And just like that, more than half a year passed. Uchiha Mai bade farewell to Konoha's forty-sixth year in Kirigakure.
This was also the only Chinese New Year he had not spent in Konoha.
To help Kirigakure's people forget the pain of war, Uchiha Mai imitated Konoha's "Konoha Ninja Village Spring Festival Gala" and put together a village gala in Kirigakure as well.
He even took the stage himself and sang Unbeholden to Sudden Rain.
As a mainstream shonen series, the Naruto anime had changed its opening themes many times. The most famous one was undoubtedly Blue Bird.
Unbeholden to Sudden Rain was the opening theme for episodes 527 through 552. Its brisk, catchy rhythm made it one of Uchiha Mai's favorites.
The reason this song had left such a deep impression on Uchiha Mai was mainly because, when Unbeholden to Sudden Rain served as the opening theme, the opening animation had a fleeting scene where Mei Terumi's bangs were blown upward.
It made her a little less alluring and a little more valiant, leaving an unforgettable impression.
Kirigakure's village gala became vibrant and colorful with Uchiha Mai there. Correspondingly, Konoha's gala without Uchiha Mai became dull and tasteless.
It was full of old performances repackaged in new wrapping, utterly incapable of stirring any interest.
The people all missed Konoha's King of Dance and God of Song.
Tsunade was among those who missed Uchiha Mai along with the people.
With Kakuzu's addition, the strength of Konoha's various fronts had reached a certain balance. Under ideal circumstances, they could hold back the major ninja villages and keep things going for at least another three years.
Relying on their powerful logistical support, they could drag this Ninja World war to its end through sheer endurance.
Kumogakure had probably launched its attack on