Uchiha Sasuke the Last Shinobi

"Grandpa, I brought water for you!"

"Ah, thank you."

"Is there anything else you want? Like something to eat?"

"Well... I feel like having tomatoes."

"Again? Grandpa, you really love tomatoes, don't you? Alright, I'll bring some!"

While watching his great-grandchild rush to the kitchen, Sasuke takes a sip of the cold water, filling his mouth. He savors the refreshing feeling as his dry throat moistens. Suddenly, his attention is caught by the sound of the television that reaches his ears.

"Today marks a hundred years since the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War. A memorial ceremony for the fallen soldiers was held in the Hidden Hot Springs Village, which was once a battlefield."

The television screen displays an array of floral tributes. If Sasuke hadn't caught a cold a few days ago, he would have added a single flower there as well.

The screen quickly transitions, showing the village leaders from various nations facing forward. He recognizes some of them, and his eyes narrow at the remnants of their former selves.

His mentor, close friends, wife, daughter, and fellow comrades—all the shinobi who once knew the war have departed. Only Sasuke remains.

Even this village of Konoha, the memories of the past are almost as faint as the faces on the rock. Tall buildings now stand outside, and trains and bullet trains run through the spaces between them.

Even if it's superficial and filled with mutual deterrence, there is food, a place to sleep, and clothing. Children can smile, play, and feel safe. There is no senseless killing. Combat is carried out indirectly through puppets, and people no longer consider risking their lives as a given. That's the kind of world it has become.

At least, in this Land of Fire, in Konoha, one could truly say there is peace.

However, I still haven't gotten used to the advancements brought by scientific ninja technology.

Perhaps it's because I am still a "Shinobi."

In a peaceful world, there is no longer a need for the exchange of lives.

In a peaceful world, "shinobi" and "I" are no longer needed.

"Grandpa, I'm sorry! It seems we're out of tomatoes. Mom went shopping..."

Gasp "Hey, Grandpa! What's wrong?"

A worried voice resembling that person speaks through the open door.

I try to respond, but no words come out. My hands are wet. I must have dropped the cup.

My great-grandchild's hand rests on my waist, and as they gently lay me down, I finally realize that my time has come.

"Grandpa... Mom... Yes, Mom!"

I gently grasp the arm of my flustered great-grandchild with my trembling, wrinkled hand. There is no time left to call my daughter-in-law. I'm sure this child also understands that it's time for us to part.

I let out a laugh at my crying great-grandchild and gently tousle their golden hair with my one-armed hand.

Memories of warm moments vividly come rushing back, like a revolving lantern.

Family meals—realizing that so much love was poured into them, even if I didn't notice.

Missions with Team 7—feeling that warmth seep into my cold heart.

Encounter with my deceased brother—where everything was forgiven.

Reconciliation with my best friend—ending the destiny that had carried on from past lives and being liberated from it all.

The day I got married to my wife, the day I heard about her pregnancy.

The day our daughter was born, the day we got married.

The day our grandchild was born, the day they got married.

And the day this child was born.

I was happy. To the point of wanting to cry.

"There's... one more thing I want."

"W-What is it? I'll get it right away!"

"Your... smile. I want to see it."

My great-grandchild momentarily distorts their face, scrunching it up.

And then, they show a smile like a sun, just like that person.

"Well... Goodnight, Grandpa."

They lightly tap my forehead and slowly close their eyelids.

Enveloped in white light, Sasuke's consciousness fades away.

The next day, the news of the hero of the war and the last shinobi's passing shook the world.

Uchiha Sasuke died at the age of 118.

Many people attended his funeral, as the last shinobi peacefully passed away.

It was said that his lifeless body displayed a serene and gentle smile.

And so, the life of one of the greatest men Konoha had ever seen came to an end. Or so it was supposed to.