Yuri Briar

Beside the Memorial Stone, a new grave marker stood over a shared burial plot. Two names were carved side by side: Gekko Hayate and Uzuki Yugao.

The morning dew had yet to dry. It clung to the stone like silent tears.

The four members of Team 7 stood quietly before the grave. The air smelled of fresh earth after the rain, but grief hung over them, too heavy to lift.

After a long silence, Naruto could no longer hold back. His voice caught almost imperceptibly as he asked:

"Teacher Kakashi, what happened with Sunagakure afterward? There really won't be a war?"

Kakashi stood with his hands in his pockets, his gaze resting on the grave marker. He answered calmly:

"No. After negotiations by the higher-ups, especially Lord Hokage, Sunagakure accepted the earlier investigation report."

"They probably weren't truly prepared for war either. The matter ends there."

"Hmph."

Beside them, Sasuke gave a cold scoff. Scorn flashed in his Sharingan. "Looks like Sunagakure has decided to 'consider the bigger picture' and 'forgive' us too."

"How ironic. Konoha forgave them back then, and now they've forgiven Konoha. To those people in power, hatred and forgiveness are nothing but bargaining chips to trade whenever it suits them."

"That's not true, Sasuke!" Naruto whipped around, his bright blue eyes fixed on Sasuke as his voice rose.

"Look at Yugao! Hatred consumed her. She nearly destroyed herself—and the peace everyone fought so hard to protect!"

"But she understood in the end, didn't she? Hatred doesn't solve anything! It only brings more pain!"

Naruto stepped forward and tried to grab Sasuke's shoulder. His voice turned pleading.

"Sasuke, I know you're hurting too, but don't let hatred blind you anymore! Aren't we comrades? I'm here too! We can—"

"Shut up, Dead Last!"

Sasuke swung his arm and