章 142: Parents
Finally obtaining the key he desired, the one capable of unlocking Kurama's seal, Naruto found the process too convoluted to describe in detail.
As the scroll toad entered his body through his mouth, Naruto felt an innate understanding of how to use the key. He could now access Kurama's seal at will. Yet, he chose not to do so immediately.
In the spiritual realm, Naruto reassured Kurama. "Don't worry, I'll release your seal soon. But before that, there are two individuals I need to meet. It's something that I owe them. Until then."
Who were these individuals?
Namikaze Minato and Kushina's Chakra.
Naruto was aware that they had sealed a portion of their Chakra within themselves, one for self-protection and the other in anticipation of the day when they could witness Naruto's growth firsthand.
Could their Chakra perceive Naruto's experiences? It seemed plausible.
Yet, Naruto couldn't help but feel apprehensive. What would their reaction be? Would they blame themselves for entrusting him to the village, or would they offer their support?
Naruto's nerves were on edge. Not only was he anxious about the upcoming meeting, but also because the relationship between him and his parents in this world lacked the deep foundation he longed for.
He acknowledged his parents' responsibilities unilaterally, but would they still acknowledge him as their son?
Honestly, even when facing formidable foes like Obito and Danzo, he hadn't felt this nervous.
Kurama seemed to sense something too, opting for silence rather than agitation.
In reality, this was a pivotal moment for both Naruto and Kurama.
Despite growing increasingly harmonious over the years, the prospect of the seal being broken felt like a significant shift, especially for Kurama. Once unleashed, it would be unrestrained, much like when Kushina was forced to break the seal by Obito, giving Kurama an almost open opportunity to escape.
Could Naruto trust Kurama?
Kurama didn't dwell on it, having already made its decision. Now, it was simply waiting for Naruto to make his move.
Back in the real world, Naruto let out a long exhale, still feeling the unpleasant taste lingering in his mouth, making him retch.
Almost spewing out Toad Yin again...
Thankfully, Toad Yin was sealed within him. If it had actually entered his stomach, it would have been digested immediately.
"Alright, my task is done. From now on, Naruto, our paths diverge," Jiraiya finally spoke, his expression tinged with sadness.
Initially returning to the village with joy, he had hoped to finally reunite with the child.
But instead, he saw glimpses of Namikaze Minato in Naruto's features—similar hair color and facial structure, with only the eyes reminiscent of Kushina.
It nearly brought tears to his eyes.
Naruto, too, felt a surge of emotion.
He silently vowed to remember Jiraiya's assistance. Perhaps in the future, when he returned to Village Hidden by Rain, they could arrange a reunion with their siblings, offering Master a comprehensive service.
Contemplating this, Naruto felt a sense of resolution.
"But remember your promise, Naruto. If you ever pose a threat to Konoha Village, no matter how hard you try, I'll stop you," Jiraiya warned sternly.
Naruto nodded silently, offering no assurance.
He'd deal with that later. If the Fourth Ninja War accidentally engulfed Konoha Village, well, he couldn't control everything, could he?
With that, Jiraiya reversed the summoning technique and returned to Konoha Village.
Naruto glanced at the Toad Sage and the two Toad Sages, nodding to them before following the path back to Konoha Village.
Upon his return, however, Jiraiya was nowhere to be seen. It seemed he wasn't keen on facing Naruto.
Naruto shrugged, turning to walk in the opposite direction.
This time, he wasn't in a rush to locate others from the Village Hidden by Rain. Instead, he leisurely strolled through the streets of Konoha Village.
He'd changed so much that almost no one recognized him, sparing him from the usual "demon fox" remarks.
"After being away for so long..." Naruto sighed, feeling a sense of nostalgia. After all, Konoha Village had been his home for eight years. He even missed Yile Ramen, where the owner treated him kindly, unlike most villagers who regarded him with cold disdain.
And there was that ninjutsu shop, owned by someone who still treated Naruto with respect after learning his identity.
Wasn't that Tenten's shop? Her combat style was impressive. If she wasn't wealthy, then she ran a successful ninja shop, right?
Just as Naruto contemplated heading to Yile Ramen for a taste of nostalgia, an Anbu intercepted him. It was Tenzo.
"Village Hidden by Rain ninja Naruto, your teammates are settled in. I'll take you to meet them," Tenzo informed, leading the way without questioning Naruto's prolonged absence or activities during that time.
Naruto smiled nonchalantly. He'd be staying in Konoha Village for a while, so ramen was always an option. Plus, tonight he had another task—meeting the parents of this world.
They weren't old either. Both had been sacrificed at the age of twenty-four. They died young.
Calling them "big brother" and "sister-in-law" wouldn't be appropriate, would it?
Naruto chuckled to himself, imagining the awkwardness of addressing them as such.
Tenzo glanced at Naruto, a hint of resentment flickering in his eyes.
How could Naruto laugh so carefree after everything he'd done?
It was unfathomable to Tenzo.
Naruto either didn't notice or didn't care.
....
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