Chapter 72: Chapter 73: I Object to This Marriage
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The sudden announcement from Rasa about the alliance marriage between Sand and Konoha caught everyone off guard. Normally, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, would have the opportunity to negotiate such matters, but Rasa's unilateral declaration left no room for discussion.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, experienced and pragmatic as always, chose to play along. He knew refusing publicly would create unnecessary tension between the two villages. Moreover, Naruto's growing influence was undeniable. With his Uzumaki lineage and the potential to stabilize relations both internally with the Hyuga clan and externally with Sunagakure, he was a linchpin in Konoha's diplomatic strategies.
Hiruzen silently sighed. Naruto truly is a treasure—powerful, capable, and politically valuable.
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Rasa's Calculations
Rasa, the cunning Kazekage, had meticulously planned his move. The benefits were too great to ignore. Firstly, announcing the marriage would ensure that Sand's covert operatives, originally sent to sabotage the Chūnin exams, would reconsider any rash actions. The public declaration acted as a clear signal: plans had changed, and the Sand-Konoha alliance was being reinforced.
Secondly, securing Naruto as an ally was a strategic masterstroke. With Naruto's undeniable talent—his ability to control chakra, wield Wood Style, and his lineage as the son of the Fourth Hokage—Rasa believed this alliance would anchor future stability between the two villages. Furthermore, Naruto's bond with Temari could soften any potential hostilities if he became a major figure in Konoha.
To Rasa, the decision was flawless. By framing the marriage as a mutually beneficial union of two powerful clans, he ensured both villages would feel invested. Yet, in the audience, the reactions were far from unanimous.
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The Audience Reacts
As murmurs rippled through the crowd, Temari, the supposed bride-to-be, stood frozen in shock. Kankuro, her brother, smirked and leaned over. "Now you understand how Gaara and I felt all these years, huh?" he teased.
Temari glared at him but quickly regained her composure. With her characteristic calm demeanor, she smiled politely at those around her. Inside, though, she was fuming. Father didn't even bother asking me! Typical.
Elsewhere, Haruno Sakura's indignation boiled over. Unable to contain herself, she leaped to her feet and shouted, "I object to this marriage!"
Gasps echoed through the arena as everyone turned to the pink-haired girl. Temari sighed audibly. Great, now this loudmouth is making it worse.
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Sakura's Outburst
Haruno Sakura, flushed and trembling with fury, raised her voice. "This whole thing is a scam! Naruto deserves to choose whom he loves, not be forced into some political arrangement!"
From the crowd, Hyuga Hiashi observed the scene with a raised eyebrow, silently approving Sakura's boldness. Hinata, on the other hand, admired her classmate's bravery, even if it was reckless. As expected of Sakura, she thought, always fearless.
Sakura was about to reveal that Naruto and Temari had never even spoken before, but before she could finish, a sharp smack landed on the back of her head. Ino Yamanaka stood behind her, glaring.
"What are you doing, Sakura?!" Ino hissed. "Do you want to be branded a traitor?"
"But I'm telling the truth!" Sakura argued, rubbing her head.
Ino rolled her eyes and leaned closer. "Look around, idiot. Everyone here is loyal to their respective Kage. Publicly opposing a joint decision made by the Hokage and Kazekage makes you an enemy of both villages!"
Sakura glanced around nervously. Sure enough, ninjas from both sides were glaring at her with hostility, as though she'd committed treason. Her confidence evaporated instantly.
"Ha... haha... I was just kidding!" Sakura stammered awkwardly, waving her hands to defuse the tension.
Ino sighed in relief and quickly pulled her friend out of the arena before she caused any more trouble. Hinata silently followed, her expression unreadable.
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The Aftermath
Once outside the exam site, Ino didn't hold back her frustration. "Sakura, what were you thinking?!"
"I'm not wrong!" Sakura retorted stubbornly. "Naruto hasn't even met Temari properly. This whole thing is ridiculous!"
Ino shook her head. "Whether it's fair or not isn't the point. Do you know what would've happened if you'd kept arguing? You could've been thrown in jail—or worse!"
Sakura crossed her arms, pouting. "I was just standing up for Naruto. Someone has to!"
"Sure, but maybe don't do it in front of two Kage-level shinobi next time?" Ino said sarcastically.
Hinata, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke. "What should we do, then? Naruto probably doesn't even know about this yet."
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Exactly! We need to tell him. If anyone can put a stop to this nonsense, it's Naruto himself!"
Ino groaned. "Why do I feel like this is going to end badly?"
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Naruto's Perspective
Meanwhile, Naruto, unaware of the chaos unfolding, had secluded himself in the depths of the Forest of Death. The scroll containing Senju Hashirama's techniques lay spread out before him as he concentrated on practicing Wood Style. His chakra surged as he struggled to replicate the complex jutsu described in the ancient writings.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke his concentration. "Naruto-kun!"
Startled, Naruto turned to see Sakura, Ino, and Hinata approaching. Their faces were a mix of urgency and concern.
"What's going on?" he asked, sensing the tension.
Sakura wasted no time. "Naruto, the Third Hokage and Kazekage just announced your marriage to some girl named Temari!"
Naruto blinked, confused. "Wait, what?"
"It's true," Ino confirmed. "They're using you for politics. The whole arena heard it."
Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Why can't I catch a break? First, they reveal I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage, and now this?"
Sakura clenched her fists. "We won't let them get away with it. You deserve to make your own choices!"
Naruto smiled faintly at her determination. "Thanks, Sakura. But I need to think this through."
Hinata stepped forward hesitantly. "Naruto-kun, whatever happens, we'll support you."
Her quiet sincerity touched Naruto, and he nodded. "I appreciate it, Hinata. I'll handle this my way."
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Rasa's Strategy Unravels
Back at the exam site, Rasa felt confident his plan was progressing smoothly. The public announcement had garnered attention and cemented the narrative of an alliance. However, he underestimated one crucial factor—Naruto Uzumaki's determination to live life on his terms.
As Naruto returned to confront the leaders, his mind raced with possibilities. I won't let them decide my future for me. If they want an alliance, they'll have to find another way.
To be continued…
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