The Shinigami began devouring my soul. Holding Kushina in my arms, I collapsed helplessly. As death approached, I gazed at the bright moon in the night sky and seemed to see Mom's face within it, her eyes as gentle as ever. I reached toward the moon with difficulty, wanting to feel the warmth of her palm one more time...
I was so cold, so sleepy. My vision gradually darkened, just like the darkness of the place I had been sucked into back then. I smiled bitterly. How could Mom possibly appear? I abandoned that final, desperate hope, and my arm fell limply...
Who was calling my name? Kushina? No, it wasn't her. Naruto? No, not him either. The villagers? No, certainly not them. Someone took my hand. I felt it-that warmth, along with another sensation I had never felt before. Vast, boundless, solid?!
My eyelids no longer felt so heavy. I opened my eyes, and pink light filled my vision. Through the haze, I saw two people holding my hands. It was a scene I had dreamed of so often over the years. Dad was on my left, and Mom was on my right. Their faces were still so young, as though the years had left no trace on them. How wonderful. In my final moments, I could dream of Mom and Dad one more time...
Wait, why was the Aura inside me beginning to stir? Even my body had regained a little strength. I actually saw Aura emanating from Dad's hand as he held mine. Mom's tears dripped onto my face, cool against my skin. Was this really not a dream?!
I struggled, using every last bit of strength to tighten my grip. The touch was real. This was real! I really was seeing Mom and Dad! I wanted