[ thank you... it's not quite what she expected to hear and, fundamentally, she understands why minato says it. yet he's the one that should be hearing it, not saying it...?

still...

she shakes her head. it's not the wrong thing to say, but she also doesn't need to be thanked. not for something she couldn't control--though she would have certainly made the choice if she could have. ]

It isn't wrong. I... promised to be by your side, so being here isn't something I couldn't want.

[ it's true. being by his side would never be the wrong decision, not in her eyes--especially when the possibility became an impossibility. their other friends were safe, so...

... keeping minato company and ensuring his safety had always been one of her priorities. this time wasn't any different.

even if it's difficult. even if it's dangerous. even... if it was delaying the reality of it. ]

I almost wish I could have come sooner...