Uh-oh. Everyone wear the same garments. We will not find him by searching the one who bears the Uchiha crest. If we have to look at everyone's faces…
"How are we supposed to recognize Uchiha Sasuke, Lady Nyoko? We have never met him before," asked Yoson.
"Hmm, just look at the one whose face is similar to Toichi, as simple as that," explained Nyoko.
Everyone, Shinobi and non-Shinobi, old and young ones, the people of Konoha and foreigners, gathered at the place of the ceremony, the Memorial Statue. There was an unbelievably large crowd and it's impossible for them to scan everyone's faces at the moment.
Just then, the crowd suddenly became silenced. Nyoko was puzzled by the sudden change in behaviour of those people. Then, she realized a person had walked onto the stage provided in front of the Memorial Statue. The writings at the back of his coat can be read as 'The Seventh Hokage'.
Naruto turned around and faced his people. As the protocol of the ceremony, Naruto should deliver a speech every year on this event as the Hokage. He hated doing speech. But he hated even more on delivering speech to remind the people of sad and devastated events that happened in the past.
Nyoko couldn't hear what the Hokage was saying. She didn't hear or realize anything around her. She's in a great shock. By looking at Naruto's real face in front of her, even from afar, she became certain of it. His face, how can it be? That face structure is totally similar to him. How on Earth?
After the Hokage's speech, there was a moment of silence to respect the deceased ones. A very long moment of silence. It's so silent that there's no even sound of breathing. As silent as an abandoned graveyard. All who gathered recalled the bitter memories of losing their loved ones. Some of them had tears in their eyes. Nyoko also joined in reminiscing her dear sister who just passed away recently before they left their village.
I will honour your will, Eiko. No matter what happens.
Just then, right before the end of the moment of silence, Nyoko caught a glimpse of a person who was leaving. Him! Uchiha Sasuke. Nyoko watched Sasuke walked away casually from the ceremony while everyone still remained silent.
"That's a bit rude. To leave during this time," Yoson whispered to Nyoko. Yoson and Toichi also noticed the person they're looking for.
"Should we leave as well and follow him?" asked Toichi.
"You guys stay here. I will follow him," replied Nyoko. She left the crowd quickly and trailed Sasuke. There's a long distance between them and Nyoko fastened her pace.
"Dad! You're already gonna leave? Are you going to that place? You seemed like you want to leave me out again this time. You said that you will bring me with you someday!" Sarada suddenly appeared between Nyoko and Sasuke. Nyoko hurriedly hid behind a tree.
"I'm sorry, Sarada. Next time. I'm sure I will bring you next time. Your mom will go to The Sand Village to honour one of the great Shinobi there. You should go there as well. It would be more fun than being with me," Sasuke tried to persuade Sarada.
"Dad… You said that every year. I also want to hear stories from you. I am an Uchiha but you never tell me a single history about our clan. Somehow, I just know a little bit about our clan from other people's mouth. I know where you're going, Dad. I know you're going to the ruined Uchiha Hideout. That's the only place you had ever been for every memorial. But… I never know the reason behind that," said Sarada. She's obviously felt hurt.
"Sarada…," Sasuke approached Sarada and kneeled in front of her. He placed his hand on Sarada's shoulder and looked in her eyes.
"Whether sooner or later, I will tell you the truth. I will never break my promise. But, this truth will be a difficult test for you. You want to become Hokage, right? Then, make sure you hold to your dream as strongly as possible. Because… When the time comes for you to know the truth, I hope you will not be confused and devastated as much as I did in the past," Sasuke replied in calm manner.
Sasuke continued walking and leaved Sarada behind. Sarada was confused by what his father just said.
Hmm.. Just who is the girl behind that tree anyway? Sasuke realized someone eavesdropping them.
Behind the tree, Nyoko listened to the conversation between the two of them and smiled. Truth? What truth? Things have become quite interesting somehow. Uchiha Hideout, huh? It seems like he will go alone. Perfect! Nyoko returned back to Toichi and Yoson just by the time when the ceremony had ended. She told them about Uchiha Hideout. They were going to leave when…
"Lady Nyoko, right? Ha ha, we met again here," Konohamaru greeted Nyoko out of nowhere.
"Oh, Master Shinobi. How are you doing, Konohamaru-san?" Nyoko replied.
"So you remember my name. I feel honoured. Erm, do you guys have any plans for the Second Day. Since you're from other countries, I would like to…"
"I'm sorry, Konohamaru-san. We also have a place to visit. By the way, do you know where Uchiha Hideout is?" asked Nyoko. Although annoyed by his sudden appearance, she tried to gain information from him as much as she could.
"The ruined Uchiha Hideout? Well, it's just around the outskirts of Konoha. But you have to walk on a rocky path of a mountain to get there. Just walk in this direction towards the forest and you will reach the place in half day. Err, I'm sorry for asking, but why do want to you go there?" Konohamaru asked. Is she going there for The Second Day?
"That's our private matter, Konohamaru-san. Thanks for the information anyway. Then, we will take our leave first. Till we meet again, Master Shinobi," Nyoko bowed to him walked away. Toichi and Yoson followed her lead.
Master Shinobi? What kind of old-style manner is that? Why she keeps rushing somewhere? Konohamaru watched Nyoko leaving until she disappeared out of his sight.
"We must move fast. We have to reach that place before tomorrow," Nyoko said to them.
Yoson and Toichi nodded.
When the ceremony ended and the crowd dispersed, all of the people discussed with each other of the places they were going.
"Shikamaru, you want to visit your father's place, right? My family and I are going there as well."
"Yes, Ino, but I want to visit late Asuma-Sensei first. Let's go together. Kurenai-Sensei and Chouji will come along as well."
"Where will we go? Who will we visit this year, Mum?"
"To your late uncle's place, Himawari. My cousin, Hyuga Neji."
"I hope it's just near here. Last year we went to late Jiraiya-sama and I can't join The Third day festival. This year, I've already bought ticket shows for me and Himawari, Mum."
"Hehe. Don't worry, Boruto. It's not that far."
"I'm sorry, Sarada. The Sand Village is quite far. We can't make it back to Konoha in one day for The Third Day."
"That's ok, Mum. I'll just join the festival at that country. It's also my first time going to The Sand Village, so I look forward to it. Although it would be better if Dad also joined us."
"Where will you go this year, Kakashi?"
"I'm still wondering about that. What about you, Tsunade-sama?"
"Jiraiya's place is damn far. I'll maybe just go drinking and gambling somewhere."
"Hahaha, old habits will never change, huh?"
