Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 626 The Eve of the Wedding

January passed in the blink of an eye.

The outside world is being sealed off little by little by the barrier, and Konoha's transport teams are leaving the village less and less often, bringing back less and less supplies each time.

Sasuke and Naruto were busy from morning till night almost every day, moving, counting, sealing, and storing, day after day, like two tireless machines.

Kakashi's mental state visibly deteriorated.

His hair was whiter than a year ago, and the dark circles under his eyes were getting heavier. Sometimes he would suddenly drift off into thought while talking, as if he was thinking about something very, very far away.

But he never showed his fatigue in front of others, and in front of the villagers he was always the gentle and reliable Hokage.

And so the changes in the outside world were just like that. Aburame Shisei went to Tongling Island again. At this moment, he transplanted the giant flower and the primitive people into his own little world.

"Master, I don't really understand why you did this." Xiaoqing didn't quite understand, because bringing in the outside environment was a very troublesome thing.

Aburame Shisei truthfully replied, "Because I've discovered that the power of pure faith might be of some help to me right now."

Early exposure to civilization, especially during periods of advanced development, is not a good thing for them, as it may hinder the development of their brain capacity.

A hastily developed civilization will ultimately lead to a decline in the collective quality of its people, who may even be unable to understand higher-level logical discourse.

"Er..."

Is it really that difficult to admit that we are ignorant primitives and have followers?

"Master, you are truly wise. You have even chosen a way out for them. However, a nation without struggle will eventually perish. Should we introduce some more danger, such as some special dark insectoids?"

The primitive humans and the dark insectoid race fought each other, escalating their conflict, and even when facing extinction, they would plead with you for help; their faith would be purer then.

"I'm not as evil as you think."

If the problem cannot be solved within a few decades at most, he thinks he will leave the ninja world to find the Otsutsuki clan, as that is the shortcut.

After saying that, he left the space and happened to bump into Orochimaru, who had come looking for him.

"Zhicheng-kun, progress is going very smoothly. In another two months, the barrier will be completely sealed!"

As Aburame Zhicheng surveyed the entire map, a brand-new projection appeared before him, seamlessly integrating the main framework with the details of the continent.

"That's great, but we also need to go up to the sky for a look. Do you want to go?"

"Go to space?" Orochimaru was somewhat surprised, yet also delighted. "I'm not sure yet whether my body can withstand the extreme environment beyond a planet."

"It's alright, I'll take care of it!"

-

In the evening in Konoha Village, Naruto leaned against the wall of the supply depot, looked up at the sky, and couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, he said, "The mission is finally complete. I plan to hold the wedding in seven days."

Sasuke squatted not far away, wiping the Kusanagi sword. He paused for a moment, then continued wiping it vigorously.

Naruto, completely oblivious to his expression, continued, "Kakashi-sensei said he'd help with the arrangements, Sakura said she'd do Ino's makeup, Lee said he'd be the best man, and Tenten said she'd come too... You'll be my best man, Sasuke."

"I'm busy."

"Just one day off, Kakashi-sensei will definitely approve it," Naruto pleaded, grabbing his arms and gently shaking them.

This time, however, Sasuke did not compromise or look back into his eyes. Instead, he forcefully pushed his hand away, sheathed the Kusanagi sword, stood up, and walked towards the depths of the supply depot.

Naruto watched his retreating figure, feeling that something was off, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The news officially spread the next day.

The Sixth Hokage personally announced that Naruto Uzumaki and Ino Yamanaka will hold their wedding in 17 days, at which time the whole village will celebrate.

The villagers' reaction was unexpectedly enthusiastic the moment the news spread.

For years, Konoha Village has not held any kind of festival. After the reform of the resource distribution system, all non-essential activities were canceled, and even the traditional harvest festival was no longer held.

People have lived in oppression for too long and desperately need a reason to laugh.

Even if the reason is someone else's wedding.

"Naruto-sama is getting married!"

"The bride is the eldest daughter of the Yamanaka family! Didn't I hear she's become mentally unstable?"

"He was supposed to be a savior, but I never expected him to be willing to marry a fool. I feel like Konoha will have a hard time ever getting ahead."

"If a fool can do it, then can't I?"

"Haha, don't make me laugh. Lady Ino doesn't have a father to bathe with."

"Shh—don't talk nonsense! Lord Naruto has been protecting her all these years, that's true love!"

"True love, ha, how ironic!"

Whispers filled the streets, but this time, even the patrolling ninjas didn't stop them.

Because Kakashi had given prior notice: during the wedding, everything should be handled leniently.

However, even the ninjas were discussing this matter in private. "Naruto-sama is a man of his word. You clearly had a better choice, but you chose the worst one. It is said that they were lovers 5 years ago."

"Five years ago, they were still minors, so it was definitely puppy love!"

"So what? Who in Konoha doesn't have a puppy love affair?"

"Perhaps they already tasted the forbidden fruit back then, and now they're just trying to avoid gossip and being held back." A ninja leaned against the corner, lit a lighter, and took a deep drag of his cigarette. "So even if there's a relationship, it has to be kept secret. Once it's made public, you're in big trouble!"

"Can't it be true love?" a round-faced boy argued in the corner, having just graduated and finding it difficult to integrate into adult circles.

The young men exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

One of them stepped forward and put his arm around his shoulder. "Looks like we've got a little virgin among us. Hey, want to really fit in?"

The boy looked up shyly, seemingly feigning ignorance, and asked, "What do you mean?"

The young man grinned lewdly, "Of course, I'll take you to see the world."

Unexpectedly, Sakura's punch destroyed the wall they were leaning against, and their smiles froze instantly. At that moment, it was as if all their dark thoughts were exposed to the light of day.

"Looks like you guys have a lot of free time. There are still too many ninjas in Konoha. Maybe I should ask the Hokage for a reduction in personnel."

With that, Sakura led the boy aside and lectured him, "Tomorrow, you'll report to Konoha Hospital. If you continue to be with them, your life will be over."

"It's...it's Sakura-sama!" The round-faced boy didn't dare to look up, because he was just tall enough to see that Sakura-sama's body was very well-developed.