I don't own Naruto. But if I did, Naruto and Hinata would definitely be married before the final chapter. What better ending could there be?

At the time this chapter was written, Ch. 480 of the manga was the newest one available.

Chapter 41: Long Awaited Events Finally Happen

The day had finally come, the day of Naruto and Hinata's wedding. Only two months after Akane entered their lives. This was pretty soon by civilian standards, but then again ninja lived by a different set of rules. Long engagements were never common among ninjas, since that just ran the risk of not living long enough to actually get married. Besides, Hinata was downright impatient when it came to officially becoming Naruto's wife. So impatient that virtually every detail of the ceremony had already been prepared for.

Whenever questions regarding planning for the wedding came up, Hinata surprised everyone by having about 98% of the whole thought already thought out. She had been planning this for quite some time. She had decided on the decorations, the guest list, the catering, the location, the music, and even the outfits. Naruto was impressed and maybe a little intimidated that she had been doing this ever since they started regularly dating. She said it had just been a pet project for her that was coming in very handy right now. So far the only things she hadn't already selected were the brides maids outfits, and some details she left specifically to Naruto.

Not to say Hinata was some sort of bride-zilla. When considering all things she made sure to keep his interests in mind too. Some of the decorations and even food selected were more for him then for her. And the tuxedo she had made especially for him had some light orange lining on the edges, not abundant because even Hinata disliked the idea of an orange tuxedo. She almost never made a decision here that was purely just for her. When asked why, her answer was that she wasn't going to be the only one up at the altar so he deserved to be considered in designing the ceremony too. Hinata felt most brides forgot that little detail.

The ceremony was held inside one of Konoha's chapels, and it was packed. Tsunade was going to act as the priest since the hokage had the legal right to do so in ninja weddings and she wasn't going to be denied this right. Shizune had been selected as the maid of honor and Neji got to be Naruto's best man. Sakura, Ino, and Tenten were Hinata's brides maids, dressed in a yellow outfit Ino had picked and Hinata liked. Kiba, Shino, and Lee were Naruto's supporting men, all dressed in normal tuxedos. You could actually see all of Shino's face now, even his eyes, which surprised everyone. There were no ring bearers or flower girls here so the kids had nothing to do but sit down and watch.

So far the seats were occupied by virtually everyone who knew Naruto and Hinata. Those from Konoha consisted of Kakashi, Yamato, Iruka, Teuchi, Ayame, Hiashi, Hanabi, a few more Hyuuga Naruto didn't recognize, Anko, Ibiki, Izumo, Kotetsu, Gai, Kurenai with her son, Tsume, Hana, Shiba and her parents, Tenten's father and Noburo, Konohamaru, Moegi, Udon, Ebisu, Shino's parents, Ino's parents, Shikamaru and his parents, Chouji and his parents, some Anbu and civilians who liked the couple, surprisingly Sakura's mother, and of course Akane.

There were also several from outside Konoha that made it to the ceremony. Attending were Gaara and a pregnant Matsuri with their two bijuu children, which Matsuri took a liking to instantly, Temari, Kankuro, Isaribi, Tazuna, Tsunami, Inari, Gamakichi, Gamatatsu, and surprisingly Shion. That last one was a little awkward for Naruto, because after he finally figured out what she meant when she asked him to help her continue the priestess line, he had to tell her he didn't at the time know what she meant and already had a girlfriend. Shion surprisingly took it well, and said if he ever changed his mind, the offer would still be available. Hinata had said nothing about it because she trusted Naruto and knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt her. That didn't mean she wasn't upset about the idea though.

The ceremony was about to start, and everyone was in place. Naruto saw Akane sitting between Shiba and Hanabi looking a little bored and fiddling with a hollow rubber ball, the next stage of the rasengan training. She was getting closer to being able to make a working one, but wasn't quite there yet. Nevertheless, he was proud of her progress with it. Same for the Konohamaru troops, since Moegi and Udon each finally managed to make one with a shadow clone too.

"Bet you're looking forward to tonight, eh?" Kiba whispered casually to the waiting groom. Akamaru was with the other Inuzuka's for the time being.

"Like you need to hear anything about that." Naruto whispered back.

"I'm taking that as a yes." Kiba replied.

"Quiet. This is no time or place for such lowbrow discussion." Shino quietly told them.

The music began and everyone in the audience knew to stop whispering to each other too and turned to see the bride walk into the room. One couldn't see it thru the veil, but Naruto just knew she was blushing to a whole new degree. And why not? Her childhood fantasy was happening here and now, not to mention her dress showed off her body rather than hide it. Luckily no one made any comments about her wearing white, although a few did suspect she shouldn't have. They were wrong though, for the record.

Hinata reached the altar and Naruto lifted the veil. Her face was red but happy, and her eyes struggled poorly to contain a few tears of joy. She was so happy right then she could scream in triumph, but that just wasn't her nature. Speaking of which, the only thing that worried her was if she might faint or stutter soon. She had done wonders for those habits, but if one were to resurface she'd be way too embarrassed.

