The massive wedding venue was beautifully decorated, overflowing with warmth and joy. The planners had transformed the entire space into something that looked like a dreamy wonderland, the kind of place one would expect only in a fairy tale. Soft floral fragrances drifted through the air, mixing with the colorful ribbons and glowing lanterns that hung elegantly from every beam. The atmosphere was warm, romantic, and filled with life.
Under the attention of every guest, a decorated carriage slowly made its way into the center of the venue.
At one of the large banquet tables, the Third Hokage sat with the First and Second Hokage. Hiruzen leaned toward them and said, "Shodai, Nidaime, Tsunade and the others are here."
Originally, Hashirama and Tobirama were supposed to be served tea at the Senju estate—Tsunade had arranged it—yet according to the wedding planner hired by Konoha Village, "It's not appropriate for resurrected people to be part of certain traditional tea rituals. The symbolism is unlucky."
Hashirama had instantly agreed. "Makes sense. Even though we're resurrected with Edo Tensei, it really would feel unlucky."
Nearby, Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Izuna sat calmly, waiting for the ceremony and meal to begin. Their presence drew attention, yet no one seemed disturbed—after all, today was not a day for conflict. Today belonged to Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Kakashi stood at the front of the venue, dressed in formal attire with the Hokage cloak resting behind him. As the Sixth Hokage, he was serving as the host of the ceremony himself. Holding the microphone, he projected his voice with ease.
"Everyone in Konoha, and all our honored guests from the other villages who have traveled far to join us today… as the Sixth Hokage, I officially announce that the wedding of Jiraiya and Tsunade has begun!"
With Kakashi's proclamation, the atmosphere ignited instantly. The applause was thunderous. Soft, enchanting music rose into the air—a gentle wedding march that drifted beautifully through the venue. It felt like the melody itself was telling the love story of the bride and groom.
As the music continued, guests clapped and sent blessings with bright smiles and heartfelt cheers.
"Now then—introducing the groom, Jiraiya!"
Kakashi extended his hand toward Jiraiya as the Sannin stepped forward. Jiraiya walked slowly onto the stage, holding a bouquet of flowers. His white hair was tied neatly, and he wore a crisp black suit with a diamond tie pin that shimmered under the lights. He looked confident, handsome, and—most of all—genuinely happy.
His eyes shone with deep affection, and the faint smile on his lips made it clear how much this moment meant to him.
Once Jiraiya reached the front, he bowed deeply to everyone, expressing gratitude without needing to speak.
Kakashi spoke again, smiling knowingly. "Jiraiya, do you have anything you'd like to say right now?"
Jiraiya took the microphone from him. His voice was low, steady, and warm.
"First of all… thank you all for coming to my wedding with Tsunade. I'm truly grateful. This wedding was only possible thanks to the help and blessings of many people."
He closed his eyes for a brief moment, and a soft image of Tsunade formed in his mind.
"I also want to say something to Tsunade. I've liked you since I was a kid… I always admired you. I confessed to you many times, but you never accepted it."
His voice wavered slightly, not with weakness, but sincerity.
"When we grew up, you fell in love with Dan. Back then, I told myself I would protect you, even if you never chose me."
Jiraiya's tone lowered, carrying the weight of years of memories.
"Then Dan died in battle. And Nawaki… he left you too. You were devastated. Your hemophobia… it caused you so much suffering. And I was worried—worried constantly. But you… you wouldn't let me stay by your side."
He paused for a moment. Tsunade's figure back then—broken, lonely—flashed in his mind. She would sit alone for hours, crying quietly where no one could see. Jiraiya had always watched from afar, unable to do anything more than worry and ache for her.
In the audience, Hashirama and Tobirama watched Tsunade with a pained expression, feeling the weight of her past struggles.
"Later," Jiraiya continued, "you took Shizune and traveled the world. So I followed your example and left on my own journey. While traveling, I wrote novels. I hoped that maybe, through my stories, I could express what I felt for you… even though I knew you might never read them."
There was quiet laughter and soft emotional murmurs from the crowd. Many had grown up reading Icha Icha—not realizing how much of it was drawn from Jiraiya's true feelings.
Across the venue, Tsunade stood in her white wedding dress. She looked radiant. Her eyes were warm, glowing with affection as she stared at Jiraiya.
Seeing her smile filled Jiraiya's heart with warmth.
"Tsunade," Jiraiya said gently, "time is strange. It answers so many questions without saying a word. There were so many things I once wanted to tell you… but none of that matters now. What matters is today—walking into this wedding hall with you."
Tsunade's eyes softened, and tears began to fall slowly despite her attempt to hold them back. The memories of her past with Jiraiya resurfaced—painful ones, beautiful ones, memories shaped by loss, companionship, stubbornness, and destiny.
She remembered that sunset—the day Jiraiya left for Amegakure. He had told her, "Just bet that I won't come back. After all… you lose every time you bet."
If Naruto hadn't existed, Jiraiya might have truly won that bet.
But she never wanted him to win that one.
Because losing meant hope.
Losing meant that someone she loved would live.
Because of Naruto, she lost that bet—but gained someone who had loved her all her life.
Her gaze toward Jiraiya was full of warmth, affection, and gratitude.
Their eyes met—unbroken, unwavering—and for a moment, there was no one else in the world. Everything they endured had led them to this.
Orochimaru stood nearby, arms folded. Even he felt something stir—memories of when the three of them had stood together as young shinobi under their teacher's guidance. He quietly admitted to himself that their love truly had lasted the test of time.
After finishing his speech, Jiraiya handed the microphone back to Kakashi.
Kakashi smiled broadly. "Well, it's clear Jiraiya is very happy today. We all know that for two people to come together like this… fate must have played a strong role."
The audience chuckled softly.
"Now," Kakashi continued, "we would like to invite someone very special to the stage—Third Hokage, who witnessed the beginning of their journey and guided them through their youth."
The applause was loud and heartfelt as Hiruzen stepped onto the stage. The Third Hokage accepted the microphone and looked around the venue with a nostalgic, proud smile.
"I'm truly happy today," he said warmly, "because two of my students—Jiraiya and Tsunade—are finally getting married."
He glanced affectionately at them.
"As a teacher, nothing makes me happier. I know both of them very well. And yes, they're a perfect match."
The crowd chuckled.
"Jiraiya was… troublesome," Hiruzen admitted. "Tsunade was more well-behaved. A quiet, strong-willed girl. And Orochimaru… well, he barely spoke at all. Of the three, the one who gave me constant headaches was Jiraiya. He refused to listen to anything!"
The audience burst into laughter as Jiraiya scratched his head in embarrassment.
Orochimaru covered his mouth with a sly smile, remembering the days when they were still a team.
"But despite everything," Hiruzen continued, "Jiraiya has always had a kind heart. He worked tirelessly to protect the village and the people precious to him. And Tsunade… a proud heir of the Senju clan, with incredible strength and extraordinary healing abilities."
He looked at the couple fondly.
"I watched the two of them go through countless hardships. And I'm truly happy that their paths have brought them together in the end."
Soft murmurs of agreement rippled through the audience.
Finally, the Third Hokage smiled and concluded:
"I hope the two of you live happily together from this day forward. That is my greatest wish."
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