Uchiha Hikaru was slightly surprised by Minato's words.
He hadn't expected Minato to deduce something like that. After all, even Orochimaru hadn't realized it until he discovered just how vulnerable he was to genjutsu.
Hikaru nodded calmly.
"That's right. But Orochimaru has access to a special type of cell—White Zetsu cells."
"White Zetsu is an extremely strange creature. With just brief contact, it can completely transform into someone else's appearance, even replicating their chakra signature."
"That means its body doesn't reject foreign chakra, so compatibility isn't an issue."
As Hikaru finished speaking, Minato finally understood what he implied. It seemed the development of the village had already far surpassed anything from the past.
After all, there were limits to what could be learned from Naruto's perspective. If Hikaru hadn't explained all this, Minato might never have imagined it.
At that moment, Kushina suddenly realized something serious. She frowned and looked between Minato and Hikaru.
"...Hikaru, is there a chance Minato can be resurrected?"
"He used the Reaper Death Seal. His soul should still be trapped inside the Shinigami's stomach along with the Yin half of Kurama."
Minato's heart tightened painfully when he saw the fear in Kushina's eyes, but he forced a warm smile—the trademark smile of the 'Yellow Flash.'
"It's okay, Kushina."
"As long as you can be revived, and you can stay by Naruto's side, then I have nothing to regret."
He turned to Hikaru, eyes firm with resolve, as if ready to accept death, and drew a deep breath.
"Hikaru… from now on, please take care of Naruto and Kushina."
"Please… I'm entrusting them to you."
Minato gripped Hikaru's shoulders tightly, as if delivering his final wish.
Hikaru stared at him, the corner of his mouth twitching, one eyebrow lifting.
Why does this sound like someone handing down final words before execution? (￣▽￣;)ゞ
But for the sake of avoiding the author being hunted for emotional cruelty, Hikaru swallowed the sarcastic comment.
"Uh…"
"Actually, Orochimaru already has a method to break the Reaper Death Seal. It should be achievable soon."
"And honestly… this is your wife and child. You really want to watch someone else take your place after you die?"
The tense atmosphere suddenly shifted into something bizarre—like the whole world turned pink with a streak of green.
Kushina immediately slapped Minato across the face.
"You idiot, Minato! Do you think I'm not lovable enough and want to run off to the Pure Land and find someone new!?"
"Don't even THINK about escaping!"
Minato raised both hands in surrender, sweating nervously.
"Haha… sorry, sorry! I just thought resurrection wasn't possible!"
"I didn't expect the Reaper Death Seal could be undone…"
Kushina froze mid-swing, remembering her own words long ago:
"Once invoked, both souls are trapped in the belly of the Shinigami forever, locked in eternal struggle…"
She cleared her throat, looking away proudly.
"Since you admit you were wrong… I'll forgive you. But only barely~"
Naruto watched the scene, relief flooding through him. As long as both his parents could be revived, waiting didn't matter. He could already imagine a family of three… and even Jiraiya joining them—three generations together, laughing.
Seeing the matter of resurrection settled, Hikaru turned toward Kurama, who was trying to quietly back away.
"Kurama."
"H-Here!" The Nine-Tails froze, trembling. Forcing a smile, he sat down obediently.
"What is it? What do you want now?"
"Since you're all done talking… could you put the seal back? I've lived in that cage for a long time, you know. It's… kind of cozy. I might not adjust well if you suddenly let me out."
Kushina burst into laughter, bending over and clutching her stomach.
"Hahahaha! Kurama, you weren't like this before!"
"Honestly, I liked the rebellious version of you more! Hahahaha~!"
Kurama wanted to cry.
Stupid woman! What do you know!? I'm enduring humiliation for survival! If it wasn't for all these people here, I'd tear you apart! I'm only doing this out of respect for the Rinnegan! If Uchiha Hikaru wasn't watching, they'd both be dead already!!
He didn't know Hikaru could hear every thought through the Dragon Vein's chakra.
[Frustration, humiliation, rage, despair]
That was the emotional storm Hikaru sensed.
Hikaru smiled and placed a hand on Kurama's head, ruffling the fur.
"Relax, Kurama."
"I know you don't want to make things difficult for Naruto."
"But Naruto is a disappointment sometimes (￣^￣). As adults, we need to help him. Isn't that right?"
Kurama stared at Hikaru's devil-like smile and nodded rapidly.
"Y-Yes. That's… reasonable."
Hikaru stroked his head again, enjoying the feeling.
"This fur is amazing. Definitely premium quality."
He turned back to Minato, Kushina, and Naruto.
"In that case, let's not waste time. Minato, your remaining time is limited. Let's begin."
Naruto moved behind Kurama, grabbed his tails with both hands, and pulled with all his strength.
An orange, transparent form of Kurama was ripped out of the original body.
The real Kurama lay on the ground like a bullied child, trembling.
Why is this happening? Didn't you say if I surrendered you wouldn't torture me!? TTATT
Kushina summoned nine Adamantine Sealing Chains and wrapped them around the extracted chakra, pulling alongside Naruto.
Meanwhile, Minato could only cheer awkwardly from behind.
"Great job! Keep going! You can do it!"
"Kushina, I believe in you! You're the best!!"
He waved his arms enthusiastically.
...
...
-------
Send Power Stones
Bonus Chapter at 100 Power Stone
Second Bonus Chapter - 200 Power Stones
---------------------
Join my Patreon and get access to 50+ early chapters before anyone else! 🔥
https://www.patreon.com/UK21
Your Support is Truly Appreciated