The war had already begun, but it was from this moment — defeating an enemy Jonin — that everything changed. Though both sides suffered casualties, not a single Jonin had fallen.
Jonins were usually the most experienced individuals, with chakra reserves and ninjutsu skills far beyond what ordinary people could reach.
In general, in battles between equals, defeating a Jonin and rendering them incapable of fighting was practically impossible.
And yet, such a thing actually happened — right before this boy's eyes.
Although the war hadn't officially ended, it concluded early due to the enemy's surrender.
But this child's figure had already been deeply imprinted in the hearts of every ninja present.
Both Konoha and Sunagakure ninja had remembered this boy, Shiki Uzumaki.
Because after opening the Eight Gates, his constantly flickering form wielded his sword, spilling blood from one Chunin after another.
And finally, using the [Five Elements Seal] to seal away a Jonin's chakra.
All these things were practically impossible for a twelve-year-old.
Yet they happened right before everyone's eyes.
What they didn't know was that two years ago, with the Fourth Gate — the Gate of Injury open — Shiki Uzumaki had already defeated countless Chunin from Anbu.
"[Konoha's Crimson Sword Dance]. Seems like a fitting name for him."
A Konoha ninja joked, giving Shiki Uzumaki this nickname.
"Haha, sounds good indeed. But unfortunately, only we'll ever know about this title."
Maybe it was the relief after the war, but the Konoha ninjas had relaxed, joking around about Shiki Uzumaki.
After all, as adults, they naturally found humor in teasing kids.
Besides, this was the first time they'd met the son of one of their fallen comrades.
Thus, Shiki Uzumaki received a rather cool-sounding yet completely unknown nickname.
Soon, news arrived from the village stating that the funeral for the Third Hokage would be held the next day.
Shiki Uzumaki, Shiomi Nara, San Tian Yamanaka, and several unfamiliar faces were requested to return for the ceremony.
Most of those summoned belonged to prestigious clans or held certain social statuses.
Others still needed to remain here in case any further incidents occurred.
Kusei was originally supposed to return too, but given his injuries, he remained at the border to recover.
Still leaping swiftly among trees deep within the forest, Shiki Uzumaki knit his brows in thought.
Because during this battle, he had already realized many of his shortcomings.
Looks like I've got no choice but to learn those jutsu I've been wanting to master!
Firmly determined inside, Shiki Uzumaki made up his mind. (continued...)
Chapter 219: Passing Away and Beginning
Rain drizzled softly, thick dark clouds covering the sky.
It had been clear and sunny just two days ago, but since the Third Hokage's death, it seemed as though the sky itself had changed color.
Even the blue sky appeared to have turned gloomy, as if mourning this old man's passing.
This was the funeral of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Everyone gathered here wore black funeral robes.
At the very front stood a young boy crying.
"Wahhh… Grandpa…"
No matter how desperately Konohamaru had tried each day to defeat his grandfather—the Hokage—
Deep down, he still loved him the most.
Yet such a beloved elder was now gone.
Shiki Uzumaki placed his hand on Konohamaru's shoulder, wanting to say something comforting. But when the words reached his lips, he remained silent.
In fact, aside from him, no one else at this funeral spoke out loud either.
Everyone else simply stood quietly in solemn silence, mourning the Third Hokage who had accompanied Konoha into its strongest era.
Even as raindrops fell upon everyone's bodies, not a single person moved.
Until the funeral finally ended.
"What was it all for?" Shiki asked quietly, stretching out his right hand as if aimlessly trying to catch falling raindrops.
His mood had been deeply affected by this funeral.
This solemn funeral felt like a heavy burden pressing down on his heart, forcing him to contemplate many things.
"No matter how much you do, there will always be those who see your actions as mere pursuit of power. There will always be opposition, people determined to kill you. Even you cannot earn recognition from everyone."
Shiki almost voiced all his questions within his heart.
The Third's death left him breathless with grief.
Previously, his goal had been to save this old man from this incident.
But he failed to accomplish that mission.
Moreover, the cruelty of this war far exceeded his expectations. In the original narrative, he hadn't seen anyone else's death except the Third's.
Yet when this war ended, he discovered the number of casualties had already reached hundreds.
Among them, quite a few were civilians.
The original story mentioned this war halved Konoha's strength. Although possibly exaggerated, it certainly didn't mean minimal losses.
This is war. And he once had the chance to stop it all.
Actually, Shiki understood—he often thought deeply about many things.
But more often than not, the one person he couldn't escape was himself.
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