"I was too simplistic and one-sided in my thinking back then. I'm truly sorry, Naruto."
Minato looked at his son before him with a guilty expression, his voice trembling slightly.
" Naruto... All these years... It was all Dad's fault. I made you suffer so much... I'm truly sorry!!"
Minato let out a deep sigh, his eyes filled with regret and self-reproach.
Hearing his father's sincere apology, Naruto's heart was instantly filled with all kinds of complicated emotions, but what he felt most was endless heartache.
Before he knew it, his tears burst forth like a breached dam, continuously sliding down his cheeks.
Just then, Naruto suddenly noticed that Minato's body had begun to gradually grow hazy, as though it might dissipate into nothingness at any moment.
At that moment, he completely lost his composure. There was only one thought in his heart—keep his father here.
"Dad!!!"
Naruto cried out with all his strength, that cry filled with his longing for paternal love and his deep attachment.
However, despite this, Minato seemed to have made up his mind to leave this world. He no longer had the slightest reluctance to remain.
Looking at Naruto's healthy, strong, and courageous appearance now, Minato felt sincerely satisfied.
At last, he revealed a faint smile. Though crystal-clear tears glistened in it, the smile held nothing but deep relief and comfort.
At least... Naruto probably didn't resent him too much...
"Dad! Please... Can't you stay?"
Naruto begged desperately through his sobs.
His voice had grown hoarse from his overwhelming grief, and his entire person looked incredibly fragile.
"Why... Why is this happening..."
Naruto muttered, "Why do you have to make me feel like a homeless child every time? Why do you always make me feel like a lonely and helpless orphan??"
By now, Naruto's face