Village Graveyard

[Kotomi]

Kotomi suddenly snapped back to reality, had she been daydreaming? The graveyard seemed a lot less crowded now, had she already missed all of the major events? The young shinobi would find herself by one of the apple booths, her cold face dripping with water. ...Oh that's right... I was trying out this apple booth game... she suddenly remembered as if waking up from a thousand year sleep.

Kotomi decided to wait by the apple booths, maybe there were still some events left. The kunoichi certainly had no intention of missing another event and so she pulled her long, golden pony tails over her shoulders and readied for another apple dive.

2/3

-20 ryo

[Kotomi]

Kotomi walked away from the graveyard, she would find something to do whilst awaiting the next big event.

-Exit-

[← KIRA →]

Kotomi got no apple :/

[Kuro]

Enter

Soft foot falls would bring the male through the opening gates of the Kumogakure Cemetery. Though no shinobi is proud to walk in or out of these gates. For this is a place where their comrades rest peacefully after fighting the good fight for so long. Shinji wore his usual attire of the white t-shirt underneath a white button up jacket that was thin in material and dawned a hood. While over that he'd wear a blue sports coat. Faded blue jeans and black sneakers would accompany his lower half. He would wear no weaponry into these lands. It was his sign of respect toward the fallen whom rest here. The small black squirrel known as Cross would be following him carefully without his own knowledge. Shinji's hood was over his head and his eyes gazed at the cement path beneath his feet.

As metal frames rested upon his face, his green eyes gazed through lenses as he felt the sadness from within his heart rise slowly. As he climbed up the hill following the winding path, the sadness would grow as he walked. He'd hear the sounds of children crying and funeral like music playing to his left. He'd stop and stand next to a tall pine tree, gazing around the trunk he'd see a family gathered as a Casket was lowered. Jounin in formal garb stood in honor of a fallen comrade. A mother held her son and daughter tight as they cried out for the loss of their father. A frown upon his chin would rest as he understood the heartbreak and pain that they would endure for some time. He'd take a knee and reach in underneath his white jacket, pulling from within his necklace that held a silver cross. Gripping the base of the cross by his right hand he'd move it up to his forehead, then down to his sternum. Followed by left to his heart and then right over his lung. Raising it he'd kiss the cross as he'd then let it hang. All while he'd lower his head and close his eyes.

A prayer was given, to a God that Shinji believed in, though if the family or the fallen didn't it wouldn't matter. In his mind despite the difference in religion, he believed the Gods were all the same. They all would hear the words spoken in hopes that they'd be heard. Shinji would place the necklace back beneath his jacket as he stood back up. Continuing down the path until he reached his destination, he'd stop, look to his left and walk off the path down the row of graves. He'd not read the names, he knew where he was headed to. A frown sat upon his face as he'd stop and turn to his right where in front of him rested an obsidian grave stone, it stood no taller than two feet three inches. His green hues would gaze upon the stone as he faced the only memory the majority of the Village would hold of this man. His mentor and comrade, his Nakama. A single tear formed and then slipped down his cheek from his right eye. His body filled and flowed with anger and confusion as his fists were clenched tightly. The shinobi would try to hold back his emotions for now. There were just too many unanswered questions about his friends death.

Suzuhara, Mokona
Night

The name was clear, beneath it it read Night, his code name and alias throughout Cloud. He'd crouch at this point to be face to face with the name of his fallen friend. A slight chuckle erupted from the sadness that plagued the young Chuunin. Though it wasn't of joy, it was more so like temporary insanity. A mental break, the stress had become too much therefore his body would resort to default. As he smiled slightly, he'd hold out his right hand and place his palm over the name of his Nakama. "The days go on forever, but I have not left your side," pausing slightly after speaking a few lyrics from a song he honors his friend with. "We can chase the dark together, if you go then so will I..." as he finished the last line, his hand would slip from the grave stone, the smooth stone would be hard to grasp. His smile faded to a frown, though as it did, Cross would crawl up his back and rest upon his right shoulder nuzzling up against his head outside of his hood. "Hey bud," he'd say softly as his left hand reached over and patted the small squirrel on the head. Standing up he'd gaze up at the grey storm clouds above.

