It was simply as unbelievable as a fairy tale. Someone who had long since passed away was now standing before him, alive and well. It was not a genjutsu, nor a Transformation Technique, but a genuine dead person who should have been resting in the Pure Land.
Kakashi slowly pulled his forehead protector back down, covering the Sharingan that was trembling slightly from shock. Though his heart was still filled with disbelief, the facts were right before him. He had no choice but to believe.
"Kushina-sensei's wife... It really is you... I..."
His voice unconsciously lowered, his gaze wandering as he never dared meet Kushina's eyes.
"Hey, hey, why are you being so formal?" Kushina's tone was natural and warm. "It reminds me of when I was pregnant with Naruto. Minato asked you to be my guard. We were already quite familiar then, but you always acted so businesslike."
She casually brought up the past, while Kakashi could only nod helplessly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the edge of his clothes.
"You've grown so much..." Kushina carefully looked over the silver-haired Jonin before her, who was now much taller than she was. There was a touch of wistfulness in her voice. "It feels like a dream. That little brat from back then has actually become such a handsome man."
For Kakashi, this sort of ordinary small talk with someone he had not seen in so long was an entirely unfamiliar experience. He could only nod awkwardly in response, his throat seeming to be blocked by something, unable to produce a complete sound.
Seeing Kakashi's awkward appearance, Kushina sighed softly. She put away her casual tone and decided to ask the questions that had been lingering in her heart.
"All these years, after Minato and I left, how have you been?"
"...After