A Morbid Ceremony

"People of Toyone, your attention please."

Nakatane called out. The crowd grew gradually quieter, and he only spoke again once silence reigned.

"We stand here victorious, despite the odds that were stacked against us. But that victory has come at a cost – as we knew it would."

"These," He motioned toward the funeral pyre, "are some of the bravest men and women to have walked this sacred land of the rising sun, and it is our duty to remember their names for eternity."

"Join me in prayer, as I ask the gods to welcome them into Takamagahara."

Jikouji passed him a flaming torch that he carefully received with both hands before he began the ceremonial chants.

"Gods, forgive the sins of us weak mortals as we beseech you to show benevolence toward us lesser beings."

He paused as he waited for the gathered people to repeat back his chant.