NS

Destiny Suzuki had grown up in Italy before moving to the Hidden Leaf Village with her parents, Ayame and Renji. Although she eventually became comfortable speaking Japanese, her Italian heritage remained an important part of her identity—especially whenever she was angry, frightened, or overwhelmed. After falling in love with Gaara, Destiny agreed to leave the Leaf and begin a new life beside him in the Hidden Sand. Their wedding was meant to unite their families and villages, but more importantly, it would unite two people who had chosen each other. Unfortunately, the wedding morning became a complete disaster. Destiny’s cornetti burned, a pipe burst over her freshly styled hair, the wrong flowers arrived, her necklace broke, her shoe vanished, and a messenger hawk tore her veil. The final disaster occurred when Ino tripped and spilled raspberry tea across Destiny’s white gown. Destiny stared at the stain in horror. “Tell me that did not just happen.” Ino held the empty cup with shaking hands. “It did—but I’m very sorry!” “È un incubo!” “What did she say?” Tenten whispered. Ayame sighed. “She said this is a nightmare.” Unable to endure another problem, Destiny locked herself in the bedroom. Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Temari, Tenten, Ayame, and Karura gathered outside, trying to convince her to come out. “Destiny, I can clean the dress,” Sakura promised. “No!” “I found your missing shoe,” Tenten added. “I don’t want it!” Temari frowned. “You need shoes to walk down the aisle.” “THEN I WON’T WALK DOWN THE AISLE!” The women fell silent. Ayame placed her hand against the door. “Sweetheart, you don’t mean that.” Destiny’s angry voice cracked. “Everything going wrong has to be a sign, Mama.” “A sign of what?” “That I shouldn’t become the Kazekage’s wife.” Karura stepped closer. “Gaara would disagree.” “He loves me now,” Destiny whispered. “What if I embarrass him? What if the Sand Village doesn’t accept me?”