How Kurama Leads Naruto Astray

Time passed slowly as Kurama continued his banter. The chakras of Nagato and Minato, which had been maintaining the sealing space, gradually began to fade. It looked like they wouldn't be able to hold out much longer.

Maybe feeling the separation was coming, Kushina held Naruto and Sasuke tightly, unwilling to let go. Minato seemed unchanged, but there was a trace of reluctance on his face.

Hagoromo thought for a moment, then turned and gave Kurama a glance before disappearing from the sealing space.

Kurama clicked his tongue but didn't say anything more, turning and lying in the shadows, remaining silent.

Naruto and Sasuke also sensed that the time for parting was near. Kushina held Naruto with one arm and Minato with the other, while Sasuke, his shy blush fading, took the initiative to grab Kushina's arm.

The four of them continued chatting as usual. Naruto was telling them about his mischievous behavior, with Kushina happily agreeing. Minato advised Naruto not to upset others, and Sasuke nodded along.

Suddenly, Minato remembered something and smiled at Kushina. "By the way, Kushina, did you know? There's a girl who really likes Naruto and confessed to him. Naruto accepted."

Kushina's eyes immediately lit up. "Who? What's her name?"

Naruto shyly lowered his head, and Sasuke smiled. "Her name is Hyuga Hinata. She's the heiress of the Hyuga clan."

Actually, Sasuke had been worried about Naruto and Hinata before. Although Hinata wasn't as strong as her younger sister, her family status was pretty high. For Naruto, a commoner, it would be hard to marry someone like Hinata.

But now, he wasn't worried at all. Who was Naruto? The son of the Fourth Hokage. Just that identity alone, the Hyuga clan wouldn't be wondering if Naruto was worthy of Hinata—they'd be wondering if Hinata was worthy of Naruto.

Honestly, once Naruto's identity as the Fourth Hokage's son came to light, the entire direction of Konohagakure would change instantly.

"Hyuga clan, huh?" Kushina seemed a bit awkward. She turned to Minato. "Minato, when we were alive, who was the leader of the Hyuga clan?"

"It was Hiashi-sama" Minato replied with a slight sigh. "His personality… how should I put it… not many people from our generation could tolerate him. Even Uchiha Fugaku was easier to deal with than Hyuga Hiashi."

"It's him," Kushina said, recognizing him, then felt a headache coming on.

She sighed softly and looked at Naruto. "So, what now?"

Naruto didn't answer. Sasuke spoke up from the side. "The current leader of the Hyuga clan is still Hiashi-sama. I saw him during the last exam."

Naruto's heart skipped a beat, and he cautiously looked at his parents. "Mom, Dad, our family doesn't have a grudge against the Hyuga clan, do we?"

"No, not really," Kushina sighed. "But Hiashi-sama's personality is really difficult. Just thinking about him being my future in-law gives me a headache. Do you think he'll make things hard for you, Naruto?"

"No, Hiashi-sama knows how to separate personal feelings from business," Minato shook his head.

Although Hiashi's personality was indeed tough, he was someone who could distinguish between personal and professional matters. Back when Minato was alive, the relationship between the Hyuga clan and the village had been fairly smooth because of this.

However, when Minato had a relatively good relationship with the Uchiha clan, Hiashi had once looked down on him.

But really, he was a good person... well, probably.

Naruto wanted to say something, but after thinking about it, he stayed quiet and just scratched his head.

Kushina noticed the look on Naruto's face and quickly smiled to reassure him. "Don't worry, Naruto. We're just not used to dealing with Hiashi-sama, but we don't dislike that girl. You go ahead and pursue her. I fully support you!"

It'd be best if you could catch the girl's heart while she's still young, like Minato did. That way, the relationship would only get stronger as time went on.

"Why does that sound like it's about me?" 

Kushina pushed the strange thought aside and looked at Naruto with sparkling eyes. "Why don't you tell me about that girl?"

"I think I can," Minato said seriously, nodding in agreement.

"Same here," Sasuke added. He already knew, but he wanted to hear Naruto's version.

Naruto's face immediately turned red, and he stammered, not sure how to start. He lowered his head shyly and started playing with his fingers.

His actions were exactly like Hinata's.

But just as Kushina and Minato waited eagerly for more, a sudden glow began to radiate from both of them. It was the sign of chakra dispersing.

Their expressions froze, and they instinctively exchanged a glance.

Minato smiled lightly and nodded at Kushina.

