Funeral

People dressed in black, Shiragiku flowers being placed one by one. Admittedly not nearly as big as the Hokage's funeral, it was the same. It was a tradition to express that every shinobi that died in the line of duty, Genin, Chunin, or Jonin, were given the same amount of respect.

But nobody was ever truly equal to one another. Life moved on for the living. When the Hokage died, for the leaf village time stopped. Shinobi as well as civilians were given time to attend the funeral, even if ongoing missions had to be canceled and shinobi be called back. Very few were those who had to still stay away. That was the amount of respect demanded from the Hokage position.

This was the respect demanded by the power he wielded and the position he held. Equality was nonexistent in the shinobi world.

As the preparations for our attack on Iwa continued, manpower was a key factor to be ready on time. That being said, pulling back some of my best Jonin from the border was impossible and unresponsible for me as a Hokage. The big picture was what mattered, and for that reason, Kakashi only had around a dozen individuals participating in his funeral, I included.

For Kakashi's death, time could not afford to stop.

As I looked at the name carved on the cold surface, I could not even begin to bring myself to feel sadness. Only pity and loathing, a pity that his potential was wasted and loathing at his stagnation. It went against everything I was. To stagnate so much that you started to regress.

It was not a trophy either. Trophies were taken from something that was worth the effort and work you put into it.

As I turned my eyes to look at the other people present, I could feel their sadness, I was even exerting it myself to go with the event, but it was illogical for me. How many have died, continue to die, and will die every day. Mourning them was a waste of time, not efficient, not effective, and certainly not productive in any way. How one can waste time wallowing in despair, especially with such a limited lifespan, was beyond… no, below me.

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(Hinata POV)

As I looked at Kei, I saw him looking with a downcast expression at Kakashi sensei's engraved name. I knew that they had some arguments before, but just like everyone else, he also seemed extremely saddened by his death.

Despite how confident and strong he always is… he is also very kind, and Kakashi was his sensei for a while, even if it was only a formality.

I decided to go and talk to him, and a hand grabbed my shoulder.

I turned around and saw Gai sensei stop me with a downcast look on his face as well.

"It's better if you wait a little while longer." – He said as he barely managed to raise a small smile.

"Huh… Why?" – I couldn't understand.

"Because, amongst other things, it is the Hokage who bears the greatest guilt and blame for a shinobi's death on the field." – Gai explained as he looked at Kei.

"But why, shinobi know the risks they take when they choose to follow this life. Why does Ke… I mean the Hokage has to blame himself for their choice?" – I asked as I looked at Gai sensei.

"Because in the end, the document that states the mission that a shinobi died in…. ultimately holds the Hokage's signature. For them, it's the same as signing a shinobi's death with their own hand."

"…" – I didn't know how to respond back, but I didn't need to, suddenly Gai-sensei started chuckling lightly.

"Hehehe… You're quite smart Hinata, starting to sound more and more like the Hokage." – Gai sensei responded as I felt my face heat up.

"No… this… I … I just asked father… to teach me some things... I can't always keep up in conversations….. when Kei-san visits." – I said as I closed my eyes and explained as best I could.

"Is that so? 'Kei-san' huh?" – Gai sensei said as his smile got much brighter.

"I… no that… doesn't mean anything… I meant Hokage-sama."

"Maybe talking to him isn't such a bad idea. Go on." – He said as he pushed me slightly towards Kei as I slowly calmed myself.

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(MC POV)

As I busied my mind with such thoughts, a hand with no ill intent grabbed my Hokage coat and pulled slightly to grab my attention.

I turned my head to look at Hinata who was looking at me.

"Hokage-sama… are you okay?" – She asked.

I notice the lack of usual shyness in her voice and then recalled how it had casually gone down with every time I joined them at the Hyuga compound. It had been nearly 3 weeks since I was last there and she seemed to have gotten over it by now.

"I'm fine. More importantly, how are you?" – I asked with a small smile.

"I'm fine…. It… it isn't your fault."- She suddenly said as I tilted my head slightly. Enough o not be noticed by her.

Does she think I'm worried about Kakashi's death being on my conscience?

"Ultimately it is my responsibility as Hokage, but thank you." – I said keeping a light smile as I patted her head.

"Um…"

Hah, she had run out of things to say, judging by her eyes that were moving all over the place.

"How about we hold a small gathering?"

"Gathering?"

"Yes, only those of us here. Sakura amongst all. She must be devastated and could use this to cheer up a little. Maybe all of us could." – I said as I kept the small smile on my face.

"Um… okay." – She said as a small smile made its way on her face.

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(3rd Person POV)

Hiashi was near the border managing the logistic transfer beyond the border using the Root tunnels, Jiraya was still on the trip with Naruto and they could not or would not make it back for the funeral. Kei still hadn't gotten a response which wasn't surprising if Jiraya had gotten Kakashi's message.

Most of the Jonin had been secretly assigned by Kei on the Border with Iwa to repel any unwanted situation as it was critical for the invasion to remain a secret in order to maximize its effectiveness.

And Tsunade… didn't show up at the gathering after the funeral.

A few clan heads, their children, and some of the Konoha 11 were all that participated.

Therefore, only eight individuals could be seen at the Hyuga's head compound. Amongst them, the Godaime Hokage stood at the forefront as he started to speak.

"We… are all shinobi. We have chosen this lifestyle, and we all know where it is most likely to lead. Kakashi's death was a tragedy, the village lost a capable shinobi… and we lost a friend and a teacher. But tonight, this is not what we are gathered here for. We already mourned Kakashi's death. It is time to celebrate his life."

As he said that a few smiles appeared and glasses rose as Kei reached for his pocket while tears and snot ran down Gai's and Lee's faces.

Pulling his hand from my pocket, a book appeared in my hand, the title and logo clear for everyone to see as sweat appeared on the clan heads' faces.

"This is a direct order from your Hokage to our senior members. Until you finish reading this book you are on indefinite leave without pay." –Kei said as a smile appeared on his face, and quite a few faces smiled wryly at the given order.