Candles
By: Song
Summary: Every year hundreds of candles are placed in the river in memory of the fallen. Iruka explains the tradition to a young Naruto.
A/U: I've always thought this was a beautiful tradition held in many cultures worldwide. Obviously, I've added my own spin on it. Found on my harddrive and posted because I've been neglecting my readers here )=
Reviews appreciated, as always.
"Ne, Iruka-sensei... why are we lighting candles?"
Iruka handed his student a candle. "It's a time honored tradition in Konoha to light a candle for those who have gone before. On this night a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead opens. But the dead don't have a very good sense of direction, and need light to find their loved ones. So we have to do our part and light a candle to thank them for everything they've done in life and in death. Tonight is the only night of the year that they can see their loved ones. And sometimes if everything goes just right, we can see them too."
"Like- like g-ghosts?" Naruto stutters out.
"No Naruto, not like ghosts." He laughs softly. "More like... good spirits."
Naruto visibly relaxes before wondering, "Who are all these candles for?"
Iruka thinks for a moment. "I'd imagine most of them are for family and friends who have passed on, but a good number of them ninja who died as heroes before their time."
"Like The Fourth?" Naruto asks softly looking upon the hundreds of candles floating down the river in reverenced awe.
"Yes Naruto, just like the Fourth."
"Hey, Iruka-sensei," Naruto asked hesitantly.
"Yes Naruto?"
"Can- can I light a candle for your parents too?"
A small smile tugged at Iruka's face. "I'm sure they'd love that Naruto."
Fin