(AN: Alright, this chapter is the longest so far in this series. It's also taken up largely by little things I feel people would say at Naruto's funeral. Most of them are short, although a few are longer. However, as I slowly drift off into my sleep deprived insanity, I must say that I decided to spice it up a bit. You see, in this chapter, there exists a contest. Details will be explained below.)

Kage of the Graves:

Whispered Words from Hurting Hearts

Deep within the heart of one of the many graveyards in Konoha - although this one was farther away from the heart of the city than anything except the city walls themselves - a small gathering was occurring. As Kakashi looked around him, he couldn't help but feel a deep measure of disgust. He could easily keep an accurate count of how many people had gathered to mourn the passing of Uzumaki Naruto. That in itself was horrible enough - the boy deserved to be revered by more people than were living in the entirety of Konoha itself. Sadly though, Kakashi knew of many reasons why this small amount of people was a good thing. For one, it kept the amount of sneering derision and celebration down.

Another matter that disturbed him was the area of the graveyard Naruto was to be buried in. This particular track of land was devoted almost entirely to traitors. There were a small few Shinobi and citizenry buried here that were heroes of a dark and unpublicized nature - Kakashi's own father had a gravestone within the boundaries - but they were in the minority. He was however, quite touched at some of the people who had taken the time - and risk - to be here. Looking around, he could see many of the familiar faces of the Wave, including a much older Inari, who had grown to resemble the father he had once pretended to hate. The great bridge builder himself was also there, standing with a sizable portion of their own citizenry. It heartened him to see such things, as he knew it must have been extremely pressing to get so many people here in time for the funeral. But, perhaps even more surprising was the small accompaniment of missing nin and rival country-nin as well. He could see several headbands from Mist, Rock, Marsh, Bird…. The assemblage boggled the mind. Even during Chuunin exams, seldom were so many countries represented in a single village. These were all people whose lives were given Naruto's… personal touch. The assemblage, sadly, still numbered at just above a hundred fifty, not even a tithe of how many should be present. It galled him to no end to think of it all.

After a time however, he was no longer able to concentrate on his disgust or pleasure. He was slated to take place in the honor guard - having declined the privilege he felt unworthy of by being a pallbearer. Truly, he felt guilty for all the times he had neglected the boy, even after Sasuke's defection, even after the many years he had known Naruto to be a shining example of Shinobi. It was with a heavy heart that he took his place in line, watching the procession on his right as the rich Centura wood coffin - an honor that was only awarded to each Hokage due to the fact that Centura Trees rarely grew more than a few feet inside of a century - being carried by those closest to Naruto.

Sakura was there of course, as were Neji, Ten-Ten, Iruka, Tsunade and Jirayia. All of them carried the burden with sad smiles on their face. The Honor Guard was filled beyond ceremonial capacity, expanding to thrice the length - on both sides no less - of what it was supposed to be. So many faces that held so much anguish. Kakashi sighed softly as he looked to each, noting the outward expressions of depression on some - Hinata was nearly completely enshrouded inside of a heavy cloak and she leaned on the ceremonial spear she carried as if it were a crutch, something he attributed to the copious blood loss she had recently suffered. Ino was surprising to behold. Her long hair had been hacked off, leaving her with a few spiky remnants, and the thick layers of mascara had already run to the point that there were dark liquid stains against the conservative black ensemble she wore. She looked… as bad as Hinata, although admittedly less sickly.

All these people who honored Naruto enough to travel long distances - in some cases, it measured in days for most normal people - inside of the two and a half days that they could have received at best, and the guest of honor would never get the chance to see it. 'Naruto...' Kakashi thought morosely. 'If you could only see this, I know you'd be a happy man. Here it is, just as I know you always dreamed about - so many people here for the sole purposes of paying their respects, and letting you know how much you shall be missed.'

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Eventually, the coffin was lowered into the ground and Tsunade began a long eulogy extolling the virtues, and faults of the Shinobi they were here to honor this day. But the speeches didn't end there - oh no. It seemed almost everyone present wanted to step up and say a few words. Various bits and pieces were made even more memorable to Kakashi because he had been present for the relevance of the circumstances that brought about the words they spoke. Others stuck out in his mind due to the passion with which they were spoken, and some of the stories he had heard.

