Naruto: Threads of Crimson

Walking into the funeral hall, I saw that it was packed from the very front all the way to the very back. It felt like the entire clan had shown up to pay their respects. The air was heavy with the scent of pine, the smoke of the incense curling upward toward the dark ceiling.

I stood at the front, next to my mother, May. Shisui and Aunt Nanako were by our sides. The murmurs of the crowd filled the space around me, even if I felt numb I had to put a strong face on, I couldn't dishonor my father.

One by one, members of the clan approached. Some squeezed my shoulder and offered condolences to me. Others hugged me tightly, their embraces warm but suffocating bringing a feeling of love with them. "I'm so sorry, Shiro." "He was a great man." "Stay strong."

I felt my mother trembling ever so slightly next to me, though her face remained composed just like mine. Reaching up I grabbed her warm hand in mine, she turned to me and gave me a smile as we stood together strong.

'We'll be ok as long as we stand together.' I thought as I calmed myself down a little

"Shiro, May." A familiar voice broke through the fog.

I turned to see Mikoto Uchiha, her dark eyes filled with sympathy. She pulled both of us into a hug, her warmth almost overwhelming.

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice soft and sincere. "He deserved to grow old with the two of you. It feels like we all lost a part of ourselves today."

"Thank you Koto, your words mean a lot. My mother hugged her back as Mikoto gave her a pat on the back.

Her words hit me harder than the other clan members. Mikoto had been a friend of my mothers and Fugaku, our clan head, was somewhat of a rival with my father. This meant that often times we went out to dinner together and our families knew eachother pretty well.

I felt the prickling of tears begin to form in my eyes before I blinked them away. I nodded faintly, unable to say anything as she pulled me into my own hug once my mom was done hugging her.

"It's ok you guys, the clan will do whatever is necessary to get you through this time, I promise.

The ceremony began with Fugaku stepping forward, his voice in the same restrained tone he always uses.

"Today we celebrate the life of a member of the Uchiha family. We might not always see eye to eye within the clan but the one thing that we can see eye to eye with is the fact that we are all family and we would go to great lengths to protect each other. With that said, Hiroshi has some things he would like to say"

Hiroshi, the thin man who had brought home the news of my father's passing, stepped up onto the stage, his hands clasped in front of him. He cleared his throat, the sound echoing softly through the quiet hall.

"Thank you, Clan Head," he began, his voice steady but laced with emotion. "Today, we gather not just to mourn a great loss, but to celebrate the life of a remarkable man, a man who was not only a shinobi of extraordinary skill but also a friend, a mentor, and a pillar of this clan."

Hiroshi paused, glancing over the crowd before his gaze landed on me and my mother. "Kaito was someone who never approached a situation without thinking it through. Whether it was planning missions, plotting out strategies, or even just playing a simple game of shogi with me, Kaito always thought three steps ahead. It was as though he could see the entire board before anyone else had made their first move."

A faint smile tugged at Hiroshi's lips, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I remember one particular mission. We were deep behind enemy lines, and everything seemed hopeless. Supplies were running low, our team was on the brink of collapse, and the enemy had us surrounded. But Kaito, he didn't panic. He didn't falter. He laid out a plan so meticulous, so precise, that we not only escaped but turned the tide of that skirmish in our favor. To this day, I don't know how he managed it, but he always seemed to be a step or two ahead of everyone he faced."

He took a deep breath, steadying himself. "That, to me, was always his greatest quality—his ability to stay calm under pressure and outthink his opponents. It was never just about strength with Kaito. It was his mind, his strategic brilliance, that truly set him apart. He led us into battle with confidence, not because he believed he was invincible, but because he trusted in the strength of his team and the plans he had so carefully laid."

Hiroshi looked down for a moment, his voice softening. "I'll never forget that about him—his confidence, his clarity, his unwavering belief in the people around him. He was more than a comrade to me; he was an inspiration. And though he may no longer be with us, his lessons, his wisdom, and his spirit will continue to guide us, just as he did in life."

