Chapter 39 : Final Moments

[Sealing!]

[The Shinigami's arms extended like serpents, piercing first through Minato's chest and then plunging into the Nine-Tails!]

[After being withdrawn, a massive blue phantom was pulled out and sealed within Minato!]

[At this point, the Nine-Tails had been reduced in size by half.]

[Minato once again summoned a ceremonial altar.]

[The next step was to seal the remaining Nine-Tails into baby Naruto!]

[Suddenly, Kushina began coughing violently, spewing blood, and Minato hurriedly rushed over in panic.]

[Seizing the opportunity, the Nine-Tails used its last strength to extend its claws and lunge towards the baby!]

[It would never allow itself to be sealed again!]

[It's getting closer, closing in!]

[I can kill the child right now!]

[Suddenly, the screen went dark, as if unable to bear witnessing it.]

[Just one second!]

[Puff!]

[The sound of piercing!]

[The screen lit up, with vivid red blood splattering against the white moonlight, strikingly conspicuous.]

Everyone couldn't help but wonder.

Could it be that the real Naruto is dead, and the one in the village was intentionally given the name "Naruto" by the Third Hokage to divert attention?

However, in the next second, the revealed image shocked everyone.

[The Nine-Tails' sharp claws pierced through the bodies of Minato and Kushina.]

[In their final moment, the couple unitedly chose to use their bodies to block this attack!]

[They succeeded!]

[After all, the Nine-Tails was weakened due to having half of its power sealed, and it had exhausted all its strength just now.]

[Ultimately, its lethal claws stopped right above the baby, unable to descend.]

[A deathly silence enveloped the valley!]

[At this moment...]

[Clap!]

[Minato and Kushina's mixed blood dripped from Naruto's fingertips!]

[As though this was the last mark left by the parents on their child.]

For a brief moment, viewers worldwide fell into silence.

It was a tribute to them both.

The profound selflessness of parental love was vividly displayed in this moment.

Naruto wiped away tears, hoping to etch this instant into his heart forever.

[The flame of life began to gradually dim.]

[Minato handed the sealing key to the summoned toad and gently spoke to Kushina:]

["Time is running out, Kushina. If there's anything you want to tell Naruto, now's the time..."]

[Kushina choked up as she gazed at the child so close yet forever out of reach.]

[But she quickly ceased her tears.]

[The countdown of life had commenced; she would convey everything she wished to convey in her remaining moments.]

[Kushina, like any ordinary mother, earnestly advised her child.]

["Naruto..."]

["Don't be a picky eater—eat your fill every day and grow up strong..."]

["Remember to take a warm bath every day..."]

["And don't stay up late; make sure you get enough sleep..."]

"I'm not a picky eater. While some foods aren't that healthy, it's fine. When I'm hungry, Iruka-sensei treats me to my favorite ramen. I'm in great shape now..."

"I'll remember to take a shower every day..."

Off-screen, tears glistened in Naruto's eyes as he earnestly responded to every statement.

This moment felt like a reunion spanning twelve years.

A caring mother's guidance and a devoted son's responses.

["Also, make friends. You don't need many friends."]

["A few trusted comrades are sufficient..."]

["Strive in your studies; master ninjutsu well..."]

["But everyone has weaknesses; don't give up even if you struggle to learn..."]

"Yes, I already have a great partner and the best teacher..."

Off-screen, Naruto was already sobbing, his words blending with tears...

But he was still responding earnestly.

As if, somehow, the Naruto on the screen could hear...

Rest assured...

[Kushina was frail, yet she spoke with all her strength... as if Naruto could hear her...]

["One more crucial thing..."]

["About the three ninja prohibitions."]

["Don't recklessly borrow money; save your task rewards..."]

["Don't drink alcohol until you're 20, and even as an adult, drink in moderation for your health..."]

["And women are part of the three prohibitions..."]

["Mom was a woman too, so I don't know much... But as long as you find a woman as wonderful as your mother, it'll be alright..."]

["And... be cautious around Jiraiya-sensei; don't pick up his bad habits..."]

Naruto continuously nodded through his tears; he would forever remember these words...

[Kushina's breathing resembled a bellows, laboring heavily.]

[She couldn't hold on much longer...]

["Naruto... In the future, amidst sadness and pain... You'll face many challenges..."]

["Take things at your own pace... in your own time..."]

["And always nurture a dream within your heart... then work to realize that dream..."]

["Have confidence in yourself..."]

["And... and..."]

["There are so many things I want to tell you... I wish I could live alongside you..."]

[Kushina's tears overflowed...]

Finally, thousands of words distilled into a single sentence... her declaration of love.

[Even though they could never be together again, her profound love for Naruto would endure...]

In that moment, Kushina suddenly remembered Minato, and she reproached herself instantly.]

["I'm sorry, Minato, for taking up all the time..."]

["It's alright, Kushina."]

[Minato replied gently, turning his gaze towards Naruto and mustering a smile:]

["Naruto..."]

["What your father wants to say... it's the same as your mother's words..."]

[The hourglass released its final drop...]

[With the last seal... the scene grew dim...]

[Beneath the gentle moonlight, after the Minato couple left their ultimate protection and love, the flame of life extinguished...]

*****

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