A/N: Hey, guys, sorry this came 2 chapters in, but "shruggs shoulders" this is my first story and I'm playing this completely by ear. Anyway, constructive comments and critiques are not only welcome but required, cause obviously I want to improve and I won't if the only voices I listen to are the ones in my head. Anyway, thanks in advance. Like and Follow.

/LE/


As Minato vanished in a burst of yellow lightning, the room fell into a heavy, expectant silence. The atmosphere shifted, becoming dense with an otherworldly weight as the Goddess of Death materialized, her form radiating an eerie yet serene glow.

Shadows danced around her, swirling like mist, as she arrived to claim Kushina's soul, the air charged with the gravity of the moment.

As Kushina's essence began to separate from her mortal form, a shimmering light enveloped her, softly illuminating the room in a golden hue. She turned her gaze toward the divine being, drawn by an unexplainable pull.

The Goddess, with her mournful, ethereal eyes and an expression etched with sorrow, met Kushina's gaze with a profound understanding of the loss unfolding before her.

A single tear slipped down the Goddess's cheek, glistening like a crystal drop, and her voice emerged, soft and tinged with both compassion and solemnity, filling the space with a sense of both inevitability and grace.

"Your sacrifice is not in vain," she whispered, her words reverberating with the weight of ages. Each syllable seemed to hang in the air, resonating with the bittersweet sense of loss.

"Don't worry," the Goddess continued, her voice steady yet gentle. "Though I will take your husband's soul, I will not claim it. That way, you two can watch from the heavens and be together as you deserve."

There was a brief pause as Kushina took in those comforting words, a spark of hope flickering in her heart despite the sorrow.

"I will also assist in sealing Kazue," the Goddess added, her tone imbued with reverence. "For your son carries the blessings of not just myself, but also my siblings through your blood. He will inherit gifts and summons long lost to this world—remnants of a legacy that has not been seen for over ten thousand years." The weight of this revelation wrapped around Kushina like a warm embrace, offering both comfort and a deeper understanding of her son's future.

Yet, as the Goddess's words sank in, Kushina's mind raced with questions. The notion of multiple summoning contracts went against everything she knew. Typically, a ninja could only form a contract with one clan of summons—a sacred pact, forged in blood and bound by chakra. To summon more than one was unheard of, impossible even. Each contract was a lifelong bond, unique to the summoner. It was a fundamental law of nature, a limitation that all shinobi, including herself, had accepted without question.

Her heartbeat quickened, and she took a step forward, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"But that's not how it works," Kushina argued softly, her voice tinged with confusion. "A ninja can only have one summoning contract. That's the rule. How can Naruto… how can he have more than one?"

The Goddess's expression remained calm, her silver eyes shimmering with ancient knowledge and amusement. She tilted her head slightly, the corners of her lips curving into a soft smile as she watched Kushina grapple with what she believed to be universal truths.

"As you should have guessed by now, your son has never been, nor will he ever be a ordinary child," she replied softly. "No child with even a hint of my lineage could ever hope to be anything resembling mundane. His blood carries a power that has been dormant for generations, a bond with the spirits of the old world. He will not be limited to a single summon; instead, he will have access to multiple, each one tied to the legacy of his bloodline and the blessings of the gods. In time, he will awaken them, and they will serve him in ways even you cannot yet imagine."

"I have watched your blessings and tribulations as well as your blessings and prosperity from afar with both pain and pride. Now, my daughter, it is time for you to come home, to where you have always belonged." The finality of the statement hung in the air, both an invitation and a gentle farewell, as Kushina prepared to embrace her destiny in the divine realm.

Kushina's spirit lingered, a wistful smile with a hint of sadness gracing her ethereal features as she responded, her voice barely above a whisper, "If you knew who and where I was all along… why couldn't you have helped before now?"

Her words trembled, the weight of years of longing and pain pressing down on her. She had been strong, for Minato, for Naruto, for the village, but this truth—this revelation that her mother had been watching her—cut her deeper than any battle ever could. The hurt of being so close, yet so far, unraveled her resolve.

The Goddess's gaze softened, as if she could sense the hurt, confusion, and sense of betrayal swirling in Kushina's heart. She took a step forward, her ethereal form shimmering faintly in the dim light, and spoke with a voice both tender and ancient, laced with the wisdom of countless ages.

"There are laws, my daughter," she began, with words that carried both sadness and a weight that transcended the mortal world. "Even though I have always known who and where you were, I could not intervene. It is not that I did not wish to. My heart longed to reach out, to hold you, but the balance between realms must be upheld."