Tsunade decided to begin before the bride did faint. "We are gathered here today to witness the joining together of Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuuga, as if you didn't already know that." She sort of thought it might have been a good idea for Naruto to take on the Namikaze name, but he declined, saying even if Iwa wouldn't target him, they could target the rest of his family. Besides, he was just too used to being an Uzumaki to be anything else. Ignoring the issue, she continued. "It can be hard to find that special someone for you in anyone's life, and for shinobi it can be even harder. But these two have managed to do just that, and I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say this isn't the first time Naruto has done what others said he never could."

Many smiled and nodded in agreement. Naruto himself just gave Tsunade a quick bothered look, as if to tell her to lay off the personal comments and just do her job. She ignored it of course. "I am glad beyond measure that these two competent and noble shinobi have been able to find their other half and can share their lives together, and I'm sure others would say the same. If there is anyone here who thinks these two should not be wed in holy matrimony... SHUT UP AND KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!" Everyone gave her a wide-eyed look at her yell. "Hey, it needed to be said. Now, if the two lovebirds have anything to say to one another before this is concluded, say it now."

Naruto, the better speaker of the two, gave his vows first. "Hinata-chan, if someone had told me when I made genin that you'd be the one here with me today, I'd have called them crazy. And that would have been the dumbest thing I ever said. Even now, I'm still amazed and flattered that a fine woman such as yourself could find no greater joy than being with me. Maybe I can't offer you more than some other clans can, but I know you don't want that stuff. You want this so-called knucklehead instead, and while I can't promise you we'll live in the kind of luxury you're used to, I swear you'll never regret taking an interest in me."

Hinata's eyes shined and a few tears of joy rolled down her grinning face. Several women thought that was very sweet, and a number of them wished they had seen what a fine catch he was before Hinata already got her hooks in him.

Hinata then gave her own vows. "Na-Naruto-kun, I've been w-waiting for this day for a long time, and I'm so happy it's finally come. You... you have been my inspiration, m-my hero, my source of courage, and most importantly my friend, for as long as I've known you. I could never imagine myself with another, and even though... I had to wait for you to s-see me the same way, it was worth it because I'm here with you now and will be with you from now on. And I just know things are going to get better, because I have you and Akane-chan too."

When it looked like Hinata was finished and still able to stay conscious, Tsunade continued her role. "Naruto, do you take this woman to be your lawfully-wedded wife, and promise to care for her thru good times and bad, until death do you part?"

Half-tempted to say 'Believe it', the orange-loving ninja chose the more traditional answer. "I do."

"Hinata, do you take this man to be your lawfully-wedded husband, and promise to be by him thru good times and bad, until death do you part?"

"I do." The white-eyed kunoichi answered, almost ready to skip ahead to the honeymoon by now.

"Exchange the rings then, if you will." Tsunade told them. Neji handed Naruto the ring and he placed it on Hinata's finger. Shizune handed Hinata another ring and she placed it on Naruto's finger. "By the power vested in me as Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Naruto and Hinata kissed, and tried to avoid turning it into a public make-out session. "Everyone, I give you Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki."

The crowd cheered, confetti burst from the ceiling, and shouts of praise were almost deafening. Once everyone settled down and the newlyweds changed into more comfortable clothes, the reception could begin. Naruto came out wearing a black kimono and Hinata wore a dark blue sleeveless dress that made her look exotic. The Akimichi's were begging for the banquet to begin so they didn't stall on getting everyone served. There were 10 tables to seat 8 people. The Ichiraku's made sure to bring a few bowls with them, much to Naruto's and Akane's pleasure. The cutting of the cake would be saved for dessert time.

Seated with Naruto and Hinata were Tsunade, Hiashi, Kurenai with Sorata on her lap, Iruka, Shizune, and Hanabi. Akane was seated with Shiba and the Inuzuka's for the time. "Well, Naruto, how long you gonna be gone for the honeymoon? I need to know how long I have to plan missions without my best shinobi available." Tsunade asked.

"For that matter, you never did tell us where you were going." Hiashi reminded them.

"We wanna keep that a secret. That way, we shouldn't run into any trouble or pervs." Naruto answered.

"Do you really think someone might follow you just to try and peek at what you two will do in private?" Kakashi asked.

Naruto shrugged. "Some might, right smut-lover?" Nobody besides Kakashi tried to not laugh just then.

"And Hokage-sama, we might need some more time off once we return." Hinata said after they stopped laughing. "We'll be gone about two weeks, but we might need a third week off to get our home and Akane-chan settled in too."

"By the way, who's watching her while you're gone?" Iruka asked.

"I volunteered." Tsunade answered. "I think I can handle two weeks with my granddaughter."

"No using her to get more booze." Hinata stated.

Tsunade grinned. "I don't need to. I'll still got more alcohol than a tavern stored away thanks to that little message she wrote."

"Even after two months?" Naruto asked.

The slug sannin nodded. "Yep. I'm not even halfway thru it yet. I'm not sure I'll finish going thru it by my next birthday, and she can just write that again and I'll get more all over again. And don't you dare tell her not to do that or I may have to reconsider having you as my successor gaki."

