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"This will be your room. If you need anything, just let us know," Minato said with a gentle smile.
"No, no, Minato. Why are you being so polite?" Kushina interrupted, pulling out a few bills and handing them to Naruto. "Here's some pocket money from Mom. Buy whatever you like!"
Naruto held the money in his hands, the exact amount no longer important. It was his first time receiving pocket money from his mother.
Growing up, he only had the allowance left by the Third Hokage and, later, his mission rewards.
Sometimes, he would even lose his money to that perverted gambler. Although he was lucky enough to win some back in lotteries, his wallet always seemed to be empty.
But this… pocket money from his mom…
Even though he could earn his own money now and wasn't lacking anything, he still felt an overwhelming desire to save this. It was something precious.
Minato scratched his head, "That's true. We have a storeroom downstairs. Feel free to take anything you need."
"Okay!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically, tucking the money securely away. So what if he seemed childish in front of his parents? There was nothing wrong with acting a little spoiled as a son.
Minato leaned closer, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder, and whispered conspiratorially, "But if you go rummaging through the storeroom, make sure you don't mess it up, or Mom will be mad."
"Eh?" Naruto instinctively rubbed the back of his head, recalling the punch he received upon meeting Kushina.
"Minato~" Kushina's voice turned dangerously sweet as she glared at them. "Are you two whispering about me?"
"How could that be!" Minato denied it with a laugh. "I was just telling Naruto to feel at home. He can do whatever he likes."
"Yeah, yeah!" Naruto nodded like a pecking chick.
"Really?" Kushina's eyes narrowed suspiciously, scanning their faces. After a moment, she sighed, "Fine, I'll let you off. Naruto, take a good rest."
As Minato and Kushina turned to leave, Naruto called out, "Wait!"
"What is it?" they asked in unison.
"Can you tell me… how to get back?" Naruto asked, his gaze avoiding theirs, afraid of losing his courage to say those words.
Minato and Kushina exchanged a glance. "You don't like it here?" Minato asked gently.
Naruto quickly shook his head. "No! This place is amazing. It has Dad and Mom, and my brother and sister. If possible, I'd want this to last forever!"
"But… how should I put it…" Naruto scratched his cheek awkwardly. "I've been alone all my life. Although it was lonely at times, I got through it. In my world, I have a lot of friends. And here… there's another me. Because I'm here, he might have lost everything. I think he'd be very sad."
"Back in my world, Sasuke… he lost his family, and it changed him. He told me I couldn't understand his pain because I never had a family. But now that I've experienced it, I think I can understand a little bit of what he felt." Naruto's face lit up with a confident smile. "Next time I see him, I'll definitely succeed in bringing him back!"
Naruto continued, "I know you must be worried about the other me. I've seen parents waiting anxiously at school gates for their kids. If their child is even a little late, they get so worried. It's been so long for him… you must be worried too. I should hurry back…"
Despite his efforts to control his emotions, Naruto's voice choked up. The warmth of family was something he'd always longed for, but his sense of responsibility pushed him to prioritize others.
Kushina smiled gently, "Even in times like this, you think of others first. You're such a kind child, Naruto. But it's okay to stay a little longer. The other Naruto is strong; he'll be fine."
"Maybe, but…"
Minato placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Alright, if you're that determined, let's start checking."
"Wait, Minato!" Kushina protested.
Minato shook his head, "Once someone decides on something, no matter how difficult or painful, they should follow through. That's what I want to teach my son. Naruto, are you sure?"
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded firmly. "Say what you mean and mean what you say. That's my ninja way!"
"Really, you two and your need to be cool," Kushina sighed, but eventually relented. She followed them to the prepared room.
Minato pointed at a seal drawn on the ground. "Naruto, stand in the middle. I'll use it to examine any anomalies."
"Got it." Naruto stood in the centre. "Do I need to do anything?"
"Just stay still. Leave the rest to me." Minato made several hand signs, activating the seal. A blue light scanned Naruto from head to toe, making him feel oddly exposed.
"Huh?" Minato's eyes widened in surprise. "Naruto, I need to check your seal."
"Oh, okay." Naruto lifted his shirt, exposing the seal on his abdomen. "Is something wrong?"
"Not sure yet. Don't worry; it's not a bad thing." Minato placed his hand over the seal.
Inside Naruto's subconscious, the Kyuubi stood up abruptly, eyes widening in shock. "Yondaime!"
"Long time no see!" Minato greeted cheerfully. "For you, at least."
The Kyuubi growled, "What's with that face?! I killed you with my own claws!"
"Is that so?" Minato replied calmly. "It seems you and Naruto haven't gotten along well."
Annoyed, the Kyuubi glared. "Damn you, Yondaime!"
Minato ignored him, placing his hand on the seal. "Something is interesting here. The same chakra as mine… and the energy that allowed Naruto to cross space-time."
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This extra story seemed to reach a meaningful conclusion, hinting at deeper mysteries yet to be resolved.
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