Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 60: Academy Days XIX - Fruits of Labour

ACADEMY DAYS XIX - FRUITS OF LABOUR

Over the course of the next year, the Uzumaki family live their lives in perfect harmony. In truth, not much truly changes for them, since they'd been together for a while before the marriage and shared a roof and bed as any married couple would. Still, having it made official gives off a different feeling.

With Naruto and Hinata's marriage, Hinata was also allowed to legally adopt Kotori. With a newfound drive and determination, the young girl picked up on her training and has been going at it harder than ever to get as strong as she can and live up to her parents' name.

Throughout the months following their wedding, other classmates had their own weddings, as well.

Ino and Kiba Yamanaka were the first to get married in a more modern wedding than the Uzumaki's. As is her nature, Ino went full throttle with the preparations, with poor Kiba having to follow through with everything to the point of exhaustion. The venue was filled with the freshest and most beautiful flowers from the Yamanaka Flower Shop, all personally chosen by the bride. At the wedding itself, Kiba wore a dark suit and Ino wore a gorgeous light purple dress, wisteria-coloured that completely stole the show, and Kiba's breath. Akamaru and Mirai both acted as ring bearers.

Shikamaru and Temari Nara were next, after a lot of prodding on Temari's part, getting more excited after seeing Hinata and Ino's wedding. In fact, she was so excited that she was the one to propose much to the slight embarrassment of the groom but he wasn't given the option to complain. Because of Temari's status, the Hidden Sand elders were adamant that the wedding be held there, rather than the Leaf. The ceremony followed their own customs and had them dressed in traditional Sand robes. Their immediate friends were given leave to travel to the foreign village for the ceremony so they all attended. The Fifth Kazekage officiated the wedding.

Shino and Shiho Aburame came fourth to be wed, much to the surprise of many. Their ceremony was to initially be smaller in scope, not having as many expectations to live up to despite Shino being heir of a very prominent clan. The Aburame in particular are more closed off and both Shino and Shiho preferred a more intimate wedding, so it worked out for them.

-x-

As time passed, they definitely all grew much closer together, spending more time and confiding in each other. The classmates were already pretty close but the addition of spouses from outside their circler only strengthened the bond.

Today is one such bonding session, a day all the ladies have managed to get off work and spend the day together.

Sakura uses this opportunity to tease. With her chin resting on her fingers and her elbows on the table, she looks to Yakumo. "So you're next, huh?" She says with a smile.

"Um, why?" Yakumo shifts back in her seat with a shy smile.

"You caught Shiho's bouquet!" Sakura explains. "It's how the tradition goes."

"Well, it's not that I'd mind but..." Yakumo feels her cheeks reddening.

"Isn't that just silly superstition?" Karin offers her thoughts. "It happens when you feel you're ready."

"Is that your attempt to save yourself from questions?" Tenten laughs.

"Just how I feel." Karin shrugs.

"At any rate, you of all people shouldn't be pushing others, Sakura." Ino chuckles. "You and Sasuke haven't even come out as an official couple; I'm insulted that you two are playing us like that."

"Eh? Sasuke and I... aren't really like that. I don't know." Sakura averts her eyes from everyone else, choosing to instead count the tiles.

Temari snorts, almost spilling her drink. "Really now? The only time anyone ever sees him in the village is when he's with you or Naruto. And Naruto's already taken."