"Every day, whenever I quietly sit on the sofa in Naruto's parents' home, my heart is always filled with mixed emotions..."
"Although they care for me deeply and treat me with such thoughtfulness, for some reason, whenever I face all the love and protection they give me, an indescribable unease always wells up from the depths of my heart."
"It feels as though this warmth and kindness do not truly belong to me, making it impossible for me to accept everything without reservation."
"They don't owe me anything..."
Kushina pressed her lips together slightly and gazed at Naruto with gentle eyes as she said softly:
"Naruto, you really don't need to think so much. In the hearts of my husband and me, both you and Naruto are as precious as our own children. We would never treat you differently because of how close or distant we are, nor would we show the slightest favoritism."
Hearing this, Naruto slowly shook his head, while crystal-clear tears continued streaming down his cheeks.
Yet he forced a faint smile, trying to hide the true turmoil in his heart.
"Mom, you're actually worrying too much! I'm just... worried that I won't be able to repay this deep affection in the future..."
At this, Naruto's voice became slightly choked. "After all, for now, I'm a heavy burden myself."
Kushina looked at this sensible child before her, whose maturity was heartbreaking. Without hesitation, she opened her arms and hugged Naruto tightly, then gently wiped away the tears remaining at the corners of his eyes.
She consoled him softly, "Don't ever say that again, child! What do you mean, a burden or anything like that? It's only natural for parents to love their children and willingly give everything for them."
However, Naruto stubbornly shook his head again. His