Book 1: Dancing With Lightning [Naruto]

Loss and a Surprise Visitor

As soon as Team 7 arrived back in the village, they heard something that saddened them all and brought them back to reality. They had won their fight, perhaps, but it seemed that Lord Hokage hadn't.

He was killed in battle, and not one person was able to break the barrier to help him.

For the next week or so, the people around the village were frantic, melancholy, and depressed. The adults were much more strict, and the younger kids were scolded more often.

The Academy shut down for the next few days until the funeral. This was the most grief-stricken part of it, because it would be like letting go of him. No one wanted that. There was also the matter of getting a new Hokage put in charge, which was a very pressing and important job that need to be done as quickly as possible.

The entire village was present for Lord Hokage's funeral. No one was late, in fact, everyone came early. The clouds started to gather in the sky as Hoshino and his team made their way to the place of the funeral, and once there, the rain started.

It's like the sky is crying too...

"We will begin the memorial service for the Third Hokage, who lost his life in this battle, as well as the other victims of the attack."

As everyone started to place flowers atop the casket, Konohamaru started to sob. Remembering the day Hoshino had lost his uncle, and also how close he had been with his grandfather, Hoshino knelt down next to him and embraced him, leaving him to cry in his black tunic.

Shinobi, no matter the circumstance, are not supposed to show emotion. Hoshino closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for his turn to bring a flower. It's almost like a promise that we've all agreed to keep without any communication. It makes us weak and strong at the same time.

He let go of Konohamaru once his turn came and went up in the line. As he got closer, his steps seemed to get shorter. Of course, like the rest of the village, Hoshino had been helped by the Third Hokage.

"He's not coming back, is he."

Hiruzen turned to see a ten year old Hoshino standing in the doorway of his office, his ice blue eyes dulled with sadness. He sighed. "I'm afraid... I'm afraid not, Hoshino-Kun."

"How?" Hoshino whispered, his eyes welling up with unshed tears. "Please, Lord Hokage. If I am to live without him, at least tell me what he died for."

Hiruzen hesitated, but knelt in front of him. "He died bravely. He was fighting a demon when the seal-- no, that's not important. Hoshino-Kun, listen to me. Your uncle Asuka was one of the best shinobi I ever worked with, both in skill and in personality. His loss truly wounds me, and there are many people that will miss him, yourself included."

Hoshino's eyes shone with wisdom that children his age shouldn't have as he gazed at the Hokage. "Did he know what he was getting into?"

"He did."

"Did he know that there was a chance he might not make it back?"

"He did."

"... I see." Hoshino murmured, a tear rolling down his face. "Did it... make a difference?"

"What do you mean by that?" Hiruzen asked him, concern lacing his tone as he spoke.

"Are things different now? Did it help? Did he change anything? Was it in vain or not?" Each question was like a stab in the chest for both of them.

"It was not in vain, little one." Hiruzen told him gently. "In fact, he saved the day. It's because of him that we're all safe. If he hadn't done what he did, I fear that we would not be safe anymore. He's a hero, Hoshino. A hero. And he went out there thinking of you and the rest of his family."