---
Tobirama's pov
I had just help sealing the Nine tails and relaxed when I saw Fumori Masaki and Uchiha Kagami standing before me. However, their presence made me frown as I asked, "What are you doing here? Why aren't you in the village?"
End pov
---
"I'm sorry, Tobirama-sama," Fumori Masaki apologized first. After all, they had violated Tobirama's order by leaving Konoha without permission. Uchiha Kagami was also at fault.
Seeing Tobirama's expression soften, Masaki continued, "I saw the signal, but I was worried about your situation, Tobirama-sama, so I couldn't help but come out to check. Please forgive me."
Uchiha Kagami added, "Tobirama-sama, I wanted to see Madara-sama's current state."
Tobirama understood their motives. Masaki's bond with Hashirama, strengthened by their shared practice of senjutsu, was close to that of master and apprentice. His concern was understandable. Kagami, raised by Madara, held a deep reverence for him.
However, violating orders could not be condoned. Future breaches during missions could bring trouble for both themselves and the village.
"Alright," Hashirama interjected with a smile, "Masaki's concern is appreciated. No need to blame him."
Tobirama gave his brother a helpless look, then ceded the conversation to him. Hashirama addressed the two, "Masaki, Kagami, I understand your concerns. Thank you, Masaki. As for you, Kagami, go and see Madara one last time."
Kagami's eyes widened as he ran to Madara's body. Though it was dark, he soon found Madara lying in the water. He turned Madara over and looked at his face, now forever still. A wave of sorrow overcame him, and he hugged Madara's remains tightly.
Hashirama, feeling the weight of the moment, turned to check on his wife. Then, as he tried to stand, his legs gave way. Masaki quickly supported him. Hashirama nodded gratefully and allowed Masaki to lead him to Kagami.
Looking at Madara's remains, Hashirama sighed. "Kagami, you can store Madara's remains and bury him in the Uchiha family ancestral grave."
Kagami shook his head slightly. "No, Madara-sama has committed too many crimes. The family will not accept him. Burying Madara in the ancestral grave would only cause opposition."
"Then find a place to bury him, at least so he won't be left in the wilderness," Hashirama suggested.
"No," Kagami insisted. "If we bury him, others might try to claim his body for the power of his Sharingan. I hope Madara-sama's body can be cremated so he can rest in peace."
"What!" Hashirama and Tobirama were both taken aback. Hashirama quickly understood Kagami's reasoning.
Fumori Masaki, who knew the future, had already suspected such a scenario. On their way over, they had encountered Sarutobi Sasuke and others. This meeting seemed normal, but Masaki saw something odd in it.
Tobirama's logic for sending them back was sound. However, it also meant Sasuke and the others were sidelined. Masaki wondered if Tobirama planned to switch Madara's body somewhere between the valley and Konoha. Once back in the village, the Uchiha would secure Madara's body, making it difficult to steal.
This explained why Tobirama sent everyone back. With only Hashirama, Tobirama, and Mito left, it would be easier to switch Madara's body. Hashirama was injured, and Mito would be focused on sealing the Nine-Tails, giving Tobirama the perfect opportunity.
Masaki didn't object to studying Madara's body. Ninja tradition involved destroying corpses to prevent the enemy from gaining valuable secrets. For a S-rank ninja (Kage level) like Madara, his body held immense value, including his Mangekyo Sharingan.
However, Izanagi's potential use made this problematic. Kagami's decision to cremate Madara was not solely his own. Masaki had discussed it with him earlier. Initially, Kagami considered burying Madara elsewhere, but Masaki's warning about the danger of Izanagi changed his mind. Kagami didn't want anyone exploiting Madara's eyes, considering it an insult to his mentor.
After understanding Masaki's perspective, Kagami agreed that cremation was the best option. Thus, he proposed this method when Hashirama asked.
Hashirama, after regaining his composure, asked, "Kagami, are you sure about this?"
"Yes, Hashirama-sama," Kagami nodded. "I don't want anyone disturbing Madara-sama's peace. I'm sure Madara-sama wouldn't want that either."
Hashirama fell silent. He couldn't be certain of Madara's wishes, but as Hokage, he respected Kagami's decision. "Very well," he said. "After cremation, we will place his ashes somewhere so we can mourn him."
Kagami nodded in agreement.
Tobirama, though regretful about losing Madara's valuable body, accepted the decision. It was too late to act otherwise.
Hashirama gives a solemn nod. "Thank you, both of you. Your actions today have secured the future of our village."
Madara's cremation was simple and private, witnessed only by those present. As Madara's body slowly disappeared into the flames, Fumori Masaki felt a sense of relief. With Madara's Sharingan gone, the threat of his resurrection was nullified, and Black Zetsu's plans were stalled. Though Madara had intended to live on, fate had intervened. Masaki thought that, perhaps, this was a form of peace for Madara.
As the flames consumed the remains, Masaki reflected on the turn of events. Despite Madara's ambitions, it was better for him to die without witnessing the collapse of his ideals. The era of conflict was ending, and a new era was beginning for Konoha.
---