Naruto arrived at Konoha's main gate with Konan, Yahiko, Nagato, and a group of Amegakure children. The moment they appeared, White Fang—Sakumo Hatake—stepped toward them with a warm smile.
"Naruto, you're back!" he greeted.
Naruto nodded, then asked, "Uncle White Fang, Kakashi-sensei and the others already went ahead, right?"
Sakumo nodded. "Yes. They've already passed through."
"Good. We'll head there now!"
"Alright, Naruto. Go ahead."
White Fang stood aside, watching Naruto lead the large group past the gate. His eyes softened.
"It's great… the village hasn't felt this lively in a long time."
As soon as they entered, the children from Amegakure gasped loudly. They couldn't help themselves—the sight before them was overwhelming.
Konoha Village had been decorated from end to end to celebrate the wedding of Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade. Lanterns, banners, streamers, and flowers covered every street. Vendors were out, families were laughing, and shinobi of all ranks walked around helping with preparations. A festive air filled the entire village.
At the very center was the massive square where a gigantic wedding stage had been built. Colorful flowers, ribbons, bright bulbs, and beautiful ornaments draped over every inch of it. It looked dreamy—almost like something out of a storybook.
It was easy to imagine Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade standing on that stage later—Tsunade in an elegant gown, Jiraiya in a formal kimono, holding hands and smiling at the people of Konoha. The image itself was beautiful enough to take one's breath away.
Meanwhile — Jiraiya's Side
Shikamaru entered the preparation hall along with Neji, Chōji, Kiba, and Shino.
Kiba spoke first, grinning:
"Shikamaru, you're finally here. Before Naruto left, he told us you're in charge of the entire scene today!"
Shikamaru simply nodded. "Got it. Let's make sure everything runs smoothly."
He looked around and began assigning roles.
Orochimaru and Iruka were already present upstairs, watching as Jiraiya finished getting his makeup done. Today, Jiraiya was the groom—his look had to be perfect.
Neji and Shikamaru, dressed in matching best-man suits, had already prepared themselves. They moved around the hall with professional efficiency.
"Neji, check the procession outside. Make sure everything's in order."
Neji nodded. "Understood."
While Shikamaru reviewed the decorations, seating, and event flow, Chōji watched him work and couldn't stop smiling.
Shikamaru has really grown…
He's becoming more and more like a true leader.
Chōji remembered the days when they were just kids—playing, complaining about missions, and eating barbecue. Now, his childhood friend was orchestrating one of the most important events in Konoha.
Shino, quietly focused, arranged flowers and ensured the ceremonial items were aligned perfectly. As he placed each flower, he silently wished, May Jiraiya-sensei and Lady Tsunade find true happiness.
Meanwhile, Kiba was stationed at the entrance as a greeter. He stood sharply when he saw a familiar, bright figure approaching.
It was Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage and Naruto's father.
Kiba immediately straightened up.
"Lord Fourth! Welcome!"
Minato smiled warmly. "Good work today, Kiba. Naruto told me everyone's helping."
Kiba rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah… it's nothing! Naruto invited me, so I wanna do my part."
Minato chuckled lightly and patted Kiba's shoulder. "How's everything inside?"
"Almost done! Just waiting for Jiraiya-sensei to finish prepping!"
Minato nodded and headed inside.
Outside, Neji examined the wedding procession—white horses, decorated carriages, and escort shinobi in formal uniforms. He checked every detail before returning inside.
"Shikamaru, everything outside is ready. No issues."
"Good."
Shikamaru let out a small breath of relief.
Upstairs with Jiraiya
Shikamaru knocked before entering.
"Jiraiya-sensei, are you done?"
Before Jiraiya could answer, Orochimaru turned around with a smirk.
"Almost. Shikamaru, do you want the makeup artist to help you too?"
Shikamaru raised both hands immediately. "No thanks! I'm fine like this."
Iruka's face beamed with joy as he walked over. He patted Shikamaru's shoulder.
"I can't believe it… After being the witness at Naruto's wedding, now I'm one of the groomsmen for Jiraiya-sensei."
There was emotion in his voice—true happiness.
Shikamaru smiled. "Iruka-sensei, you should start thinking about your own future too. Naruto cares about you a lot… it'd be a shame if you stayed alone forever. Don't leave any regrets."
Iruka turned a little red and scratched his cheek awkwardly.
"I-I'll try my best…"
Minato joined them, smiling.
"Everything's ready downstairs. Jiraiya-sensei, it's time."
Jiraiya stood up and faced the tall mirror. When he saw the final result—slick hair, formal kimono, clean look—he grinned widely.
"Oh yeah! Look at me! Tsunade is so lucky to marry someone this handsome!"
Shikamaru sighed. Iruka snorted. Minato covered his mouth to avoid laughing outright.
Orochimaru, however, rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Your narcissism has only gotten worse with age."
Jiraiya glared.
"Let me be handsome for ONE day! I'm the groom!"
Shikamaru chuckled, then burst into full laughter.
And truly, watching Jiraiya, he suddenly understood Naruto more clearly. That confidence, that loud unshakeable spirit—Naruto definitely inherited some of that from his time training with Jiraiya.
The Departure
"Alright! Everything's ready. Let's go!"
Jiraiya walked downstairs with confidence, followed by his four groomsmen:
Iruka
Orochimaru
Neji
Shikamaru
Just like Naruto's wedding, a majestic white-horse convoy waited.
Minato personally helped Jiraiya onto the main carriage.
"Easy now, Sensei. Wouldn't want the groom to trip before the ceremony."
Jiraiya laughed. "As if I'd fall! This is my big day!"
Chōji walked up and handed Jiraiya a beautifully arranged bouquet.
"For Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya-sensei."
The escort shinobi took their positions. The groomsmen stood to the sides, ready.
Then the convoy began moving—toward the central plaza, toward the ceremony, toward the moment that had been decades in the making.
Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade… finally getting married.
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