In Naruto's illusory consciousness space, Minato's heart was filled with avoidance and fear.
This fear did not come from any external threat, but from anxiety about the unknown and doubts about his own abilities.
He could not help but begin imagining all sorts of things. How will Naruto respond after learning about me?
This question weighed on his heart like a heavy boulder, making him increasingly uneasy.
Minato knew that his current situation was extremely awkward and fragile. It could even be said that he was utterly helpless.
Faced with a powerful enemy, he had been captured with ease after only one exchange.
If his son saw him in such a miserable state, how could he face himself? What kind of face could he show Naruto, who had always regarded him as a hero?
However, there was another possibility that made Minato even more fearful—perhaps Naruto did not want him to appear here.
After all, so many years had passed, and Minato had neither accompanied nor guided Naruto throughout his growth.
Perhaps his sudden appearance would instead become an invisible barrier between Naruto and his parents here, creating a divide that would be difficult to overcome.
For a moment, countless thoughts surged into his mind, crashing against his already chaotic emotions like violent waves.
How he wished time could turn back, to the moment before he had ever been summoned back!
Even the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, who had once shaken the Shinobi World and been hailed as incomparably powerful, became like a helpless child when facing his own child—conflicted and utterly unable to find an answer.
"He's..."
"He's a stubborn, foolish, selfish person."
Naruto's words made both Naruto outside and Minato within the consciousness space tremble inwardly.
"You..."
Naruto's voice trembled. He wanted to tell Naruto not to insult