NARUTO: The Saga of Crimson Monarch

As the warmth of the shared meal faded, the weary survivors began to settle. Many sank onto the grass, their exhaustion finally overtaking them. Some drifted to their tents, while others remained outside, quietly staring up at the starry night sky.

Ares (approaching Meiji, voice calm): "How are you holding up, Meiji?"

Meiji (trembling, his voice shaky): "I'm fine, Lord Asura. But... can I ask... what do we do now? After all this bloodshed?"

"How do we keep going? After all this loss?"

Ares "We keep going because they can't. Their fight ends here Meiji, but ours continues. And we will make sure their deaths weren't in vain."

"Gather the bodies. Meiji , We will honor their sacrifice with fire, offering them the farewell they've earned."

Meiji hesitated for a moment, his lips trembling, but then nodded firmly. "As you command, my lord asura."

Turning away, Meiji called for Yuusei and Souta. Without a word, they joined him, and together, they began to direct the survivors, who rose in solemn unison to help. They constructed a towering pyre, working quietly, their movements filled with reverence. One by one, the bodies of the fallen were carried forward. Gently, they washed each one, carefully dressing them in simple white robes, honoring them in their final moments.

Yuusie "These are the faces of the true heroes. They deserve more than just our tears."

Meiji "We'll build something in their honor, A place where they can rest in peace, forever remembered."

Souta : "It's not enough... but it's all we can do right now my lord."

Meiji "It's enough. This is the first step. And we'll keep going until their sacrifices mean something."

The survivors gathered around the towering pyre, their faces weary and sorrowful. The crackling fire broke the heavy silence as some bowed their heads, others clung to one another, trembling under the weight of loss. Tears fell freely, unspoken pain filling the air.

Ares stood and made a hand sign, a clone appeared beside him, it moved to the pyre, standing watch, awaiting Ares' command.

Ares' eyes swept across the crowd of survivors,"Let the flames consume the past," Ares said, his words ringing through the silence. "let the fire be the beginning of their journey, not the end."

The clone stepped forward, forming a massive great fireball jutsu, and with a swift motion, hurled it at the pyre. The flames roared to life, consuming the bodies in a fierce, fiery embrace. The heat surged as the mourners stepped back, standing in solemn silence, their eyes fixed on the blaze.

The survivors stood together, some still crying, others lost in thought, but all of them united in their grief, their resolve, and their hope for a better tomorrow.

Ares "Today, we mourn, but we do not break. We grieve for those we have lost and for the wounds this war has left on our souls. Yet, here we stand."

The crowd listened in rapt silence, each word sinking deep into their hearts.

"Let their sacrifice fuel your strength, their memory light your way. Honor them by carrying their legacy forward. As long as you hold them in your hearts, they will never fade. They would not want us to be consumed by grief, but to rise with renewed resolve, ready to face the brighter days ahead. You are the survivors, and it is your duty to live for them."

"This is not the end. From these ashes, we will rise. Together, we will forge a future that honors their sacrifice—a future that will shine brightly for generations to come..."

The fire's glow bathed the mourners in its warmth, illuminating their tear-streaked faces, as the flickering light seemed to carry their grief and hopes into the night sky.

Samurai (weeping): " I failed you my friend. I couldn't protect you. I couldn't save you."

Old Mercenary (gripping the katana with trembling hands): "I failed you... I couldn't protect you, my brothers. All my strength, and it still wasn't enough."

Some wept openly, clutching their chests, while others stood trembling, fists clenched, eyes locked on the flames. Families embraced, their grief shared in a quiet, unspoken bond.

Woman (sobbing, holding her child close): "I can't believe they're gone. How do I go on without them?"

Old villager(tears streaming down his face): "We keep living for them. That's how we honor them."

Woman (choking on her words): "How? How do I carry this weight? It feels like I'm drowning."

Meiji staggered forward, his knees weak with grief. "Goodbye, my elder brother," he whispered, voice breaking. He collapsed to his knees, burying his face in his hands. Yuusei's hand rested gently on his shoulder.

As the fire crackled, the mourners stood in silence, their tears reflecting both their grief and newfound resolve. The flames were no longer just a farewell; they became a symbol of resilience—a vow to endure, rebuild, and honor the fallen.