Chapter 17. In-between…
"Mama!"
Nami sped towards the young red-haired woman and wrapped her arms around her in a tight embrace. She clung to her for comfort as she cried into her mother's shoulder. They were in an empty white space, and they were alone.
"Hello, my love," Kushina smiled as she returned her daughter's warm embrace.
Nami held onto her mother tightly, scared to let her go. Kushina held her child closely, happy to see her and hold her in her arms once more. Last time she held her little girl — she easily scooped her up in her arms. Now, there was a grown woman before her, holding onto her for dear life.
"It's not your time sweetheart," Kushina said softly, gently caressing the back of her daughter's head.
"I lost everyone. I lost you and papa. I lost Jiraiya-ojiichan. I lost my friends. I lost Itachi. I lost Kakashi. Mama … I can't …do it anymore."
"I know sweetheart I know, but you grew up to be a strong woman. You're a mother now. You have someone to protect and therefore it's not time for us to be reunited just yet. I am so proud of you my love," Kushina spoke with love as she wiped away her daughter's tears.
"This is unfair. I love him mama. I can't."
"It's alright sweetheart. It's alright. You fall down and you get up. I am thankful that I was able to protect you with my life and that's alright. Because I know I will see you again when it's your time. I know you'll see him again. But for now, we'll watch over you like your papa and I always have."
"Mama, please don't leave me,"
"I must my love. I'll see you again," Kushina said warmly.
Elsewhere.
Kakashi walked through the darkness towards the only source of light. As he approached it, he came to a campfire with a single occupant resting by its warmth.
"That you Kakashi?"
"So this is where you've been," Kakashi said as he took a seat on the empty log next to the man.
"Would you tell me your story?" Sakumo asked as he looked over at his son.
"Yeah, but it's really long and it will take some time."
"Yeah, that's fine," Sakumo replied.
"Well, you see father …" Kakashi started.
"I never imagined you and I would die so young. Not as young as your mother, however," Sakumo stated.
"Dad, I've always wanted to ask you something. Why did my father, Konoha's legendary White Fang break its law by choosing to abandon the mission to save his friends? Had you not, you wouldn't have been condemned by the others, nor would have locked yourself up. I was so frustrated," Kakashi said.
"I see. It was tough for you as well, huh?"
"Yeah, but you know dad no matter what happened, you gave it your all. I understand that now. Today I'm proud of my dad … who broke the law to save his friends," Kakashi added.
"Arigatou," Sakumo said as he smiled as his only child.
A green glow appeared and engulfed Kakashi.
"It looks like it's not your time just yet. You must still have things to take care of."
"Dad …"
"I'm glad I got to speak with you. Be happy son. Thank you for forgiving me. I can now move on and I'll finally get to see your mother," Sakumo said as the green glow disappeared and Kakashi returned to the land of the living.