Time seemed to freeze at the entryway for several seconds.
Kushina stood rigidly in the doorway, one hand unconsciously resting on the doorframe while the other hung suspended in midair.
For a moment, she completely lost the ability to form words. She could only stare fixedly at Minato, making sure this was not a genjutsu or some other trick.
At last, in an unreal voice, she slowly forced the words from her dry throat.
"You... came back to life?... Just... just like me?"
Minato's heart clenched painfully at the sight of his wife. He nodded, his gaze gentle yet heavy.
"Yes, Naruto did it..."
At that answer, Kushina's eyes trembled violently. It was as though she had expected it all along, yet could not accept it.
She lowered her eyes, her long lashes concealing the tears that suddenly surged up. When she looked up again, she had forcibly suppressed some of the emotion spilling out, leaving only a stiff, businesslike calm.
"I see... He still did it..."
She murmured it once more, then stepped aside from the doorway. She did not look at Minato again, only stared at the floor of the entryway.
"You... come in first."
Her voice was dry and devoid of warmth, utterly at odds with the brilliant sunlight outside and the passion a reunion should have held.
Yet upon hearing that, Minato felt a slight sense of relief, even a humble sort of gratitude.
She had not shut him out... had not immediately berated him and driven him away... This was already far better than several of the worst scenarios he had imagined.
He understood Kushina. He knew what a turbulent storm of emotion lay suppressed beneath her current "calm." Letting him through the door meant... there was still a chance to talk.
"Thank you."
He