Chapter 12: A Wedding Interrupted

Konoha was alive with celebration.

Paper lanterns floated in the sky, casting a warm glow over the village. The streets were filled with laughter and music, shinobi and civilians alike coming together for the biggest event in years—

Naruto Uzumaki's wedding.

The war was over. The world was healing. And today was supposed to be a day of joy.

But fate had other plans.

—

At the gates of Konoha, a lone figure staggered forward.

Sasuke Uchiha.

His cloak was torn to shreds. His face was covered in blood. His left arm hung limply at his side, while deep gashes ran across his body. His Rinnegan flickered weakly, barely able to keep him conscious.

The guards at the gate barely had time to react before he collapsed to his knees.

"Sasuke?!" One of them rushed forward.

"I… need… Naruto…" His voice was hoarse, his breath ragged.

Then, before they could say another word, he passed out.

—

Inside the wedding hall.

Naruto stood at the altar, dressed in ceremonial robes. The entire village had come to witness this moment—his friends, his teachers, even the Kage.

But just as the vows were about to begin—

BAM!

The doors slammed open.

A stunned silence filled the hall as a bloodied Sasuke stumbled inside, his breaths shallow. Gasps erupted from the crowd.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Sasuke?!"

Sasuke barely made it to the center of the room before collapsing onto one knee.

Everyone rushed toward him—Sakura, Kakashi, Tsunade—but he only looked at Naruto.

And then, with the last of his strength, he spoke:

"They're here."

A chill ran through the room.

Sasuke's next words confirmed everyone's worst fear.

"The Ōtsutsuki… have arrived."