Chapter 9: A World in Mourning

The war was over.

But victory did not erase the loss.

Across the battlefield, the wounded were tended to, their injuries treated as best as possible. The Kage and their forces worked tirelessly, making sure no one was left behind.

Naruto, despite his exhaustion, used his chakra to heal those he could. Sasuke, silent but present, helped where needed. Even Obito, now bound by his own guilt, aided in clearing the battlefield.

Days passed, and the shinobi nations finally gathered for what would be remembered as the greatest mourning of their time.

A memorial.

The sky was gray as thousands of shinobi stood together. Konoha, Suna, Kiri, Kumo, Iwa—all nations set aside their differences to honor the fallen.

Rows of headbands and armor were placed along the field, marking the lives lost. Candles flickered in the wind, their soft glow a fragile light against the sorrow that filled the air.

Tsunade stood at the front, her voice steady but heavy. "We have won this war, but at a great cost. Friends, comrades, family… they gave their lives so we could see this dawn." She took a breath. "Let us never forget them."

The names of the fallen were read, each one a reminder of the price they had paid.

Naruto clenched his fists. He saw Shikamaru standing before his father's name, Choji comforting him in silence. Kakashi stood before the memorial stone, his gaze lingering on the names of his past teammates. Even Gaara, who rarely showed emotion, lowered his head in remembrance of those lost in Suna.

Among the crowd, Obito watched from the shadows, silent. This was the weight of his actions—the lives that could never be returned.

As the ceremony continued, some shinobi placed flowers, others lit incense, and some simply stood, lost in their thoughts.

It was a moment of grief.

A moment of unity.

A moment to remember.

The world had changed, and so had they.