substitute?” His tone was hopeful, very hopeful. Part of his mission, after all, was to ensure the completion of the wedding.
Kakashi didn’t care much about money but knew that every bit counted for his students. His finances were nothing to speak of, but he was always with work. The kids, however, depended on him to get missions.
“ I don’t have anyone else,” Kazue said, breathing deeply to calm herself again. “The wedding is big and fancy, but that’s on my fiancé’s side. I don’t have a lot of people I’m close to.” She wiped the tears away from her face.
An idea sprung into Kakashi’s mind. “I think I may have a solution.”
Sakura stood on a pedestal in the middle of a room, wearing a royal blue satin gown. Seamstresses were fussing about, sticking pins everywhere. She stood as still as possible so as not to get poked. The bride was seated in a cushy loveseat, paying close attention.
“I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to this, Miss Sakura,” Kazue said with a broad smile. “I’m truly grateful.”
The young ninja smiled back. “It’s my pleasure that I can be of some help.” One of the seamstresses readjusted the bust of the gown again so it would fit closer to her chest. It was about the eighth time they had done that, and it was beginning to bring back some insecurities.
Kazue giggled softly. She was no ninja, but she was a brilliant actress who understood subtle expressions. “You look beautiful. Don’t worry so much.”
“Thank you. I have never worn anything like this.” Sakura blushed as she ran her hands on the smooth fabric.
The gown was a dark, rich blue that shined like water. The skirt was an a-line silhouette that flowed around her feet while the bodice was flush against her body, emphasizing her waist. What gave her some pause was the neckline. The gown was initially meant for a full-grown woman with a full-grown bust, so the neckline was inappropriate for her age. It was a v that ran deeper on her tiny body and displayed way more skin than she was comfortable showing.
“The color and material look stunning on you. Very elegant yet youthful.” Kazue praised as she stood to examine the image of Sakura in the gown. “And once we fix that neckline, it will look positively stunning.”
“Oh, I agree very much, Miss Kazue.” One of the seamstresses commented. “A style like this is very flattering on a petite frame. With the extra fabric from the hem, we can raise the neckline to make it more fitting for someone so young.”
“See?” Kazue smiled. “And besides, you’re still growing. Who knows what you will look like once you're my age? Regardless, you should accept yourself as you are. Everyone has a unique beauty to them.”
Sakura stared at the woman in awe. No one has ever spoken to her about her insecurities like this before. Well, Ino did when they were small kids, but this was different. Kazue was 15 years older than her. It felt….motherly? The older woman’s smile was warm and genuine. Sakura couldn’t help smiling back.
“Thank you,” Sakura said softly.
Kazue’s smile grew. “I only speak the truth. Now, what shall we do with your hair?”
It was the morning before the wedding ceremony, and luckily there were no incidents. Sakura woke up early to get ready with the rest of the bridesmaids. She had a few interactions with them, and she could say they were an ok group of girls. Kazue was kind enough to provide a little breakfast buffet for them as they got ready.
The bride was all excited and nervous as she got ready for her big day. It made Sakura wonder how she would feel on her wedding day. The thought sent her heart fluttering, and warmth spread through her body. Of course, she could envision only one boy in that future. A small smile bloomed on her face as she thought of Sasuke.
“Ooh, someone has that look!” Kazue squealed slightly from her stylist’s chair, attracting the attention of the other girls. “Who has you smiling like that?” She teased.
As all the girls stared at her with intrigue, Sakura's face flooded with color. “Oh no, no, it’s nothing!” She said to Kazue.
“Oh, come on, Sakura! Give me something to distract me.” Kazue said in a whine. “I’m going nuts with nerves here!”
The other girls chorused their pleas for more details, doing nothing to help Sakura’s flushed face. After a while, she caved to cease all the commotion. “His name is Sasuke. He’s on my team.”
The girls all have cooing noises at her. One of them asked. “Oooh, is that the little boy with the black hair and blue shirt?”
Sakura was surprised she guessed correctly on the first try. Kazue laughed lightly at the girl’s expression.
“Oh, sweetie.” She sighed, shaking her head slightly. “You picked a tricky one.”
Sakura sighed with her. “Yeah, he can be.”
