The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had always been the village's hero, a little sun in the villagers' hearts.
He had also always been Naruto Uzumaki's idol.
Even the First Hokage, who had founded Konoha, and the Second Hokage, who had led Konoha out of hardship.
Even the Third Hokage, who had brought Konoha prosperity and flourishing growth.
None held as high a place in Naruto Uzumaki's heart as the Fourth Hokage, who had sacrificed himself for the village's peace.
Filled with joy, Kushina Uzumaki noticed nothing amiss.
But Minato Namikaze caught a clue in Naruto's reaction.
He acted as though nothing was wrong, a gentle smile still on his face.
His eyes brimmed with deep love for his son, Naruto Uzumaki.
He reached out and gently patted Naruto's shoulder, as though conveying the warmth of a father's love.
Kushina Uzumaki gazed tenderly at Naruto, tears glistening in her eyes.
She reached out to stroke Naruto's cheek gently and said in a choked voice, "Naruto, you've grown up!"
Naruto felt the presence of these "parents" who had suddenly appeared.
His eyes grew wet. He hugged Kushina Uzumaki tightly, a bitter yet happy smile curling his lips.
He knew all this might only be a dream, but he still greedily savored this moment of warmth.
He neither shouted nor made a scene, much less punched Minato Namikaze hard as he had in the original story.
Feeling Naruto's trembling body, Kushina could not help holding him tighter.
"I'm sorry... for making you the Nine-Tails' vessel... for making you shoulder the village's burden..."
Meanwhile, Minato Namikaze quietly approached Kakashi, his gaze seemingly gentle yet brooking no argument.
It left even the battle-hardened Kakashi somewhat fearful and uneasy.
Hearing Kushina's words, Naruto cried aloud, the grievances and suffering he had accumulated over the years pouring