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Kushina watched Kurama's reaction and couldn't help but cover her mouth, laughing softly. Even without the seal, the Nine-Tails seemed to be in good spirits—and more importantly, it hadn't attacked Naruto. In fact, the two appeared to have become genuine friends. Seeing this, Kushina felt a wave of relief wash over her.
As a former Jinchūriki herself, she knew all too well how the villagers often treated those who hosted tailed beasts. But Naruto's status as the Fourth Hokage's son should have shielded him from such cruelty.
'Surely, no one would dare call him a monster... right?'
Still, despite their camaraderie, Kushina had questions that needed answers. She took Naruto's hand gently, her voice warm but firm.
"Little Naruto," she began, bending down to meet his eyes, "I'm your mother." Her fingers brushed against his cheek, her expression softening. "You look just like Minato."
Naruto stiffened slightly, unused to such affection. In both his past life and this one, he'd never known family. Even when Minato's chakra had briefly appeared before, there'd been no time for heartfelt words. Now, faced with Kushina's open warmth, he wasn't sure how to react.
Kushina noticed his hesitation, and a pang of guilt flickered through her. She hadn't been there for him, hadn't had the chance to be. But seeing him alive, well, and even befriending Kurama was enough for now. She wouldn't push him.
Instead, she turned to the matter at hand. "Naruto, why did you want to undo Little Nine's seal?"
Kurama's ear twitched, and it let out an indignant growl. "I told you my name isn't Little Nine!"
Kushina merely put a finger to her lips, shushing him playfully.
Kurama exhaled sharply through its nose. 'Damn humans.'
Naruto quickly explained the situation how Kurama had helped him, how they'd formed a bond. Kushina listened carefully before smiling at the fox. "Thank you, Little Nine."
Kurama's eye twitched. "I said ugh, never mind."
But then Kushina's next words made its fur bristle.
"Naruto," she said, turning serious, "even if Kurama has earned your trust, removing the seal entirely isn't safe."
Kurama's head snapped up. "What?! You think I'd hurt him?"
The idea was almost insulting. After everything—after Naruto's unwavering trust, after the possibility that he might even be Ashura's reincarnation—why would Kurama betray him now?
Kushina shook her head. "Little Nine, if you truly trust Naruto, then the seal shouldn't matter. When the time is right, he'll release you himself."
She didn't know the full extent of their bond, but as a mother, she couldn't ignore the risk. Even the slightest chance that Kurama might harm Naruto was unacceptable.
Naruto, sensing her concern, nodded in agreement. "She's right, Kurama. Don't you trust me?"
Internally, he'd already made up his mind. For now, resealing Kurama was the best option—it would ease Kushina's worries and strengthen the fox's trust in him. After all, he still had the other Nine-Tails stored in his system. When the moment came, he wouldn't leave Kurama trapped forever.
Kurama's ears flattened as it weighed its options. Naruto's expectant gaze and Kushina's firm stance left little room for refusal.
"Fine," it grumbled. "This is the last time I trust a human."
With that, Naruto placed an enhanced Eight Trigrams Seal on Kurama, the weight of the barrier pressing down heavily.
"Hey, ease up!" Kurama yelped. "I can't even see outside now!"
"Sorry, sorry!" Naruto chuckled sheepishly. "But don't worry—you'll be free before you know it."
Kushina watched, impressed. She'd intended to handle the sealing herself, but seeing Naruto perform the technique flawlessly filled her with pride.
With Kurama secured, she pulled Naruto into a tight embrace, whispering stories and advice, savoring every second. Naruto, though initially awkward, found himself relaxing into her warmth.
But then Kushina paused, her expression turning thoughtful. "Naruto... I'd like to see the village."
Naruto tensed. "Uh, Mom... maybe we should say goodbye for now?"
The word "Mom" still felt foreign on his tongue, but Kushina's sharp instincts caught the hesitation in his voice.
Her grip on his shoulders tightened. "Naruto. Have people been mistreating you?"
Before he could answer, she straightened, fire in her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll handle this."
Unable to dissuade her, Naruto reluctantly led Kushina now disguised via Transformation Jutsu, back to the main group of genin.
Iruka spotted them immediately, rushing over with a scowl. "Naruto! Where have you been? Do you realize how dangerous it is to wander off like that?"
Kushina smiled fondly at Iruka's concern, but the moment he turned to her, his brow furrowed.
"And who's this?" he asked, eyeing the unfamiliar girl.
Kushina offered a vague excuse, but Iruka wasn't fooled. Suspicion clouded his features, and soon, both Naruto and Kushina were being escorted to the Hokage's office for questioning.
As they walked, Kushina's earlier cheer faded. The way villagers glared at Naruto, the muttered insults, none of it escaped her notice.
Unless someone hid the truth... they wouldn't treat him this way.
Her jaw clenched. 'Did Hiruzen allow this?'
By the time they reached the Hokage Tower, her fists were shaking with quiet fury.