Inside the Sealing Space
"Why am I here?"
"You used too much Chakra and passed out."
Minato stayed by Naruto's side. When he saw him wake up, he smiled and responded.
"Father... I saw my mother."
"Mm, I know."
Minato had seen everything that happened outside. He had been angry at first, but later realized that Orochimaru had not truly intended to do anything. He had merely used a simple method to reunite the family of three. When Minato saw Kushina, he had nearly cried as well.
"My mother was really beautiful, and really strong too—stronger than my father. That hit nearly knocked me out."
Remembering Kushina's Frying Pan made Naruto shudder. He patted his chest in lingering fear.
"Your mother was famous for her violence back in school. They called her the Bloody Red Pepper."
Minato chuckled softly. He had never mentioned Kushina in front of Naruto—not because he did not want to, but because he did not dare. He was afraid Naruto would cry because he had no mother, and Naruto had been considerate enough never to ask.
"Because of her hair color?"
"No, because she beat anyone who mocked her until they were crawling all over the ground looking for their teeth."
"That's terrifying!"
"Naruto, you've grown stronger."
Minato stroked Naruto's hair. Thinking of how that little boy who could not even form hand seals properly had grown into an outstanding ninja capable of standing against one of the Three Sannin made his nose sting. Orochimaru might have held back somewhat, but Naruto had still earned his recognition, had he not?
"Hehe, isn't that only natural? I'm going to become a ninja even cooler than my father and even stronger than my mother!"
"Ah! This isn't the time to be chatting with dad! Sasuke is still waiting