Kushina's brow furrowed, her mind grappling with the concept, but she remained silent, allowing the Goddess to continue.

"I am bound by the laws that govern both the divine and mortal worlds," she explained. "To interfere directly in your life—before your time—would have shattered the delicate fabric that holds these realms together. Even gods must abide by the rules of fate. We cannot simply bend them to our will. To protect the natural order, I had to let you walk your own path, endure your trials, and find your own strength."

She paused, her gaze full of both sorrow and pride as she looked upon Kushina. "Only now, at the end of your mortal journey, could I step forward, because your spirit is returning to where it belongs. This is why I can finally be with you. My presence here would have disrupted the balance had I come before."

Kushina took in the explanation, feeling the ache in her heart ease as she began to understand what was happening. Although the pain of separation remained, she now saw the bigger picture. Knowing that her mother had been watching but unable to intervene softened some of the bitterness she had felt.

In that moment of clarity, a brief, light smile crossed her lips, but it was fleeting. As the reality of her situation settled back in, a frown quickly clouded her ethereal face, her luminous features dimming under the weight of her worries. "I just wish I could be there for him," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly, each word wrapped in her sorrow. "He's destined for a path far more difficult than I could ever imagine. Far more dangerous than anything I could prepare him for."

The Goddess's gaze softened as she stepped closer, her presence radiating warmth and understanding. "He will face trials, yes," she replied, her voice calm but laced with reverence, "but he will not walk that path alone. Your love will always be with him, even if you are not. And the gifts he will inherit, from his parents and from those beyond, will give him the strength he needs."

Kushina's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she shook her head. "But he's just a child… my child. I don't want him to face such pain." Her voice cracked, and she looked away, the overwhelming sense of helplessness filling her spirit. "He deserves more than what this world will give him."

The Goddess placed a hand just above Kushina's shoulder, close enough to offer comfort, but bound by the same distance that had always separated them. "He is your son, Kushina. A child of destiny, yes—but he is also a reflection of you. Your strength lives in him, and when the time comes, he will rise. I promise you, he will have what he needs."

Kushina closed her eyes, the words settling deep in her soul, a mixture of hope and heartache blending within her. She knew the Goddess was right, but the mother in her could not help but wish for more—for a world where her son didn't have to bear such a heavy burden.

"I just wish…" she began, her voice a fragile whisper, "…I could hold him one more time."

As she spoke, Kushina's divine mother embraced her, pulling her close into a warm, protective embrace. Her arms wrapped around her daughter, comforting her as only a mother could.

Kushina felt the softness of her mother's touch, something she had longed for her entire life, and though it brought comfort, it also deepened the ache of knowing she couldn't be there for Naruto.

"I know," the Goddess whispered gently, her voice like the soft rustle of leaves in a quiet forest. "I wish you could, too. But your love will be the arms that hold him, even if he cannot see them. It will guide him, protect him, and give him strength."

Kushina clung to her mother, her spirit trembling with emotion, her tears falling silently. She knew her time was limited. Her presence in this form was fleeting, like the fading light of dusk, but the weight of her sorrow lingered.

"I wasn't ready to leave him," Kushina murmured, her words barely audible. "I wasn't ready to leave either of them."

Her mother tightened the embrace, her tone understanding. "No one is ever ready to leave the ones they love. But know that your sacrifice is not the end of your story, nor theirs. Your love transcends this moment. It is eternal, and it will live on in both of them."

Kushina nodded against her mother's shoulder, her heart slowly finding peace within the sorrow. "Thank you… for being here. For everything."

The Goddess smiled softly, her divine light shimmering around them both. "Always, my daughter. Always."

Kushina felt the gentle softness of her mother's divine presence, as if she were wrapped in a cocoon of light. Her mother's silken hair flowed like liquid silver, cascading over Kushina's shoulders, and the familiar scent of cherry blossoms filled the air, evoking memories she hadn't recalled until now. With each breath, Kushina drew in the essence of love that had been absent for so long, filling a void in her heart.

"Mother… I've missed you so much," Kushina whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The weight of years spent apart melting away, leaving only the purity of their shared bond.

Their embrace spoke volumes, conveying a love that transcended time and space, a bond that could never be severed, even in death. In her mother's arms, Kushina found solace, a sense of belonging that had eluded her for so long. It was a moment that felt eternal, as if the universe itself had paused to honor their connection, allowing them the gift of one final reunion.

