If Tatsuma were living alone, he might have felt a bit panicked at this moment because he hadn't proactively realized that attending the funeral required appropriate attire. But living within the Senju clan compound, Mito, an elder who had seen countless things, had everything prepared for him, including a complete set of black clothes suitable for attending the funeral.
Not only did Mito prepare for Tatsuma, but she also arranged outfits for Nawaki, Tsunade, and even Kushina and Minato, who didn't reside within the clan compound, including her own attire.
In the past, Mito wouldn't attend funerals, but this time was different because among those being mourned, too many had once been considered her family.
Tatsuma put on the black clothes and joined the others. In the Senju clan compound, which was usually somewhat sparsely populated, there were now quite a few people gathered, all the Senju descendants who had been exempt from fighting were now assembled there.
In addition, there were many masked ninjas escorting Mito's procession. Mito was in excellent health. Not only could she make a trip to Konoha Cemetery, but even in times of crisis, if she was truly needed on the battlefield, this elderly woman could probably unleash astonishing power.
However, her status destined her to require a large number of guards whenever she was outside her own home. Tatsuma didn't know whether Mito liked or was accustomed to this kind of life, but he knew that regardless of her inner feelings, she would never express them. Because this elderly woman had long ceased to think about herself; everything in her heart revolved around the village and its people. She wouldn't demand anything for herself but would instead follow the village's needs and do what was required.
Therefore, even though she was surrounded by so many people for protection or surveillance, there was no hint of impatience on her face. Instead, she maintained her dignity and composure, engaging in quiet conversations with the elderly Senju clan members.
"Mito-sama, it's time," said a respectful ANBU member who approached Mito.
Mito nodded and released the hand of an elderly woman who looked almost as old but much more weathered. She stood up and said, "Everyone, let's not keep the departed waiting any longer. It's time to send them off."
Upon hearing this, the remaining Senju clan members nodded with sorrow and rose to their feet, spontaneously gathering behind Mito in formation.
Mito and Tsunade walked side by side at the front, followed by Nawaki and Tatsuma. This arrangement was specifically organized by Tsunade. Behind them were the remaining Senju clan members, along with Kushina and Minato.
The ANBU split into two teams. One team wore hoods over their masks, concealing their faces entirely, blending seamlessly into the procession. The other team remained hidden, employing their standard stealth tactics.
Refusing the offer of an ANBU member to hold an umbrella, Mito led the way into the light drizzle, leaving the Senju compound and heading towards the direction of the cemetery.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the cemetery, there were already numerous white flowers arranged there. Members of the Yamanaka clan were distributing flowers to those attending the funeral.
The ANBU did not obstruct the Yamanaka clan from distributing flowers. Mito chose a white chrysanthemum, and the others followed suit, taking only white chrysanthemums.
Upon entering the cemetery, Tatsuma noticed that there were already many people there. Some were from ninja clans, others were scattered civilian ninja, and there were also some civilians who had come simply to mourn.
They were all dressed in black, holding white flowers, awaiting the start of the funeral.
Tatsuma and the others arrived neither early nor late. They found a vacant spot and waited for a while. Hiruzen had already appeared. He was not wearing his iconic Hokage attire but rather dressed in black like everyone else.
Amidst the mournful music and chanting, Hiruzen led the way in offering flowers. Following him were Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, two of the elders. Danzo did not attend because it was not appropriate for him to be there.
After the village elders had offered their flowers, it was the turn of representatives from various ninja clans. Following that was a free offering of flowers. Tatsuma chose a middle point in time and stepped forward to place his flower in front of the memorial stone.
Hiruzen did not give any speeches. When the flower offering was completed, he allowed everyone to move freely. Many dispersed throughout the cemetery, speaking to loved ones at their graves.
Tatsuma glanced around the crowd and spotted an "old classmate." He walked over and lit a stick of incense at the base of the monument.
"Tenko, long time no see."
After finishing, Tatsuma looked at Uchiha Tenko, who was kneeling in front of the communal grave. Tenko nodded in response to Tatsuma's greeting and said, "These are my uncle and aunt. If it weren't for me, maybe their children would still have their parents."
His tone was not excited nor calm, more mechanical. Tatsuma patted his shoulder and said, "Perhaps they just didn't want to kneel in front of your grave and say similar things to what you're saying now."
But Tatsuma's words didn't seem to comfort Tenko. He fell silent for a moment before saying, "How should I explain it to Obito? One day, he will ask why everyone else has parents and why he doesn't, just like... I used to."
"Who eventually told you?"
"No one told me. They just looked at me with pity in their eyes until I overheard them talking about it and realized my parents died for the village."
"Are you proud of your parents?"
"Of course."
"Then tell Obito that. His parents are heroes, who sacrificed everything for the people they cherished. They are the benefactors and role models for all the survivors."