"He told me once, that it's okay to cry when I'm happy. But, not a full week before that, he called me a crybaby and he was right. I wonder though, would he still think that - 'cause I just know he can see me cry now."

"He proved to me that I was no monster - gave me the courage, even amidst the fear, to walk with my head held high and my face uncovered. For that, I shall always be grateful."

"I don't know if he ever knew it, but we even named the damned bridge after him… They tried to tell me he'd get a swelled head over it, but I just told'm - 'So what, he's already knucklehead. So if it did inflate, he'd probably just train hard to use it as a weapon…' ...He'll be missed."

"He fought with honor, and spared my life when he had no reason to do so. Such men are few and far between."

"He's probably the only reason those crazy women didn't end up killing us with there weird tasks… Heh, the Baka thought it was training, can you believe it?"

"He lived his life in full bloom, a true man of springtime and youth! I will run a lap around Konoha for every day he lived so valiently! That shall be my tribute to such a hero as Uzumaki Naruto!"

"I.. I always called him 'The Beautiful Orange Beast of Konoha' in my head, Naruto-kun… wait for me, my friend! We shall see how strong you've become in the afterlife! YOSH! I shall train extra hard from now on so that I will not fall behind you!"

"Naruto-kun saved me from myself, and in doing so, he saved the country of my birth. Heh, he also saved me from acting in anymore of those movies."

"Kid had spirit. He was a hell of a cutie to boot, hah! Smart too, never touched my dango. 'Sides, I've got a soft spot for anyone who can keep up with me in the chaos department."

"Good head on his shoulders, that kid had. Little slow on the uptake, hell… I was able to trick'm out of a fortune in bounty! - but nobody ever said trust was a bad thing. I don't mind telling you that I was sad to send him home after the hunt."

"Because of him, my family will never have to suffer under the star again. My people will remember him forever for that great service."

"Best customer and friend a man could ever ask for. Hell, I would have gladly given him my daughter's hand if he ever asked."

"Dad! Uhm… I'll always miss him… I… sorry…"

"Through him, we discovered an incredible recipe. We have prospered ever since."

"He wasn't much at the start. But he grew up to be someone I'd make a portrait out of."

"If he ever crawls outta there, I'll kick his ass for beating me with a damn fart! But then, afterwards, I'll do anything… any thing… just because I get to hang out with him again. - Woof, Wooooooo... - Akamaru says he'll miss his blonde packmate, heh... and the little treats Naruto snuck him when I wasn't looking."

"He was an honorable opponent, and I truly regret that we'll never get the chance to settle the dispute over who can eat more ramen. Wherever you are, Naruto, I pray that they serve ramen for you everyday!"

"He would have made a great postman."

"I just want him to know, that the runt of the litter he took in is turning out to be more and more like him. She barks the loudest, runs the longest, and causes the most mischief. She's definitely living up to her name, right, Norito? - Yip, arf!"

"He may not have been from our clan, but he was one of us. He saved our family from the suffocation it was suffering on the inside. He lifted my eldest daughter's eyes to the stars, my youngest daughter's heart from the ice, and my nephew - he brought back to me."

"It was because of him that I got to see my brother - not the monster Orochimaru created - one last time before he died.. Thank you, Naruto."

"He drove me insane, but he did the opposite for my younger brother. Thanks brat. There will always be a cool breeze for you here, I promise that."

"Even if he got me in a lot of trouble - and physical pain - at the bathhouses, he had a spirit and will greater than any hundred Shinobi I've met. Naruto trained harder, and lasted longer than you could imagine - absorbed lessons like a sponge. But despite that, despite the fearsome power he was capable of wielding, he was such a kind person.."

"Naruto-kun w-was.. T-to good for this world… He... He was.. so... Oh god, I'm sorry... Naruto-kun, I can't!"

"He was troublesome… but in just the right amount.The kind of guy who couldn't sit still long enough to watch clouds properly. But by the same token, he was so random and off the wall, that he made ignorance a skill. I don't believe I will ever find another who could beat me as often as you. "

"He was my greatest rival, and even in death, he always will be. Big bro, if you're listening in, just know that I may never surpass your pranks, but I swear I'll be the better Shinobi, you hear me. I'll make a Sexy no Jutsu so hot, that, even in your grave, you'll get a nose bleed!"

