A secret place in Konoha.
In the room, so quiet that even the flames barely made the sound of oil crackling, a blond-haired baby lay in the crib at its center, contentedly sucking on his fingers as he slept sweetly. Everything was peaceful and serene.
"Whoosh!"
Then, amid that peace and serenity, a sound like something tearing through time and space suddenly rang out beside the crib. At once, a shadow fell over the baby sucking contentedly on his fingers.
"Chiba..."
A weak voice softly followed.
"Don't worry. Just stay by Naruto's side."
After that frail voice spoke, the shadow over the blond baby seemed to grow larger, as though someone were slowly drawing closer. At the same time, a gentle male voice was heard.
Then, strands of red hair gently fell beside the blond baby's cheek. Tickled by their trembling touch, the baby unconsciously reached his other little hand toward his face, his soft pink fist waving beside his cheek.
Then, a beautiful figure was slowly lowered down beside the blond baby.
It was Kushina, her face pale and covered in a cold sweat.
"Naruto..."
Looking at the blond baby sleeping sweetly with his fingers in his mouth, Kushina, who had been laid down on her side, could not help reaching out and gently touching the baby's belly, stroking it twice. Her gaze flickered, and tears welled up in her beautiful eyes.
Remembering the terrifying ordeal her son had just gone through, even with Kushina's strong temperament, she could not stop the lingering fear and heartache. Her nose stung, and tears shimmered in her eyes.
Without realizing it, she drew her son close to her face and pressed against him tightly.
Kushina...
Naruto...
At that moment, watching his wife and son, Minato Namikaze clenched his fists so tightly that