On the morning after the Konoha Crush Plan, Naruto took off the white Hokage Cloak he always wore and changed into black clothes. He left home with Karin following behind him. She, too, was dressed in black, her eyes filled with sorrow.
The sky was overcast, and a light drizzle began to fall. Naruto looked up and let out a deep sigh, heavy with grief. The usually bustling Konoha Commercial Street was subdued. Dressed in black, the villagers quietly made their way toward the Memorial Stone, the resting place of Konoha's heroes. Longing for lost family and friends filled their eyes, and sorrow hung in the air.
Naruto and Karin walked quietly among the crowd. When they reached the middle of the street, Naruto found all his friends waiting for them. He walked over and asked, "Is everyone here?"
Sasuke and Neji nodded. Naruto said nothing more beyond a quiet, "Then let's go. It's time to pay our respects to Konoha's heroes." He led the way toward the Memorial Stone. Sasuke, Neji, and the others followed without a word, their hearts heavy with sorrow.
Today was the memorial service for the heroes who had fallen in battle. Everyone in Konoha joined of their own accord, knowing that without those who had sacrificed themselves for the village, they could never have enjoyed such peaceful lives or the comfort of being with their family, friends, and loved ones.
By the time Naruto and his friends reached the Memorial Stone, all the squad leaders and Chunin had already arrived. Naruto led the others forward to lay flowers, then stood quietly to one side, mourning in silence.
The Third Hokage, the two Advisors, and Danzo arrived as well, laying flowers before paying their respects at the Memorial Stone. Watching Danzo's shameless pretense, Naruto wanted