The higher-dimensional being hovered before Naruto, its light bending the darkness of the universe.
The silence stretched.
Naruto's will burned steady.
"I don't care how heavy it is," Naruto said.
"If they can live in peace… I'll carry the loneliness."
The being studied him—
Not as a god judges a mortal…
But as existence itself measuring resolve.
Then, for the first time, its voice softened.
"Very well."
"I grant permission to remove the seal placed upon you."
Naruto's eyes widened.
"Remove… the seal?"
"The prison you were cast into binds your body."
"Your growth requires that vessel to be unchained."
"But there is a price."
The being's form brightened until the void trembled.
"You will remain with me… for one day."
"One day beyond time."
"To be prepared for what you are becoming."
Before Naruto could respond—
The universe split open.