“We gotta make sure you look your absolute best!” One of the bridesmaids exclaimed. “Not that you need much to do that.”
“Hey, it’s still my wedding, right?” Kazue said, laughing heartily. “But we do have to get you and everyone else ready.” She called out to the rest of the bridal party, queuing them to continue their tasks.
Sakura sat in one of the stylist chairs, and the process began.
Guests and media members were steadily filing into the large, luxurious ceremony venue. As they passed the threshold, they gasped in wonder and delight. Soft piano music was playing to welcome them in. The cascades of white flowers and greenery hung from the high ceiling. More lush flowers and foliage lined the aisle with candles glowing softly in glasses. All the guests took pictures and took in the splendor as they found their seats. The press cameras also went off every few seconds, bright flashes flooding the space. They moved on and began setting up on the far sides of the venue, out of the guests' line of sight.
Kakashi, Naruto, and Sasuke stationed themselves at various entry points of the ceremony venue. Sakura would be right up front and close to the entrances there. Kakashi was on the second-floor balcony with a birdseye view of the entire procession. Should anything happen that his student can’t handle, he can jump to their aid. Sasuke was in the middle off the side for interception. Naruto stood by the main entrance with his shadow clones surrounding the parameter as the first point of contact. While none were seated, they fit right into the event with their attire. It was a request of their client to blend in so that their guests were more at ease and they won’t stick out in any photos that the press may take.
Kakashi and Sasuke both wore simple suits. Kakashi opted for an all-black suit with a black dress shirt to accompany his mask. He’d gotten a lot of compliments from guests for his look as he checked the parameters. Since many of the guests were authorities in fashion, he couldn’t help the boost to his ego.
Sasuke’s suit was a dark blue and black grid pattern jacket with a black lapel and matching dark blue pants. He also wore a one-button black vest and stark white dress shirt with a blue tie to complete the ensemble.
Naruto, of course, had to stand out. The boy was currently strutting in a rusty orange and black suit. It would have been an eyesore without the black stripe going down both sides of the pant and jacket, giving it a sporty look.
All in all, they were on par with the other well-dressed and high-fashion guests.
After several minutes, the music stopped. The entrance doors were closed with a soft click. All the guests took their queue to find their seats quickly.
“Final com check-in. Call in.” Kakashi said softly through the mic in his collar.
“Naruto checking in from the front entrance! All clear over here, believe it!” The orange-clad boy said, much louder than necessary. A few guests near him turned at his outburst, making him grin sheepishly.
“Checking in from the middle. No suspicious activity amongst the guests.” Sasuke reported quietly, his eyes scanning the crowd again for any indication of the crazed fan.
“Checking in from the outside door. Nothing out of the ordinary. The procession should start in about three minutes.” Sakura said, her voice raised slightly.
“Front’s clear, Sakura, but check in again once you’re up there,” Kakashi instructed.
“Got it!”
“Hey! Good luck, Sakura! You’re gonna do great!” Naruto whisper-shouted through the mic.
A small giggle came through the coms. “Thanks, Naruto. Not gonna lie; this is a bit nerve-wracking. Not that I can’t handle it!” She added quickly, remembering that Sasuke was also listening.
“Alright, everyone, focus.” Kakashi’s voice cut through the chatter. The coms returned to silence as they waited. After a few minutes, the front entrance doors opened.
The music started again in a gentle swell of strings and keys in a beautiful melody. The guests all turned to view the beginning of the wedding procession.
First to walk through was the ceremony's officiant, an older man in traditional attire. The grandparents of the groom followed him. Shortly the groom walked gracefully with his mother and father on either side. As he passed, guests began to wave and say soft words to him. He offered everyone a genuine smile of gratitude, as did his parents.
Now began the march of the bridesmaids and groomsmen. Each bridesmaid wore a satin gown in various shades of blues and alternating styles. The groomsmen’s suits followed a similar theme of alternating shades of blue and prints on their dress shirts. The pairs went from tallest to shortest so Sakura would be at the tail end of people.
“Whoa…” Naruto gasped in awe through the mic.
Sakura walked through the door, her arm delicately looped onto a young groomsman around her age. She was undoubtedly a vision. Her gown was royal blue and moved fluidly around her feet as she walked. Her hair was in intricate braids, and soft waves framed her face. Her makeup was subtle, preserving her youth and elevating her natural beauty. Sakura’s escort was noticeably chipper with his broad grin and frequent glances toward the pinkette.
