At least he left behind something to remember him with, something that maybe the saniwa could call him back with.

At least he disappeared in a 'cool' fashion, like what he lived to be, with himself taking on the visage of their old master in Oushuu.

In the end, the long-lived crane is left behind, watching time reclaim people when they were due. He picks up the pieces, and tucks them into his cloak.

He thinks to himself, will there ever be a time where he will join them?

That'll be quite a surprise.