Fine rain drifted through the sky, falling as softly as ox hair.
The droplets pattered against eaves, leaves, and earth, composing nature's mournful symphony.
Today, Hidden Leaf Village lay shrouded in oppressive solemnity.
Gone were the villagers' usual smiles, replaced by inexpressible sorrow and silence.
From dawn, activity buzzed around the Senju Clan Grounds.White banners were hoisted high, fluttering in the wind like mourning flags. The dancing white sails seemed to voice endless grief.
Before long, shocking news spread rapidly through every corner of the village—Uzumaki Mito had passed away!
This news struck like thunder, shattering the village's former tranquility.
Immediately, the Hidden Leaf Gazette delivered this tragic announcement to all villagers at unprecedented speed.
The newspaper's front page bore bold headlines: "Uzumaki Mito Passes Away!"
Below followed detailed accounts of this great kunoichi's life story and praises for her monumental achievements.
Uzumaki Mito, this legendary female shinobi, lived a life filled with both hardship and glory.
From her valiant battles in youth to her quiet dedication protecting the village later in life, she remained steadfast in her convictions and mission.
Though she had departed, her spirit would forever be etched into Hidden Leaf Village's history, becoming an example for future generations to admire and emulate.
These newspapers were distributed freely to every household in Hidden Leaf Village.
All to ensure everyone understood Uzumaki Mito's impact on the village.
The traditional three-day mourning period at Senju Clan Grounds before public memorials was shortened.
Whether this was due to Sarutobi Hiruzen and others honoring Uzumaki Mito's final wishes,
Or because Sarutobi Hiruzen sought to diminish her influence in the village during these final moments,
Remained unclear.
But under strong insistence from Uchiha Yato and Tsunade, Uzumaki Mito would at least remain for one day.
Ultimately, Uchiha Yato prevailed.
The ceremony lasted from dawn until dusk before concluding.
While others made their requests discreetly, Uchiha Yato directly asked Uchiha Kei whether Uchiha Clan members could attend the memorial.
After all, Uchiha Kei was the Uchiha Clan head, and Uchiha Yato made sure to show him proper respect.
Understanding Uchiha Yato's intention, Uchiha Kei didn't refuse.
During the late First Lady's lifetime, the Uchiha Clan had lived comfortably—this much was undeniable—and Uchiha Kei knew of her care for Uchiha Yato.
Practically every Uchiha of notable status attended the memorial.
Moreover, Uchiha Yato deliberately arranged for the entire clan to bring only one floral tribute.
This wasn't merely to save expenses—he wanted to see how other shinobi clans and civilian ninjas would respond.
With only one bouquet present, clearly insufficient, shouldn't other clans and ninja representatives make their own offerings?
The experienced clan heads recognized Uchiha Yato's implication.
But as the saying goes, with Hidden Leaf's current instability, not everyone wished to stand with the Uchiha Clan.
Yet soon another clan sent floral tributes as memorial offerings.
Surprisingly, it was the Hyuga Clan—historically the Uchiha's greatest rivals.
Hyuga Hinata might be aging, but his mind remained sharp.
While everyone recognized the current uncertain climate, he understood better than most how powerful the Uchiha Clan had become.
If they couldn't contend for Hidden Leaf's top clan position, securing second place would suffice.
This approach could earn both Uchiha Yato's friendship and the Uchiha Clan's goodwill.With the Hyuga clan taking the lead, other minor ninja clans and civilian ninjas gradually joined in.
To create a better atmosphere, Uchiha Yato had Tom Cat pull out his classic megaphone.
Seeing this setup, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately stepped forward to stop him, fearing that Uchiha Yato might do something inappropriate at this moment.
Tsunade also rushed to Uchiha Yato's side and asked him what he was planning.
Uchiha Yato smiled and said, "A little music to set the mood."
Though Uchiha Yato was known for his unpredictable nature, Tsunade didn't believe he would deliberately cause trouble at such a time.
So she silently allowed his actions.
At that moment, a solemn and profound BGM began to play—a purely instrumental piece without any lyrics, yet the emotions and power it conveyed were no less impactful than any song filled with elaborate words.
The mournful, heart-wrenching notes seemed to transform into invisible sound waves, piercing through eardrums and reaching deep into the soul.
Every listener was shaken by the sheer force of the music, drawn into its sorrowful melody, their thoughts carried away by its grief.
Gradually, an indescribable sense of melancholy spread through the crowd.
Some closed their eyes, brows furrowed, as if recalling painful memories from the past. Others silently shed tears, releasing long-suppressed sorrow. A few trembled slightly, resonating with the music's mournful emotions.
This deeply moving piece was none other than the renowned Great Compassion Mantra.
Hearing that the music was at least somewhat appropriate, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided not to interfere with Uchiha Yato anymore.
As long as he didn't do anything excessive, Sarutobi Hiruzen could tolerate it.
This somber atmosphere lasted for an entire day.
Just as everyone thought the farewell ceremony was about to conclude, Uchiha Yato stepped forward and began to recite something.
"The elder has departed, heaven and earth mourn together;
The orphaned weep, tears falling like rain.
Remembering past teachings, engraved in the heart,
A debt as weighty as Mount Tai, impossible to repay.
Now separated by life and death, only regret remains,
Leaving nothing but words to convey longing."
Hearing Uchiha Yato's recitation, the crowd recognized it as something akin to poetry.
Such works were rare in the ninja world, mostly circulated among noble lords.
Yet that didn't stop them from reflecting on its meaning.
"May heaven be free of pain and suffering,
May Mito rest in eternal peace.
We shall carry on her legacy, forging ahead,
Striving tirelessly, living up to her hopes.
May her grace endure, her virtues passed down,
Remembered by generations to come."
...
Essentially, these words expressed Uchiha Yato's grief over Uzumaki Mito's passing.
He had exchanged for this piece using his system.
He wanted to do something for Uzumaki Mito after her death.
This short Ode to Enduring Grace was Uchiha Yato's final act for her.
From then on, whenever anyone recalled this ode, they would remember Uzumaki Mito.
And this major event in the Hidden Leaf Village was soon relayed to the entire ninja world through other covert informants.Thus, the story of Uzumaki Mito comes to an end...
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