He saw her everywhere in the crowd. Her smiling face, filled with joy, followed by a billowing curtain of red. He could remember clearly her laughter, the way she swayed gracefully with every step, joyous just to be alive. She always gave his life worth, and not that he lacked worth now, but.. It was much harder to cope with now that he had to face it, the absence of the woman he loved.
No matter the situation, a Shinobi must never show emotion.
Not only was it something he preached, but also something he lived by. You must posses a heart that never shows tears. It had been difficult, but he had thought he prepared himself mentally for this day. He knew he'd be expected to be punctual and joyful, despite the grief the day brought to his heart. After all, he was the Hokage. A figurehead, the one that children and adults alike looked up to.
Several times throughout the day, as the festival progressed, he had felt a tightness build in his chest and spread to his throat, constricting his ability to speak. Seized with an overwhelming amount of emotions, he had nearly given in to the desire to break, to weep and mourn for the ones that had been torn so violently from his life.. Most of all, the beautiful redhead that had captivated him so many years ago.
The evening hours were drawing near as the sun began to set over the horizon, giving way to a darkening sky, illuminated by the stars and the thousands of paper lanterns that had been strung throughout the village. He admired the beauty of the festival, not just for the decorations, but also for the attire that was worn. Traditionally, his choice of wear was a royal blue kimono, accented with white and yellow patterns.
There was one final event that would bring the day to a closing, though it was also one which would require a strong heart, something he lacked as of late. He had exhausted himself, mentally, by wearing a fake smile and choking out feigned laughter when required. The ending of the festival meant he would be able to confront his emotions, something he struggled with since the sun began to rise that morning.
However, there was one last, very important person he had promised himself he'd be strong for.
This person was one of the remaining reasons his life had worth, and for that reason, he refused to waver. Today was, appropriately, difficult for him as well. They had both suffered the loss of loved ones, and while grim, it had deepened their bond.
At least.. That was how he saw it. His remaining student had become more important than ever to him, and he was more thankful than he could find words to express, that he would not have to endure this evening alone. He had suffered through the majority of the day alone – in a sense, despite the endless adoration he received from villagers that squealed with delight at the chance of meeting the Hokage in person.
That chance didn't come often, after all.
As he arrived at the starting of the pathway that led to the designated river, just along the outskirts of the village, his strength waned. He felt his heart grow heavy, and his expression more sorrowful, sadness clouding blue eyes. It wouldn't be long now he assumed, that he'd be met with the younger male as they had agreed upon. They had tried.. And failed, several times to reach one another, and had eventually made the promise to meet here. He was a man of patience, the wait was not an issue.. Though, he silently wondered how much longer he'd be able to wear his brave face.