After a very unladylike sniffle, Kushina reluctantly released her mother, feeling the warmth of their connection dissipate like a soft breeze. Now free of her mortal body, Kushina allowed her newly heightened senses to expand outward, taking in everything with a clarity she had never known in life.

The village she had once called home was engulfed in a fierce battle. Buildings that had stood for generations were reduced to rubble, and the air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, ash, and death.

Her gaze instinctively found the massive form of Kazue, the Nine-Tailed fox's true name—its towering figure a living embodiment of both rage and sorrow. Kazue's fur bristled like the storm clouds gathering before a tempest, and she lashed out at everything in her path, a whirlpool of primal fury and grief.

Kushina's heart ached at the sight. "Why is Kazue fighting Minato?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion. "I thought he wrested control of her from the man that kidnapped me."

As she spoke, the memories of their bond flooded back—Kazue's playful spirit, the moments of warmth shared beneath the moonlit sky, and the protective instinct that had always existed between them. But now, all of that seemed lost in the whirlwind of violence. The Kubi's eyes, once filled with mischievous glints, were now wide with a mixture of defiance and despair.

"Does she not understand?" The redhead's voice trembled, a sense of helplessness washing over her. "He's trying to help her!"

As the chaotic scene unfolded before her, Kushina felt the weight of the situation bearing down on her like an ethereal weight. Her heart raced as she sought answers, desperately wanting to understand the turmoil that had twisted their lives into such despair. The vibrant colors of the battle—the flashes of jutsu, the roaring flames, the cries of the villagers—blurred into a kaleidoscope of chaos that mirrored the turmoil within her soul.

The Goddess sighed softly, her gaze distant as if she were peering through the veil of time and space. "He did," she said, her voice laced with a profound sadness that resonated in the air around them. "But Kazue, like all creatures of her kind, is driven by instincts that run deeper than loyalty. Regardless of how good your and Minato's intentions are, both of you are attempting to chain her within a new vessel moments after she was ripped from the seal of another."

Her eyes flickered momentarily to the horizon, where ethereal wisps of light danced and twirled like restless spirits. "The Fox's very essence is freedom, wild and untamed. She cannot help herself. Even when bound, she will always fight for her freedom, no matter who holds the reins."

As she spoke, Kushina could almost see the fierce spirit of the Nine-Tails in her mind—flames of crimson and gold swirling with a chaotic beauty, a being whose strength was matched only by its desire to break free. The imagery stirred something within her, a mixture of empathy and sorrow. She understood the depths of Kazue's spirit; it echoed her own struggle for autonomy and the burdens that came with it.

The Goddess continued, her voice a soft murmur that carried the weight of countless stories. "Kazue is both a blessing and a curse. Her power can protect your son, but it also yearns to escape, to roam free across the endless skies. You must remember that even in the depths of her loyalty, there lies an unquenchable fire of independence."

Kushina's heart tightened as she watched the scene below unfold, filled with a mix of anguish and helplessness. The intense emotions radiating from Kazue, the great beast, mirrored her own: turmoil, rage, fear, and sorrow, each sentiment swirling around them and creating an atmosphere thick with tension. Each pulse of emotion resonated within her, making her feel as if she were part of the chaos enveloping the village.

She watched, horrified, as suddenly, with a surge of power, the Nine-Tails lunged forward, its massive claw slicing through the air with frightening speed. The sound was deafening, like a storm's roar, echoing in Kushina's ears as she flinched, her instincts screaming at her to take action in defense of the village she had come to love.

"Stop!" Kushina shouted, trying to break through the chaos. Desperation gripped her as she reached out, hoping to calm the creature, but her plea fell on deaf ears, swallowed by the cacophony of fury that surrounded her.

This battle was more than physical; it was a clash of wills, one she couldn't be part of. The moment left her feeling powerless and isolated, her spirit aching as she watched the chaos unfold.

Lost in her own pain, Kushina was horrified when the anguished cry of her husband tore her from her musings. She looked up only to see the massive claw of the fox sticking clear through the back of Minato's white armor.

As the fox moved the appendage, the sound it caused was sickening—a wet crunch that echoed in the stillness, sharp and jarring against the backdrop of chaos.

Kushina's heart raced as the grotesque noise of her husband's pain cut through the air. It reverberated within her, each agonized cry twisting like a knife in her chest. She felt a visceral connection to Minato, their bond stretching across the distance, even in this moment of despair.

Desperation clawed at her throat, and she fought against the overwhelming urge to scream, to rush in and protect him, knowing full well that she was powerless to intervene. The chaos around her faded into a blur, the world narrowing down to that single, heart-wrenching moment of pain.

