[There is a book laying on a near by table that Kushina doesn't see as she rushes toward the window. The first rustle of wind doesn't even jostle the pages, however when she flings the window open, the book flies open with it. There's a moments pause as Kushina takes in the contents of outside, the chill in the air, the foreign feel. The first thing she deems to greet Luceti with is:]

WHERE IS MINATO!? This isn't..!

[But then her angry heart-felt cry stops, the words dying mid-sentence as a wave of emotion tears into her. Whatever anger she felt quickly faded in lieu of grief. A loud bang against the window's frame and the rattle of glass.]

Naruto... Minato...

[It's quiet and sounds as though Kushina is on the verge of tears, if not already crying.]

This isn't the afterlife, I know it. It doesn't feel right. It's too real. I shouldn't be able to feel pain, y'know!

[Kushina slumps to the floor, the sound reverberating softly in the near-empty room. What was she supposed to do here? What was this place, even? It wasn't where she was supposed to be. Nowhere had ever felt more wrong in her life.]

An honor?

[Wow that... that makes her pause and look at the journal in surprise. She knows Naruto is a great kid and it's an honor to be one of his parents, but... wow.]

You really do care for him, huh?

[This makes her smile softly. Proud.]

Of course! I mean it when I call him one of my dearest friends. We have been through many hardships together, and I have been inspired by how much Naruto-kun has strived and grown over the years. And he has saved all of our lives. In a way, I envy how well he is utilizing his springtime of youth. But I shall always be glad to fight by his side!

[Lee's done the unthinkable. He's baffled a motor mouth woman into silence. When they'd talked, their first meeting ever, he'd been so modest with himself. Kushina knew he had friends and that they were important and he was happy, but... though it was vague, hearing of his greatness stunned her into silence.

Already, she was grateful to Lee for being one of her son's friends, one of the people he trusted. That Naruto took care of, and made such a boy consider him such a good friend.]

Thank you, Lee-kun. It's wonderful to know that Naruto has a friend like you in his life.

[He bows at the journal.]

T-thank you. And I am sure it is most beneficial for him that he has a mother such as yourself!

[Honestly, she's not sure what to say and doesn't do awkward well. So, instead Kushina's going to lean conspiratorially closer to the journal, cup her hand over her mouth like she's trying to shield the outside world of something, and whisper.]

Na na, Lee-kun. Can you do me a favor? Can you help me gather the friends Naruto has here? Not now, but soon.

YES! KUSHINA-SAN, I WILL GLADLY GATHER EACH AND EVERY FRIEND WHOM NARUTO-KUN HAS EVER MADE WITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE!

[...Oh good grief she meant that not to be said so loudly.]

Shh!

[At least his enthusiasm is a good sign and well worth the risk. Still, though.]

Not so loud... I don't know where you are, and I don't want him to hear.

I apologize! I am so sorry, Kushina-san! I have most truly failed you, in every sense imaginable! Why did I not suspect... this is intended as a surprise for your beloved son? Let me try to apply a private filter, it will keep him from this conversation!

Oh, these can be filtered...? [She looks slightly embarrassed.] Don't beat yourself up for something I didn't know. It's not your fault.

If the date on this journal is right, Naruto's birthday is in less than a month. Just enough time to make it special, y'know? As long as he doesn't find out that's what's the plan, I think we're okay.

Ah - the birthday of Naruto-kun? Of course! [He flashes a thumbs up to the camera with tears streaming down his face. It happens.] Your sheer thoughtfulness... it is overwhelming! I shall make it my endeavor to do all I can to help!

[Kushina has to hold herself back giving a soft little laugh. Lee is so intense with his feelings that it's sweet, but also kind of silly and over the top. In a really endearing way.]

Thank you, Lee-kun!

You are most welcome! It is my honor.

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YES! KUSHINA-SAN, I WILL GLADLY GATHER EACH AND EVERY FRIEND WHOM NARUTO-KUN HAS EVER MADE WITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE!

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