Naruto awoke and rubbed his eyes in the blissful silence of his temple quarters. With a couple cracks of the neck and knuckles, he set out to perform his morning mantras and welcome the sun for the day. Breakfast was the usual oat grains, perch, and rice with a glass of lavender Oolong tea. The Silver haired sage gingerly sipped on said tea as he finished his meal, giving his morning greetings to his fellow monks as they passed through the dining hall.

"Good morning, Naruto, my boy." Issun said as he approached the sage. "Ah, good morning to you, Master Issun. I hope Shiranui blessed your dreams last night." Issun chuckled mirthfully, "That she did." Issun took a seat next to the young man and embraced the warmth of the mostly-risen sun.

"To believe that you have already been at this monastery for a year already is phenomenal." Issun said with a bright grin. "Thank you, Master." Naruto said, a thoughtful countenance creasing his face. "You have but one last trial to complete the awakening." Naruto quirked a brow, as he had already completed all thirteen trials. "This trial is unorthodox but it must be performed for the gods to truly recognize you as the silver sage."

Naruto scoffed and sipped his tea, "What, marry Moe's descendant? I know she brought it up, but that doesn't mean it has to be her descendant, does it?" Issun raised his brows to form a sort of "you-figure-it-out" look, causing Naruto to choke on his tea, "You...You can't be serious?!" Issun cackled a bit at the boy's reaction and patted his shoulder. "fret not, you have already met this woman once before." Naruto went red in the face and continued to sip his tea as Issun stood to walk about the temple. "In one week's time, you two shall be wed in eternal matrimony." Naruto gulped and sat in the deepest of his thoughts.

"Who the hell...?"

For Karui, the day couldn't go by any slower. After dealing with a myriad of training drills, the woman wanted nothing but the comfort of her bed. She continued to walk down the busy village street until a feminine voice in the distance stopped her. "Yo, Karui! Wait up!" Karui turned and smiled as her friend, Amai finally caught up to her. "Hey, Amai, how are y-" Karui's eyes widened considerably as she spotted the gleam of silver coming from the civilian's ring finger.

"Is that what I think it is, Amai?" Karui asked, bewildered by the very sudden development. "It is! Ichihara finally popped the question during the most romantic dinner last night." Karui gawked over the beautiful ring, wondering when a strong, gallant man would sweep her off her feet. "So how's the dream search going?" Amai asked, poking at the red-head's sternum. "It-it's going just fine, of course I'm no closer to finding my answer as to just what the hell is going on."

Amai sighed and shrugged her shoulders, "I mean, it's already been a year since you started doting over old mythology and such, you think that you would've found something by now." The auburn haired kunoichi shrugged in response but immediately froze in her thoughts. "one year...that's at the end of the week!" she hugged Amai super tight and spun her around, "I nearly forgot, you are a life saver!" Karui unceremoniously dropped Amai and waved goodbye as she began a dead-sprint to her house, leaving a very confused, and slightly worried civilian woman on the ground.

Karui jumped onto her bed and opened the last chapter of the book she had started just recently. With every word, her eyes narrowed further until she read over one specific symbol that had followed her dreams constantly, "Matrimony" Karui kept glancing gingerly over every line of the symbol until a curt rasp resonated at her door. With an irritated huff, she stood and walked to the door, opening it to behold one of the monks that she had seen from the temple, recognizing the blue-grey robes almost instantly.

"Are you Karui?" The monk asked. "Yeah, what do you need?" The monk kneeled almost instantaneously, "Master Issun requests your presence at the temple immediately. He left me with a message. "The moon is full, and the answers shall become ever clear with the last nightfall." Karui's heart jumped and sweat began to form along her brow line. "Wh-When should I go to the temple?" She asked reluctantly. The monk rose to his feet, his expression bright. "Immediately, Lady Karui." Karui nodded and asked the monk to wait as she prepared herself, shutting the door only to lean against the wall, clutching her racing heart, "L-lady?" she asked herself in a whisper. To her current knowledge,

'She wasn't married'

Naruto took a nervous gulp as he fastened the red sash with a pull of finality. The article complimented the silvery-white overcoat well. With a knock on the door, Naruto turned his gaze to the door and gave a curt response to enter. "Naruto, my boy." Issun started, pausing when he caught a glimpse of the man in his complete holy garb, a gentle smile gracing his countenance. "You would do Keisuke so proud."

"Thanks, Gramps.." Naruto said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "Now, this last trial is simple." Issun coughed reluctantly, "I know, it seems crazy to wed yourself to someone you've only met, but after the process, it will feel as if you two have known each other for no shorter than a millennia."