Placing a cigarette between his lips, he'd flip open the silver lighter, the flame would burn as he inhaled lighting the cigarette tip. Flipping the lighter shut he'd place it back within his coat. Letting the smoke roll out of his mouth he'd continue to gaze up at the sky and small drops of water would begin to fall from the clouds above. The rain would signal his exit from this place. The need to stand and mope wasn't there. For even the world would cry for the fallen, despite it not being just Mokona that it cried for. Taking a few backwards steps, he'd then turn and head back toward the path. Pulling from his lips the cigarette every now and again with his right hand. The small squirrel would shift to his left shoulder to avoid the wind carried smoke. Shinji's feet would carry him down the winding path for now, toward the entrance of the Graveyard, this resting place wasn't his home quite yet...

Exit.

[Kuro]

Enter

The male wandered simply through the Village, finding his way to the cemetery, no weapons or money on him, he wore his usual outfit, the hood atop his head in the crisp fall air. The small black squirrel would follow him cautiously, knowing something was wrong with his friend. Within Shinji's hands was a tan folder, inside of it were records of his research. The interactions of his good friend Mokona. Lead after lead would die just like his friend, mysteriously. Winding down the path he'd reach the black marble stone that marked his good friend's resting place. Well all that rested beneath the earth and grass was a headband and an eye patch. The body never made it home from wherever he was. "I'm sorry bud, but I've failed to find your killer..." he'd say in a quiet tone as he dropped to his knees in front of the grave. Tears formed in the corners of his hazel eyes. Cross would hop down and look up at Shinji, worry was clear within the creature.

A sudden change in presence was felt by both Shinji and his friend Cross. Three figures cloaked in black robes and white porcelain masks would surround them. One would wear the mask of an Owl, the other two were Cat's. Cross tensed ready to fight, but Shinji would smile at his friend, placing a hand on his head. "Akumu," the Owl would say, Shinji wouldn't turn to face them, he would simply set the file down and reach up, pulling his hood back off his head. Tears would run down his cheeks as he would fear the outcome yet at the same time he would accept it. "You are accused of improper use of authority involving delicate intelligence filed by your superiors," the voice was stoic, Shinji recognized the man whom was the former leader of the Owls. Marii had replaced him, yet Shinji still was outranked by the ANBU whom stood behind him. A hand was placed upon his shoulder with disappointment.

Glancing back over his shoulder, Shinji would place a smile on his chin as he said "Guilty as charged," though he smiled regret was within his tone. "Lets get out of here bro!" Cross would say within the native language of the squirrel. Shinji smiled towards his friend down on the ground with a simple pat once more. "Even if we ran, they'd catch me soon enough..." Shinji would respond with the language of his comrade before looking back at the two Cat ANBU whom stood cold as stone. Drops of rain would begin to slowly fall from the dark skies above. The pitter patter of the water connecting with the cobblestone beneath them would be soothing. "Let's just take him to the facility..." one of the Cat's finally spoke, annoyed with such a short period of time that passed by. Shinji would look back at the grave, staring at the name written in script upon it.

"Take this friend, it's in your best interest," the voice was from a female, the tone was familiar but he couldn't put the name to the face quite yet. Though as she spoke she had put her hand on his other shoulder, within it was a small black pill. Shinji accepted it and held it in front of view. Swallowing his own spit, he'd just sit there for a moment. "RUN! I've got these fools!" the squirrel would attempt to dart into one of the ANBU, Shinji would catch him with his free hand and hold him down. "I love you bud, don't be a fool. I've taught you so much more," anger filled the tone of his squirrel language as he spoke to his comrade, his only true friend. Shinji would then look at the ANBU whom would stand above him gazing down. "Promise me, I don't become an enemy of the state?" Shinji would ask and the Owl would nod in response. "Also, burrying my body next to Mokona-san, please," his voice was filled with fear and sadness as he knew the only true option from this point on was to die. He'd pick up his friend and hug him before setting him down, he'd slip the pill into his own mouth. Swallowing it, the time would seem to slow down.

A numbing sensation would sweep over his body as he would see the world begin to spin, falling over to his side, the rain would begin to pour down from the dark heavens above. A setting that only a hero could ask for, yet Shinji never viewed himself as a hero. As his body hit the wet ground, his view would be of the three ANBU whom stood by and watched. Cross would panic at this point, rage exploded within the small black squirrel's body. Lashing out with everything he had he'd knock the female Cat flying, but before he could strike again, a sword would cut him down from the other Cat. 'NOOOO!' Shinji tried to scream but his motor functions had already ceased as the poison would be seconds from claiming the rest of his life. His scream would only be within his mind as he tried to pick himself up and save his friend. Vision would slip into the darkness as it all came to an end. He had done all of this for Mokona and yet all he did was kill yet another friend in the process.

