Boruto, Sarada, Mitsuki, Jade, Damian, Mikoto Misaka, Kagura, Anya, Moegi, Aizen, and the others stood near the front, listening in silence.
Boruto had set aside his usual restlessness, his expression solemn. Sarada studied the memorial portrait. Mitsuki's gaze was calm, while Jade's eyes were red. Even Damian was unusually quiet. Mikoto Misaka lowered her head slightly, and Anya clutched her Chimera doll, her large eyes brimming with tears.
But an awkward moment arose when Ao's achievements in the Third Shinobi World War were recounted.
"During the war that swept across the Shinobi World, Elder Ao used his exceptional Byakugan abilities and tactical mind to carry out numerous critical reconnaissance and decapitation missions, making an indelible contribution to Kirigakure's strategy."
"In one battle, he uncovered and defeated a secret Konoha unit. In a certain canyon, he fought fiercely against an elite Kumogakure squad to defend a vital position..."
As these specific "achievements" were mentioned, especially the details of Konoha and Kumogakure ninja he had killed, the atmosphere grew strained.
Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki exchanged an instinctive glance, their expressions complicated.
They respected Ao's sacrifice, but hearing that he had killed predecessors from their own village left them with mixed feelings.
Moegi frowned slightly, then quickly regained her solemn composure.
Damian, Mikoto Misaka, and Anya reacted much the same way.
Damian's brow furrowed. Mikoto Misaka pressed her lips together, and Anya let out a quiet "Ah," hugging her doll tighter.
The scars left by history had quietly come to the fore.
Chojuro noticed it too, but the presentation had been prepared in advance, and he could not skip ahead. Just as the awkwardness spread like ripples—
"Um..." Jade's clear voice rang out cautiously. She seemed to have gathered all her courage, drawing everyone's attention.
"I heard that during that war long ago,