Under the gloomy sky, a misty drizzle fell, forming a blurred rain. Countless cherry blossom petals slowly drifted with the rainwater into the village streets' gutters. The entire village's atmosphere was very subdued, and the air seemed to carry a hint of coldness.
In the very center of Cherry Blossom Village, there was a huge shrine. The ancient shrine looked particularly desolate in the continuous drizzle.
In front of the shrine was a huge plaza. This plaza was well-known throughout the village, as grand celebrations and sacrificial activities were held here every year, which almost everyone in the village would participate in.
However, today the atmosphere in this plaza was completely different from when celebrations were usually held. There was no joy or laughter. A solemn atmosphere enveloped the entire plaza. Besides the necessary guards, almost all the ninjas of Cherry Blossom Village were gathered in this plaza.
Today was a memorial ceremony held for the ninjas of Cherry Blossom Village who sacrificed themselves in this war. All the ninjas attending the memorial ceremony wore black kimonos, standing silently with their eyes closed, neatly lined up around the plaza.
In the middle of the plaza, there was an already erected 490-foot-tall stone platform. The portraits of the sacrificed ninjas were neatly placed on each step of the stone platform. Led by Rio Futaba,
the Daimyo of the Land of Cherry Blossoms, Susanoo followed. The ninjas then went up one by one to offer fresh flowers, including the three ministers from the Land of Cherry Blossoms who had criticized Susanoo yesterday.
The rain continued to fall softly, but no one cared. Everyone's faces bore an unyielding sorrow. They closed their eyes, silently mourning the sacrificed ninjas.
Afterward was the burial ceremony for the sacrificed ninjas. A beautiful and quiet place behind the village's mountain was specially chosen as the burial ground for the ninjas who sacrificed themselves for Cherry Blossom Village.
It would continue to be developed and professionally managed in the future. The names of all the sacrificed ninjas would be carved onto their tombstones, including their deeds and merits during their lives.
After three hours, the memorial ceremony officially ended. Although the ninjas' sacrifices were saddening, life still had to go on, and the village quickly returned to normal operation.
The rain had stopped. Susanoo stood on the rooftop of the Cherry Blossom Kage Building, quietly looking at the village below, which had been washed clean by the rain. Light footsteps came from behind him. Susanoo didn't turn his head and said calmly, "You're here, Rio."
The person who came was indeed Rio Futaba, the Daimyo of the Land of Cherry Blossoms. "So you were here. You made me look for you for a while," Rio Futaba said with a pained expression.
"Hmm, at least I should find a quiet place to properly mourn the fallen ninjas alone," Susanoo said calmly. "Are you still bothered by yesterday's matter?" Rio Futaba asked softly.
"No, no matter how much more is said, those old fossils in high positions will only continue to play with words and ink; they won't understand. Just ignore them. If it weren't for so many people present yesterday, I wouldn't have wasted so much breath on them," Susanoo said, turning his head back with a smile.
"Actually, they are only considering the interests of the Land of Cherry Blossoms, but they are a bit too idealistic. They don't mean anything else. Please don't blame them. They are all old ministers from my father's time, and they are very loyal to both me and my father," Rio Futaba said sincerely.
"It's alright, I'm not angry anymore. Also, thank you," Susanoo said, somewhat touched.
"It's nothing. I've seen everything you've done for Cherry Blossom Village. Also, the families of those fallen ninjas need to be properly compensated. I will handle this matter as soon as I return, and I will once again allocate a sum of funds and supplies to Cherry Blossom Village," Rio Futaba said, her eyes flashing slightly as she spoke softly.
Susanoo was startled, then looked at Rio Futaba with some apology. "Sorry, I've caused you so much trouble."
Slowly shaking her head, Rio Futaba smiled and said, "No, it should be me saying thank you. Without you, the Land of Cherry Blossoms would probably have ceased to exist long ago."
"It's nothing. What I said yesterday also had an element of anger. Since I've already joined the Land of Cherry Blossoms, protecting this country is my duty. My attack on Konoha was indeed a bit impulsive. I apologize," Susanoo said in a low voice.
"It's alright. I just feel a bit emotional. It's really hard to see the fallen ninjas. Although I don't expect wars to disappear from the world, I at least hope this country can maintain peace," Rio Futaba said, sighing softly.
Looking at Rio Futaba's face, Susanoo was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "I have already reached an agreement with Iwagakure. They will compensate us for the supplies spent in this war. The supplies will be delivered in about a week. Moreover, Iwagakure and we have also initially formed an alliance, though it's still not very reliable."
Hearing Susanoo's words, Rio Futaba's eyes instantly lit up, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes. She said excitedly, "Is that true? Iwagakure really intends to form an alliance with us?"
It was no wonder she was so happy. Iwagakure was, after all, one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, and its strength was among the top even among the five great nations. Although the Land of Cherry Blossoms had developed rapidly in recent years,
it was still far from catching up to the Five Great Nations, not just in military strength and population, but also in legacy. Even the Land of Cherry Blossoms' most proud economy and resources, besides the Land of Wind, which was located in a barren land, were still quite some distance from the other four great nations.
Besides these, the Land of Cherry Blossoms' territory could only barely compare to the Land of Water, the smallest among the Five Great Nations, after all, it had annexed five surrounding countries, making a total of six countries combined.
"Hmm, although we've initially formed an alliance, it's conditional. That is, dealing with the Land of Lightning." Susanoo said calmly, looking at Rio Futaba's slightly surprised expression. Susanoo slowly continued,
"So this war is not over yet. We will unite with the Land of Earth and jointly attack the Land of Lightning. I'm sorry, Rio, but for the sake of the Land of Cherry Blossoms, some sacrifices are necessary."
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