Naruto's original plan was to deal with his mother, Kushina, immediately after settling Gaara.
After all, the power of his 'Menma' form had a limited duration and had already dissipated, and Naruto's own 'Nine-Headed Snakes' had not yet been resummoned.
However, he had already left Flying Thunder God Marks on Kushina and Mito's Edo Tensei bodies, so he wasn't worried about not finding them.
Moreover, the Sealing Jutsu placed on them was both a restraint and, to some extent, a protection, at least ensuring they wouldn't cause destruction or be harmed while out of control.
How long had it been?
The Third Hokage and Jiraiya had already found and sealed them?
Naruto thought about it for a moment, and it made sense.
After all, the battlefield traces left by 'Menma' fighting the previous two Nine-Tails Jinchuriki were on the scale of a missile strike; it would be hard not to attract attention.
"So..." Naruto took a deep breath, and the name naturally slipped out, "...Mom, where is she being kept now?"
The Third Hokage's eyes clearly flickered when he heard that address, and he was silent for a moment.
Then, he slowly said, "Kushina... and Lady Mito, as well as the First Hokage and Second Hokage, are currently being held in a special room for storing confidential scrolls within the Konoha Anbu base."
"Currently, unless we can persuade Orochimaru to voluntarily release the Jutsu... we haven't found any other safe way to undo this forbidden Jutsu."
No, Naruto actually knew one method—[Edo Tensei: Release].
As long as the hand seals are known, the summoned souls of the deceased can voluntarily break their contract with the living world using their own will.
If their wishes have been fulfilled, they can break free from their restraints with a strong will and return to the Pure Land.
Furthermore, Orochimaru was now completely sealed; forget about precise control, the current Jutsu even required talismans to enhance control, so there was no need to worry about him making any more moves.
But... this realization brought not liberation, but a deeper struggle.
Would his mother... truly be willing to leave after the Jutsu was released?
As soon as he thought of this question, Naruto felt an indescribable irritation.
Knowing all the truths of the original story, he knew all too well—what Kushina's deepest, strongest wish was in her final moments... it was to see her child grow up with her own eyes.
Although the Edo Tensei body carried the consciousness of the soul, this body could not compare to true life after all.
It couldn't feel the warmth of the sun, couldn't taste the deliciousness of food, couldn't experience the strength of a hug... the body was made of insensate dust... it didn't even need the most basic physiological need of sleep anymore.
Could such an 'existence' truly be considered alive?
Emotional reluctance and rational understanding clashed violently in his mind, tearing at his decision.
Could it be... the system?!
Could he truly not find a way to have the best of both worlds with the system?
He questioned himself inwardly, unwilling to give up.
The Third Hokage looked at Naruto, who had suddenly become somber, his brows furrowed, as if he was experiencing an intense inner struggle.
He naturally assumed Naruto was heartbroken over his mother's fate, unable to rest even after death.
"Naruto... over the years..." The Third Hokage's voice carried a heavy weariness, and he slowly rose from his seat, "If I had revealed your lineage sooner... I am very sorry."
He bowed slightly to Naruto, a gesture that made Jiraiya's eyes shift, but he ultimately didn't interrupt.
"But, if you want to hate, or feel disappointed about anything," the Third Hokage's voice was earnest, "please only hate me... Although it sounds like I'm defending myself, I still ask you to let me finish what I have to say."
Before Naruto could respond, the Third Hokage had already begun his explanation.
He recounted that before Naruto's birth, the Third Shinobi World War broke out, and Konoha, as the head of the Five Great Ninja Villages, became the target of many factions.
During that most difficult period, a young Ninja from Konoha, with his exceptional abilities, repeatedly turned the tide of battle on the battlefield, earning a formidable reputation.
"That excellent Ninja was your father," the Third Hokage's gaze showed reminiscence, "and also Konoha's Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze."
With his elusive Flying Thunder God Technique, Minato became the nightmare of countless enemy Ninja.
His reputation was so feared that enemy countries even established an unwritten rule: if you encountered the 'yellow flash' on the battlefield, you could immediately abandon your mission and flee, and the Village would not hold you accountable.
How did that title come about?
Naruto knew in his heart that it was by no means a heartwarming legend, but an awe forged with the blood and lives of enemies.
The Third Hokage's current narration was already a beautification of that past.
The Third Hokage continued, saying that on the day Naruto was born, a mysterious Ninja controlled the Nine-Tailed and attacked Konoha.
To seal the rampaging Nine-Tailed and protect the Village, Naruto's father and mother both sacrificed their lives.
Coupled with the immense destruction caused by the Nine-Tailed's rampage, Konoha Ninja suffered heavy casualties, and the entire Village entered an unprecedented period of weakness.
"If your lineage had been revealed at that time... enemy nations would surely have taken advantage of our weakness, and I had no absolute certainty that I could fend off all assassination attempts targeting you."
The explanation was complete.
The content largely matched the truth Naruto had deduced from the clues.
Jiraiya stood by, silently watching his teacher, the Hokage, bow and apologize to a young boy.
He said nothing.
Because the rumors about Naruto being a 'demon fox' were able to spread due to the Third Hokage's failure to timely prevent Danzo from secretly fanning the flames.
The Third Hokage's indecisiveness indeed bore undeniable responsibility in this matter.
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