"I always treasured our time together, Naruto. Even now, after so many years I still start saying your name when scolding a student, so don't worry about being forgotten. Your name will live on forever in infamy within my classroom. ANd although I'mnot sure if it's a good thing, you've become a legend to all the up and coming pranksters."

"I'll… I can't believe you're… oh how horrible to know you're gone! I will never again witness the majesty that is the Harem no Jutsu! Ahem, I mean, I did not know you well, but I misjudged you, as did many others, and I appologise at last. Sleep well, warrior, you've earned your rest."

"You showed me what a leader needed to be, Naruto-kun. You stayed by me and kept me safe no matter how cruel I was. You proved to me that I was wrong, and I will cherish your memory forever because of it. And, even though you decided not to stay when I asked, I never held it against you."

"Grrrrrowarar! Gnaarrrrruutour!"

"You have shown me the light, Naruto. Not just once, but several times. You spared me from my self-imposed fate, and gave me the chance to bring new shinobi to our ranks at a time when we sorely needed it. Along with those things, you took the time to help me open up to my love, my friends, and my family. Thank you."

"Though I never voiced my gratitude, I knew I never had to with you, Naruto. You saw my suffering and saved me from the beast. I once asked you what it was that made you do such thing - to care so much that you would risk all to help those who suffer. I smile everytime I remember your answer. You said, 'It dosn't hurt anymore right?' and that was all the thanks you ever needed. ."

"Through you, I was able to live as myself once again and rule my country - not as my brother would, but as I do. Thank you for me, and thank you for giving peace to my family - so that my brother could at last pass on, and my father could return to his eternal slumber."

"You were the only guy I ever knew who thought the idea of training with me was a great way to spend a day off. I will always fondly remember my pincushion of a little brother on days like that more than any other. I know, it's weird and sadistic, right? But those were the days when it was just you and me. I never realized how much those times meant to me.."

"You were never afraid in my presence, or awkward around me. I know you had a severe social stigma all your own, comrade, but that would not have prevented you from reacting as others have. My Kikai bugs shall become the sentinels of your grave. Rest easy now, Uzumaki, for you shall never be disturbed."

"You found me in a time when I ran from the shadows of the past. I saw in you the face of my little brother - and the determination of my lost love.. and it all made me want you gone. I hated you for what you represented - what you made me feel. So I gave you an impossible challenge, one I knew no one could complete. I promised I would return to Konoha if you could master the Yondaime's Rasengan - which was only ever mastered by Arashi himself, and Jiraiya - both of whom spent years working it out. I can't put into words how glad I am you persevered."

"I thought I was superior to you when you first took me to train. I hated that, and I hated you for picking me. I wanted Neji as my Jounin-sensei, he is my cousin after all. But besides the familial connection, he was - and remains so - the strongest Hyuuga in several generations. But... by the time I got my wish, all I wanted was to make you proud of me, so you'd keep teaching me."

"I've become a good leader for my village by following your example - and by never forgetting that heroes don't need holy water - even though it helps in a pinch - just heart."

"Young, naïve, pure. We were those things once, right Baka? It's hard to believe that there was ever such a time. If I could go back to that time though, I'd make sure to be a better friend from the start. After all, even when you pulled so far ahead of me, you always tried your best to make sure I never felt left behind. You never gave up on me, weather it was vying for my affection, or finding ways to cheer me up when I was feeling down. And, perhaps most importantly, you never hated the spoiled little girl I was - for saying horrible things to you and hitting you. For that, and for everything else, I love you and thank you forever and beyond."

"Though you weren't my student, or on many missions with me, I was always fond of you, Naruto. You never failed to compliment my Illusory prowess, and you never looked anywhere but my eyes, despite the perverts that surrounded you - or the general discomfort people seem to feel when locked with my crimson hues."

The long line of people eventually began to settle, and Kakashi had a solitary trail of tears on his cheek. There was only one person left before him, and that was Ino. He figured on another of the many 'I never really knew him, only what he did for me and my people' kind of speeches that had frequented the afternoon. What she said genuinely surprised him, making the lump in his throat - formed from the love and regret filled eulogies that were directed at his former student, and from the fervent wishes he sent to the heavens that Naruto, somehow, be able to hear them - almost choked him entirely. Despite his seemingly unflappable calm, Kakashi was a wreck, and he was so glad to feel that others cared just as much - mourned just as greatly - for the passing of Uzumaki Naruto.

