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Sasuke's POV
An hour had passed since everyone heard about Naruto's death, but for everyone else, it felt like an eternity. Tsunade and Jiraiya remained silent, staring at the floor. Hinata, still crying, seemed to think it was all a bad nightmare, while everyone else was consumed by regret and sorrow. Another hour passed in solemn silence before people began to disperse. Hinata, overwhelmed by shock and grief, eventually passed out and was taken to the hospital.
"That idiot. Why did he work so hard to bring me back if he was just going to die so soon?" Sasuke thought bitterly to himself.
Days passed, and they held a funeral for Naruto, but not many people attended. Only those who knew Naruto well were present, shocking his friends as they realized just how alone Naruto had been. But it was too late for regrets.
A week went by, and news of Naruto's death spread throughout the village. However, not everyone mourned. Some were even relieved. "Finally, the demon brat is gone..." "He should've died sooner..." Sasuke heard these words wherever he went, fueling his anger. But for now, he restrained himself. No one would understand.
"What's done is done," Sasuke thought, lying atop the Hokage statues where Naruto often rested. "I will... no, I must get stronger. Strong enough to kill Itachi. Strong enough to uncover how and why Naruto was killed, and to avenge him," Sasuke declared, determination burning in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Sakura watched Sasuke from a distance, fear and regret gripping her heart whenever she considered approaching the cliff.
"Mind if I join you?" someone said from behind Sakura. Turning around, she saw Hinata approaching, her eyes red from crying. "Hinata! Are you okay?" Sakura asked, concerned.
"Yes, I'll be fine," Hinata replied softly. "Naruto-kun used to come here often," she said, looking toward the cliff.
"Yeah," Sakura agreed quietly, and they lapsed into silence.
"But Naruto-kun wouldn't want us to keep crying all the time. He'd probably tell us to cheer up and be happy, right?" Hinata said, tears welling in her eyes.
"Yeah, he probably would," Sakura said, tears also forming.
"I've decided, Sakura-san. I'm going to get stronger and become Hokage. For Naruto-kun," Hinata declared suddenly, wiping her tears away.
Sakura was taken aback for a moment, then nodded resolutely. "Yeah, you're right. I'm going to get stronger too and aim to become Hokage," she declared, wiping her tears as well.
Sasuke noticed Hinata and Sakura approaching the cliff and decided to give them space, moving away quietly. They watched the scenery in silence for a while before heading home.
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Tobi's POV
"Was killing him really necessary?" Zetsu asked Tobi. "And what do you plan to do with this clone? Faking his death with it should have been enough." Tobi remained silent for a moment, then smirked.
"Heh! You'll see..."