“Sakura is a total knockout!” Naruto exclaimed, but he managed to keep his voice down.
“Naruto, your mic is hot,” Kakashi commented as he watched the procession closely. “Don’t just stare at her; focus on the mission.” He smirked as he saw the blonde’s head snap forward again.
Sakura couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her as she listened. She scanned the crowds for anything odd or out of place. So far, everything seemed to be going smoothly. As she glanced around, she spotted where Sasuke stationed himself. He was leaning against a wall on the far right side, his eyes surveying the room carefully. As she and her escort continued walking down, she could see him better.
Her steps broke their even stride as she couldn’t help but gaze at him a moment longer. Sasuke was so handsome in his dark suit. Sakura’s heart fluttered when his eyes found hers. He was so far away from her, yet she knew his eyes were on hers. It was only a moment, but for Sakura, it was an eternity. When time started again, she wondered if he was in that space with her.
The pair continued down the aisle, separating once they reached the very back of the venue. Sakura took her place at the end of the line of bridesmaids.
“All clear. No suspicious activity yet.” Sakura called in quietly.
“Acknowledged,” Kakashi responded. “Remain vigilant.”
“Copy.”
“Bride is making her entrance!” Naruto alerted.
All the guests began to stand and turn toward the double doors at the front of the building. The music paused momentarily before playing another beautiful melody of keys and strings. The bridal party was twitching with excitement for their dear friend, the bride. Sakura, too, found herself feeling giddy. However, something caught her eye as she waited for Kazue’s entrance.
Far into the middle row of the pews was one familiar woman. She sat at the end where the bride wouldn’t see her but was in perfect view of Sakura. She tried her best to remember where she had seen her.
“Woman in the left section, middle pew. She has long brown hair and is wearing a red dress.” Sakura said quietly over the comms. “I believe she’s the former bridesmaid .”
“Acknowledged. Identity confirmed. That’s Kana.” Kakashi responded, easily able to spot the woman from above. “She’s not supposed to be here since she dropped out. Stay vigilant.”
“Copy.” Sakura kept track of the woman while continuing to survey the crowd.
The front doors opened, revealing the bride. Kazue stepped through the doors, her soft white gown flowing with each step. The lights reflected on the beading and rhinestones throughout the garment. Her smile was even more radiant. Soft exhales of awe echoed in the venue as she passed by. The bridesmaids all smiled brightly as their dear friend made her way to the biggest day of her life. Sakura couldn’t help smiling with them.
Sakura glanced to the other side of the altar. The groomsmen were all grinning and jostling the groom playfully. The groom was pink-faced as he wiped the tears on his cheeks, his eyes never leaving the bride.
Kazue finally approached the altar, accepting her groom’s hand as they stood together. Their watery smiles perfectly matched as they held each other in their gazes.
The ceremony began.
The ceremony was going smoothly thus far, but all of team 7 was on high alert. It was not a traditional, lengthy affair. Before anyone knew it, it was time for the vows.
“Do you, Kenjuro Takehashi, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The officiant said, his voice booming despite his small and frail body.
The groom smiled widely. “I do, I do, I do!” His bride giggled at him.
“Very good! And now, do you, Kazue Moto, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Kazue sniffed and smiled through tears. “Of course. Yes, I do. I do, I do, I do!”
“I don’t!” A voice hollered from behind the bridesmaids. Everyone turned to the intruder. A man dressed in a white tuxedo appeared, sword in hand. Alarmed gasps and yells spread across the room. “No one will have that woman but me! And I warned you, Kazue!”
The man reached out for the person closest to him, Sakura. He crushed her back against his body, raising the sword to her neck. The blade was sharp. Sakura tried to lift her chin to prevent injury, but how he handled her was causing minor nicks.
“No, let her go!” Kazue yelled in horror. She stepped forward, but Kenjuro stepped in front of her, completely blocking her from the intruder.