"It's funny. I'm standing here now for you, Naruto, with my heart breaking. I… I know I never let you know how I felt for you, but the timing never seemed right. Besides, you were always after Sakura, so I figured you'd brush me aside. I know you wouldn't have, but it was so much easier to believe than to risk getting hurt. I was scared, and I know nobody believes that, because I'm not supposed to be anything but over confident, right? But… You were always so strong, so perfect - I never thought you'd leave us. So I just waited and admired you in secret. Now, I'll never get the chance, will I? So instead, I'm going to make sure everyone knows. I'm going to ensure that - even in the afterlife - you have proof of my undying love for you, my knight in shining armor. Before you, and with everyone here as my witnesses, I proclaim myself an Uzumaki. From this day forth, that is my name - the name of a love I can never have returned. I am Uzumaki Ino, and I will be by your side for now and forever, my love."

After Ino stepped down - though not, one would note, away - Kakashi slowly moved to take her place, settling a hand down lightly atop her shoulder and giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. She had spoken long and longingly, every word made clear with an effort, as the sobs she held inside of her would have been obvious even to the deaf, bnut her final words would forever ring in Kakashi's mind - seldom had he ever heard such clearly expressed emotion - Shinobi were, after all, cold and callous by trade and neccesity. He stood now at the podium, looking about at the sea of faces before him and couldn't speak for a moment. So he simply bowed his head until his voice returned to him. When it finally did, he looked up and out again, seeming to capture each and every person with his cyclopean gaze.

"As you all know, Naruto was a very special person. I, along with everyone here and all who want to be here but were unable to make it, will mark his passing as a grave and terrible day in our memory. He was feared, hated and even reviled by all around him for a tragically large amount of his life - and that is a sin I will never forgive the perpetrators for. But, alas, I have a sin that can not be forgiven either. I ignored him. You see, when Naruto first came back into my life, even knowing who he was and what his father had done for me, I had my sights set on another student entirely. Uchiha Sasuke, who is buried nearby - a fact I think Naruto may enjoy - was, as many of you know, the last Uchiha in Konoha. I, with my Sharingen eye, sought to train him to his fullest potential. I did so while blatantly ignoring both of my other students."

"I am guilty of favoritism and ignorance. Whenever Naruto would ask me for training, I would brush him off to teach Sasuke more techniques. I look back and hate what I did, as I hate it still. It is a true testament to Naruto's character that he was able to rise as he did, no matter the prejudices he suffered. I can not express the grief I feel when I think about how much time I could have had with him."

"But, I am up here, not to tell you what a terrible person I have been, but to tell you what a wonderful man Naruto was. He suffered, by all the gods in all the religions, he suffered as no child should. When he grew older, he suffered as no teenager should. Yes, he had friends - and I am so grateful to see the evidence amongst you in this - but I am sad to say that no matter what he did, people still feared and loathed him for being the container of the Kyuubi no Kitsune. He, a man who played so many roles in so many lives, suffered so terribly that he took his own life in the end. I know it is a terrible understatement to say this, but it was simply not fair. Well, Naruto, now at least you have the peace you so desperately deserve. Rest well, and do so knowing that you will never be forgotten."

By the time Kakashi stepped down, his body was trembling and he felt sick inside. It was so wrong, so terribly and utterly wrong that Naruto had seen no other option. Shame hit Kakashi in wave after wave as he left the podium, completely ignoring the final few people who stood to say their part. He hadn't even been able to finish his own, he'd been weak when Naruto deserved him to be a strong voice at least once. So many words had been planned and written, but in the end, Kakashi had had to wrap up his speech so that he could step down and return to his seat before his knees gave way.

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-"Well Naruto, how does it feel? You have before you more proof than you could have ever imagined coming across… these people genuinely love you."-

But Naruto was silent. Hovering above his own grave, all Naruto could do was watch with his heart sick, and his eyes flowing. He had no idea… all of these people came from miles - and miles upon miles for some - around just to pay their respects. It hurt, but it hurt in such a way that he wasn't sure if he wanted it to end or continue. All he had ever hoped for, and it was right here in front of him.

