Naruto and Sasuke were still waiting eagerly for Natsuki to leave them his last words.
Natsuki indeed turned to face them. "Naruto, have Minato help you deal with Hinata's matter."
Naruto burst into tears, crying like a child.
"Not to! Master, you promised me you'd help me."
Natsuki smiled gently at Naruto. "You're already so grown up. Why are you still acting like a child?"
"Sasuke, I've already given Orochimaru and Itachi the method for the second stage that you need."
"Train well. Only then will you have the chance to choose in the future."
Sasuke could no longer hold it in, and tears rolled straight down his face.
As Sasuke's master, Natsuki had not taught him much in battle, but he had played an enormous role in Sasuke's growth.
Natsuki had personally overseen the growth of Sasuke's character and temperament.
Yet Sasuke had been utterly useless in the final battle. His master had even needed to sacrifice himself to kill Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
An immense pain rose in Sasuke's heart, and he hated himself.
If I had been strong enough, would Master not have needed to die?
That was how the proud Sasuke's mind worked.
If he had failed to help, it meant he was too weak.
Natsuki had sacrificed himself because Sasuke was not strong enough.
So the shameless Natsuki even had to make use of his own death.
Anyone with strong perception could feel that the area around Sasuke was like an ice cave, bitterly cold.
Natsuki sensed it as well and was quite satisfied inwardly.
He turned toward Haku. "Haku, I've entrusted your matters to Kimimaro."
"Do what you like."
Haku pressed his lips together and said softly, "I know now, Lord Natsuki."
Haku was normally a person of steady temperament. It was only because Natsuki was