Chapter 387: Reuniting with Minato and Kushina
Inside Naruto's Mindscape.
Compared to the first time Haneda entered this space, it was unrecognizable.
The dark, damp basement-like environment was gone, along with the oppressive puddles of stagnant water that had once covered the floor.
Now, the space was clean and organized, illuminated by bright, modern lighting overhead.
Haneda glanced around, taking in the changes. Since awakening the Rinnegan, he had gained a deeper understanding of souls and mental realms.
He now understood why Naruto's mindscape had once been so dark and gloomy.
It had been a reflection of Naruto's inner negativity—his buried pain and sorrow.
But clearly, after living the life of a normal child for a few years, Naruto's bright and cheerful nature had fully emerged. With more friends and a happier life, the negativity had vanished entirely.
The modern lighting and spotless floors were a testament to Naruto's positive transformation.
"It seems Kurama's living environment has improved a lot, huh? No wonder you started raising his rent, Naruto," Haneda joked, running a hand along the clean wall, which was free of dust.
"What? Haneda-ojisan, don't accuse me of raising Kurama's rent on purpose! He offered it himself!" Naruto protested, denying his exploitation of Kurama as Sasuke's training aid.
"Naruto!"
A deep, rumbling voice echoed from the depths of the mindscape—it was Kurama calling out to Naruto.
"Oh, the main event has arrived."
Haneda chuckled and took Naruto's hand, leading him toward the source of the voice.
As they approached, Kurama's massive figure loomed into view. When he caught sight of Haneda's pale purple Rinnegan, Kurama's eyes widened in shock.
"Those eyes... the Sage's eyes?!"
"You've awakened the Rinnegan?!"
Haneda responded calmly, "It's not that hard. As long as you understand the method and work diligently, success is inevitable."
"..." Kurama clearly didn't believe a word of it.
He knew full well that the Rinnegan required a combination of Indra's and Ashura's powers—specifically, the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and the Senju's Sage body.
Even with those prerequisites, it still demanded vast amounts of chakra and an extended period of time to evolve.
"Diligence," Kurama snorted internally. More like hacks or advanced technology!
Kurama glared at Haneda's Rinnegan for several moments, as if lost in old memories.
But Haneda wasn't here to show off or boast about his Rinnegan. He got straight to the point.
"Kurama, I need you to protect Naruto for the foreseeable future," Haneda said.
"Because others might target him?" Kurama asked, curious. He hadn't heard Haneda's earlier conversation with Naruto.
"Something like that. I plan to fake my death to draw out those who hate or resent me, forcing them to act against Konoha."
"I need you to stop Naruto from spilling the secret if he gets too excited, and of course, protect him if he's ever in danger."
Haneda paused, then added, "Think of it as a performance, like what the First Hokage—Hashirama Senju—did. You knew him, didn't you? Except in my case, it's all an act."
Kurama didn't care much about Haneda's schemes or his love-hate relationship with the ninja world. But when it came to Naruto, Kurama did feel a bond.
Even without Haneda's request, Kurama would have helped Naruto.
After all, if he weren't willing to cooperate, how could Naruto freely share Kurama's chakra with Sasuke?
Considering Naruto's lack of chakra control, it was obvious that Kurama had been assisting him behind the scenes.
As for Haneda's request to stop Naruto from spilling the secret, Kurama didn't think it was necessary.
Naruto might act mischievous or stubborn at times—like a child spoiled by his family—but deep down, he was brave, responsible, and thoughtful.
Living alongside Naruto, Kurama knew this better than anyone.
Still, to reassure Haneda, Kurama said, "Fine. I'll remind him if it comes to that."
"I don't need you to remind me!" Naruto interjected, puffing out his chest. He felt like he was being underestimated.
Kurama wisely chose to stay silent at this moment.
Haneda smiled but didn't push the matter further. Instead, his Rinnegan caught sight of something in the depths of Naruto's mind—a seal containing the chakra remnants of Minato and Kushina.
With a wave of his hand, Haneda broke the seal. Light surged as Minato and Kushina materialized, stepping forward from the sealed space.
"Dad! Mom!" Naruto's face lit up with joy.
"Naruto!" Kushina cried, rushing forward to embrace her son.
Although she didn't fully understand why Haneda had released them, her longing for Naruto overpowered any questions she might have had.
Behind her, Minato smiled warmly as he watched the scene.
The heartwarming reunion lasted only a few seconds before Kushina's expression turned stern. She suddenly raised her fist and knocked it gently against Naruto's head.
"Naruto! What did I tell you before?" she began scolding.
"Eat your meals properly—no skipping vegetables! Go to bed on time—no staying up late! And take proper baths—no rushing through with cold water just to save time!"
"Also, study hard and pay attention in class—no falling asleep or staring out the window!"
"Ahhh! How do you know all that, Mom?!" Naruto cried, clutching his head in confusion.
"Because I've been watching you the whole time!" Kushina said, softening as she ruffled Naruto's hair.
Then, as if remembering something, she added with a lighter tap on his head,
"And one more thing—don't interrupt me when I'm talking, Naruto!"
"..." Naruto could only sit there, speechless. What he had hoped would be a touching family reunion had turned into an impromptu parenting lecture.
Minato chuckled. "Alright, Kushina. If Naruto doesn't like vegetables, let him be. Haneda bought him vitamin supplements—sweet ones. Naruto's been taking them."
"Quiet! Naruto's behavior is your fault and Haneda's—you've both spoiled him too much!" Kushina snapped, her fiery red hair flaring with intensity.
Haneda instinctively fell silent, not daring to say a word.
Blood Red Pepper Kushina was as terrifying as the legends claimed.
But Kushina's anger dissipated as quickly as it had flared. Hugging Naruto again, she stroked his round, chubby cheeks with a smile.
"Even though your behavior could use some improvement, you've made a lot of good friends. Hmm, but why Sakura? Hinata's such a lovely girl. Why not her?"
Naruto immediately defended his crush,
"Sakura's amazing! She's smart, her grades are better than Sasuke's, and she's kind-hearted! She even volunteers at the hospital to take care of the elderly and has learned a lot about medical ninjutsu!"
Kushina shot Naruto a glare. Love is blind, huh?
Everyone in your class knows Sakura likes Sasuke except you!
Still, thinking of Sasuke, Kushina sighed. In the end, it didn't matter who Naruto liked—as long as it wasn't… someone like a certain individual she didn't want to name.
"Alright, Naruto. If you like Sakura, then go for it. When I was your age, I didn't like your dad either, but he never gave up."
Naruto turned to Minato with wide eyes. "Really?!"
Minato scratched the back of his head awkwardly, laughing softly.