Despite this, Naruto knew it needed to end. They had to work to do, Sasuke and him. So with a sigh, he slowly drifted downward until he was practically overlapping Gaara, and from there, he set into motion the events that would bring him back to life and, hopefully, allow the nations - big and small - to survive.

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(AN: Alright, the contest? In the eulogies, of which there are many, you may have come across a few that were easy to place, and a few that seemed familiar. Well now, the thing is. .. I have a huge collection of bootleg fansub episodes of Naruto. This contest is for people like me, who aren't neccesarily diehard, but definitely addicted. Although Diehard fans will definitely have an advantage as well. But I degress, the contest is simple. PM me, or you can do it in a review I suppose, with the names for the individuals you believe spoke wichever eulogy (Although a description of the person/persons/story arc will also be accepted 'cause, shit, I really got a bad memory for names, and I'd be rather emberassed to admit just how many of them up there - even from recent episodes - I can only remember faces and plots.) you believve they go to. Be careful though, one of them is a fake that I just threw in there.I'll give a hint though, it's one of the first five. Anyway, entries will be accepted until I post the last chapter to Kage of the Graves. By now though, I'm sure you're all wondering what the prize is, right? Well, since I'm a stingy bastard, it ain't monetary I can tell you. However, I am giving away something of equal value (In my oppinion anyway) A date with me, the Dirtwater Fox! -chuckles- No, not really, but I will let the winner choose my next story. The winner will have the power to decide almost everything. Pairing/s, rating, style, content ( To a certain extent anyway, I am writng the story. What I mean is, the winner decides if there will be smut, or drug usage, or yaoi, or yuri, or death, or pregnancy, or just plain goofiness and such... the list goes on quite a ways.), genre, main charecture, hell... you can even pick somehting other than Naruto if you want. To my winner, I will be as anal as I can be in researching whatever it is you wish me to write if I have never read/seen/heard of the anime/book/show/etc. etc. - however, if it is really old, and therefore impossible to find, I will most likely ask you to pick something else... though believe me when I say that I am one of the most anal people you will ever meet when it comes to researching. When I quit doing drugs for a while to get my life on track, I made honor roll - I sacrificed this for relief when I hit bad times in senior year though - solely because of the fact that I can spend hours upon hours digging up details when I care to, no matter how obscure or pointless. (Useless Trivia is just about my favorite type after all.) Now, keep in mind, I am putting atleast one limit on this. The First prize winner gets a 1 to 3 shot fic with a word cap between 15,000 and 20,000 words - depending entirely on how into the story I am, who knows, I may go higher... stranger things have happened after all. The Second prize winner will get the same amount of choosing power for their story. It will be a 1 to 2 shot with a word cap between 10,000 and 15,000 words - again, depending upon my personal enjoyment. The Third place prize will be a 1 shot, same amount of choosing power, but with a word cap between 5,000 and 10,000 words - you know the drill. The fourth place gets to name a pairing for a one shot, and can choose weather it will be an adult themed story, a fluffy story, or an angsty one. No word cap, just know it'll be short. There may also be a booby prize, but I won't announce the terms behind winning it so that no one aims to get it purposeley - as it will no doubt be easy to get - and the winner of the Booby prize will get to see a sneek peek or two at up and coming fics. There, that's four - possibly five - prizes, because I figure I'll get atleast five people to try it. Oh yes, one last little item. To be considered for entry, you have to actually review the story, not just give your guesses to me. I know, I'm a review whore,yes, but I accept the title and bare it with pride. Whew, that was a longwinded announcment wasn't it? Well, I suppose I'll ahve to keep my notes on the chapter short then,eh? Yes, for those of you softies out there who felt a bit choked up, know that I'm with you - and don't give a shit who know it - and I wrote the damn thing. Will the next chapter have Naruto turned to life? Or will this twisted and evil author decide to be a meany-poo-poo-head and keep you waiting until you're ready to track me down, chain me to the computer and have your wicked lil ways with me(Oh heavens no! -cough cough- freaky gear in the closet -cough cough-)... err.. or make me finish the story... I guess.)

Dirtwater.