The ANBU would collect the bodies and clean the blood up from the scene. The owl would pause and pick up the file that Shinji held, using a special ninjutsu a blue flame would engulf the folder and destroy it, leaving no remains not even the ashes of once was. By doing this, the crime was forgotten and now only a Shinobi and his ally would need to be buried. Not a criminal and an accomplice. The figures would vanish just as they arrived, leaving the cemetery to it's cold autumn rain. New tasks would be at hand for Kumogakure, it was only a matter of time for the youth to rise and grasp the future.

Scrap

[Flower]

Scrap Approved.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Kuro]

Epitaph
Theme

Today was a day that the Village of Cloud would seek to rest, though not just those whom survived the invasion of the Gale Empire, but those whom fell during the chaos as well. It was a pleasant summer morning, a light breeze came from the West, the sun was hidden away behind a thick blanket of overcast clouds. An announcement had been made to all of those whom wished to be here, a funeral for the fallen was to begin at ten in the morning. They were to meet on the far hill within the cemetery, monks waited at the entrance to help guide those whom needed it. When you arrived at the destination you would see a small black stage set up, no backdrop, just the graves of those whom had fallen, freshly buried, twenty-nine in all.

Kurogane had arrived twenty minutes prior to the event, he wore black suit, white button up shirt and a black tie. Over his right eye he wore a black eye patch with the Cloud Village insignia upon it in white. He stood at the podium gazing off at the large cemetery, his face seemed empty and lost. Today wasn't a proud day, despite the success in pushing back the invaders, he would announce today the death of the Raikage, and name those whom had fallen. The orange fox sat upright on the right side of Kuro, he would look up with a worrisome expression. The chuunin carried no weapons on his person, though he kept six swords within the underside of the podium, one was the legendary Kyuushi and another was Benehime. The remaining four were bland blades he chose to carry. He wished there wasn't a need to carry such blades, but he knew that the Gale Empire wasn't going to leave them alone for long.

Two days had passed since that fateful afternoon, two days of sorrow and pain as the Village tried to pick itself back up. Kurogane would stand there, his hands rested upon a paper which held his speech to the Village, to announce that he was truly the new Raikage of the Village. Two Bear AnBu would stand on the stage at the corners, they were both six feet from Kurogane. The stage itself was roughly fourteen feet wide and six feet deep. For now his ice blue eye would just stare off as those whom longed to be here slowly arrived. Today would change the Village, there was no doubt in his mind...

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

[Enter]

People had started to arrive at the graveyard. A number of them was a family of the Kazeraikou branch. All of them were clad in black kimonos with white or grey obis.
"This is such a sad day...I can't believe so many people died" muttered the female as she entered the cemetery. A gloomy atmosphere had hung in the air since the invasion that had happened two days earlier.

"Neither can I Marii. I'm just thankful for that only two people I knew died" replied her father with a dark look in his cobalt blue eyes. Two of his former classmates had died while they protected some people at the hospital.
Marii was relieved that none of her teammates had died. Katsu was at the Chuunin exams while Okuda and Raika had done a splendid job.

She then spotted her uncle Takeshi plus her cousins standing under a tree nearby. Not too far away was Hoshiko plus her family. Her aunt Hinata stood next to her sons with a very grave look at her face.
'It can't be easy for her to be here since her husband died under similar circumstances' thought the young woman. She then glanced at the graves where the dead were lying.

'Holy Kami...there are so many' thought the Jounin after she had counted them. There was twenty nine graves where the fallen laid plus the Raikage one. The latter made her sad since she had actually been at the wedding almost half a year earlier.
'Becoming a widow after just half a year must be dreadful. I hope I or my family get to experience that soon' thought the female.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she looked down at the ground. She felt really sad despite that she did now know any of these people closely. But they were all shinobis of Kumogakure no sato...just like herself.
'Maybe I should start looking for orphans to live in my house when this is over. I bet some of these people were mothers or fathers of someone' decided the brunette.

[Raikou!]

The ninja known as Raikou walked slowly towards the village graveyard. He was in no rush. He wore a black long sleeve shirt with matching black slacks. His face seemed devoid of life. Seemingly empty of all emotion. His usual bright blue eyes seemed almost grey on this dark and cloudy morning. He brushed his shaggy brown hair to the side and sighed deeply.

