How many now had given their lives for the peace that Konohagakure no sato experienced today? With each mission more difficult than the last, Gene reflected on how if just one mistake had been made he could've very well found himself engraved on the stone in front of him. Starring with distance in his eyes, Gene read off a few names of those whom he'd come to know throughout his career. Some of the names were of people who were much younger than himself, others more seasoned but inclusive of the same fate nonetheless. Killed in the line of duty, Mitsurugi, Guren was also found among the listed names. "Forgive me, I haven't been stopping by as often as I should but...things are starting to pick up around here. I guess I haven't told you the news yet have I?" Stepping forward, Gene placed a flower bouquet at the base of the stone before coming down on one knee. "Do you remember my old teammate, Taiga? Well...he's gotten a lot stronger since the last time you heard of him. Everyone has. We've all been working hard in order to protect the future of the village just like you and Father used to do. I uh - I had to learn how to make that jumbalaya dish but it's not as good as yours. I'm still getting the hang of it so..try to bare with me."
Without his doing, Gene found himself thrust into an endless sea of memories good and bad. All the time that he and Guren spent training together and just bonding - those were gems that could never be stolen, and even though he'd felt the sting of sadness in his chest Gene remained happy to know that he'd been given the opportunity to meet an amazing person. "Also, I've been dubbed a specialist Jounin by my superiors...they're starting to notice all the hard work I've put into my training. I have you and Pop to thank for that....the two of you instilled in me the will to forge ahead no matter how difficult the circumstances may be. For that, I thank you."
Gene's eyes shifted to another name and immediately his pupils glistened. Etched in black was the name "Senju, Shou" and accompanying the name were memories of weakness, helplessness. Looking back now, Gene realized that he needed to experience the fear he'd felt that day, during the invasion where so many things were happening at once something very important happened and he owed Shou the courtesy. "You gave your life so that I and the others could escape the enemy. I was just a fresh faced Genin then...things have changed since. You taught me to stand for something no matter what and that for my comrades no length was too great. I also learned just how cold the Shinobi world can be, that's why I will never stop striving to improve my abilities. When the next threat comes Shou, you can bet I'll be ready." Clenching his fist in controlled anger, Gene visualized not just Yaku and Enma, but all the potential criminal Shinobi who could harm the village and he took a vow over the grave.
After paying his respects to the fallen, Gene left with but one thought in mind: Never again will I allow my comrades to fall.
Never again..