Naruto: Reborn in His Younger Self

---

There's no one in the world like a mother, and a mother's child is the most precious treasure.

At this moment, Naruto was in the embrace of his mother, Kushina Uzumaki, crying uncontrollably. It was as if he was trying to release all the pent-up emotions and burdens he had carried for so long.

"Mom... I missed you so much!"

Naruto clung to Kushina tightly, burying his face into her shoulder. In return, she gently stroked his back, whispering soothing words to comfort him.

Since his rebirth, Naruto had been under immense pressure.

Not only did he have to deal with the misunderstanding and rejection from those around him, but he also had to face the weight of his own expectations.

The truth was—he was terrified.

Even though he had been given a second chance, the fear of failure loomed over him constantly.

Would all his efforts be enough to change the outcome? Or would he have to witness the same tragedies again?

The images of loved ones who had died in his past life flashed through his mind at night, haunting him.

Many times, he had awoken from nightmares, drenched in sweat, his breath ragged with panic.

But now, in his mother's embrace, the warmth of her presence seeped into his very soul. For the first time since his return, he felt at peace.

Kushina held his face gently, pressing her forehead against his, wiping the tears from his cheeks.

"Alright, alright, enough crying now," she said softly, though there was clear affection in her voice.

"You're all grown up, but you're still crying like a child."

Naruto sniffled, his sobs quieting down.

Kushina, despite trying to hold herself together, felt the same emotions welling up in her.

This was her first time seeing her son all grown up.

A mother's heart is strong, but seeing her child in pain—no matter how old they are—is unbearable.

Though her tears didn't fall, they shimmered in her eyes.

She took a deep breath, composing herself, before speaking again.

"Naruto, wait here for a bit. I need to deal with the Nine-Tails first, and then we can talk properly."

As she spoke, her chakra flared to life.

---

Sealing the Nine-Tails

Inside the sealed space, Naruto, still recovering, raised his head. His golden chakra cloak flickered as he pushed himself up.

Then, suddenly—shlink!

Golden chains burst from Naruto's chest, surging forward with incredible speed.

Kongō Fūsa—Adamantine Sealing Chains!

The seven chains wrapped around Kurama's massive body, coiling tightly around his limbs and neck, pinning him down to the ground.

The moment the chains latched onto him, the beast's massive form was restrained.

Kurama growled, baring his fangs as he struggled against the unbreakable bonds.

"This chakra... It's Kushina's!"

The realization made the great fox's eyes narrow.

Minato, who had been watching everything from the outside, was stunned.

"This kid... He planned this from the start?"

Everything—breaking the seal, drawing out the Nine-Tails' chakra, and allowing himself to be consumed by the hatred—had been intentional.

It was all a trap, carefully laid out to bring out Kushina's chakra!

Minato frowned, his expression serious.

"But how? How did Naruto know I had placed Kushina's chakra inside the seal?"

This wasn't just the instinct of a Jinchūriki—Naruto knew exactly what he was doing.

Realizing he needed answers, Minato placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

A moment later, with a whoosh, he phased into Naruto's mindscape.

---

Reunion of Husband and Wife

The moment Minato arrived inside the sealed space, he was met with an unexpected sight.

Kushina and Naruto were sitting on the ground, talking and laughing.

It was a warm, peaceful moment—something that should never have been possible.

Minato paused, his heart aching at the sight of his wife and son together.

Kushina was smiling happily, teasing Naruto.

"You know, you're only the second person who's ever complimented my red hair."

Naruto smirked playfully.

"Oh? And the first was...?"

Before Kushina could answer, Minato stepped forward with a proud grin.

"That would be me—your father!"

Naruto turned around, eyes wide in surprise.

"You can enter here too?"

Kushina's reaction was different.

The moment she saw Minato, her eyes brightened, and before he could react—bam!

She leaped into his arms.

"Minato!"

Minato barely had time to steady himself before she buried her face into his chest, wrapping her arms around him tightly.

He hesitated for a second before gently stroking her hair, savoring the moment.

"I set up the entire sealing formula, remember?" he explained. "Since I was the one who placed your chakra inside Naruto, it makes sense that I could come in here too."

Kushina, still clinging to him, let out a small laugh before looking up at him.

"Minato... I've missed you so much."

Minato gave her a warm smile.

"I missed you too, Kushina."

Naruto, watching from the side, had a deadpan expression.

"Hey, hey, hey. Could you two save the flirting for later?"

Seriously, even in a sealed mindscape, his parents were acting all lovey-dovey.

Kushina turned to Naruto with a mischievous grin.

"What's wrong, Naruto?"

Naruto pouted.

"Tch. You hugged and kissed Dad, but you didn't even give me a kiss when you saw me!"

Kushina giggled.

Then, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on Naruto's cheek.

"There! Happy now?"

Naruto folded his arms, pretending to think.

"Hmm... Not enough. I want more than Dad!"

Minato, amused, shook his head.

"Even competing with me for your mother's attention, huh?"

Kushina laughed, ruffling Naruto's hair.

"Alright, alright. Mommy will give you another one."

She kissed his other cheek, and Naruto finally grinned.

"Now that's more like it."

Minato watched them with a soft smile.

For the first time in years, they looked like a real family.

If only they could have had this in reality—if only they could have lived in Konoha together.

Yes, he was a Hokage.

But more than that, he was a father. A husband.

And no matter how much he had prepared for death back then—

Seeing his wife and son like this...

Made him realize just how much he had lost.

---

Minato let out a quiet sigh, wiping the corner of his eye.

At least, for now, we can be together—even if it's just for a little while.

This moment... This happiness...

Was something he would treasure forever.

---

End of Chapter

---

------------

Check out other novels

Naruto: l Aspire To Become Hokage Man

To Get This Week Bonus Chapter - 200 Power Stones

Dear Readers

For 120 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/NF25