Naruto quirked an eyebrow; he wasn't going to question it, but he still had his doubts. Who wouldn't have doubts at that point? Marrying someone that you've only seen once was an absurd thought. Naruto shook it off, to bring forward the true visage of the Silver Sage, he would do it; as a duty to himself, and to everyone he ever loved.

"As a formality, and to recognize this trial as more of a celebration, we will also have a very special surprise ready for you." Naruto hummed in thought and nodded with a light smile, "I look forward to it, Gramps." Issun nodded with a smile and beckoned the young man to follow him.

"Before the ceremony, there is but one purification rite that must be enacted." Naruto nodded as they entered a circular chamber with an altar placed at its center. "Sit here, Naruto." Issun said promptly as he continued to the altar. The old master plucked a vial from the altar, soliciting a ring of flame to spark to life, surrounding them completely.

Naruto noticed the figures sitting lotus in front of the fire pits. Their garb was similar to the monks with a few minor differences, the biggest being the paper masks with the symbol for 'wolf' painted on them with crimson ink. "Brothers, we gather on the eve of the full moon for a momentous occasion." Issun approached Naruto and uncorked the vial containing a very dark red, viscous liquid which could only be assumed as blood of some sort. "On this day, one hundred and fifty years after the coronation of our last savior, Keisuke Uzumaki, we will anoint another into the fold of divinity."

"Look to the sky Naruto Uzumaki. The same sky your mother, Shiranui of the sun, was birthed in, and be birthed as she was; by the blood of the ancients!" Issun coated his thumb with the blood and slowly marked three vertical lines upon the silver haired boy's brow all while chanting a mantra that caused the ground below them to emit a faint white glow.

"Do you, Naruto Uzumaki, accept the full mantle of the Silver Sage? To uphold peace upon mighty pillars of Iron and take every step in the name of our mother?" Naruto closed his eyes and took a deep breath in, feeling the spirit of Shiranui fill his lungs. "I do!" Issun rose his hands into the air, allowing the mantra to achieve a crescendo. "As our mother's witness, I, the envoy of the gods Issun, anoint and bind this soul to the duty of heavenly vanguard. His soul will be sung of with joy and praise by his followers, and his enemy will whisper his name in fear. Let it be recognized, oh brothers and divines above, the heir to the throne of silver: Naruto Uzumaki!"

Naruto opened his eyes and beheld a light penetrating the room that warmed his skin and overcame his soul with peace. Two gentle hands reached out and cupped his cheeks. "You are my chosen, now go forth and spread my light across every corner of this earth." Naruto nodded "Yes, mother." The light slowly faded, and with it, the warmth of the glow. Naruto stood and looked to Issun who nodded with a bright smile,

"Now, you have a wedding to attend, my boy."

Karui stood in the mirror of the dim prayer cell, her heart not having slowed since the monk had spoke to her earlier that week. The ceremonial wedding garb hugged her body nicely and presented almost a royal flare to her person. She would have liked it if it didn't mean being married to some guy she had never once seen in her life, what if he was some fat and ugly rich bastard? She calmed that thought immediately, remembering that this was a holy ground, and someone like that wouldn't be allowed here.

"Lady Karui, we are ready for you." The handmaiden said calmly from behind her white veil. "Okay." she replied meekly.

Why and how did she ever agree to this?

Naruto sat behind the curtained pagoda in the courtyard next to Issun where the dais was set up, lanterns lining the perimeter of the courtyard with a massive fire pit that sat at the middle of the altar. The white haired sage flinched when he felt a hand lie itself on his shoulder, "Good lord, Kinzoku, don't startle me like that!" Naruto said in a hushed tone. Kinzoku chuckled and gave him a curt pat, "You need to loosen up, boy! This is a wedding, you should be overjoyed and ripe with anticipation!" Naruto grumbled "More anticipation than anything, but alright."

A monk hollered down from the wall, catching their attention "Master Issun, the guests have arrived!" The front gates opened slowly and allowed a contingent of no more than seventeen people to pass through.

The group gawked at the sheer size of the temple and shared sentiments on how beautiful and serene the place felt. "Good people, welcome to our hallowed grounds!" Issun said mirthfully as he rose to welcome the guests. "You must be Grand Master Issun." Tsunade said as she bowed low, the others following suit.

While the group was distracted, Karui took her place in the curtained structure along side Naruto's, unable to see him still. Nervousness was an understatement to the current state of emotion the two were in, as they sat concealed from each other mere feet apart. "Good people, we must begin the ceremony!" Issun clapped twice briskly and the group found their seats that were unusually warm for such chilly winter weather. The old envoy walked up to the altar and began to speak.

