Chapter 139: The Tattletale Nine-Tails

Kushina held Naruto tightly, as if time itself had stood still at this very moment.

After a long while, she suddenly remembered that Minato Namikaze had not yet had a chance to say a word to Naruto. Despite the overwhelming reluctance to let go, she slowly loosened her embrace. She gently guided Naruto toward Minato.

Just as she was about to introduce him to his father, Naruto moved with a speed so fast that even Minato could not track it, striking out like a bolt of lightning. The blow was heavy and precise, landing squarely on Minato’s face and sending him reeling backward.

"Naruto!" Kushina gasped, her face filled with shock and concern. Behind them, the Nine-Tails watched the scene, utterly delighted, a mischievous glint flickering in its massive eyes.

Naruto clenched his fist, his expression revealing a complex array of emotions as he spoke slowly: "I hit him because he is my father. If he had been able to watch me grow up and teach me how to be a man of integrity, he would have wanted me to throw this punch, wouldn't he?" His voice trembled slightly, betraying his desperate attempt to suppress the deep-seated grievances in his heart.

Although Naruto possessed the mind of a thirty-year-old adult who had spent twenty years fighting on the battlefield, it did not mean he was cold-hearted, nor did it mean he could simply brush aside his emotions or forget his longings—especially now that he had been taught how to love and how to accept love.

"Yes, Naruto, you are right." Minato stood up, making no move to cover his already swollen face. His eyes were filled with understanding and pride. "I would have encouraged you to grow into a brave, good man, a responsible husband for your family, and a righteous person who stands up against injustice. A father who failed his duties, like me, deserves this punch."

A radiant smile bloomed on Minato’s face—as warm as it always was, and just like the smiles of Naruto and Kushina. It was a smile that seemed to melt all ice, filling the air with boundless warmth and love. Anyone witnessing the three of them smiling would have come to the same conclusion: the ancient saying is true—like father, like son.

"Naruto, you’ve grown up. You are truly outstanding." Minato looked at Naruto’s face, moved by a profound sense of emotion. Naruto looked eighty percent like him—that handsome face, those determined eyes—as if he were Minato's own shadow. Yet, he also carried eighty percent of Kushina’s likeness—that vibrant spirit and kind heart, as if he were her continuation.

His son was truly far more capable than he had ever been. From the activation of the Nine-Tails mode to the swift and decisive defeat of the alien robots, and the subsequent handling of the aftermath of the war in Konoha—Minato had witnessed every step Naruto took. Every decision Naruto made was far superior to the best possible outcome Minato himself could have achieved. Minato mused that if he were in his son's position, he would have only been able to minimize losses, whereas Naruto had not only perfectly halted the damage but also generated significant benefits, while leaving ample room for the comprehensive reforms to come.

Not to mention, Naruto ruled the Whirlpool Village and the Land of Waves, and was currently the kind of exceptional leader that the many ninjas of Konoha would beg to serve under. In this regard, Minato felt he paled in comparison.

Minato felt a mix of relief and sorrow. He was relieved that his son had surpassed him, proving to be far stronger than his father. Yet, he felt sorrowful that he and his wife had been unable to be part of his growth. They had missed so much, and their hearts were heavy with guilt and regret.

The three stood in silence for a time, the atmosphere thick with complex emotions. After a while, Minato spoke softly: "Naruto, our time is running out." His voice carried a touch of helplessness and reluctance.

"What you see is merely a remnant of chakra that Kushina and I left within the sealing space, containing our memories and consciousness," Minato said, his eyes reflecting a longing for the past. "Originally, our purpose in remaining here was merely to prevent the Nine-Tails from bewitching you or using you to escape, and to aid you in the future so you could obtain the Nine-Tails' chakra and power."

He paused, looking at Naruto with deep satisfaction. "What you have achieved is far greater than we could have ever imagined. You and the Nine-Tails have come to understand each other and now trust one another completely. Seeing what you have done brings us true peace."

Minato turned to the Nine-Tails and said solemnly, "Thank you once again, Nine-Tails. If not for your chakra, Kushina and I would have vanished long ago, unable to wait until today to see Naruto." His face was filled with gratitude.

"We have nothing left to say; our time has come," Minato said, his words heavy with the sadness of parting. His and Kushina’s figures began to fade. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he added, "Oh, right, Naruto. Remember to return to the Uzumaki Temple and find the Shinigami Mask. I used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal to take the other half of the Nine-Tails into the belly of the Reaper. You must release that half of its power so your Nine-Tails mode can be complete."

Naruto nodded firmly, his eyes fixed on his parents as they grew increasingly translucent.

"Goodbye, Naruto."

Minato held Kushina’s hand tightly, their eyes full of reluctance and lingering affection. They gazed at their son as if trying to etch his image into their souls forever. The three of them stared at each other until Minato and Kushina vanished entirely, the last traces of their light dissipating into the air.

Once they were gone, Naruto rubbed the bridge of his nose and let out a long, slow breath. The Nine-Tails hopped gracefully off the beanbag chair and jumped happily into Naruto’s arms. Naruto held it, feeling the familiar warmth. The fox chattered on:

"Kid, I have to say, although I didn't care for Minato and Kushina, I have great respect for them." Its voice held a touch of sentiment. "Having parents like them is something to be truly proud of. And for them to have a child as outstanding as you, they must be very proud as well."

"Dry your tears and get your act together! People have to look forward! You still have plenty to do!"

Naruto’s hand gently touched the fox’s cheek. He looked intently into its eyes and said slowly, "Thank you, Kurama. But you know my habits. I always settle my accounts clearly. Even with all your sweet talk today, you won't get away with your betrayal, Kurama." Naruto’s tone was firm, his eyes revealing a hint of seriousness.

The Nine-Tails’ heart skipped a beat; its tail drooped, and its ears flattened. "Now, kid... I was only being kind... your parents were separated from you for so many years, surely..." the Nine-Tails said, its voice tinged with ingratiation.

"Saying more won't change the fact that you betrayed me and snitched on me! You damn fox, prepare to die!"

Naruto grabbed the Nine-Tails’ face in frustration, pulling its cheeks in opposite directions with all his might!

"Awoo-ooo-ooo! Help! Help! Abuse of an elder!!!"

The Nine-Tails’ agonizing wails echoed throughout the entire sealing space.