The wind swept over the gravel on the ground, and the ruins left within the Shadow Organization after the battle were restored at an astonishing pace.
The buildings had suffered little damage to begin with. Combined with the Shadow Organization's usual efficiency, the speed of reconstruction was enough to make jaws drop.
Meanwhile, apart from a handful of core members who knew the truth, everyone in the Shadow Organization was immersed in grief over the death of their First Leader, Xihuo.
The reason was simple: their leader had been incredibly generous. From material comforts to emotional fulfillment, every aspect of the members' lives had been thoroughly taken care of.
Who wouldn't love a leader who sent them money every day and even helped them find a partner for life?
Not a single tear the Shadow Organization's members shed at the funeral was insincere.
Xihuo himself attended the funeral in a light disguise, watching his own "death" and everyone else's tributes firsthand with considerable interest.
With the Eight-Tails' timely support, he had survived as a jinchūriki. Orochimaru had patched up his blinded Mangekyo enough for him to see normally, but using it in battle again was out of the question.
Still, that was enough. After working so hard for so long, it was time to retire.
Xihuo said goodbye to everyone in the know, one by one, then set off with the Eight-Tails to travel the shinobi world and enjoy the sights.
Xihuo had worked hard enough during his years in the Shadow Organization. He had used [Absolute Command] to provide specialized training for every member, ensuring they found careers and paths they enjoyed, so he could now let go without any worries.
Even after the Shadow Organization became part of Konoha, its members would continue down a righteous, promising path.