“Hey, you get away from my woman! Or the little girl gets it.” He pressed the blade even more against Sakura’s throat. “Or should I just do it anyway? The dogs and the flowers weren’t enough to convey my love, but maybe a child will.” He mused, his voice dipping low. His hand roughly patted her head, fingers carelessly undoing the braids. The movement created more nicks, and Sakura could feel the blood travel down her neck.
“Sakura!” Naruto shouted as he began to run.
Sasuke and Kakashi appeared at the altar in a flash, stances ready for a fight. They kept their distance. From the mission report, this man was a skilled hitman. He became obsessed with Kazue and stalked her for months, convinced they were lovers. Kakashi stayed alert but calm. Looking over, he saw Sasuke’s Sharingan was blazing at their enemy.
“Wow, you’re really sick.” The man looked down at his hostage. She was looking up at him, bright green eyes piercing and a smirk on her face. “You’re just a sick little man, aren’t you? And you’re weak.” She huffed a breathy laugh. “You went for the smallest, frailest girl in the group. What a joke.”
“What did you say?!” The man snarled and grabbed a fist full of her hair.
“I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking.”
Naruto looked agape at his teammate’s rashness. “What is she doing!” He exclaimed, but no one responded to him.
Sakura glanced at where her team was and immediately found red eyes locked on her. His blazing eyes glided slightly to the side, focusing behind her. His eyes found her again and gave her an imperceptible nod.
“Let our teammate go, and you will walk away from this with minimal charges,” Kakashi said, calm and confident.
“If I’m walking, I’m walking with my woman.”
“You’ll be rolled out of here if you don’t let Sakura go!” Naruto roared.
The man growled, staring down at the shinobi before him. After a few moments, a cruel smile grew on his face. “Very well.” Before anyone could stop him, the blade slid across Sakura’s throat.
Screams echo throughout the room.
Naruto’s mouth is agape in shock before turning to a furious snarl. He was about to charge forward and attack when a thick puff of smoke emitted the air with a popping sound.
The man held a small bouquet of red roses when the smoke cleared. “What the—“ his exclamation was cut off by a vicious uppercut to the jaw, causing him to take several stumbling steps back. Sasuke charged forward and followed up with a devastating kick in the same spot, sending him flying.
Sakura appeared, falling from the sky. She reeled her fist back and launched forward with all her strength. Her fist punched right in the center of his torso, sending him back to the ground in a devastating crash. He stayed unconscious, his breath wheezing.
Sakura landed behind him, shaking off her hand. “Ow.” She said softly.
Kakashi came forward to secure the intruder with rope, removing any possible weapons. Naruto retrieved the sword that he abandoned when Sasuke first hit him.
Sasuke walked up to Sakura. “Are you alright?” He asked, looking for any injuries.
“Yeah.” Sakura smiled, feeling quite proud of herself. She felt a sting on her neck as she moved, causing her to wince.
“Your neck is bleeding.” Sasuke alerted, stepping closer to inspect the wound. It was just a few minor cuts from the blade, but they continued to bleed with all the movement, a small trail going down her neck.
Sakura stood still as stone with Sasuke this close to her. “Nothing a bandage can’t fix.” She managed to say without sputtering. He was so close. His breath was tickling her skin. As flustered as she felt, she also felt calm. This level of closeness was almost beginning to feel normal. No. Not normal. It felt…natural to Sakura.
He dug through his pockets and produced the first aid kit that came with every standard ninja pack. Sakura held her hand out for the materials but was surprised when Sasuke knelt before her instead. She was even more surprised when his fingers touched her neck.
Her face blazed. “W-what are you—ow!” Sakura winced as she felt a sharp burning pain emit from the cuts.
“Disinfectant,” Sasuke said in his usual flat tone.
“I can do it.” She offered but hoped he wouldn’t take her up on it. He said nothing as he continued his task. Sakura bit her lip to fight the delighted smile. “Thank you.”
Sasuke was thoroughly cleaning away the blood. The disinfectant towel traveled down the small trail of blood. Sakura could feel his breath again, but this time it felt cold on the wet parts of her neck. Sakura tried to focus on something else but failed when she felt his fingers rub at her cuts. He applied the ointment carefully, the touch light and delicate. She swallowed and blushed, knowing he probably felt it.
