For someone visiting the Sand Federation for the first time, the modern city built amidst the oasis could easily leave them jaw-dropped.
A forest of colossal trees, tens of meters tall, surrounded the city's left rear, while on the other side lay a massive artificial lake. Rivers had been dug through the lake, weaving across the capital, and combined with skyscrapers shrouded in a semi-transparent barrier, the fusion of modern architecture and primeval forest was unlike anything anyone had seen before.
"No matter how many times I come here, the scenery never gets old…"
Nara Shikaku looked on for a moment, thinking that if he ever retired, coming here to rest wouldn't be a bad idea.
The capital was encircled by a river. Once Konoha's team crossed the bridge, they could enter the Federation directly. There were sixteen entrances to the Federation, each built atop one of sixteen bridges.
As they neared the Federation, those arriving from Konoha could already see figures standing on the bridge to greet them, led by Hyuga Mirai and other Federation officials.
"Lord Mirai."
The lead Federation ninja saluted upon seeing Hyuga Mirai and prepared to report on the success of their mission.
But before he could speak, a figure leaped past him and tackled Hyuga Mirai.
The familiar scent of flowers immediately filled Mirai's nose, and he felt two firm pressures pressing against his chest, leaving him momentarily stunned, unsure of what to do.
Sakura and the other two, who had only been symbolic escorts, gawked in surprise: "Kurenai-sensei is way too bold… there are so many people here!"
Mirai didn't know what to do with his hands—hug her back and risk being noticed, or refrain and be held tightly by Kurenai Yuhi.
Before he could decide, Kurenai released him with a polite smile. "Sorry, I got a little excited."
Her words were immediately met with two nearly lethal glares: one from Kiyo Hyuga, the other from Kurenai's father, Shinku Yuhi. Kurenai had financed much of Mirai's ventures, mostly money borrowed from her father, Shinku.
Shinku could only conclude that such behavior must have been taught by Mirai—unforgivable.
"What a shameless woman! Just in the car she was comforting me, and now this…"
Kiyo's eyes narrowed in anger, nearly rolling into the white of her eyes. She felt the urge to react, but with so many people around, she could only tremble slightly without taking action.
Kiyo then hurried to Mirai's other side, standing opposite Kurenai.
"Ahem, it's getting late. Let's go inside."
Mirai coughed, drawing everyone's attention, then snapped his fingers. Nearly five hundred people present felt the scene blur for a moment, and in the next second, they were at the central plaza of the Federation.
Mirai had used the Rinnegan to spatially transport everyone first to the Shikyū Space, then immediately to the Federation's central plaza before anyone could react. Only highly perceptive ninja could notice the dual teleportation.
Sakura looked around in disbelief. "Amazing… what just happened? How did we get here so fast?"
"A large-scale space-time ninjutsu… this is the Federation capital's central plaza," thought Nara Shikaku. Seeing Mirai perform a teleport that moved hundreds of people at once, he realized just how terrifying his strength was.
"Everyone, your accommodations and other needs have already been arranged by the administrative department. Rōyuki and Yukata will help you settle in. As for the rest, this is your home. Feel free to explore if you missed anything last time."
Mirai smiled. Now that these people were officially Federation ninja, they could visit almost every part of the city, except highly confidential areas like the last two floors of the Puppet Division, the administrative archives, or the central control room of the Sealing Barrier Division.
After speaking, Mirai placed his hands on Kurenai and Kiyo's shoulders and vanished using spatial ninjutsu.
Although protocol suggested minimal contact before the wedding, no one in the Federation would dare stop him; Ayaka Uzumaki had been living with Mirai with no objections.
After Mirai left, Rōyuki and his student Yukata greeted the Konoha visitors warmly. "Please come with us to drop off your belongings. Your IDs have been prepared and will be issued shortly."
These IDs allowed access to all Federation departments and were nearly impossible to forge, containing chips only made by 18 and detectable by security machines.
"Let's go, Elder Zosuke," Shinku Yuhi said to Zosuke Hyuga. They were relatives of Kurenai and Kiyo. Past disagreements between Zosuke and Mirai meant little communication, but the group followed Rōyuki to the assigned accommodations.
The Federation had ample open land, though demand for housing was high. Within ten years, an outer city would be built to comfortably house millions more.
Once all Konoha ninja were settled, Rōyuki entrusted Yukata with the arrangements. Meanwhile, he and others discussed wedding details, as representatives from the Land of Water, the former Land of Ghosts, the Land of Birds, and the potentially allied Land of Snow would attend.
With so many guests, every detail needed careful planning; a misstep would embarrass the Federation. During the wedding, Konoha would effectively transition to the Federation's second state, dispersing many ninja to other regions.
