"That's right," Kushina Uzumaki said, patting Naruto's shoulder with a smile. "I always teased him about looking like a girl, and he'd get all defensive about it. But truth is, I loved that about him. You know? Many women need makeup to have a face as flawless as his."
"I love you now more than ever."
"You better love me—I'm your mom, after all."
Laughter gradually faded away, leaving only the deep appreciation for each other in their hearts.
"So, did you beat that masked guy?"
"Yeah."
"Do you know who he was then?"
"I saw his true form, but I don't recognize him," Naruto replied. "I don't even care who he is. He doesn't deserve to be named—not after taking my mother away from me."
Kushina cupped Naruto's face in her hands, staring at him like she could never get enough.
She couldn't believe her little boy had grown up so much.
Even though the sealing jutsu covered his right eye and the scars on his eyebrows and cheeks, none of it mattered anymore.
Her eyes became moist. If only she and Minato had been there back then—maybe everything would've been different. Naruto wouldn't have had to endure so much suffering just to protect Konoha.
Tears silently traced down her cheeks, while Naruto simply smiled gently at her.
"Mom, it's okay. It's all in the past now. I've been through a lot and made many mistakes, hurting plenty of people along the way. I used to have such a bad temper, and even now I'm not much better. Maybe if you and Dad had been there, I could've become a better person. I just want to know… are you proud of me?"
Kushina took a deep breath, trying hard to keep her emotions in check.
"Promise me you'll tell the truth," Naruto continued, not wanting to see his mother upset. "I want to hear what you really think of me. Whatever you say, I won't hold it against you, Mom. You gave so much for me, and the sacrifices both you and Dad made—only you can decide if they were worth it."
He looked straight into his mother's eyes, without flinching, because he truly wanted to know the truth. And Kushina was willing to give him that truth—she never lied—not even on ninja missions.
"I've seen everything you've done," Kushina said softly. "The good and the bad, the easy and the hard—the moments that brought me joy, excitement, and sadness. You've touched a lot of lives. There are some people I don't particularly like, but they clearly mean a lot to you, and that's enough for me. Yes, you've hurt others..."
Seeing Naruto lower his head slightly in disbelief, she continued, "But no matter what, you'll always be my baby. You've done far better than Minato and I ever imagined. I'm proud of you—and even if I hadn't sacrificed myself back then, I still would be proud of you."
To emphasize this point, Kushina removed Naruto's forehead protector and kissed his forehead deeply. As she stepped away, she noticed tears streaming down Naruto's face as well.
"Good grief!" Naruto said, shaking his head slightly in disbelief. If only he could use Impure World Reincarnation… He might actually be tempted to bring her back—even just once in a while.
"I've waited too long for this day, Mom! I'm going to fight the Nine-Tails now!" he exclaimed, brushing away tears.
Though her eyes were red and swollen, Kushina Uzumaki still managed a pleased smile.
"Don't waste any time. Go now! I want to see you defeat it with my very own eyes!"
"Heh! Do you really think *you're* my opponent now?"
A familiar hoarse voice suddenly boomed, filled with strength and authority. The Nine-Tails appeared before them, its massive body seeming to shake the entire Spiritual World apart.
"I can't wait any longer, Naruto. You can't imagine how long I've waited for this moment!"
Facing his partner-turned-enemy, Naruto smiled and positioned himself protectively in front of his mother.
"Nine-Tails… Nine-Tails… Nine-Tails… Can't you stop obsessing over 'fighting' all the time? We're teammates, got it? And don't go crying to my mom *when* I beat you."
As he spoke, his eyes switched into Sage Mode, both pupils shaped like commas.
"And don't run to your mom crying when I knock you flat," the giant fox loomed over them, grinning and revealing its sharp teeth, its crimson eyes gleaming dangerously.
Although their words sounded fierce, there was no true hatred between Naruto and the Nine-Tails.
Ever since their first meeting when Naruto was just a child, their relationship had always been meant to be settled through battle.
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