"I'm not looking forward to this." said Raikou to himself.

"No one is looking forward to this." answered a voice in the back of his head. "But it's our responsibility to be there. To pay our respect."

"Why can't you do it? You know I'm not good at these type of things." said Raikou.

"I'm still too weak from the battle or you know I would. I'm sorry Beowulf..."

After a short walk Raikou made it to the funeral area. An old monk greeted him and muttered a few prayers in condolence before pointing him towards a stage. Thirty graves in all, including the Raikage's, sat before the gathering crowd. People had already begun to cry despite the proceedings having not started. So many dead because of such mindless destruction. The thought made Raikou's blood boil.

He found a seat near the back behind some of the many distraught families. It was a bit sobering to see so many people coming together during such a time of need. Raikou sat alone, but he wasn't really. His brother rested inside of him healing from their long battle protecting the village. Neither of them were ever really alone. Hell, they couldn't be separate from each other for longer than a day. But together they had been alone their whole lives. Their parents had died the day they were born.

He felt guilty thinking about his own past loss when so many other's losses were so fresh. He felt even more guilty that their loss was because he couldn't protect their village well enough...

[Raika Tatsu]

[Enter]

Raika walked up to the graveyard, donned in an all black kimono, and he looked beyond the entrance. Old monks stood at the gates, a dark welcome in this solemn hour. The young shinobi sighed. The invaders had managed to kill too many. Although the numbers weren't great, every single person that died was one too many, so to Raika and the village, this was unforgivable.

Tatsu sighed. It had been a long time since he'd been anywhere near here. His parents had been buried here, and like anyone in their right mind, he was not too fond of coming here. The cemetery meant tragedy, past and present, and despite Raika's leanings towards dark, secluded interests, he did not look forward to coming here. Still, he felt he had to pay his respect to those that were lost, if for no other reason than to thank the deceased for helping repel the invaders and keep the village alive.

Tatsu was alone, as his uncle and aunt were busy rebuilding and working on getting everything in order around the village. As the young man entered--after being guided by one of the old monks at the entrance--he looked around. There weren't many people he knew yet, except the shinobi at the podium up front, who had come to take Tatsuta's body earlier. His name was Kurogane, the boy believed. Another look around and he found Marii-sama, standing in a group of other Kazeraikou. Despite Raika's genetic association with the clan, he did not tend to mingle with the Kazeraikou, having been raised in the Tokagekuran lands. Still, Raika hoped that would one day change, and he hoped that he could learn a lot from his team leader. He decided not to walk over just yet, but he stayed in view in case Marii-sama saw him and wished to speak to him. He wasn't sure how long before the proceedings began, but he doubted it would be too much longer.

Tatsu looked around once more. He had no weapons with him, which made him feel slightly uneasy due to the recent invasion. His slight paranoia made the young shinobi wary, but he was calm. He looked at the number of new graves that had been made. 29....much too many....Raika doubted this would be the last time they heard of the invaders, so he needed to get stronger to fight them. Still, that was a thought for another time. Right now, honoring the lost was more important.

[Kuro]

Epitaph
Theme

A good amount of shinobi had gathered, Kurogane would glance towards a single AnBu member whom responded with a nod. It was a shame that his eye didn't land upon everyone it had hoped to see. "My fellow shinobi, please be seated," his voice would carry out over the crowd that had arrived. He wait only a few moments for everyone to find a seat before continuing. "We gather here today despite our success just two days ago. Honoring those whom have fallen in the defense of our home, both shinobi and civilian. I cannot express the pain that I feel within my heart, only to hope that those around me feel the same," as he spoke he'd place both his hands upon the edges of the podium. His single blue eye gazed out at the crowd as he wondered how many of these people truly lost someone they loved.

"Tragic events occurred, beginning at the wedding of Sky Shimizu and Tatsuta-Hime Akiyama when a lone assassin poisoned our beloved Godaime. The following invasion of the Gale Empire, they admitted to their assassination, shortly after that declaration Sky Shimizu passed away. Though despite the chaos within this village, you've all acted so courageously, rising up to defend your home, your friends and your family. I couldn't be more proud to be associated with each and every one of you," he pause for a moment as he flipped over a piece of paper on the podium.

