Chapter 10 – After the Starlight

[Scene: Battlefield – Silent, windswept]

The battlefield is still. No clashing steel, no roaring jutsu — only the faint whistle of the wind.

The ground bears scars of the war: massive craters, splintered earth, and the fading glow of jutsu residue drifting into the sky like dying embers.

One by one… people open their eyes.

Shinobi and civilians who had fallen moments — or hours — ago. They gasp, clutching their chests, staring at their hands.

Shinobi #1 (whispering): "I… I'm alive?"

Shinobi #2: "But… I was…"

His voice trails off, unable to say dead.

Some drop to their knees in disbelief. Others look around for friends they thought they'd never see again — and rush into each other's arms when they find them.

---

[Scene shift: Across the Hidden Villages]

— Hidden Leaf Village

The Hokage Monument glows in the sunset. Citizens gather in silence, eyes fixed on the direction of the battlefield. The flags are lowered to half-mast.

— Hidden Sand

Gaara stands atop the Kazekage Tower, the wind tugging at his robes. He closes his eyes, murmuring to himself:

Gaara: "…Thank you. Both of you."

The Sand Village flag sways in the desert wind, lowered in solemn respect.

— Hidden Mist

Chōjūrō kneels at the village square, laying his sword in front of him as a sign of mourning.

— Hidden Stone

Kurotsuchi bows her head before a flame that burns at the heart of the village, a silent vigil.

— Hidden Cloud

Darui stands with his hands in his pockets, gaze fixed on the horizon, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen.

---

[Scene: New Memorial Stone – Hidden Leaf]

Boruto, Sarada, and Kawaki stand before a freshly carved stone at the edge of the village.

The names Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke are engraved deeply, their lettering illuminated by the fading sunset.

The three don't speak at first. The wind rustles through the trees, the only sound.

Sarada's hands clench tightly at her sides. Her Sharingan is active, but her eyes glisten with tears.

Boruto's head is lowered, his usual grin nowhere to be seen.

Kawaki stands rigid, his jaw tight, the muscles in his hands twitching.

Finally, Boruto speaks — barely more than a whisper.

Boruto: "…They always… saved everyone. Even us."

Sarada's voice trembles.

Sarada: "And now… they're gone."

Kawaki exhales slowly, forcing the words out.

Kawaki: "No. They're not gone. Not really. As long as we remember them… as long as we fight to protect what they died for… they'll always be here."

Boruto looks up at the stone. His reflection stares back at him, framed by the sunset's glow.

Boruto: "…I'll carry it. Their will. No matter what."

---

[Scene: Closing Montage]

Villages united, lighting lanterns that drift into the night sky.

Children in the Leaf chasing fireflies under peaceful moonlight.

The Great Nations' leaders meeting not as rivals, but as allies.

The camera pans up to the night sky, where stars glimmer quietly — free from the shadows of war.

Narrator (softly):

"They were called heroes. Legends.

But to those who fought beside them… they were simply friends who never gave up.

And now… their light will guide the world, even after the starlight fades."

[Fade to black]