"Oh yeah? And who's better for the job than me?" Naruto asked.

Tsunade shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe Akane-chan. She's a strong one. Or how about your wife? She has to be a great ninja to put up with you as much as she does."

"I wouldn't dream of it. My husband deserves it and you know it." Hinata commented, loving how she could now refer to Naruto as her husband.

"Just remember Hinata, you'll have to be to him what I am to Tsunade-sama." Shizune told the new bride.

"I don't think he'll need help staying sober on the job."

Conversation stayed light and pleasant for them and all others attending. Those with the new couple offered a few words of advice to them on what to expect later on in life and how they can keep enjoying themselves. Akane enjoyed being with the Inuzuka's and gave them a careful false explanation when one asked why she smelled like a fox. Hanabi kept an eye on Konohamaru to see how friendly he was being with Moegi. Temari whispered something to Shikamaru that must have embarrassed him since he blushed and got fidgety. Gamakichi and Gamatatsu enjoyed themselves while wishing their father was small enough to have been able to come too.

Dessert time came and the two newlyweds cut the cake together. "Don't even think about crushing it in my face." Hinata whispered as they made the slices but the cater placed them on plates and handed them to the guests.

Naruto replied later by taking his own piece and doing just that to her. "You were saying?" A few chuckled with him.

"Oh yeah?" Hinata, not truly bothered, grabbed her slice and rubbed it in his face. Some guests cheered her on. "Now what do you have to say, wise guy?"

"Tastes great, but I still say that one with the chocolate layer would be as good."

"You're a goof, but you're mine and I love you." Hinata replied before the two kissed, heedless of the cake or frosting. They later wiped it off and grabbed fresh slices.

Everyone finished and some already took to dancing with some soft music playing. Naruto and Hinata shared a dance, and later did with others too. Naruto politely shared a dance with Sakura, Isaribi, Shion, and even Ayame, while Hinata did with Kiba, Shino, and Hiashi. Akane didn't dance at all, just watched and chatted with her bijuu cousins that lived in Suna and were happy with Gaara and Matsuri as parents. Naruto still thought it was funny how the demon Gaara once called 'Okaa' now called him 'Otou'. Konohamaru danced with both Moegi and Hanabi, Shikamaru danced with Temari because it would have been too troublesome to avoid it, and all already married couples danced too. Sakura shared a dance with Lee and Neji danced with Tenten too. Hinata wondered when her cousin was going to pop the question himself.

Eventually the ceremony came to an end and Naruto and Hinata got ready to leave. They said good bye to everyone and got ready to leave with Gamabunta carrying them away. Naruto swore to the big toad he'd get all the sake he wanted once they got there though, so he was willing to oblige. Before they left, Hinata threw the bouquet, and Konohamaru ended up catching it without trying too. Both Hanabi and Moegi gave him questioning looks, and he ran away before either girl could say anything to him.

"Kinda feel sorry for him." Naruto said when he got comfortable on Gamabunta's head.

"I feel more sorry for the girls. One or both is going to be let down eventually." Hinata commented as she got up to join him.

"Well, what'll happen wil happen. Come on, let's go enjoy ourselves."

Hinata nodded. Both of them waved good bye one more time as the big toads two sons got on him too and then he took off in a hurry.

"Have fun Okaa-san, Otou-san. Come back soon." Akane quietly said to herself when they left her sight.

Next week a new semester started in the academy, and Akane was now enrolled. Noburo too. The class filled up and the young kids reacquainted themselves with their old friends. Shiba took her usual seat and stayed there quietly. Noburo sat down a row in front of her and tried talking to some boys nearby. Iruka came in and called the class to order.

"Alright, welcome back to another semester. Here things will be a little tougher for you, but I'm sure you can handle it. Now, even though most of you know each other now, we have two new classmates joining us this year. Would those two please stand up and introduce themselves?"

The blue-haired boy formerly from Kiri arose. "Hi, I'm Noburo Sentaka. I'm the last of my clan and I hope to become a strong enough ninja to honor my family and someday rebuild it." He sat down, and it looked like some of the girls might like him already.

Iruka waited for Akane to introduce herself but couldn't see her. Getting worried, he glanced around until he saw her appear behind him, as if she had performed a substitution with his chair. His eyes practically burst out of his head when he saw she was wearing a red-and-black version of Naruto's genin outfit.

Akane jumped onto his desk and stood confidently. "Hi, I'm Akane Uzumaki, and I'm gonna be hokage someday no matter what. Believe it!" She then took a seat next to Shiba, earning many stares for her weird behavior.

'Oh great, here we go again.' Iruka thought wearily.

And that's the end of "Naruto's Kit", for now. Before anyone asks, yes there will be a sequel. It'll cover Akane's ninja career as she tries to climb up the rank ladder all while keeping everyone from finding out she's the kyuubi. I'll post the first chapter sometime before the first day of March. That's the promise of a lifetime.