Under a large tree.
Four Hokage stood under the tree, observing the funeral.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the scenes of the funeral and gazed at the crowd, letting out a soft sigh. This feeling made him somewhat uncomfortable.
"Third Hokage-sama, please accept my condolences."
Namikaze Minato stood beside Sarutobi Hiruzen and softly comforted him.
Senju Hashirama nodded his head, sighing: "Monkey, to be loved by so many people is already worthy of the name of Hokage..."
"Indeed."
Senju Tobirama also nodded, gently encouraging Sarutobi Hiruzen: "There is still a long time ahead. When Tsunade returns, there will be a chance to see them again..."
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen could only nod, a complicated smile appearing on his face: "Perhaps there's nothing worth regretting about a person's death... the only regret is not having passed the Will of Fire entrusted to me by the First Hokage and the Second Hokage to more people."
Especially...
Not passing it on to Akihara Kagura.
"You've already done well."
Senju Tobirama reached out and lightly patted Sarutobi Hiruzen's shoulder.
"Is that Naruto?"
Namikaze Minato saw a little guy with a head of blond hair and immediately recognized his son: "Naruto has already grown so much..."
A trace of excitement appeared on Namikaze Minato's face as he gazed afar at the mourning figures at the funeral, searching for people he knew: "Kakashi has also become an adult... and so many familiar faces are here..."
"Perhaps it's because it's my funeral..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen said these words, feeling increasingly odd. Fortunately, his heart was broad-minded, and he couldn't help but laugh out loud: "What is it like to attend your funeral? It's truly an interesting experience now!"
"Yes..."
Namikaze Minato nodded, surprisingly feeling a bit regretful himself: "If only I had the chance to see my own funeral back then..."
"Minato, don't say that..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head and let out a sigh: "I'm already an old man, my death doesn't affect much, but at that time you were still young..."
Senju Hashirama watched the people at the funeral, unable to find anyone he knew, suddenly discovering something that surprised him: "Monkey, that little brat named Akihara Kagura looks very sad at your funeral, he is actually mourning your departure as well..."
"Big brother."
Senju Tobirama rubbed his forehead, explaining helplessly: "That little brat has already used the Reanimation Jutsu to revive Monkey. Do you think that brat is truly sad? It's just an act for others to see!"
The few Hokage observed from afar.
Akihara Kagura, however, had to stand in front of the Memorial Stele in black clothing, gently placing a white flower in front of the Third Hokage's portrait.
"Kagura."
Kakashi Hatake glanced at Akihara Kagura.
"What's up?"
Akihara Kagura lifted his gaze and looked at Kakashi Hatake.
"Nothing."
Kakashi Hatake tilted his head to look at the sky, not knowing what was on his mind: "After the funeral is over, let's find a time to have a chat!"
"Don't be sad."
Akihara Kagura shook his head, seemingly not understanding Kakashi Hatake's feelings, thinking he was saddened by the Third Hokage's funeral and proactively comforting him: "To the Third Hokage-sama, death is not the end of life."
"That's right."
Umino Iruka wholeheartedly agreed with Akihara Kagura's words, speaking softly: "Death is not the end of life, it never is. The will of the Third Hokage-sama still accompanies us, like a red thread, glowing more and more brightly as time passes..."
"..."
Akihara Kagura looked at Umino Iruka, not speaking up actively.
Actually, I meant it literally, not only the Will of Fire inherited from Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Sarutobi Hiruzen himself will also stay by your side. There might be plenty of opportunities to meet, perhaps even watching over the people at the funeral right now, observing whose emotions aren't quite there yet...