"I ask you now for a moment of silence in honor of the twenty-nine whom fell. Sky Shimizu, Tatsuta-Hime Akiyama, Daisuke Suzuhara, Sai Kanami..." with each name a bell would tone from a different area of the graveyard. Twenty-nine tones would ring out, each a sound to honor and guide the souls to the next life. When Kurogane had reached the end of the list he would lower his head and close his eye for a moment. A single tear would drop from his left eye, each of those lives he would have gladly traded for his own.

A few moments would pass of silence before Kurogane would flip over to yet another page upon his podium. Taking in a deep breath he would raise his head and look out at the gathering once more. "Though we gather here to honor those whom have fallen, we must also be happy, for we have held our Village and we must continue on in this life. So today I have chosen to honor a few whom have earned it. Marii Kazeraikou please stand, Amarantha please join her," as he said this he would give the duo a moment to stand up amongst the crowd. His eye would look out for them before he'd continue.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"My fellow shinobi, please be seated" told the male. The female sat down on a nearby chair after straightening out her kimono. She glanced up at the stage where the Raikage stood.
"We gather here today despite our success just two days ago. Honoring those whom have fallen in the defense of our home, both shinobi and civilian. I cannot express the pain that I feel within my heart, only to hope that those around me feel the same" informed the young man.

"Tragic events occurred, beginning at the wedding of Sky Shimizu and Tatsuta-Hime Akiyama when a lone assassin poisoned our beloved Godaime. The following invasion of the Gale Empire, they admitted to their assassination, shortly after that declaration Sky Shimizu passed away.
Though despite the chaos within this village, you've all acted so courageously, rising up to defend your home, your friends and your family. I couldn't be more proud to be associated with each and every one of you" told the ebony-haired guy. Marii felt a lump form in her throat as she recalled the wedding for just half a year ago.

He then started to read up the names while the bell started to ring in memory of the fallen ones. 'At least they can be happy together in heaven' thought the young woman as she felt tears form in her eyes. She wiped them away quickly as the graveyard fell into complete silence.
Well...almost complete silence. You could still hear some odd sniffles or people blowing their noses around the holy grounds.

Crystal blue eyes glanced up at the stage again after a few moments. "Though we gather here to honor those whom have fallen, we must also be happy, for we have held our village and we must continue on in this life.
So today I have chosen to honor a few whom have earned it. Marii Kazeraikou please stand, Amarantha please join her" told the guy. 'Huh?' thought the Jounin as she heard her name being mentioned.

She looked over at her family. Their facial expression mirrored hers quite perfectly. 'Wonder what this is' thought the female as she got out of her chair.
The brunette then walked up on the stage with a semi-confused expression at her face. What was this all about?

[Raikou!]

Each strike of the bell was like a punch to the gut. With each strike his anger grew. His fist clenched tighter and tighter until his arm fell asleep. And on the 29th tone it all melted away. There was nothing he could do. What was done was done. All that could be done now was heal. Heal all these broken hearts. And heal all the village's open wounds. Raikou noticed a single tear fall from his eye. He quickly wiped it away and composed himself. It was time to look ahead.

Honor. Two ninja were being honored for their righteousness. This was good. It would show everyone that there was room to grow. Heroes are born on the battlefield. And these new heroes would push everyone forward into the future.

[Short post sorry. Just sneaking it in now so we can move this along.]

[Raika Tatsu]

[[ooc: also gonna be short to move the thread along, not much for me to say]]

Raika listened as Kurogane listed the names of those that had fallen in the invasion. The Raikage and his bride...from what Raika had heard, they hadn't even been given time to enjoy their wedding. Having watched Tatsuta-hime die in front of him made Raika almost feel sick. The Gale Empire had ruined the lives of many, but especially that of those two. As the bells tolled, Tatsu almost felt sick...this world of shinobi, it was always day to day. You never knew when it could be the last. But that was the world in which he lived in, and there were few things more important than defending the home you live in.

This notion was reaffirmed as Kuro called two shinobi to be honored for their actions during the attack, one of which was Marii-sama, his sensei. Tatsu felt proud to have a leader of her caliber and bravery, and now was re-motivated to become stronger, so as to one day perhaps be just as respectable a person as her.

Raika looked around to see if he could find Amarantha. She had been hit quite hard by the death of Tatsuta-hime, scary hard, and Tatsu wondered if she was even here. Still, he couldn't blame her even if she wasn't. Now was the time to rebuild and prepare for further possible attacks, but not before mourning the loss of those that died in the first.

