Chapter 3: A Mother’s Sorrow

Naruto's hesitation was my chance.

I kept my head low, my hands trembling in my sleeves, as if I was too weak to stand. The truth of my imprisonment weighed on me, pressing against my mind like an unbearable weight. And now, I would use that pain.

"For so long," I whispered, my voice soft but raw, "all I could do was think. I could not move, I could not scream… I could only think."

Naruto's frown deepened. Sasuke's expression remained cold, but he did not interrupt. That meant I still had time.

"And do you know what I thought about?" I raised my head slightly, my long white hair cascading around me like a shroud. "My sons. My world." I let my lip tremble, just slightly, as I looked at Naruto with haunted eyes. "This world."

I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I watched it change, unable to do anything… and I saw the truth. The Ōtsutsuki will come. I failed to protect this planet from them once before. I see that now. And if they come again…" I closed my eyes, shaking my head. "They will destroy everything."

I wasn't lying. That was the best part. I knew the Ōtsutsuki were real, and I knew they would come. If I played this right, Naruto would believe me. This work was created by shredder121

A sound behind me—footsteps. More than one.

I turned my head slightly, sensing the newcomers before I saw them. Obito. Kakashi. Sakura.

They were approaching cautiously, their exhaustion evident. I could feel their chakra—it was strained, weakened from battle. They were injured, but still dangerous.

I kept my expression soft, letting my voice crack just a little. "For two thousand years… I could do nothing but worry. I could only watch as my children sealed me away, as war consumed the world, as my people lost the strength to fight against what's coming."

Sakura stopped a few steps behind Naruto, her brows furrowed in uncertainty. Her fists clenched at her sides as she looked at Kakashi, then at me. If you're hearing this, then the person creating this audiobook did not obtain permission. This work was created by shredder121

"Kakashi-sensei," she said hesitantly, "can we… can we trust her?"

Kakashi didn't answer immediately. His visible eye narrowed slightly, taking in my posture, my words, my entire presence.

I held my breath.

This was the moment.

If they hesitated—if even one of them believed me—then I still had a chance.

And I would not be sealed again.