Burial

A Drizzle

Ever since everything was settled with Kumogakure and Tobirama Senju's body was returned to Konoha, Konoha had been shrouded in a persistent drizzle.

It was as if heaven itself was mourning Tobirama Senju.

The Senju clan spared no expense in commissioning a luxurious coffin, crafted entirely from golden nanmu wood, purchased at great cost from the Land of Fire.

It was said that the craftsmen who built this coffin came from a lineage of coffin makers for the Land of Fire's nobility, and such a coffin was typically reserved for the Land of Fire's Daimyo and royalty.

It was a pity, however, that by the time Tobirama Senju was to be laid to rest, his body was already covered in rigor mortis and emitting a faint stench of decay.

The funeral proceeded in an orderly fashion under the management of Mito Uzumaki. When the news of Tobirama Senju's demise reached the ears of the Land of Fire's Daimyo, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Land of Fire's Daimyo was overcome with grief that day, weeping so intensely that his voice became hoarse, and he nearly fainted.

Those around him were moved to tears, praising the Daimyo as a man of true sentiment and affirming the unbreakable bond between the Land of Fire and Konoha.

Once the Daimyo regained his composure, he announced a three-day court recess to mourn Tobirama, and simultaneously dispatched his eldest son to Konoha to offer condolences. The message was clear: the hero who protected the Land of Fire should not bleed and weep in vain.

Other dignitaries who received invitations from Konoha were equally saddened, sending important family members to attend the funeral and delivering equally substantial condolences.

The funeral preparations took several days to complete, and finally, Tobirama could be laid to rest.

The Heart of the Mourning Hall

A golden nanmu coffin rested there. On a table directly in front of it was Tobirama Senju's portrait, an incense burner, candles, and his favorite foods as offerings.

The mourning hall was surrounded by white wreaths.

"Filial Son, smash the basin!"

Toma Senju, standing at the forefront of the coffin, smashed the basin in his hands with a loud crack and then knelt down. A chorus of wails erupted after the basin shattered.

As Tobirama Senju had no sons, Toma Senju was the most suitable person to perform the basin-smashing ritual for him.

After burning paper money and a brief period of worship.

"Lift the coffin!"

Four strong Senju clan members carried Tobirama Senju's coffin towards Konoha's graveyard. They were the closest relatives to Tobirama Senju, his nephews.

The sound of gongs and drums echoed behind the coffin. The procession would pass through Konoha's streets, giving the villagers and Tobirama Senju a final chance to bid farewell.

Tobirama Senju had an excellent reputation in Konoha. Although he usually appeared cold and unsmiling, his contributions to Konoha were undeniable.

It could even be said that without Tobirama Senju, there would be no Konoha today. Hashirama Senju had no idea of the difficulties of building a village from scratch; it was all Tobirama's hard work.

People had already gathered on both sides of the street, their faces etched with grief, tears involuntarily welling in their eyes as they bid their final farewell to Konoha's Second Hokage.

"Teacher, have a safe journey."

"I will protect Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood among the crowd, his eyes filled with tears, overcome with sorrow. His life had been bought with Tobirama Senju's sacrifice.

"Teacher..."

"Wuwuwu, I really want to send you off one last time."

Shimura Danzo stood beside Hiruzen Sarutobi, equally heartbroken and filled with regret.

As soon as the news of Tobirama Senju's funeral spread, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo had come to the Senju residence together. They were Tobirama Senju's disciples.

They had volunteered to carry Tobirama Senju's coffin, and if possible, even perform the basin-smashing ritual.

Unfortunately, they were driven out by the Senju clan members ordered by Toma Senju and didn't even get to see Mito Uzumaki.

Frankly speaking, without the burden of people like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo, Tobirama Senju would have left long ago.

Did Toma Senju not know Tobirama Senju's strength?

Besides, who were those two to think they could carry the coffin when the entire Senju clan was still alive? It was never their turn.

Truly shameless.

Toma Senju had wanted to personally scold Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzo, but out of respect for the deceased, Tobirama Senju, he held back.

The funeral procession slowly made its way through the streets and arrived at the graveyard, where Tobirama Senju was placed in the pre-dug pit.

Cries of grief once again echoed through the air as the Senju clan members took turns bowing at the grave.

After the ceremony, friends and relatives who had come to attend the funeral paid their respects to Tobirama Senju. They did not need to kneel, each placing a bouquet of white flowers at Tobirama Senju's grave.

Finally, the most important part of the funeral arrived.

The feast!

A grand feast!

The Senju clan set up about a hundred tables to accommodate all the attendees, which must have cost a considerable sum.

However, compared to the gift money received, it was a mere drop in the bucket. The most expensive item for the entire funeral was likely the golden nanmu coffin, which cost a staggering 600,000 Ryo, comparable to an A-rank mission. With other miscellaneous expenses, the funeral cost around one million Ryo.

But the gift money received amounted to over 63 million Ryo. After splitting it fifty-fifty with Konoha, the substantial amount of gift money was a testament to Tobirama Senju's status as Konoha's Hokage. Had he only been the Senju Clan Head, the funeral would not have been so grand.

Ultimately, over 30 million Ryo ended up in the Senju clan's coffers, a considerable income.

Uchiha Nan couldn't care less. He was currently feasting at the banquet, with dish after dish being served, much to his delight.

Given his status, no one would dare to spin the table while he was eating, unless they wanted to be run out of Konoha.

He had to admit, the chef for this banquet was skilled. It was no less impressive than the 30,000 ryo feast he'd attended last time.

On the dining table, cups clinked and conversation flowed. The Senju Clan was holding a funeral, and those attending were people of status and influence. Such gatherings of prominent figures were rare, and many were using this opportunity to expand their networks.

Although the occasion was somewhat inappropriate, it didn't matter. Tobirama Senju had lived a valuable life and would die a valuable death. He would surely rest in peace.

The Daimyo's eldest son was already raising his cup, attempting to build rapport with Uchiha Nan.

The new Clan Head of the Uchiha, possessing immense strength and potentially becoming the Third Hokage of Konoha, held enough clout for the Daimyo's eldest son to humble himself and treat Uchiha Nan with respect.

Uchiha Nan, naturally, wouldn't pass up this opportunity. The two chatted very pleasantly, much to the displeasure of Toma Senju.

The era of Tobirama Senju had passed. Konoha had to face the future. The primary issue facing Konoha was selecting a new Hokage to lead the village forward.

A few days later, a meeting regarding the Third Hokage was convened in Konoha.