[Kuro]

Epitaph
Theme

Marii would rise and approach the stage. A single AnBu would glance towards the Raikage who would nod in response for her passage. Amarantha did not rise, for she had not arrived at this event. They weren't informed in advanced of what was to come, it was to be a surprise, to keep the hearts of Kumogakure strong. "Thank you for joining me Marii-sama," he'd say as he'd turn and slightly bow to the Jounin. After which he'd turn back toward the audience with a slight smile on his face. "My name is Kurogane Sarutobi and I was named the acting Raikage when Sky Shimizu was hospitalized. On this day of sorrow we must remember that we lead a life of struggle and pain, though we all must grow stronger and reach out for the future. To honor Marii's long time service in the name of Kumogakure no Sato, I bestow the title of Sannin upon her," he'd lightly applaud Marii upon her promotion, he would hope the crowd would follow in suit.

"Along with Marii, we would like to announce that Amarantha whom is not present has been promoted to Chuunin. Both of these women were present two days ago, both served valantly and earned their promotions. The promotion is not just from the defense of the village, but also for their long time hard work and dedication to the village. Remember what you fight for, and always hold it close to your heart," his voice would sound confident and proud, for he was, in each and every one of the Kumogakure Shinobi. "Thank you Marii-sama, you may be seated once more," another bow to the loyal female. He'd allow her to return to her seat before continuing his speech. The small red fox whom sat at his feet would gaze upward at his long time friend. Kurama seemed worried as if something foul was at hand, though Kurogane would be distracted by the events unfolding before him.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

SPOILER: Click to show

HOOOORAAAAAY!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH KURO!!!!!

The female turned around to face the man in front of her. "Thank you for joining me Marii-sama," told the Raikage. Both of them bowed towards each other to show their respect.
Marii however made sure her bow was a tad bit deeper compared to the male. He WAS her superior after all.

"My name is Kurogane Sarutobi and I was named the acting Raikage when Sky Shimizu was hospitalized. On this day of sorrow we must remember that we lead a life of struggle and pain, though we all must grow stronger and reach out for the future.
To honor Marii's long time service in the name of Kumogakure no Sato, I bestow the title of Sannin upon her," informed Kurogane.
"WHAT!?" exclaimed the young woman in a somewhat low voice. Was the guy in front of her aware of what he had just told her!?

Her blue eyes looked back at her family to see what their reaction was. All of them had the same facial expression as she had.
'HOLY AMATERASU-SAMA! I would have never thought that I would get the Sannin title before I turned 35, let alone 30! I guess I have worked harder than I thought' concluded the Jounin.

"Along with Marii, we would like to announce that Amarantha whom is not present has been promoted to Chuunin. Both of these women were present two days ago, both served valantly and earned their promotions. The promotion is not just from the defense of the village, but also for their long time hard work and dedication to the village.
Remember what you fight for, and always hold it close to your heart," finished the young man. What he said rang true inside her ears since she had served Kumogakure for a while.

"Thank you Marii-sama, you may be seated once more," told the inky-haired male. "Thank you so much for your trust Raikage-sama" replied the female with a big smile at her face. It felt a bit wrong to be so happy on such a sad day like this.
She went down to her family while the crowd applauded for her. 'I better give them a good speech when the council ceremony happens' decided the brunette.

"Congratulations Marii! I can't believe that my daughter is a Sannin!!!" congratulated Hikari. "Neither can I...you've blow away all our expectations" told Masao.
"Thanks mum. Thanks dad" muttered the young woman before they hugged each other.

[Raikou!]

Sannin?! Has the village ever had a Sannin before?!

Raikou's sullen daze was broken by the news. "Wow".

Everyone clapped loudly and proudly. The whole village knew about her exploits. Marii Kazeraikou was one of the village's finest ninja. She was a pillar that kept this village strong. Every child knew her name, especially the young girls. Everyone looked up to her as the picture perfect Kunochi. And rightfully so. She always handled herself with grace and she most likely had the largest body of skills in all of Kumogakure. Raikou had the chance to work with her on just one occasion. And it was clear then that she was something else entirely. She had a certain fire in her eye's that inspired those around her.