Hiroshi stepped back, bowing deeply to the crowd before returning to his seat, his head bowed in respect.

Ryota, my father's large, broad-shouldered friend, stepped forward next. His movements were deliberate, his head bowed slightly as though carrying the weight of the grief he felt. When he reached the stage, he stood silently for a moment, his hands clasped in front of him.

When he finally spoke, his voice was deep and steady but filled with sorrow that seemed to ripple through the hall. "Kaito wasn't just a warrior—he was a kind soul," Ryota began, his gaze sweeping over the gathered clan members before landing briefly on me and my mother.

"He was the kind of man who could walk into any room and make it feel lighter. Whether it was offering a word of advice, a helping hand, or just sitting with you in silence when the weight of the world felt too heavy—he was there. Kaito understood people in a way not many could. He knew when to push, when to encourage, and when to simply listen."

Ryota's voice lowered. "But it wasn't just his kindness that set him apart. Kaito's loyalty was unmatched. No matter the odds, no matter the danger, he was always the first to step forward, to protect those he cared about. That's what made him more than a comrade to me. He was a brother in every way that mattered."

His voice caught for a moment, but continued on. "I was there with him in his final moments. We were outnumbered, overwhelmed, and it was clear things wouldn't end well. Even then, even as his life slipped away after sacrificing himself, his thoughts weren't of himself. They were of his family. Of his son. Of his wife. Even as he drew his final breath, his only concern was that you would be safe, that you would carry on his legacy, that you would never forget how much he loved you."

Ryota paused again, "That's the kind of man Kaito was. Even in death, he thought only of others. He gave everything he had for those he loved. And though he's gone, the impact of his kindness, his strength, and his sacrifice will live on in all of us."

Nari stepped forward next, "When I first met Kaito, I admired his strength. I think everyone did," she began, her gaze sweeping across the gathered clan members. "He had a presence about him, this unshakable aura that made you feel safe, like nothing could touch you as long as he was there. He was the kind of person who made you believe, just by standing beside him, that everything would be okay."

She paused, her fingers tightening briefly as she took a slow breath. "But as I worked with him more, as I got to know him as a comrade and a friend, I realized something far more important. Kaito's greatest strength wasn't just his skill or his strategic mind, it was his heart. The way he cared for each of us, how he never went back on his promises, no matter the cost. That was what made him truly remarkable."

Her voice softened as her eyes shifted toward me and my mother. "He cared about us. About making sure we all came home, no matter what. And he never saw any of us as just tools or soldiers. To him, we were people, each with lives worth protecting. Kaito wasn't just a leader—he was the kind of person who made you believe in yourself. He made you feel like you mattered, like your life was worth something. That's rare, and it's something I'll always hold close."

Her voice wavered slightly, and she paused to steady herself. When she spoke again, her words were quieter but no less powerful. "Losing him is… it's unimaginable. He left a hole in this world that no one else can fill. But I know this: the lessons he taught us, the care he gave us, and the example he set will live on. He's gone, but his impact will always be with us, in everything we do. And for that, I'll always be grateful."

Nari took a deep breath, blinking back the tears that shimmered in her eyes. With a final bow, she stepped back, her head held high. Leaving the stage open for Takeshi to take her spot. Takeshi, one of the younger elders in our clan's council, stepped forward with a measured grace, his hands folded neatly in front of him.

"When Kaito was younger, I had the privilege of teaching him about the complexities of the ninja world," he began, his gaze sweeping across the gathered clan. "It's no exaggeration to say that he was one of the brightest students I've ever worked with. He absorbed knowledge with an eagerness and clarity that was nothing short of remarkable. Concepts that would take others years to grasp—Kaito mastered them in mere weeks."