Kushina gasped, her breath catching in her throat as her beloved husband staggered, yet somehow remained upright, his body absorbing the brutal blow.

Time seemed to slow in that moment, each heartbeat pounding in her ears like a distant drum, reverberating through her very being. She could see the blood pooling at the base of the wound, the crimson color stark against the white of his armor.

The world around her was suspended in an agonizing silence, filled only with the heavy rhythm of her heart and the distant sound of Kazue's growls.

Minato's face was set with fierce determination, a mix of pain and resolve etched into his features. His golden hair, normally so bright, seemed dulled by the shadow of the moment.

"Kushina," he managed to gasp, as if he sensed her presence. His voice, though strained, held a steady conviction that cut through the chaos around them. "I'll protect Naruto and the village, no matter the cost."

Kushina's heart clenched at his words, and she forced back the tears threatening to spill. "Minato… you've already given so much," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion, though she knew he couldn't hear her. "We were supposed to do this together, remember? Raise him, teach him… be there for him." Her ethereal form trembled as she reached out, her hand passing through the air, unable to reach his battered body. "You weren't supposed to bear it all alone."

Minato, unaware of her silent plea, took another ragged breath. His face, though worn with pain, was resolute. The determination etched on his features told her everything she needed to know. Even in the midst of this chaos, even as he teetered on the edge of life, he was fighting—fighting for Naruto, fighting for their village, for the future they had dreamed of.

The fervor in his words wrapped around Kushina like a lifeline, igniting a flicker of hope amid the dread gripping her soul. She could see the strength in him, the way his brow furrowed with resolve despite the agony that had to be wracking his body. Each breath he took pulsed with unwavering will.

At that moment, as the world crumbled around them, Kushina felt the unbreakable bond forged in their youth strengthen, even though they stood on opposite sides of life and death. Her spirit trembled with the intensity of their connection, a love that defied every boundary, every barrier, transcending the mortal coil that separated them.

She realized that the battle unfolding wasn't just for survival; it was the culmination of their unwavering commitment to each other and the future they envisioned for Naruto. Though she could not reach him, could not hold him, she knew that her presence, her love, was with him in ways words could never express.

Kushina's heart swelled with a fierce pride, mingled with sorrow. Memories of their shared laughter, whispered dreams, and countless promises filled her mind, each one a reminder of the love that had woven their lives together. She felt an overwhelming urge to reach out, to comfort him, but the ethereal barrier kept her confined to the realm of spirit, a spectator in this harrowing moment.

Still, she summoned every ounce of her strength, sending warmth and encouragement through the bond they shared. "I believe in you, Minato," she whispered into the chaos, hoping her words would reach him and guide him through the darkness. In her heart, she knew that their love would transcend this battle, lighting the way for Naruto's future, no matter the trials ahead.

However, in that fleeting moment of connection, something shifted in the air around them. The wild ferocity in the fox's eyes softened, a flicker of clarity breaking through the storm of rage and sorrow. As the realization of what it had done began to sink in, the great beast's expression twisted in agony. The Kubi regained control, its massive claw still buried in Minato's chest, but now with a profound regret that could not be undone.

The change was palpable, a stillness settling over the chaotic battlefield as if time itself held its breath. Kushina felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, a heavy silence replacing the cacophony of battle. The once-maddened creature now seemed almost human, grappling with the consequences of its actions, and in that shared silence, Kushina's heart ached for both her husband and the beast that had been driven to such depths of despair.

Tears, bright as stars and heavy as the weight of ages, began to stream down the fox's face, flowing like waterfalls. It was as though the dam of its long-contained suffering had finally burst, and the floodgates of its emotions opened wide, the tears shimmering in the moonlight as they fell.

The scene before her blurred, a tragic dance of fate and sorrow, and as Kushina hovered between this world and the next, she could only watch—helpless and grieving—as the world she had once known unraveled in front of her.

Through the haze of her spirit form, Kushina watched as a flash of yellow lightning brought Naruto into Minato's arms. Her heart clenched, torn between wanting to hold her son and knowing she couldn't. Minato's face was set with determination as he prepared to carry out the sealing ritual.

When the ritual began, the Nine-Tails' chakra surged in the air, wild and fierce. The energy coiled and twisted, resisting the pull of the seal. Kazue roared, her power shaking the ground, but Minato's seal held firm, slowly drawing the chakra toward Naruto's tiny form.

