The next day was overcast.
It was the place where powerful ninja who had died in Konoha's wars were buried.
A fine rain began to fall from the hazy sky.
Yesterday's preparations had made it clear that the funeral would be held today.
The death of a village's Kage gave every resident cause to grieve, for the village had lost a portion of its fighting strength.
The atmosphere in Konoha was exceptionally oppressive. Sarutobi Nitten's coffin had already been carried on a circuit around the village.
Everyone's breathing had grown noticeably heavier by the time they reached the burial site.
Drip, drip-
Only the sound of falling rain surrounded them.
The scent of dampness filled their noses as everyone stood in mournful silence.
The arrangement was nothing unusual. Everyone present was a ninja, not an ordinary resident. The residents only needed to mourn at home.
Everyone here was a ninja. Tsunade and Jiraiya stood at the front, followed by the elite jonin Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy.
Behind them were the special jōnin Kurenai Yuhi and Gekko Hayate.
Then came the chunin, followed by the genin.
They mourned.
Luo Mang stood among them as a student.
The Twelve Rookie Nine were also present, along with other familiar faces and students brought by their teachers.
"..."
Luo Mang watched the scene in silence. He had not actually wanted to attend.
But once someone became a ninja, attendance at events like this was mandatory. Some people wanted to come but could not because of their status. If he stayed away, he might attract scrutiny and be accused of demanding special treatment. Only a handful of people possessed the Diary; he could not expect everyone to indulge his whims.
So he let it go. Considering the circumstances for everyone else, this arrangement was