Takeshi's lips twitched into a faint smile, a trace of pride on his. "He wasn't just quick to learn; he was thoughtful in how he applied what he learned. He had this uncanny ability to connect ideas, to see the bigger picture where others saw only fragments. Whether it was political strategy, battlefield tactics, or the delicate balance of clan dynamics, Kaito was always a step ahead."

He paused, his eyes turning toward me and my mother. "But what stood out most about him wasn't just his intelligence or his skill—it was his humility. Despite his incredible talent, Kaito never let it go to his head. He didn't seek glory or recognition. What he sought was to serve, to protect, and to ensure the safety and prosperity of his clan and his loved ones."

Takeshi took a breath, "I remember one particular conversation we had, years ago. I was explaining the challenges of leadership, how it often meant making impossible choices. Kaito listened carefully, as he always did, and when I finished, he said something I'll never forget. He said, 'Leadership isn't about power or authority. It's about responsibility—making decisions that ensure everyone has a chance to come home.' That was Kaito in a nutshell. He didn't just learn; he embodied the lessons he was taught."

Takeshi's voice wavered a little as he closed out, "Kaito was more than a student. He was a gift to this clan, a man whose legacy will continue to shape us all. It was an honor to teach him, and it is an honor to remember him today." With a deep bow, Takeshi stepped back from the stage.

Finally, Fugaku Uchiha returned to the stage, his imposing figure carrying the weight of leadership. His voice, though steady, held an unmistakable sadness that resonated with everyone in the room.

"Kaito was more than just a shinobi—he was a rock, a constant for this clan," Fugaku began, his dark eyes scanning the gathered mourners. "No matter the situation, no matter the odds, he was the man I could always rely on. Whether it was as a comrade, a friend, or a trusted advisor, Kaito was unwavering. He was the kind of person who stood firm, even when the world around him was crumbling."

He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "Growing up together, I always knew Kaito was exceptional. There were times, I'll admit, when I wondered if he might even surpass me." Fugaku's lips curved into a faint smile, one that seemed to carry both pride and a touch of nostalgia. "In fact, there was a time in our twenties when he almost beat me for the role of clan leader."

A soft ripple of laughter spread through the hall, cutting through the somber atmosphere for a brief moment. I glanced up, startled by the sound, and for the first time, I saw faint smiles on the faces of those around me. The weight in the room seemed to lift, if only slightly.

Fugaku's expression softened, his tone becoming more personal. "Kaito's loss isn't just a loss for his family—it's a loss for all of us. He wasn't just a brother in arms; he was a leader who inspired loyalty without demanding it. He was a friend who supported without question. He was a part of the foundation of this clan, and his absence will be felt in ways we cannot yet fully grasp."

Fugaku took a deep breath, steadying himself as he looked toward me and my mother. "But as we grieve, let us also remember the legacy he leaves behind. His strength, his wisdom, his kindness—these are the things that will continue to guide us, to remind us of the man he was and the values he stood for."

His voice grew firm as he began to wrap up the ceremony, "Kaito Uchiha may no longer be with us, but his spirit endures in each of us, in the lives he touched, and in the example he set. Let us honor him not just with our words today, but with our actions moving forward."

Fugaku bowed his head, holding the gesture for a long moment before he spoke one final time. "Let this be a moment where we not only grieve but reflect. On what Kaito gave us. On the bonds we share. And on the strength of this clan, which endures even in the face of loss. Let us take this moment of silence to honor Kaito, his life, and his legacy."

When Fugaku finally raised his head, he let his gaze sweep across the room one last time. "Thank you all for being here to remember him. May we carry his spirit forward in all we do."

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(A/N: Not too much happening in this chapter, only really wanted to show the funeral for Kaito and Shiro getting a small bit of closure so that he will be able to move on with his life even if it won't be back 100% to what it was before. Hope you guys are enjoying this!)

Powerstone Goals:

25 by Sunday = Extra Chapter

50 by Sunday = 2 Extra Chapters