Even the Ino-Shika-Cho clans might be split—not out of malice, but to staff Federation needs. All registered ninja were subject to assignment.
Meanwhile, Tsunade and Konoha ninja were busy with logistics. Mirai's use of popular opinion to secure Pakura's position as Kazekage was justified. Mirai only pursued what he loved and refused to overwork unnecessarily.
After seeing their apartments, Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino gathered to discuss the day. They invited Sakura, Kiba, and later Shino joined them.
"If we're living here for years, it's acceptable. Honestly, these apartments are better than my home," Ino remarked.
Sakura blinked, startled. "Years? Ino, what do you mean?"
"We'll be here at least two years. After passing administrative assessments, we'll receive assignments," Ino explained. "You didn't check your materials carefully, did you?"
Sakura laughed nervously, clearly unaware.
Shikamaru comforted her. "Don't worry. The railways in the Land of Fire are being completed. A trip home will only take a day, and your parents can visit too."
Shino added, "Being chosen for Federation internships is rare. We're lucky to have the teacher's support."
Sakura, thinking of her parents' forgetful nature, worried they'd forget her, but Ino reassured her. "The Federation is the shinobi world's most prosperous place. Anyone would want to visit."
Shikamaru suggested they shop for gifts for the teachers during the Federation's free days. Even though Kurenai lacked nothing, they wanted to express gratitude and familiarize themselves with the city.
Back at Mirai's residence, Ayaka Uzumaki and Uchiha Mikoto arrived with Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha. Kiyo and Kurenai were introduced to them, and Mirai was relieved that everyone got along.
Naruto and Sasuke asked Mirai for training tips. He advised them to focus on Taijutsu under varying gravity conditions, starting from 1x to 20x gravity, stressing internal organs and cells, not just muscles.
They experienced 1x gravity with Mirai's enhanced Earth Sealing Technique, feeling immense pressure on their organs, which greatly challenged them.
Mirai instructed, "Feel it well. Use gravity for training whenever not eating or sleeping. My assistant will create portable gravity devices for you."
Both had exceptional talent in Taijutsu and Sharingan abilities; surpassing Might Guy was only a matter of effort.
After dinner, Kushina and Mikoto left with their sons. Kiyo and Kurenai stayed behind, but nothing notable occurred. The wedding preparations continued, funded mostly by the Uzumaki and Kaikan Trade Associations, with minimal Federation support.
Kakuzu, despite reluctance, approved expenditures for Mirai's wedding. Kiyo practiced formal etiquette daily, envious of Kurenai's ease. They eventually involved Ayaka Uzumaki, though all three relied on shadow clones to cope.
Mirai observed, realizing the wedding had become a ceremonial spectacle. Orochimaru, watching briefly, laughed and left, understanding why Sasori hadn't appeared.
On the wedding day, the Federation capital was filled with specially made fireworks, quiet yet visually stunning. Pakura served as the officiant, with Tsunade, Federation leaders, and family present. A ten-kilometer carpet lined the route, a costly expenditure that Kakuzu begrudged.
The ceremony spanned nine steps across three sections, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., open to all residents in a festival-like atmosphere. Local shops offered free treats, later reimbursed by the Uzumaki and Kaikan Trade Associations.
Mirai noticed Kiyo's shadow clone outfit—simply showing her face, which was perfectly beautiful. "Grandfather and clan warnings left me no choice," Kiyo thought, embarrassed.
Using Sage Chakra, Mirai camouflaged them for observation from a distant building. Four shadow clones observed; three enjoyed watching Kiyo, witnessing her as if at an ancient sacred rite.
As the sun set, the wedding concluded.
"Time to rest," Mirai said, looking at the sky. He had subtly reduced the barrier's transparency, signaling nightfall inside the Federation. Kiyo, Kurenai, and Ayaka scanned their surroundings, alert for intruders.
Mirai transported them back home using spatial ninjutsu. In the instant, Kurenai and Ayaka attempted to escape, and Kiyo, caught off guard, tried to form hand seals but was restrained by hands pressing against her waist.
"Where do you think you're going, Lady Kiyo?"
From the stubborn little girl she once was to the now mature Hyuga clan leader, Kiyo was helplessly guided, increasingly shy, eyes closed, legs lifted by natural energy. Mirai held her close, applying gentle pressure.
"Mirai… Mirai…" Kiyo's breaths came in gasps. Despite her physical training, repeated assaults on her weak points left her dazed, as if under Genjutsu.
Her long legs wrapped around his waist, securing her in place; without natural energy, she couldn't fall.
The encounter lasted a long time. Kiyo's restrained cries ebbed and flowed like waves, until they were replaced by another's voice.
A/N: (Sort of an Epilogue; what follows is the wrap-up of the Ninja World and some side stories)
(End of Chapter)
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