Tatsuma wasn't sure if he had convinced Tenko, because the answer might not bring clarity; it could only provide an answer. The process of action was what dispelled confusion.
"Tatsuma, are you strong now?"
Tenko suddenly changed the subject. Tatsuma was taken aback for a moment before replying, "You've awakened?"
Turning his head, Tenko looked at Tatsuma. His jet-black irises turned blood red in an instant, with two black tomoe swirling around each pupil.
Seeing this, Tatsuma placed his hand on Tenko's neck, pressing him down slightly. Then, without attracting any attention from the surroundings, he calmly observed. When he saw that no one was looking their way, he released his hand.
An Uchiha with a double tomoe Sharingan wasn't rare, and it didn't significantly enhance their abilities. However, if it appeared in the eyes of a ten-year-old Uchiha, its significance would be different.
Tenko wasn't foolish. Sensing Tatsuma's action, he ceased using his eye power, and his eyes returned to their normal black and white.
"Does anyone else know?" Tatsuma asked in a lowered voice. Tenko shook his head and replied, "I'm the only survivor of the team... a deserter."
Upon hearing this response, Tatsuma felt a bit relieved inappropriately, and then he felt touched. Even though it might just be a ten-year-old's immature trust, it was enough to signify something.
After a moment of silence, Tatsuma spoke, "Tenko, you have remarkable talent, but you need more time to fulfill it. So, don't end prematurely on this journey."
Hearing Tatsuma's words, Tenko nodded and asked, "You've fought with Jonin. I want to know if I have the power to avenge... the killer."
Tatsuma pursed his lips and said, "I'll find a time to teach you. Just be patient."
"Okay," Tenko nodded. Tatsuma glanced around and said, "Alright, go join your clan. They're about to leave. I'll come find you."
"Alright," Tenko replied. He knelt briefly, then stood up, and Tatsuma also rose to his feet. The two of them lightly embraced before Tenko walked towards the gathering Uchiha group.
Many ninja clans have their own cemeteries, including the Uchiha. After the ceremony here, they will return to have their own family mourning rites, so they won't spend all their time here.
After parting ways with Uchiha Tenko, Tatsuma chatted with some familiar ninja for a few moments. He concealed his meeting with Uchiha Tenko as just one of his meetings with classmates. Then, Tatsuma returned to Mito's side.
Mito and the others didn't stay long either. After chatting briefly with some elderly ninja, Mito led the Senju clan members away. After leaving, the Senju clan members didn't return to the Senju territory. They bid farewell along the way. Senju territory used to be their home, but it wasn't anymore.
The time for grief in this world is always brief. The day after the funeral, the village resumed its operations. Even the long-stopped civilian commissions resumed "business." The teams that had just met their new teammates also plunged back into work, cultivating new understanding through cooperation.
Tatsuma, who hadn't received orders for team reassignment, didn't engage in meaningless activities. His days were filled with training, studying Sealing Jutsu and Medical Jutsu, and delving into Senju Tobirama's notes. This was how he spent each fulfilling day.
After a few more days, Tatsuma finally received his appointment letter, but before that, he had one more assessment to undergo.
"Thank you for your hard work, Senpai."
Led by an ANBU ninja to a concealed base, Tatsuma didn't ask for the name of the ANBU ninja beside him, simply addressing them as "Senpai."
The ANBU ninja nodded and gestured towards an office location for Tatsuma. Then, he disappeared. Tatsuma walked towards the office and knocked on the door. Upon hearing the response, he entered.
Inside, a female ninja, also masked and dressed in ANBU attire, was already waiting. Seeing Tatsuma come in, she nodded and gestured towards the seat in front of her, saying, "Sit."
Tatsuma walked over and sat on the slightly elevated chair. The female ninja took out a few documents and placed them in front of Tatsuma, saying, "Fill out some personal information and a pledge. You'll be sent for assessment later."
These were all standard "onboarding" procedures. Tatsuma glanced over the documents and wrote his name in the blank spaces.
The pledge was more interesting. It outlined some of the things that ANBU Ninjas must adhere to, including not disclosing their employment in ANBU to anyone, accepting that personal records cannot be updated during their tenure in ANBU, and so on.
However, these were just written words without much practical binding force. It was merely part of the process, perhaps to inform the Ninja participating in the ANBU assessment of the costs involved in becoming an ANBU Ninja.
As for what would follow, there might be more in-depth assessments and training. Therefore, after reading through, Tatsuma wrote down his name.
Seeing this, the female ninja got up, walked to the door, opened it, and said, "Turn right when you leave, go downstairs, all the way to the negative third floor. There, ANBU assessors will evaluate your strength and ninja qualities."
"Thank you."
Tatsuma nodded and walked out the door, following the direction indicated by the female ninja. There was only one staircase in that direction, so Tatsuma wouldn't get lost. As he descended to the second basement level, he suddenly felt a jolt in his heart.
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