The young boy quickly applied the healing ointment before securing the area with a bandage. Delicately, Sasuke pressed the adhesive side onto her skin. He smoothed the edges to ensure it was perfectly flush with her skin. He felt Sakura’s breath stutter as his fingers ran along the seams of the bandage.
He didn’t know what power possessed him to rerun his fingers.
A muffled noise met his ears. Looking up, Sasuke saw Sakura fighting off a giggle, her hand hiding a wide smile. Her green eyes were bright with mirth and looking back into him. She lowered her hand as she composed herself, but a wide smile still graced her. “Sorry,” she said with traces of laughter still in her voice, “I’m a bit ticklish in the neck.”
Sasuke sighed quietly, his fingers leaving her neck. His eyes, however, stayed connected to her gaze. Sakura performed excellently on this mission, and the substitution technique was flawless. If it wasn’t for his sharingan, he wouldn’t have been able to see her signs. Though, she should’ve avoided being grabbed in the first place. That wasn’t her plan if the wounds on her neck were anything to go by. But she reacted quickly, adapted to the situation, and trusted him to catch on to her plan. The corner of his mouth quirked up.
“Alright, you two,” Kakashi called. He tossed the wedding crasher haphazardly against a pillar. “Let’s get the show back on track. Sasuke, I don’t think your sharingan is necessary anymore.”
Sakura blushed as she looked up to see that most of the wedding party was looking at her. Sasuke turned and shot an unimpressed glare at his teacher. “Don’t we still have one thing to take care of?” He asked.
“Oh, you’re right.” Sakura turned, facing the guests, and sure enough, the ex-bridesmaid was trying to make her hasty escape.
Naruto’s clone intercepted her with a wide grin. Kana tried pushing him out of the way, but another appeared to grab her arms. She tried to rip from his grasp, but it was no use.
“Let go of me! What is the meaning of this!” She yelled as she was guided to Kakashi.
Kazue recovered enough from shock to look confused at the new situation. “Kana? What are you…you said you wouldn’t come?” Her fiancé held her securely as his brows creased.
Kana kept her eyes away from the bride and said nothing. Kakashi was staring her down, but she was avoiding his gaze too. That was fine by him. “You let the stalker in, didn’t you.” She didn’t respond, but Kakashi continued. “You snuck him in disguised as a guest. Was it your idea for him to hide up here? Where he could grab one of the bridesmaids.”
“What?” Kazue said softly, her eyes bouncing from Kana to Kakashi. “Kana, is that true?”
Finally, the woman responded. “And what if it is?” She said, staring back at Kazue. “It’s not like you have any proof.”
“There are cameras everywhere,” Kakashi stated. “You most likely got caught escorting the stalker in and directing him where the best place to hide would be.” Kana’s face paled at the realization. “But you wanna know your biggest mistake?”
Naruto and Sakura looked on in uneasy anticipation as their sensei stepped closer to the woman. He towered over her and gave her no option but to look up at his eyes. One a void of black and the other a red, unlike anything she’s seen before. Kana tried to shrink away, but his stare kept her in place.
“Your plot put one of mine in danger.” Kakashi’s voice came from deep within his chest. It was low. It was a threat. “I don’t take kindly to that.”
Kana’s face lost all color. With a shuddering breath, she collapsed. Naruto barely caught her to set her on the cold floor. The children all looked at Kakashi with awe as they once again saw the shinobi their sensei really was. He was an anbu-level shinobi, one of the best. One of the deadliest.
Kakashi turned back to the bride and groom, who were still speechless. “My apologies for the disruption, Miss Kazue. Please give us a moment to secure these two, and we can resume the ceremony.”
Kana and the stalker were quickly handed off to authorities as the ceremony was reset. One of the bridesmaids fixed Sakura’s hair again. In no time, she was back in the line of bridesmaids, and the wedding proceeded without incident.
“Do you, Kenjuro Takehashi, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” The officiant said, his voice still a bit shakey from current events.
“I do.” Kenjuro declared, resolute as he gazed into Kazue.
“Wonderful. And now, do you, Kazue Moto, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
Kazue smiled as she gazed back with teary eyes. “I do.” Her voice was unwavering and solid.
The officiant let out a relieved sigh, much to the guests' amusement. He smiled widely. “Then I now declare you husband and wife! You may seal your union with a kiss.”
