It was a fierce embrace, trembling slightly, yet as solid as a mountain.
Tsunade buried her face in Shinichi's back. Her voice was muffled, but every word struck deep into his bones.
"Then... let's mend this 'sky' together."
In that instant, something seemed to melt Shinichi's rigid body. He reached back and clasped the hands Tsunade had wrapped around his waist, holding them tight.
Orochimaru, who had been standing in the corner trying his best to go unnoticed, tactfully slipped away, silent as flowing liquid.
He felt that if he stayed even a second longer, the sticky power called "bonds" radiating from this couple might burn him.
Utterly unscientific.
"Mending the sky is too exhausting for one person."
Shinichi spoke softly, almost to himself.
"I want... to find someone to help."
"I'll help you." Tsunade did not hesitate.
"No, you can't."
Shinichi shook his head and turned around. Looking into Tsunade's eyes, which plainly said, Don't you dare look down on me, he gave a rare, bitter smile that looked worse than tears.
"You're my 'sky.' How could I let you mend it? If the sky falls, you need to be somewhere safe."
"Then who are you going to ask?" Tsunade frowned.
"Someone... who caused trouble once before."
Shinichi turned his gaze toward the bright moon hanging in the sky.
"An elder... who harbors a deep, bitter hatred for those people 'up there.'"
The Hokage Office.
The atmosphere was even heavier than when Minato had faced that black "stone" all those years ago.
Minato Namikaze sat at the head of the room, his fingers interlaced beneath his chin.
His usually gentle blue eyes were now as deep as the ocean.
"Teacher, you mean..."
Minato's voice was dry.
"You're going to the moon to release the legendary Rabbit Goddess, Kaguya