While Pakura was caught in self-doubt in the hospital room, Hiroki had already followed the Third past layer upon layer of guards and returned to the spiral-shaped tower.
The atmosphere inside was even heavier than during his last visit, and the strong scent of medicine overpowered the calming incense in the air.
Uzumaki Mito lay on the tatami. Her face, once fairly ruddy, had turned ashen, and her skin was so shriveled it looked like dried-out paper, all crumpled.
Her breathing was faint and labored.
Uzumaki Kushina knelt beside her, her small body trembling nonstop. She clutched Mito's hand tightly, tears welling in her eyes, but forced herself not to cry aloud. Her little face was full of fear and helplessness.
When the door opened and she saw Hiroki behind the Third, a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in Kushina's tear-filled eyes.
As if she'd found a lifeline, she instinctively inched toward Hiroki.
"Hiroki—" Her voice was choked with tears and faint as a whisper. It was hard to tell whether it came from fear or some other emotion.
Hiroki nodded to her, then went over and knelt beside her, copying her posture.
He didn't offer any grand words. He simply reached out and gently patted her back, which was tense with fear.
At a time like this, all a child needed was someone she could rely on and trust.
"Don't be scared. I'm here." Hiroki's voice was quiet, but it miraculously eased little Kushina's panic.
Watching them, Sarutobi Hiruzen's tired eyes flickered with a hint of relief.
Kushina's dependence on Hiroki, and Hiroki's reassurance, were exactly the bond he had hoped to see. Only with bonds like these would Hiroki set his heart on Konoha and contribute to its development.
"Time... is running out..." On the bed, Mito mustered