Sakura turned away as the couple leaned in, a light blush on her cheek at the display. She smiled as she saw the crowd's excitement when the couple kissed. Naruto was cheering along with them quite loudly while Kakashi just shook his head at the boy. Without meaning to, Sakura found Sasuke standing off to the side nearby. His face was as stoic as ever, but she could see his discomfort by the crease in his brow. Sakura couldn’t help laughing a bit; she thought it was cute! She may have laughed too loudly as Sasuke looked at her with a light scowl. She smiled back at him, and his expression eased.
“It is my honor to present to you for the first time ever,” The priest announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Takehashi!”
A sea of cheers and applause bounced off the walls of the venue. The now husband and wife were glowing in happiness, holding each other securely in their hands. Their smiles were bright as they faced their guests and their future together. Kazue and Kenjuro walked forward, breezing through the isle and receiving the warm wishes of their friends and family. The groomsman and bridesmaids followed suit.
“Well done, Team 7,” Kakashi said through the comms, “Another mission completed.”
The wedding party was moved to a lush garden where they would take photos. As there was still some setting up, Kazue took the opportunity to find Sakura. She found the girl with her team now that the guests were being let out. She quickly walked toward them with her husband right beside her.
“Sakura!” She called as she embraced the girl tightly. “I’m so relieved that you’re ok!” She let the girl go quickly to look her over. “I’m so, so, so sorry! I didn’t think you’d get hurt. Oh my, your neck!”
“Oh no, it’s ok! Just a few cuts, that’s all! Trust me; I’ve had worse.” Sakura said frantically, trying to ease the young bride’s worry.
“Oh, I don’t like the sound of that either!” Kazue whined lightly. She gave the girl another embrace. “Thank you so much for everything.”
Kenjuro smiled at the rest of the team. “All of you, thank you. This is one of the biggest days of our lives, and I’m so grateful you were here. I’m so sorry that I got your teammate injured.”
Kakashi smiled behind his mask. “Occupational hazard, I’m afraid. We’re just happy that everything went smoothly despite that slight interruption.”
Kazue smiled softly, releasing Sakura. “Still. Thank you.”
The young kunoichi smiled back. “It was an honor to be part of it. “
“Oh, dear?” Kenjuro asked, leaning to whisper in his wife’s ear. Kazue’s eyes brightened, and she nodded enthusiastically with a wide smile. “We would love to invite you to join us at the reception if possible.” Kenjuro offered, his smile just as wide as Kazue’s.
“We’ll add it as an extension to the initial mission if that makes you say yes!” Kazue added.
Naruto and Sakura immediately turned to their sensei, hopeful looks in their eyes. Sasuke’s face was as indifferent as ever, but his eyes peered up at him too. They didn’t need to go back to the village just yet. Well, then. Kakashi smiled as he turned back to the couple. “We would be delighted, thank you.”
Kazue clapped her hands in joy. “Wonderful! I’ll just update our coordinator. Thank you so much! I hope the food will be to your liking.”
Naruto perked up. “Oh yeah! What’s on the menu?”
“Naruto!” Sakura scolded.
“Well, we decided to be a bit unique, so I came up with the idea of having a ramen bar. Lots of options for everyone to enjoy everything to their tastes.”
Naruto looked up at the both of them in awe, his eyes positively sparkling. The orange-clad boy turned to the bride. “You have married a good man.” His voice was wavering but sincere, which caused the couple to laugh again.
“Well, Sakura, since you are staying, would you like to stay on as my bridesmaid?” Kazue asked. “Your escort will be lonely without you, after all.” The bride added while sneaking a glance at the silent boy. Once again, she could see the subtle changes that most wouldn’t be able to distinguish. Sasuke’s face pinched ever so slightly at the mention of the young groomsman. His shoulder tensed, and his feet shifted heavily into the grass. It was so cute she couldn’t stop the grin on her face.
Sakura agreed eagerly. She followed the couple to where the rest of the wedding party standing. The bridal party welcomed her back warmly as they shared their admiration and gratitude. The girl was flustered at all the unexpected praise. Soon the photographer was ready for their shoot and They were all quickly arranged for the best composition.
“Alright, everyone! Big smiles in 3…2…1!”
Sakura smiled widely, truly feeling quite happy.