Time flies.
In the blink of an eye, news of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, dying in battle and Sarutobi Hiruzen taking over as the Third Hokage spread throughout the village.
Outside the window, heavy rain poured down.
Dressed in black, Kaito Fujiwara sat on the corridor, watching raindrops strike the rockery in the courtyard, rippling across the small lake. The rhythmic dance of water mirrored his emotions.
"The Senju clan has officially withdrawn from the stage of history."
With the passing of two Hokage from the Senju clan, their legacy remained only as weapons of war.
A sense of loss washed over Kaito.
Perhaps it was the sorrowful atmosphere in the village.
Perhaps it was the unspoken admiration he held for Senju Tobirama—the man who had spared his life twice.
Kaito was a time traveler, someone who knew the future yet still found himself walking on thin ice in Tobirama's presence.
Despite his advantage, the Second Hokage had always been an enigma, a challenge unlike any other.
"A remarkable man," Kaito murmured with a smile, shaking his head.
He had never met Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara, but instinct told him neither of them measured up to Tobirama.
Madara, driven by dreams and hatred, had been nothing more than a pawn manipulated by Black Zetsu.
Hashirama, though undeniably powerful, was far too naive—a quality Madara had once pointed out with surprising accuracy.
But Tobirama?
Tobirama had built Konoha's infrastructure, solidified its strength, and laid the foundation for the peace that followed the First Shinobi War.
He had a vision, the patience to see it through, and the drive to execute it. That alone made him extraordinary.
Kaito sighed and whispered to himself, "Enough of these thoughts. It's time."
He rose, pushed open the bedroom door, and was greeted by a startled scream.
"Brother! How did you get in? Get out!"
Rie, in the middle of changing, hid behind Aunt Anzi, who was holding a black short-sleeved shirt.
Kaito scoffed. "You little brat, did you forget I changed your clothes yesterday? And now you're disgusted with me?"
"That was yesterday! Today I'm a big girl! You can't see me anymore!"
Kaito slapped his forehead, exasperated.
"Damn it, I should've never let you hang around Yazi. What kind of nonsense are you spewing?! Don't forget—I'm your brother! Hell, I could say I'm your father, and people would believe me!"
Rie stuck out her tongue. "Lalalala~ Mother thinks you're annoying!"
Kaito's expression darkened. "You little—!"
Rolling up his sleeves, he prepared to give her a dose of "brotherly love."
Aunt Anzi sighed, torn between laughter and frustration.
It was true—Kaito often acted so mature that people forgot his age.
Ultimately, Kaito left the room with a defeated expression.
In the corridor, Kato Dan and Kato Ippongi stood in black mourning attire.
Soon, Aunt Anzi and Rie joined them.
Holding umbrellas, the five of them stepped onto the street, merging into the sea of black-clad villagers heading toward the Konoha Shinobi Cemetery.
At the farthest end, beside Senju Hashirama's grave, a new tombstone had been erected.
By the time they arrived, a crowd had already gathered.
At the front stood Tobirama's family, his disciples, and the Genin he had led.
Kaito remained in the back, watching as solemn faces approached the grave, placing white flowers upon the stone.
The rain continued to fall.
Hours passed, and the sky darkened.
The funeral ended, and the mourners slowly dispersed in silence.
Kaito set Rie down from his arms. "Aunt Anzi, please take Rie home. I have something to do."
With a sorrowful nod, Anzi took Rie's hand and left with the Kato family.
Kaito stood motionless, watching them go.
As night fell, the cemetery emptied, save for a lone figure standing before the tombstone.
Tsunade.
Dressed in a black short-sleeved shirt and skirt, she stood motionless, staring at Tobirama's image on the stone.
It was impossible to tell if the water dripping from her chin was rain or tears.
Kaito gazed at her small, trembling frame but said nothing.
His identity—his role as an undercover agent—meant he could never get too close to her.
Silently, he approached the tombstone and placed a white flower upon it.
Then, crossing his legs, he sat before the grave.
"Lord Tobirama, you win this time. You must be satisfied."
His voice was quiet.
"To be honest, I had no idea how things would turn out.
Playing dumb felt like an insult to your intelligence.
And being honest? That would've put me in the grave next to you."
He chuckled bitterly.
"You really are something else. You backed me into a corner."
His words faded, replaced by a small, ironic smile.
"This time, you win. I owe you a life.
If you ever need me… send me a dream."
He pushed himself up and turned to leave.
Then, Tsunade grabbed his collar.
Her eyes burned with rage.
"You! Spy from Rain Shinobi Village! Did you leak Second Grandpa's location and get him killed?!"
Her hoarse voice echoed through the cemetery.
Kaito said nothing, his cold gaze meeting hers.
Tsunade's fury erupted.
"Bang!"
Her small fist struck his cheek.
Weak and powerless.
Kaito barely flinched.
There was no hatred in his heart—only sorrow for her, for himself.
Tsunade hit him again. And again.
Tears mixed with rain.
"Why?! Why do you people only think of war, of enemies, of tearing families apart?! Why?!"
Her voice broke as she fell to her knees, sobbing.
Kaito remained silent, aware of Anbu eyes watching from the shadows.
He couldn't even offer her words of comfort.
Smiling bitterly, he wiped the blood from his nostrils and walked away.
He finally understood why Tobirama had revealed his identity to Tsunade.
In that moment, Tobirama had not been the Hokage.
He had been a grandfather.
"You're such a worrier, Tobirama," Kaito muttered as he left.
The rain continued to fall.
Tsunade remained kneeling, voiceless in her grief.
Then, an umbrella blocked the rain above her.
She looked up.
Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Why? Uncle Hiruzen, why did you let that despicable spy live?!"
Hiruzen sighed, gazing at Tobirama's grave.
"Tobirama told me not to tell you about him."
"Then why didn't you kill him?!" Tsunade demanded.
Hiruzen sighed again. "Because he asked us to take care of his sister… and to tell the world that he never betrayed the Rain Shinobi Village."
Tsunade stiffened.
Kaito Fujiwara.
He was just a child himself.
Her mind reeled, replaying memories of his laughter, his strength, his defiance.
How could he still smile?
Hiruzen placed the umbrella in her hands.
"He's just another poor soul lost in this world."
And with that, he turned and walked away.
The rain continued to fall.
And Tsunade, left alone, was no longer certain what she believed.
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