Chapter 297: Star Vessel (End)

As TenTen finished a piece of fruit Kirito had handed her, she leaned back and asked, "So, where did you run off to this time? Another big mess to clean up?"

Kirito smiled. "You could call it a mess, but honestly, it was more like a vacation. I met a lot of interesting people."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautifully wrapped box, handing it to TenTen. "Here, I got this for you. Tell me if you like it."

TenTen's eyes lit up as she took the box. The wrapping paper alone, printed with kunai patterns, was enough to make her smile. "Wow, this is adorable! Did you pick this wrapping yourself?"

Kirito chuckled. "Nope, that's how the shop owner packed it. Apparently, they love kunai as much as you do."

"Really?" TenTen said, intrigued. She carefully unwrapped the box, and as she lifted the lid, a golden glow reflected on her face. "It's so shiny!" she exclaimed, holding up a golden kunai.

"Do you like it?" Kirito asked, leaning closer.

TenTen grinned, holding the kunai up to the light. "It's beautiful, but isn't it a little over-the-top?"

Kirito shrugged. "I thought it suited you. A shopkeeper who loves kunai recommended it, saying you'd appreciate it."

"She was right," TenTen admitted, settling into Kirito's arms as she admired the kunai.

Reaching into his cloak, Kirito pulled out another scroll. "This is for Naruto. It's part of my wedding gift to him."

TenTen unrolled the scroll on the table, revealing a simple sealing technique. She tapped the seal, and with a puff of white smoke, a mountain of neatly arranged instant noodle buckets appeared in front of them.

"Instant noodles?" TenTen blinked. "Seriously? Does Naruto need this many? And why noodles?"

Kirito smirked. "It's his favorite food. Besides, if he shares them with Hinata, they'll go quickly."

TenTen laughed but added, "You're planning to keep these long-term, right? I'll add the Seal of Time Suspension to keep them fresh."

The Seal of Time Suspension was one of TenTen's original creations, capable of halting the passage of time for any object. It was perfect for preserving food and supplies indefinitely.

Sakura Season in Konoha

Years passed, and the sealed instant noodles remained untouched until one fateful spring. In a square surrounded by towering cherry blossom trees, Konoha celebrated a joyous occasion.

It was Naruto and Hinata's wedding day.

The venue was beautifully decorated, with cherry blossoms falling gently in the breeze. Tables with white cloths and red bouquets filled the space, and guests in formal attire mingled excitedly. Even Might Guy and Rock Lee, known for their eccentric green bodysuits, wore traditional Tux suits for the occasion.

At the entrance, Konohamaru stood behind a table, helping Naruto receive gifts from arriving guests. On the podium, a large folding screen displayed a picturesque view of Mount Fuji.

Among the hustle and bustle, Kirito stood near the podium with a group of clones, making final adjustments to the musical instruments set up for the event. Each clone wore a unique outfit, ranging from a tuxedo to trendy streetwear, while one tested the microphone in a simple casual suit.

"Do you really need to dress like this?" TenTen asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

"It adds to the immersion!" one of the clones replied. "A band needs to look the part to deliver a heartfelt performance."

TenTen sighed but smiled. "Well, as long as you're having fun."

Nearby, Rock Lee marveled at the setup. "As expected of Kirito! Using music as a wedding gift—how youthful and spirited!"

"That's right!" Might Guy agreed, clenching his fists. "Youth and music! Naruto will feel our passion and blessings soaring through the air!"

Ino, watching with admiration, whispered to Sai, "When we get married, I want something like this too."

Sai smiled, holding her hand. "We can start planning now."

As the venue filled with guests, familiar faces took their seats. Kakashi and Shizune guided the other Kage to their places, while Jiraiya tried (and failed) to chat with the female guests, earning a scolding punch from Tsunade. Neji, as vigilant as ever, patrolled the perimeter, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Kirito surveyed the lively scene, a mix of emotions welling up inside him. This… this is what I've always hoped for.

The sight of these beloved friends and their happiness filled him with a sense of fulfillment unlike any he had felt before. Power and knowledge paled in comparison to the simple joy of seeing these moments realized.

As the ceremony began, Naruto and Hinata entered hand in hand, greeted by a wave of cheers and blessings. The cherry blossoms fell in gentle waves as the couple made their way to the center of the venue.

At that moment, a piano melody began to play, soft and soothing, filling the air with warmth. Kirito's voice joined the music, his tone steady and heartfelt:

Why? I wonder why we cry when we're born some day will [our tears] flow until it reaches the stars Why? I wonder why we know how to shed tears despite not being taught how This overflow of [tear]drops shed incessantly is proof of love/affection guides gently and softly to go and come back

The guests fell silent, captivated by the performance. The melody resonated with the emotions of the day, a perfect accompaniment to the celebration of love and unity.

Kirito's voice rose, carrying the song to its climax:

From heart to body From body to heart continuous pattern of many intertwined spirals One by one Future can be seen [in] the sky we're looking at look, look to the universe Why? I wonder why the moon always, without saying anything, is shining light upon the darkness

As the song ended, the guests erupted into applause. Naruto and Hinata turned to Kirito, their smiles full of gratitude. Kirito nodded in return, his heart full.

For Kirito, this was more than a performance. It was the culmination of everything he had fought for, the realization of dreams once thought impossible. As he stood amidst the falling cherry blossoms, he felt a deep sense of peace.

This is what it means to truly protect what matters.

(End of Chapter)

(End of Series)