"The souls gathered here will witness not only history in the making, but a bond of two souls that were fated together since the dawn of the ancients!" The group shared collective gasps, as the ceremony was never specified as a wedding. "That brat...he's..." Tsunade said under her breath, her train of thought running rampant with wide eyes. "Karui...did you..." Omoi said, a crestfallen undertone befalling his quiet voice.

"Under the gaze of Shiranui herself, these two souls will bond as one and love one another. They will aid one another, and serve each other fervently until the end of days and into the afterlife, as death itself will not break this promise!" He gave a raising gesture and the curtains rose to reveal both Naruto and Karui. "Sage of silver Uzumaki Naruto, and Silver maiden, Karin Ichizoku! With this ritual, you two will become as one! Come forth and drink of the font!"

The two rose and made their way to a basin that contained a foggy, sweet-smelling alcohol. "This sake, the eight-purification sake was used in battle to slay the legendary Serpent, Orochi; and has since been utilized to give the fated vanguard of heaven their strength." Issun gazed to Naruto. "Naruto Uzumaki, Silver Sage of Shiranui, and guide of heaven's forces, do you take Karui Ichizoku to be your wife? To bond with her as one and to protect her when her strength has waned? To nurture her to health in her moments of sickness, and to raise her up in her times of challenge and strife forever?"

Cool cerulean eyes met blazing amber as the man nodded, "I do!" Issun bowed, "Drink then from the font, and let the nectar cleanse your resolve!" Naruto dipped a small saucer into the basin and slowly drank the liquid, almost shivering at how delightfully the potent alcohol mixed with the sweetness of a honey-suckle.

"And do you Karui Ichizoku, fair maiden of silver, and chosen of Lady Moe, take Naruto Uzumaki to be your husband? To bond with him as one and to protect him when his strength has waned? To nurture him to heath in his moments of sickness, and to raise him up in his times of challenge and strife forever?"

Karui studied the man, and nodded slowly, "I do" Issun bowed once more, "Drink then from the font, and let the nectar cleanse your resolve!" Karui took her portion and let it trickle down her throat, savoring the wonderful taste behind the power of the alcohol. "With Shiranui as their witness, and the souls present as their testimonies, the ceremony is sealed! Let these two souls be bound!"

Both Karui and Naruto fell silent as thoughts began to flood their minds, nesting themselves deep within the newlyweds' souls. It was in those few moments of longing gaze that Karui now knew Naruto in his entirety, and Naruto knew her. They both stood and moved away from the basin to embrace. "My love..." Naruto started, as if he was on autopilot. "I have waited so long for this...Naruto.." Karui replied. The two sealed the deal the same way any wedding would with a long, and passionate kiss.

The two broke apart and Issun tapped his cane, signaling the fireworks to start. Magnificent displays littered the sky and the crowd was enamored. "Naruto!" The silver haired man looked over to the source of the voice and blanched when he saw both Tsunade and Sakura stomping towards him. "Ladies, you both loo-" his attempt to halt their progress was thwarted as he caught a clip to the jaw that sent him skidding backwards on his rear. "You never wrote us, brat!"

Naruto held up his hands, "this is a monastery, I couldn't connect with the outside world while I was here!" Sakura huffed and crossed her arms while Tsunade stood back and shook her fist a little bit, wondering why that punch had delivered so much recoil to her. "Well it's still good to see you, Naruto." Naruto hopped to his feet and nodded as the rest of the group, consisting of the rookie 9 and team Guy, all approached him. "So, you're actually married, huh?" Shikamaru stated, surprised by the sudden change of events. "I'm just as surprised as all of you guys are. I kind of saw it coming, but nothing prepares you for it." Naruto replied, turning his gaze to the auburn haired woman speaking to her small group of people, a small smile creasing his face.

"How long have you two known each other?" Kiba asked, scratching the back of his head. "Well." Naruto paused and put a hand to his chin in thought. "About ten minutes now?" The group deadpanned and Tenten piped in. "You've only known here for ten minutes and you guys are already married!?" Naruto snickered and rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment, "It was sort of fated to be. When the ceremony came to a close, I had an epiphany, and now it's almost like I've known her my entire life."

"I guess you can't argue that." Chouji said, giving an approving nod. The rest gave their approving well-wishes, continuing to ask Naruto about his training and everything that occurred within the past year.

The small group that came from the Cloud Village were almost just as surprised as the group from the Leaf. "So you were Lady Moe's chosen descendant after all, huh?" The Raikage asked, remembering all the times that his first lieutenant brought up all of the stories that she read about her dreams and what she thought about them. "I guess so, Lord Raikage." Karui replied, looking over to the Silver-haired man that stood before his group.

