Chapter 48: Shisui's Funeral
Chapter Summary: ... Shisui's Funeral
Words: 1,115
Published: 12/5/23
Shisui's Funeral, Morning
Under the somber canopy of the Hidden Leaf's greying sky, Naruto approached Shisui's funeral grounds alone, having avoided Anko, Ebisu, and Sasuke. No more than a few dozen people were present, the air was heavy with the weight of grief, and he sought solace in the presence of those who shared this solemn moment.
As the procession began, Naruto's gaze found Sakura amidst the sea of mourning faces. Without uttering a single word, he gravitated towards her, and in their own silent language, they clasped hands. Side by side, they stood as witnesses to the final farewell for Shisui, their intertwined fingers a quiet affirmation of solidarity amid the shadows of loss.
Naruto, his eyes catching Sasuke's stoic visage beside Ebisu, leaned closer to Sakura, his voice a hushed murmur beneath the weight of the funeral's atmosphere.
Contempt laced his voice as he asked, "Do you think he feels any guilt?"
Sakura whispered back, albeit wistfully, "It's hard to tell. He looks so... distant. Maybe he's justifying it to himself somehow."
Naruto nodded. "I've been avoiding him. I can't face him right now, not with what he's done and gotten away with."
Sakura reluctantly suggested, "Naruto, he might even blame you for Shisui's death."
The blonde's expression tightened, his brows furrowing in a mix of concern and realization. "Blame me? What for?"
The girl shrugged. "He might say it's your fault Shisui died. Shisui sacrificed his life for you, and with the way Sasuke's been..."
Naruto's eyes held a hint of conflict, torn between understanding Sakura's perspective and grappling with the potential weight of Sasuke's perceived blame. The conversation lingered in the delicate dance of quiet words amid the solemnity of the funeral.
As they stood side by side, watching the somber procession, Naruto's gaze lingered on Shisui's open casket. His voice, barely audible amid the murmur of mourning, carried a weight of guilt.
He softly remarked, "Kakashi-sensei... Shisui... they both died for me."
Sakura, sensing the turmoil in Naruto's admission, gently squeezed his hand in silent support. The weight of responsibility and the sacrifices made for him pressed on Naruto's shoulders, a burden carried in the quiet depths of his soul.
She told him, "Naruto, it's not your fault. Shisui chose to protect you, just like Sensei did. They believed in you."
Her words, though comforting, couldn't fully dispel the shadows of guilt that enveloped Naruto's thoughts. As the funeral continued, they remained united in their silent reflection on the sacrifices made in the name of loyalty and friendship.
Naruto reverted the topic of the conversation to Sasuke. "It's a shame Sasuke can't say anything. I know he cared for Shisui, but being that he killed him..."
Sakura replied, "It's a burden he has to bear alone, Naruto. We can't change the past, but we can honor Shisui's memory and learn from it."
Their hushed conversation continued, blending with the solemn atmosphere of the funeral. The complexities of their emotions interwoven with the shared grief for their fallen comrade.
Naruto contemplatively remarked, "It's strange, Sakura. I feel like Shisui wanted me and Anko to take over his role in Sasuke's life. What if it's too much for us?"
Sakura assured, "Naruto, you can't control Sasuke's reactions. Everyone has their path to walk. Shisui trusted you with his home, and now it's up to Sasuke to navigate his feelings. You have to do what you can, but he has to find his own way."
The hushed murmurs around the procession died out when Tsunade began to speak.
She announced, "Today, we gather not just as shinobi, but as a community mourning the loss of Shisui Uchiha. Shisui was a true testament to dedication. He served the village with unwavering loyalty, embodying the essence of what it means to be a shinobi. Shisui's choice to retire after the Uchiha Patriarchal Slaying reflected his commitment not just to the Hidden Leaf, but also to his Clan. His actions were driven by a desire for peace and understanding, a vision that went beyond the battlefield. In his dedication to his clan, he found a purpose that extended beyond the confines of the shinobi world."
She recounted stories of Shisui's compassion, the moments where he sought to bridge gaps and foster unity within the village.
With a hint of sadness, Tsunade concluded the eulogy. "Shisui's departure leaves a void in our hearts, a loss that reverberates through our community. But let us remember him not only for the shinobi he was but also for the bonds he forged and the ideals he upheld."
After taking a moment to honor Shisui's memory, and some attendees leaving offerings for Shisui's spirit, the funeral-goers dispersed.
Naruto, with Sakura in tow, walked up to Tsunade. He enthusiastically asked, "Granny, I was thinkin' about delving into the village archives. Y'know, looking into any historical conspiracies involving the Uchiha Clan. I've got this feeling there's more to their story."
Tsunade's expression was thoughtful as she responded, "Naruto, the archives hold a wealth of information, but be cautious. Not everything written there is absolute truth. History can be subjective, shaped by perspectives and biases."
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I get it, Granny. I just wanna understand more about the Uchiha, especially after that code in the book."
The woman smirked. "Well, if you're diving into the archives, consider it a research project. And Sakura, I've got my schedule clear for a while; come with me, we'll work on studying medicine."
Sakura eagerly replied, "I'm in!"
Tsunade leaned in. "Remember, both of you, knowledge is a powerful tool. Use it wisely, and don't let it consume you."
They exchanged nods, each contemplating the journey ahead.
As they turned to leave the grounds, they were approached by Yahiko and Izumi.
Despite the fluctuating emotions throughout the journey, Yahiko met them with a smile. "Naruto thanks for making me a part of your journey. It's been enlightening."
Izumi smiled. "And thank you for bringing me to the village. I'll be back to the cave soon, but having been here for Shisui's final rest means a lot."
Naruto responded, "No problem, you guys. If you ever decide to visit again, you're always welcome at my place."
Sakura politely waved. "Farewell, take care!"
Yahiko and Izumi exchange smiles with Naruto, Sakura, and Tsunade Tsunade before parting ways, each group heading toward their respective destinations.