At that moment, in Konoha.
At Fourth Hokage Minato's home.
Kushina cradled the baby Naruto, who had just finished eating and fallen asleep, her face full of tenderness and happiness.
These past few days had been the happiest time of her life.
Naruto was safe and sound. Every day, he ate, slept, woke up smiling, and was especially attached to her. He was absolutely adorable.
Minato could also put aside all his other responsibilities and spend every moment of the day with her, wholeheartedly making up for the time he'd neglected her while serving as Hokage.
Apart from being unable to leave the house or let anyone else see them,
there were practically no downsides.
The family of three had never felt so comfortable and at ease.
You could say
this was the peaceful life Kushina had always longed for and hoped to have.
It was a stark contrast to the miserable, unsettled life she'd led as a child after the Land of Whirlpools was destroyed.
At that moment, she was grateful beyond words.
She and Minato were both alive, and Naruto hadn't been left an orphan.
If Naruto really had become an orphan, even with Konoha's protection, his life would have been incredibly hard, wouldn't it?
"Minato, how are things outside these days?"
Minato scrubbed the diapers, drenched in sweat, and answered gently:
"Don't worry. The villagers who suffered have all been settled, and the damaged buildings are being repaired. Everyone's strong. They'll pull through."
"There must have been a lot of casualties, right? They didn't have to die..."
Kushina's expression dimmed slightly. She was clearly feeling guilty.
"Dear, this isn't your fault. I failed to protect the village. The enemy was too cunning, and it had nothing to do with you. You're Naruto's mother, and the wife I