(Karin's POV)
It has been 1 week since the attack on the village, and 3 days since the Hokage's funeral.
I was walking through the village, with Sasuke, L, Watari, Kiro, Akimi, Izumo-sensei and the Hyugas: Neji, Hinata, and Lord Hiashi.
We all walked in silence, the quiet was unusual. There was no sound in the village at all. No busy people rushing to get to their destinations. No shop owners yelling to get people to buy thier products. No sounds of construction, which was strange in itself, because the village had sustained quite a bit of damage from the attack.
I was somewhat surprised that very few people were out today. It was a nice clear day, and there was a lot that needed to be done, but no body was working on any of the torn buildings.
Was it because everyone was still in shock over the loss of Lord Hokage? I know that I am. Akimi seemed to be feeling the same as I did.
We both had lived here, and knew that the Hokage would not be easy to take down.
Orochimaru is even more powerful than I had first thought. I knew he is one of the Legendary 3, but I guess it didn't hit me that he was such a formidible opponent until now.
I wonder what the next Hokage would be like? Would he or she be as kind as the old man? Would they do anything for the sake of the village and everyone in it? I hope they find a new Hokage soon, so things can get under way.
Maybe I can work under the new Hokage, when they need me, of course. I will continue to live in England, but if the Hidden Leaf village needs an extra hand, I will be available.
(L's POV)
We walked to the main gates of the village, as we were getting ready to go back to England. Akimi was talking to her brother, cousins and uncle. Karin was saying goodbye to her brother.
I knew that it must be hard for them, leaving their families behind. I often wondered if it wouldn't be easier if they stayed. Especially Karin. She had just found out that Sasuke was alive, and here she is, going back to the orphanage.
When I asked Karin why she was returning she simply told me that while she loved her brother, she had a new home, a new life. She wanted to return despite everything she had just gone through.
We got on the plane that brought Watari and me here, heading home.
Karin smiled as she walked over to me and sat down beside me.
I had to smile back at her. In all honesty, I was glad she decided to stay with us... with me.
Maybe someday I will tell her just how much she means to me.