PROLOGUE

"Hokage-sama, I whole-heartedly ask that you postpone this rally. It is not urgent. These ninjas can wait." Shikamaru advised, keeping his gaze low. He seemed determined to avoid direct eye contact.

"Absolutely not!" Naruto retorted. The Hokage's skin resembled a warm hue of death, yet the passion in oceanic eyes never ceased to roar.

"These 'ninjas', Shikamaru, need to understand me. I want them to understand my plans. Otherwise, support will never be offered. The last thing I want to do is mislead them. Lies and excuses will not get us anywhere." Dry, cracked lips tightened following his statement. He swung his arm out in earnestness.

"Heed this. I need to go."

Uchiha Sasuke stood and watched their conversation unfold before him. Unmoved, unbothered, he stood with perfect posture and observed. He knew that, of all people, The Seventh would be stubborn enough to attend to an event with a crippling illness. He commonly hid it from people, unable to admit that his body was struggling. It wasn't supposed to. Leaders could not falter. He wished to bare all of the pain, just as he said he would years ago. However admirable it was, it also stirred uncertainty. Sasuke was aware that the blond was in a position where he could not waste time. He also knew something that only the Hokage and himself were sure of.

Uzumaki Naruto was going to die.

The mere thought of this made it difficult to swallow. His body trembled, and he felt faint. It was only a matter of time. His duty now, however, was to help his rival see to the podium at which he wished to speak.

~•~

In the centre of the Hidden Leaf, the crowd bustled, gathered, and winds whistled and shook the surrounding greenery. Sunlight shone upon an aged, elevated platform to create a matte finish. Expecting eyes and friends watched as the Hokage neared the stage. Sasuke brought his friend up with an arm weaved around his back, offering support to climb a simple staircase. The Uchiha manifested a collection of both sadness, and pity. Naruto, who had once defeated him in a hard-fought battle, was now bedridden as if his timer ran out. With such a young face, it was nearly incomprehensible. He listened to his friend hoarsely heave. His guts were crying out, grasping at life with total effort to manage the simplest requirements.

At last, he reached the stand, holding onto it like a crutch. With a slow breath, he began.

"I've noticed an issue with the world throughout my lifetime. Finally, I have the opportunity to fix it. I could control the village whilst sitting in a chair, scribbling down new policies, then writing my name on them. However, that isn't my plan.

I come to you today to pledge that I will actively create permanent change.

What is peace without the presence of justice? What kind of equality do we have if assimilation is our only answer?

There's nothing that angers me more than blatant ignorance. Look around and watch the clouds, the singing birds, the rustling trees... We are missing the crossroads, costs, trials, and tribulations of the civilians who walk among us. Deliver a smile, put out a helping hand, and realize that our mundane routines can be contorted. We hurt without moving. We poison without touching. We bear the truth and the lies. We are not to be judged by our size. Yet, life does not have to end this miserably. Terror is not the only conclusion. We do not have to conform to malicious messages. Instead… Listen closely..."

Suddenly, in the middle of his speech, Naruto clutched his chest. His fingers clawed at the surface of his shirt, creating a web of seams. An ugly, traumatic exclamation of pain rang from his throat. Sasuke had, in panic, bolted to support the Hokage. However, he had already hit the ground. The crowd splayed along the horizon gasped in astonishment, then went berserk. The media stormed the area, seemingly more concerned about capturing a photo than aiding the quivering body at the pedestal. Medical authorities rushed to the scene. A day later, Naruto was officially pronounced dead; the cause had yet to be released. They were unable to save him.