Even knowing all this. It was still pretty astonishing that she had attained the legendary rank of Sannin. A pit of jealousy began to form in Raikou's belly. Why her and not me? The answer was obvious. 'Raikou' worked in the shadows. 'Raikou' was a killer. People knew nothing about him other than his name. Which wasn't even real. Even during this past invasion he didn't save anyone. He just killed. While Marii-San saved the entire Academy. She saved the village's future. She was a builder and Raikou was a destroyer...

Yes. This was the way it was suppose to be. And he was happy for her. Truly. She would bring honor to the village and the title of Sannin. On this sad dark day she had brought a light into everyone's hearts. He would have to congratulate her personally when he got the chance.

[[[FREAKING CONGRATZ MARII! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU. YOU DESERVE IT!!!! <3 <3 <3]]]

[Raika Tatsu]

Raika listed to Kurogane spoke, and was then shocked. Marii-sama was named a Sannin! Not only that, the very first of Kumogakure! The young shinobi applauded along with the rest of the audience, a quite interesting change of tone considering the somber and grim reason for them all being there. It was weird being happy in the middle of mourning the death of so many, yet at the same time Raika knew that those that had fallen would probably have it no other way. That was the life of a ninja, after all. Protecting the village, the country, and leading others to do the same.

The accomplishment Marii had just received was amazing, and Raika felt even more proud to be her student. Katsu would have quite the surprise waiting for him when he returned. This moment also sparked even more motivation within Tatsu. He now had even more to look up to, and he would have it no other way. It was interesting to have such a joyful moment during such a dark time, but that was life. Raika merely wondered how long it would last...

[Kuro]

Epitaph
Theme

The crowd couldn't be more welcoming for the female as she returned to her seat, they'd all slowly return to a peaceful audience, yet excitement was still felt within the air. Kurogane kept a light smile on his face, his ice blue eye gazed at each and every one of them. Once the silence fell upon them he'd ruffle the papers slightly before speaking. "A wise man once told me, to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe. I find this to be one of the truest things ever said to me, so I pass on this belief to each and every one of you. Dream of reaching the rank of Sannin, strive to make yourselves better. Heroes are remembered, but legends are never forgotten. So go forth, become the legends that you all dream to be!" his speech slowly gained momentum and pride would fill each word as he spoke. Finishing his statement the Raikage stood tall behind the podium a face of determination stared out at the crowd.

A single bell would tone just after his final words, a way of building the momentum of his speech, but during all of this an unwanted visitor had been watching just off to the side of the crowd. A cloaking device would hide their movements. As the bell toned a kunai would seemingly come out of thin air, thrown hard and true it's target would be the chest of the Raikage. "RAIKAGE-SAMA!" one of the Bear AnBu would cry out as the weapon passed by them. His eye would widen as he tried to dodge, but he'd been too slow. The kunai would connect just right of the heart, not fatal but as it knocked him back he'd see the true purpose. Tan paper wrapped around the handle of the kunai would glow suddenly. The sizzle would be heard, but he wouldn't pull it free. Quickly the Raikage would turn his back to the crowd as the explosion would set off. Three explosive tags in all would decimate the body of Kurogane Sarutobi engulfing his comrade Kurama, the podium and half of the stage.

It had all happened so fast, if anyone even caught a glimpse of the assailant, they'd see light reflecting oddly off the surroundings of where he hid. Though once he'd set off the tags he'd quickly use multiple body flickers to get clearly out of sight from those whom were present. The assailant had been of S rank equivalence, skilled and highly trained, something that Kurogane wasn't expecting from the Gale Empire. This oversight would be his downfall, though what would happen now with yet another Raikage dead?

As it all happened an old man whom sat behind Raikou would let out a sigh, quickly murmuring something over a communications device and then placing a hand upon the Jounin. "It's your time now..." the voice would say into his ear during all the commotion. As AnBu quickly took off after the attacker, a single Dragon AnBu would appear cloaked in white, he'd stand in front of where the stage once was. "PEOPLE OF KUMOGAKURE! WE MUST KEEP CALM!" he'd call out to them. "Kurogane and the council had planned for this, should he fall the man known as Raikou was to take his place," as the voice announced Kurogane's replacement, it would finally hit some, that within a year the Godaime and a temporary Raikage had been assassinated by those whom call themselves the Gale Empire... How would Raikou respond? How would any of them respond?

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SPOILER: Click to show

Raikou is officially the Raikage. Contacting head staff to finalize the change.

Raikou is now in charge of this event, should he continue it past this point is up to him.

[Deleted]

;n;

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