Uchiha Obito's Funeral

Konohagakure.

Although it was called a ninja village, this village's prosperity surpassed even the capital of the Land of Fire, Daimyo's Mansion. It was only in the last two years that the continuous wars had caused Konohagakure to become slightly desolate, with a somber and oppressive atmosphere blanketing its streets and alleys.

Except for the ignorant children who could still laugh "giggling," most other passersby had tense expressions.

Years of war, unending bloodshed.

Konohagakure wasn't exactly draped in mourning, but funerals were held every few days on every street. Almost everyone had friends or family they knew who had forever remained on the front lines, and what was sent back were either bodies or nothing at all.

Hyuga Ritsu had just returned to the village, and before he had walked far, he heard bursts of weeping mixed with the wind.

As he turned a corner, he saw pedestrians walking in groups of two or three, dressed in black formal wear. Each person's expression was solemn and heavy, and there were women softly crying, which inevitably made one's mood become subdued and sorrowful.

Was this a funeral that just concluded for someone?

Hyuga Ritsu couldn't help but wonder.

At this moment--

"Ritsu-kun?"

A rather familiar voice came from ahead.

Hyuga Ritsu focused his gaze and saw a man with yellow hair, blue pupils, handsome features, and a perfection that made it almost impossible to find any flaws.

"Minato-senpai?"

Hyuga Ritsu was surprised.

He truly hadn't expected to meet Namikaze Minato here, under these circumstances. Wasn't this renowned "Yellow Flash" supposed to be in the north fighting the Iwa Ninja? Why had he returned to the village to attend a funeral?

Suddenly, a very bad premonition surfaced in his mind.

This funeral... could it be for Uchiha Obito?

"May I ask who has sacrificed?"

Hyuga Ritsu asked softly.

"It's Obito."

Minato's expression was sorrowful, and his voice was even a bit hoarse.

It really was Uchiha Obito.

So the Battle of Kannabi Bridge had already concluded, and Uchiha Obito had fallen into the hands of Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu?

Hyuga Ritsu pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "Minato-senpai, please accept my condolences."

"Ritsu-kun, why are you back? The war on the eastern front against the Kirigakure Shinobi hasn't ended yet, has it?" Minato didn't want to dwell on his deceased disciple and instead inquired about Hyuga Ritsu's situation.

If one were to ask how Hyuga Ritsu and Namikaze Minato knew each other?

The answer was simple.

Hyuga Ritsu's teacher was Hiruko, and Namikaze Minato's teacher was Jiraiya, one of the Sannin. Coincidentally, this Toad Sage from Mount Myōboku was considered the most good-tempered among the Sannin, and he had always had a decent relationship with Hiruko. Hyuga Ritsu and Namikaze Minato had thus become acquainted.

And Minato's question, also settled Hyuga Ritsu's mind.

It seemed Minato had just returned from the northern battlefield and was unaware of what had happened on the eastern front.

He replied softly, "There's no hope for the war with the Kirigakure Shinobi to end in the short term. I returned because something happened within the clan, and I had to come back. Once the matter is handled, I will return to the front lines."

"I see!"

Minato nodded.

"Minato-senpai, what about you? Has the war with the Iwa Ninja ended?"

"The Iwa Ninja have retreated, but on the Kumo Ninja side, the Fourth Raikage has taken the throne, and they are becoming restless again. They might make a comeback. After a two-day rest, I'll likely head north again to keep an eye on the Kumo Ninja."

"The Kumo Ninja are restless again?"

The two exchanged pleasantries for a couple more sentences before parting ways.

Their relationship was more like acquaintances; they weren't quite close friends.

After watching Namikaze Minato's figure disappear down the street, Hyuga Ritsu leaped onto a rooftop and sped towards the Hyuga Clan's territory. Meeting Namikaze Minato, who had just returned to the village and was unaware of the events on the eastern front, was fortunate. If he had encountered someone who knew the inside story, it could have potentially hindered his plans.

Soon, he arrived in front of the Hyuga Clan's territory.

As a top-tier noble clan in Konohagakure, the Hyuga Clan lived together, occupying a large area within the village. Only members of the Hyuga Clan resided in this territory, which included streets, shops, and parks. The clan members could purchase most of their daily necessities within the territory without needing to go outside.

The shopkeepers were also clan members, specifically those who hadn't awakened their eyes.

Awakening the Byakugan wasn't as difficult as awakening the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan.

But, Not all members of the Hyuga clan can awaken the Byakugan. Many members cannot awaken it in their lifetime. Hyuga Ritsu's parents are like that; neither of them has awakened the Byakugan yet. On the other hand, Hyuga Ritsu, perhaps because his soul consciousness was reincarnated, awakened it at a very young age, thus earning him the reputation of a genius.

As one of their own, Hyuga Ritsu easily snuck back into the clan compound without alerting the guards from the Branch House.

Then, He scaled walls and slipped through alleys, breaking into a residence.

"Big Brother Ritsu?"

On the training grounds, the young boy diligently practicing Gentle Fist was greatly surprised to see Hyuga Ritsu suddenly barge in. "Why are you back? Did the Clan Head and the elders capture you?"

"Arima, who are you cursing?"

Hyuga Ritsu shot a glare at the unrestrained boy.

"But the Clan Head, Elder Daichi, and Elder Hishou all went to the front lines to indict you. I was thinking if you, Big Brother Ritsu, were truly harmed by those bastards from the Main House, I'd wrap myself in Explosive Tags all over..."

"Enough, enough! Arima, stop rambling. Hurry and go call Takuma and Akiba over. I have something to tell you all."

"Oh! Okay."

Hyuga Arima agreed without any hesitation.

He didn't even ask why he had to do it, and just charged out like a wild horse that had broken free of its reins.

Hyuga Ritsu was left alone in the spacious courtyard. Hyuga Arima was a member of the Branch House, 14 years old this year, one year younger than Hyuga Ritsu. He had recently been promoted to Special Jonin. His parents had already passed away, and he currently lived alone.

Ever since they were young, Hyuga Arima had been one of Hyuga Ritsu's shadow followers. The first time he went to the battlefield, he was almost killed by a Kirigakure Shinobi. It was Hyuga Ritsu who snatched him back from the brink of death. Therefore, he was utterly obedient to Hyuga Ritsu. Even if Ritsu told him to kill the Third Hokage, he would charge forward without hesitation.

Hyuga Ritsu sat cross-legged on the corridor leading to the courtyard, waiting patiently.

About seven or eight minutes passed before Hyuga Arima returned, dragging a boy and a girl with him, shouting, "Big Brother Ritsu, I've brought Takuma and Akiba!"

"Arima, you brat! You call Ritsu 'Big Brother,' but you call me by my name?"

Hyuga Takuma, who was 17 years old, playfully knocked on Hyuga Arima's head.

Then, He looked at Hyuga Ritsu, who was sitting cross-legged on the corridor, a look of confusion on his face. He urgently asked, "Ritsu, what exactly is the situation at the front lines? Why are you back? Didn't you see the Clan Head and the elders?"