237. Return
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The remains of Mukade's centipede puppet lay shattered, its bladed legs scattered across the ground. Yet, as the Dragon Vein's chakra surged through the air, the centipede began to regenerate.
Shards of metal and pieces of the puppet reassembled with eerie precision. In mere moments, it would fully recover.
Naruto approached the altar, his curiosity piqued by the mechanism that had trapped him at this time. He wanted to understand how such a force worked.
But his thoughts turned serious as he spoke. "We need to seal the Dragon Vein completely. If this thing keeps feeding off it, there's no way to stop it for good."
Minato nodded in agreement. "You're right. Your Majesty Sara, the kunai I gave you earlier do you still have it? We'll need it to complete the seal."
Sara took out the kunai, her expression resolute. "Here. I think it's best to seal the Dragon Vein. I don't have the strength to protect it, and if it falls into the wrong hands, it could destroy not just Rōran but the entire world."
Minato took the kunai with a solemn nod. He stepped to the centre of the altar, placed the kunai at its core, and began forming hand seals. "Seal!"
Chakra radiated from the kunai, expanding outward in intricate patterns. A flash of white light enveloped the altar as the sealing formula completed its work.
The Dragon Vein's energy dimmed and stabilized, and the connection fueling Mukade's monstrous creations was severed for good.
As the sealing process finished, Naruto's body began to glow faintly, a shimmering white light surrounding him.
Sara gasped. "What's happening?!"
Minato looked at Naruto, his voice calm and steady. "It's time. With Mukade gone and the Dragon Vein sealed, the disturbance in time has been resolved. Naruto… you're returning to your own time."
Naruto glanced at his hands, which were already beginning to turn transparent. He sighed and turned to Minato. "So, I guess this is it, huh? Any last words before I go, big brother?"
Minato's gaze softened, his eyes filled with an emotion Naruto had seen only in glimpses before pride. "At this point… are you sure it's still 'big brother?'"
Naruto's expression shifted, and a shadow of resentment flickered across his face. "If you want me to call you something else, then survive for me this time, got it? Don't just abandon your kid for love or duty or whatever."
Minato's smile never wavered. He didn't know the details of Naruto's pain, but he felt the weight of his words. "I understand. If I ever have a son… I'll do everything I can to raise him right. I'll make sure he becomes a ninja as strong and incredible as you."
Naruto's voice cracked slightly as he replied, "You better mean it. And if you do… tell him a few things for me."
Minato listened intently as Naruto rattled off a list. "Tell him not to be a picky eater. He should eat well, grow up strong, and take baths on time. Sleep matters, too. None of this staying-up-late nonsense. Oh, and he should make friends just a few good ones he can trust. That's enough."
Minato nodded, silently committing every word to memory. He couldn't explain why, but he felt the unshakable urge to remember every detail as if these words carried the weight of something crucial.
After a moment, Minato said, "I'll remember all of it."
Naruto's light-hearted grin returned as he turned his attention to young Kakashi, who had been watching from the sidelines. In a flash, Naruto dashed over and pinched Kakashi's cheek through his mask. "Revenge! Gotcha!"
Kakashi yelped in surprise, swatting at Naruto's hand, but it was already too late. Naruto's body became fully transparent, dissolving into light. His laughter echoed as he vanished completely.
Minato smiled wistfully, staring at the spot where Naruto had disappeared. "So energetic," he murmured. "He's going to be one amazing ninja."
Choza waved the snack wrapper Naruto had given him. "I'll double the snacks for his friends wherever they are!"
Kakashi rubbed his cheek, muttering, "Who was that guy…?"
Shibi adjusted his glasses, slightly annoyed that Naruto had ignored him entirely. Sara, on the other hand, bowed deeply toward where Naruto had vanished. "The people of Rōran will never forget what he and all of you have done for us."
Minato stepped forward, his tone apologetic but firm. "I'm sorry, but for the sake of history, I'll need to seal everyone's memories of this event. It's the only way to ensure that time progresses as it should."
Though Sara protested at first, she eventually relented. Minato formed a series of hand seals and placed his palm on the ground. "Seal!"
A glowing circle of chakra radiated outward, erasing the memories of everyone who had encountered Naruto, Mukade, or the future.
The people of Rōran would only remember that Queen Sara, with the help of Konoha ninjas, had defeated a villain and saved the city.
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Years Later
On an ordinary day in Konoha, Minato stood in the kitchen preparing lunch when Kushina burst in, beaming with excitement.
"Minato! Minato!" she shouted, her voice bubbling with joy. "I have big news!"
Minato turned, startled by her energy. "What is it?"
Kushina grabbed his hands and placed them over her belly. "We're having a baby!"
Minato froze for a moment, his expression blank. Then, a wide grin spread across his face. "A baby?! I'm going to be a father?!"
"And I'm going to be a mother!" Kushina cheered.
The two embraced, laughing and spinning in the middle of the kitchen. Their joy filled the house, echoing with promises of a bright future.
Later that night, as Minato lay beside Kushina, a thought flickered in his mind. He placed his hand gently over her belly. "Kushina… how much chakra does it take to use the Adamantine Sealing Chains at full strength?"
Kushina blinked. "Why do you ask?"
Minato hesitated, his instincts tugging at him. "I… don't know. I just feel like there's something I need to prepare for. Something important. But if I ever forget, promise me… we'll figure it out together."
Kushina smiled, taking his hand in hers. "Of course."
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