"I should have seen this one coming from a mile away. Look who's age finally caught up to him, eh Kazu?"
A voice seemed to sound from the back of the room. I stood, leaning against the wall, my arms folded and my head down, with a bit of a smirk on. I wore a white robe decorated with small flames at the bottom of it, that was just for decor, it wasn't symbolic of anything really. It was a Kage's robe, and a smirk adorned my face as I remained still. Everyone's heads seemed to turn and focus their attention on me, which is exactly what I wanted. It wasn't till every head turned that I decided to finally start moving and making my way to the front of the room, towards the microphone.
"Well, I decided to come today to say a few things about Kazuki, here. He, number one, has always been there for me through thick and thin and that is something that I need to thank him for. Now, I'm not exactly good at expressing my feelings in words, I'm no poet but I can attempt at least. Being Kage now, it is an honor. And I would have never gotten that far if it weren't for Kazuki. He's a teacher and a brother to me, a friend and an adviser, he's everything. And he's made me into the person I am today. Sure, he once lost it, who doesn't once in a while..? I died once, and then I was brought back, but I wouldn't have been brought back if it there weren't people who missed me, a reason and a purpose for it. He was standing there for the very beginning of my resurrection, and while I am trying to regain some of my memories from the time I was a 'spirit' for lack of better term, I know I always have Kazuki there with me. Know that because you are retiring from the ninja world does not demote or denounce you from any high position you were once well renowned in before. I will protect you from any strike if you cannot anymore. I know that you'll watch over me as my Kage term is in effect. I thank you Kazuki Shikimori."
And with that, I nodded and bowed my head as I walked from the podium to the back of the room and out the door, I was heading back to the Aurora village. But Kazuki would have noticed, there was something around his neck, I had slyly slipped around his neck. An amulet that best represents our relation with each other and a symbol of my gratitude.
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'I've been through hell and back, but I'm not giving up, no never. I will never give up!... It's just who I am."
'A dream is a true desire, a wish from your heart, and they should never be forsaken. I have my own dreams, and I have a right to chase them. Your dreams are safe with me.'