The next day, the graveyard was filled with silence, broken only by the rustling wind and the occasional creak of tree branches swaying under a fast, rain-threatening sky. The sun hung low, painting the world in a sorrowful orange glow.
All the staff and council members were present, dressed uniformly in black coats, white shirts underneath, and black pants. Rows of graves stretched along the grass, and among them, one stood freshly marked — Ren's.
Squad 12 and Squad 4 stood together, still and silent. Leon stepped forward alone, a small bouquet in hand. He knelt in front of the grave and laid the flowers gently.
He pressed his palms together, bowing his head.
"Om Shanti," he whispered.
Then he rose and stepped back.
Hiroshi leaned toward him and whispered, "What was that?"
Leon kept his gaze forward. "It's how we say 'Rest in Peace' in my place."
Hiroshi nodded slowly.