Kushina watched in silent anguish as the immense power was bound to their son, the glowing seal etched on his stomach. The plan was working, but the reality hit her hard—Naruto would carry this burden for the rest of his life. Her heart ached with both relief and sorrow.

Minato's soft voice broke through the chaos, though weak, it carried the weight of his love and devotion. He cradled Naruto in his arms, the infant's cries barely audible over the destruction around them. "Naruto," he whispered, his breath shallow and strained, "you'll grow up strong. Stronger than I ever was. You'll be a light in this world." His voice faltered for a moment, but his resolve never wavered. "Your life… it will…it will be our legacy."

Kushina's tears fell silently, invisible in her spirit form, but each one weighed heavily on her heart. She watched helplessly as her child—her precious Naruto—squirmed in Minato's weakening arms, blissfully unaware of the sacrifice unfolding around him. Her voice, though soft and ethereal, trembled with the pain she could no longer contain.

"Naruto… forgive us," she whispered, her heart breaking with every word. "Forgive us for not being there to watch you grow, for leaving you to face the world alone." Her gaze lingered on the child's small face, his future uncertain, but her love for him unwavering.

Meanwhile, the wind howled relentlessly across the battlefield, carrying with it the scent of destruction and despair. In the distance, the Nine-Tails loomed, a towering force of fury barely contained.

Minato's hands moved with the flawless precision that only a Kage of his caliber could command, crafting the final seal with a calm that belied the chaos surrounding him.

Every stroke of the seal carried with it a silent vow—a plea for their child's survival and the desperate hope that one day, Naruto would understand the depth of the love and sacrifice behind this final, heart-wrenching decision.

With a trembling voice, Kushina whispered one final plea, her words fragile but filled with all the love she could muster. "Live, Naruto. Live and be happy. We love you." The sentiment hung in the air, a mother's deepest wish for her child, reaching out across the veil of life and death.

When the last of the Nine-Tails' chakra was sealed, a profound stillness settled over the battlefield. The storm had passed, but the weight of what had been done lingered like a heavy shroud. Their son was safe—protected, but at what cost? The future stretched out before them, uncertain and full of shadows, the echoes of their sacrifice reverberating in the silence.

Her heart ached, torn between the relief that their plan was working and the sorrow of what it meant for her son's future. She could feel the weight of the Kubi's rage and sorrow merging with Naruto's innocent essence, a collision of two worlds—the primal fury of the beast and the pure potential of her child.

The sealing symbol etched on his tiny body glowed brighter, absorbing the Kubi's chakra, the runes radiating with a fierce light as they struggled to contain the tumultuous energy within.

As the energy funneled into Naruto, a whirlwind of sensations washed over Kushina, the bond between mother and child amplifying the intensity of the moment.

She reached out, desperate to connect, to reassure her son amidst the chaos. Stay strong, my little Naruto, she thought, pouring every ounce of her love into that connection, even as the storm raged on around them.

Then, with one final burst of chakra, the sealing was complete. The massive form of the Kyūbi slowly began to dissipate, its fierce presence fading into the air like a receding storm. The battlefield, once filled with chaos and violence, grew eerily quiet.

Minato, drained of all strength, breathed his last. His body swayed before he slumped to his knees, his face pale and weary. Yet even in his final moments, he held Naruto protectively in his arms, cradling him as though shielding his son from the world's cruelty one last time.

As the weight of loss settled heavily in the air, a sudden shift caught Kushina's attention. The Death Goddess stirred beside her. Without a word, the goddess reached out, her ethereal hand brushing against Kushina's, gently pulling her closer to the scene below.

Moments later, she found herself kneeling beside her husband's still-warm body, a haunting stillness surrounding them, broken only by the distant echoes of the battlefield. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and ash, remnants of the chaos that had just unfolded.

As Kushina knelt in awe, Minato's radiant soul emerged, illuminating the battlefield with a warm, ethereal light. In that moment, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in a sacred space suspended between life and death. As he drew closer, the familiar features she had cherished in life became clearer, and a sense of peace washed over her.

"Minato," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as they embraced, the warmth of his spirit enveloping her. "You're here."

Their reunion felt timeless, as if no chaos had ever threatened to tear them apart. Minato's gentle smile reassured her, his eyes sparkling with the love they had shared. "Kushina, I've missed you," he said with a hint of humor, ignoring the fact that they hadn't been separated long.

"Shut up, you idiot." She laughed, punching him, immediately surprised that she made contact.

Noticing Kushina's reaction she smiled. "Why are you surprised? You are both spirits now."

