Please Don't Leave Me

The Third Hokage Forever

(Kazumi's P.O.V.)



Today was finally the day, not too long after I woke up we were found by a group of jounin who lead us back to the village. Word got around pretty fast that the Hokage was gone, when we arrived all the people were crying or trying to hold back their tears to honor Lord Hokage, I don't think he would want his people to be sad about his departure and since that day I hadn't cried once. I was so close so many times but I would push it to the side, Naruto took it the hardest out of all of us and did his best not to cry but he obviously failed and he bawled his eyes out for a good two hours when he finally saw it was true.

During that time, all I could do was hug Naruto close to me and let him cry on my shoulder, he accepted gladly and kept me in that same spot for a really long time. It didn't suit Naruto though, while I understand the Hokage meant a lot to him it was so unusual to see him not smile or try to prank people. Today was Sarutobi's funeral and the entire leaf village came to say their last goodbye's to him and to honor his memory

"Kazumi? Are you ready? The funeral is going to start soon so we better get going" Sasuke called to me from the living room, I didn't answer and walked down the stairs. My dress was simple enough, a black dress and shoes with a small gift hidden in the inside pocket of my dress. My final farewell gift. The walk was completely silent, the only noise being the rumble of thunder probably meaning it would rain. We were still walking in silence meeting up with Sakura and Naruto leaving all together with the wind picking up and with a slight drizzle of rain. When we arrived, there was two people who were already standing at the Hokage's grave trying desperately not to cry. I saw who was really ready was Konohamaru and Asuma sensei, it would make sense they would be the first ones here though. One by one people gathered in one spot bowing their heads in respect
"We are gathered here to remember and honor not only the 3rd Hokage, but all those who sacrificed themselves in this battle so that our village would survive" the man said
"I can not imagine what these people did to deserve death, but in time all living things must die. In honor of all those people who gave their lives, not just for the people, but for the village itself I ask that you please bow your head and say farewell" at the same time everyone closed their eyes and prayed

'Sarutobi sensei, the good deeds you have done not just for me, but for the leaf village was more than I could ever think of. After the nine tails attack and the 4th Hokage lost his life it was up to you once more to deal with us. And while we all grow and wait for our time to come I ask that you please watch over the people here who loved you so dearly. Especially Naruto and Konohamaru. Both aren't taking this very well and I'm sure it was the first time they lost someone who really cared about them. And while you have eternal peace where you lie I ask that you not worry about me or any problems that I have. Focus on others who need it more. Farewell Sarutobi sensei' I finish my thoughts. One by one, everyone lined up placing white flowers before him all remembering something about him one way or another. Finally it was my turn, I placed the single flower I had with the gift I had in my pocket and set it down, the memory I have. The fondest memory I can remember was a long time ago.

(Flash back to 7 years ago)

Tears stained my face as I lay on the ground surrounded by trees far enough to where I know I couldn't hear father's voice yelling at me. It always seemed like I did nothing wrong and he looks at me with no sign of emotion. Maybe anger, frustration, or even annoyance but that didn't make it any better, I knew it was going to be a while until someone found me. They always do and they bring me home where Sasuke and Itachi would try to comfort me and try to make it all better, but it didn't matter what they said. Father won't see me as any more than an annoyance that always gets in his way.
"My my, and what may I ask is the matter child?" I hear a voice say, I look up and in front of my eyes is the third Hokage in all his glory with one hand folded behind his back and the other holding his pipe in place of his mouth
"N-Nothing" I sniffle
"It's obviously not nothing if you're crying like that, I won't make you say anything you don't want to but can I please know why a child is sitting alone surrounded by trees crying her eyes out?" he asks taking another puff from his pipe
"H-Hey! I-I'm not th-that little!" I say crossing my arms over my chest pouting. This only makes him chuckle and moves to sit on the grass next to me
"I understand you're upset but I can't help you if I don't know why" he says still somewhat chuckling
"D-D-Daddy always y-yells at me *sniffle*, and-and I don't know *sniffle* w-why" I say
"What is your name if I might ask"
"K-Kazumi Uchiha" I say
"Uchiha? I know your father very well, he always has busy work doesn't he? I'm sure it's a lot of stress for someone like him" he says
"B-But I still d-don't get why he w-would *sniffle* be so mad a-at me" I sniffle again
"With all the work he has it gets stressful, stress does a lot of bad things to a person with the mind and the body. I'm sure your family is worried about you so why not just go home?" he asks
"B-But daddy's going t-to be there and I'll get y-yelled at again for ru-running away" I say
"Would it make you feel better if I brought you home?" he holds his hand out for me
"M-M-Maybe" I say with slight hesitation
"Don't worry, I will stay with you so you don't get yelled at. But remember if this ever happens again, you can always come to my office. My door will always be open to help anyone in need, just don't ask me to bake anything. I'm not the best of cooks" he says and I smile and giggle in my free hand as he leads me back home

(Back to present)

I went back to my spot between Naruto and Konohamaru with Konohamaru still crying with Iruka sensei trying to comfort him
"Iruka sensei? Why do they do it? Why do people risk their lives for other people?" asks Naruto staring at the Hokage mountains
"Well, when someone passes away, it's the end. His past and future, all the things he once had may disappear along with him. This is true, even if he dies honorably in battle as so many have, as Hayate did. All the ties that bind him to the living are severed. All but one, the most important of all, people. Parents, siblings, friends, lovers, the people who were important to him. And these people, the ones left behind are joined together in a great circle. By their shared memories of him a circle of friendship, trust, and sacrifice that grows larger and stronger as time passes. It's hard to explain it, we remain in the circle together, we have no choice. It's important to us" he finishes
"So we do it because we have to, I get it. Sort of. Still, I'm sad he's gone" Naruto faintly says
"Think how sad it would be if he died for nothing. But he left us something priceless. Don't worry, you'll understand one of these days" Kakashi says behind him
"Hey, give me some credit. That much I get" he jokingly says back, a few seconds later the sky starts to feel warmer and the rain stopped. Behind the clouds, the sun finally peers out shining brightly on Konoha. As the ceremony ends, everyone goes home. As he leaves this world, may he rest in piece in the next.

(Time skip to a few days)

All the streets were busy with people going left and right with supplies repairing the leaf village, even children were helping out with the damages. I was already walking through the village with hopes of finding Naruto. I don't think he's entirely over the funeral and I know he'll be ok but it doesn't hurt to check. Already today I talked to Konohamaru, Sakura, Kiba, Shino, and Asuma. They all seem to be in a better mood and I think they're trying to work hard to make sure the village is better than it was before. While I can see the smiles on their faces, it's evident that not everything was ok, past their eyes there's still the smallest hint of sadness.