"I guess there's no real denying of fate here, it was meant to be." Omoi said, his tone almost unreadable. The Cloud contingent seemed rather flat in terms of excitement unlike their Leaf counterparts who were laughing, and joking merrily about the whole ordeal. "Don't look so down, ya fools, our little sister is a wife and she's about to start her life." Killer bee piped in, receiving a few shrugs of reluctance. "The man is right, you all." Issun approached the group and cleared his throat. "There are many mixed feelings about this kind of bond, the one where two believe they are unfit to spend the rest of their lives together. I can assure you that these two souls know each other and are fit, am I mistaken, Lady Karui?" Karui gave one more glance over to Naruto and looked back to Issun, giving a curt nod and small smile. "While we've been in physical contact for only a few minutes, I feel like I've known that man my entire life." Karui wasn't sure where that comfort and knowledge came from, but she accepted it nonetheless. "He will take care of you. Naruto is of a very noble heart and knows humility, humbleness, and pain in every sense."

Karui closed her eyes and took a deep breath, accepting that she was now a wife to a man that would play a massive role in the world and how it turned. "Thank you, Master Issun. I believe when you say that Naruto is a good man, and I trust that Shiranui will guide us." Issun bowed his head and gave a hearty chuckle. "If I may, Master Issun?" The Raikage asked, slight concern in his voice as he pulled Issun to the side to speak in private. "What would you need of me, Lord Raikage?" The Raikage looked down, thinking about his words carefully before looking back at Issun. "I've heard many stories from Karui there, about the Silver Sage. He was a great warrior that slew the great plagued demon of the warring states era, Right?" Issun nodded and the Raikage continued. "She happened to discover that the Silver Sage doesn't come around unless an evil is present so in my conclusion…" Issun saw where the question was going. "What evil has risen to solicit the upbringing of the Silver Sage?"

Issun sighed and wetted his lips to speak. "About a year ago, the seal that holds the gates of hell closed began to deteriorate." The Raikage blanched slightly, "We aren't sure what evil has risen, but one thing is for certain, unlike the beasts of the past, the evil that slowly devours the seal is one that we cannot afford to ignore." The dark skinned man looked to the groups as they laughed happily. "Do they know? Karui and Naruto?" Issun looked to Naruto, "Naruto does and has accepted that he must be the one to bring it down with Karui's help."

The Raikage let his eyes fall to the ground once again, realizing that it had begun to snow lightly. "For now, we should let them enjoy this before they realize that they may very well never have the chance to truly settle down for a long time." Issun looked up to the Raikage who nodded his head, "You make a good point, now if you don't mind, I would like to go converse with the Hokage." Issun nodded and gestured for him to make his way over, a sad smile gracing his features.

The night went on as the two groups began to even intermingle over drinks and food that were prepared for the wedding, everyone enjoying their happiness.

While it lasted.

The sound of clashing steel could be heard outside of the cave that was riddled with seals and wards. Waka bent to one knee, his energy beginning to fail him as the demons that began to leak from the cave approached him slowly. "I have to tell Issun…" Waka formed a few hand signs and pressed a flat palm to the ground "Spirit style: Celestial Courier" a white butterfly formed and Waka spoke his warning to it before letting it go to swiftly fly back to the monastery.

"Alright you hideous beings." Waka lifted his blade and charged in, slashing through a masked ogre. "There is no amount of your blood that will sate my thirst, so bring it on!" one imp wielding a cleaver was stupid enough to step forward, earning a rather hard slash to the back, dispersing it into dust. Waka wasn't in the same shape he was all that time ago, the fatigue evident in his stance and ragged breath. "I wish you could be here with me, slaying these vermin just like old times, Shiranui." The blond swordsman rolled away from a very sloppy downwards slash but gasped out when he felt pure steel run its course through his gut from another demon that had given him the slip. "Well…you got me.." Waka coughed up blood, not even flinching as even more blades ran through him from every angle. "it's all…on you now…Na-ru-to…" Waka drew his last breath and the monsters let out blood curdling screeches under the full moon.

The song of disaster had begun.

I'M BACK! It's been an entire year and I'm finally back from trade school! And do I have a story to tell you guys! Within the next year, there will be a Mrs. Kaze, and I will be enlisting into the army as a Combat medic! I'm so happy that I'm able to bring you guys a hot chapter of TWTCB. You'll notice a few changes, one big one being that I got rid of as many Japanese phrases as I could. I personally feel like it takes away from the story and it saves me having to make a translation list for words that you thought sounded cool in the moment, but quickly forgot afterwards. Another is that I skipped forward a year, just like in my last chapter, I suck at writing for trials so I just kinda gave that up. This is where the story really gets meaty though. I'm not trying to aim for a suuuuuper long story, but it will be long enough to occupy quite a bit of your time if you like it.

Your reviews are much appreciated and I hope to hear from more of you beautiful people in the future. I missed you guys! :')

Kaze out!