Board Thread:Konoha Missions/@comment-24937485-20161026160823/@comment-30271674-20161030023708

Ieyasu had to protect the leaf... Keldran was putting his faith and trust into him now. He couldn't turn back now, he couldn't be selfish even though there were things in this life he still wished for deeply. That's just not how it worked, in this world or the next. Ieyasu could only be strong and true for now on, anything else would make him a bitter disappointment to Keldran, Ikeru, and all the others who might've lighted up at the sight of Ieyasu putting an end to Godric's control actions just some weeks ago.

He had been crying since Keldran started, Ieyasu felt as though this was the last time he could cry for himself. As he intended to, despite how hard it was: He provided no resistance for his friend's farewell.

With Keldran's disappearance from the scene, he turned back to the others and smiled through his tears. He seemed to be trying to provide his best impression of what he'd think these people really needed right now.

"We did our best out here today, guys. Hey, after we get patched up let's celebrate by going to Yakinku Q...!"

His attempts at being charismatic seemed as half-assed as the smile he tried to put on his face as it mixed in with the current sorrow, and he thought it sounded terrible to be around others after something like that... but he also couldn't bear the thought of doing anything less and going to face himself alone again. Today was the day that Ieyasu fully commited to being a hero, and for now on he'd have to go above and beyond the call of duty so that in some way he could have the village be the family he needs so he can commit fully to protecting them and making sure not another innocent ninja died from here on out.