Kushina understood, sighed quietly, and then released her hold on Naruto and Sasuke, her face playful as she said with a smile, "What a shame. Looks like we'll have to wait for next time to hear your story, boys."

Naruto and Sasuke both stood frozen in place, mouths open, staring at the two of them.

Kushina placed her hand gently on their heads and smiled casually. "It's okay. As long as our hearts are connected, no matter how far apart we are, our love will reach you."

"But..." Naruto started to say something, but Minato shook his head with a smile. "Naruto, we'll meet again. Maybe in the distant future, maybe tomorrow. Trust me."

Naruto stayed silent, his face full of sadness.

Sasuke looked at Naruto, took a deep breath, then turned to Minato and Kushina. "I'll take care of this guy. I'll protect him well, until the day you two meet again."

"Thank you." Minato smiled brightly, placing his hand on Sasuke's head. "Maybe... you'll meet us again too."

When Minato said this, his expression was quite interesting.

Kushina also gave a knowing smile. "The future... no, let's say goodbye to the past."

The light around them became more and more intense. As chakra scattered in all directions, their bodies started to become transparent.

Minato walked over to Kushina, pulling her into his arms, smiling as he looked at his wife. "Kushina, do you have anything you want to say to Naruto and Sasuke?"

Kushina leaned against Minato, gazing at Naruto and Sasuke, smiling. "Last time it was my turn, this time, you go ahead."

"Mm..." Minato thought for a moment, then smiled and spoke. "Naruto..."

A tear slid down the corner of Naruto's eye as he stood there, staring at the two of them. "I'm here..."

Minato's smile became warm, like the sunlight of winter, touching the heart. "What I want to say is the same as what your nagging mom would say."

"I love you."

Naruto stood there, dazed, as if seeing that chaotic night again. A couple stood before their child, their chests pierced by claws, yet their faces still wore smiles as they looked at their child.

They said... to grow up well.

They said... not to be picky about food.

They said... to study Ninjutsu well.

As you grow up, you'll meet many people. You don't need too many friends, just a few you can trust.

Being picky about food isn't a big deal, but with mom and dad not around, you have to eat well, so you can grow up strong.

It's okay if you don't learn Ninjutsu, because mom isn't very good at it either. Everyone has things they're good at and things they're not. Even if you can't do it, don't get discouraged.

And... and... there's so much more, so much I want to say to you in person. I really wish I could always be there for you...

Naruto, you'll face a lot of pain and hardship. You have to stay true to yourself and keep your belief in your dreams.

I'm sorry... Minato... I'm the only one talking...

It's okay, Kushina...

Naruto, what I want to say is the same as this nagging old mom...

I love you.

Naruto trembled as he lowered his head, tears falling down his face and splashing on the ground. The water droplets disturbed the reflections of the others and stirred their hearts.

In the next moment, Naruto quickly wiped his face, brushing away all the tears and sadness. With his tear-streaked face, he forced a smile and gave a thumbs up to Minato and Kushina. "I may not have many friends, but everyone trusts me, just like Sasuke does."

"I love eating ramen, but sometimes I try cooking myself. It doesn't always taste good, but I'll make sure to eat enough."

"I'm not very smart, and I can't learn many ninjutsu. I've mastered my dad's Rasengan, but I can't quite get the hang of the Flying Thunder God technique. I'm learning my mom's Diamond Lock technique, and I believe I'll get it soon."

"I've grown up to be a man now. Even the pervy sage praised my strength. I've defeated the Jinchuriki of One-Tail, faced Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, and helped the Princess of the Land of Snow take back her country."

"My dream is to become Hokage, to be a ninja who surpasses all the past Hokages. I will protect the village and the people I care about."

"So, you don't have to worry. I'm... growing up well, becoming the man you wanted me to be."

Naruto suddenly choked and shouted, crying out to them, "I... I'm so happy to be your child!"

"Naruto.. You are our child, and we're so happy," Minato and Kushina said, smiling as they faded away.

The light from the chakra slowly disappeared, leaving Naruto standing there, staring blankly ahead.

Sasuke stepped forward and placed his right hand on Naruto's shoulder, saying nothing.

Kurama opened his eyes and looked at the disappearing seal and fading chakra. He took a deep breath and slowly shook his head.

Forget it. For Naruto's sake, Minato, Kushina, I forgive you two for what you did to me.

Seriously, I hate these goodbyes, but you had to go and show me this one.

Damn, it feels like sand got in my eyes.

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