They stepped back, a deep sense of connection surged between them. But then, her gaze drifted to Naruto's stomach, and she noticed the intricate markings of the seal forming on his delicate skin. At first, it was as she had expected—the seal Minato had carefully crafted to protect their son. But then, something unexpected happened.

An additional symbol appeared: the Uzumaki clan's spiral insignia, bold and unmistakable. Surrounding it were eight distinct marks, each glowing with a faint light. Kushina's breath caught, her spiritual form trembling with both confusion and awe.

"What is this?" she breathed, reaching out to touch the markings, her fingers hovering just above his skin.

Minato looked down, his brow furrowing in thought. "I didn't expect this. This isn't the seal I saw in the scroll you gave me."

Death Goddess waved her hand over Naruto's body, the light of her presence illuminating the intricate seal. "What you see before you are the end result of your combined destinies given form," she explained, her voice melodic yet profound. "The Uzumaki seal has been modified to reflect the strength of your bond and the legacy you wish to leave for Naruto."

Kushina turned to the goddess, a mix of relief and curiosity flooding her heart. "But why these additional marks? What do they mean?"

"The eight symbols represent the virtues you wish to impart to your son," the goddess replied, gesturing gracefully. "Courage, wisdom, love, resilience, hope, honor, sacrifice, and unity. They will guide him on his journey, strengthening his connection to both of you and empowering him to face the challenges ahead."

Kushina felt a surge of pride swell within her. "He will carry our legacy," she murmured, glancing at Minato, who nodded in agreement.

"Yes, and with this seal, he will be protected in ways we could never have imagined," Minato said, his expression softening. "Our love will guide him, even when we cannot."

The goddess's gaze softened as she spoke, her voice resonating with a timeless quality, both ancient and eternal.

"Naruto is no ordinary child, Kushina. He carries more than just Kazue within him. He bears the legacy of Uzumaki and Namikaze, of your love, and the blessings of powers that stretch beyond this realm."

Her ethereal eyes settled on the glowing seal marking Naruto's fragile form. "These marks will protect him, guide him. You have given him all that you can. Now, it is his journey to walk."

Kushina's spirit trembled as the weight of the goddess's words sank in. She glanced at Minato, who stood silently beside her, the light of his soul flickering in the aftermath of his sacrifice.

Tears welled in Kushina's eyes as she gazed down at her son one final time, her heart brimming with a mother's unyielding love. The end was drawing near, but the goddess's words had given her a fragile sliver of hope. Even in death, Naruto would never truly be alone. He would carry her, Minato, and the strength of their love within him always.

Her tears flowed freely now, cascading down her cheeks. With a trembling hand, she leaned down, gently placing her palm above Naruto's tiny chest.

Drawing on the last remnants of her chakra, she imbued it into her son, a piece of herself that would remain with him for when he needed her most. A lifeline between worlds, so that one day, when the time was right, she could stand by his side again. It was her final gift, a mother's last act of love and protection.

As the last of her energy drained from her, Kushina and Minato felt the pull of the afterlife tugging on their spirit, drawing them toward the heavens. They ascended, weightless and ethereal, toward the new world that awaited them.

They followed the Death Goddess, who stood tall and serene, leading them through the veil that separated life from death. Kushina now understood, in her final moments, that this goddess—this powerful being—had once walked the earth in search of true love.

That love had brought Kushina into the world, and now, in death, she was returning to her mother's side, reunited in a way she had never expected.

As they began their departure, a brilliant, blinding light engulfed the altar where Naruto lay. Kushina, her eyes wide in astonishment, watched as a magnificent suit of armor appeared around her son. Its shimmering form glinted for a brief moment before it vanished, invisible to the eye but present nonetheless.

It would protect him, serving as a shield until the day he was ready to wield it fully. A cloak followed, fluttering around him like a whisper of the wind before it, too, disappeared.

Then, with a thunderous crash, a giant scroll landed beside Naruto, ancient and sealed with markings even Kushina didn't recognize. It was a gift, one that would remain hidden until the day Naruto was ready to open it, a time when he would be strong enough to understand its secrets and face the legacy left for him.

The couple felt a surge of pride as they looked upon their son, wrapped in the protective gifts of powers beyond mortal understanding. Kushina's tears, once filled with sorrow, now held the quiet joy of a mother who knew that, while her child might not be safe, he would at least be well protected.

And as she drifted toward her new home in the sky, hand in hand with Minato, she whispered softly into the wind, "Be strong, my son. We will always be with you."