[In the end, he just hates hurting her. It all comes down to that. But he does know, logically, he needs to find a balance here. He can't always protect her from things. To be a best friend, he has to be honest in other ways, too.

Feelings are hard.

He hugs her back tight. Minato's death must be weighing terribly on her. He understands. It was on him, too, until he noticed how satisfied Minato seemed. If it made him so happy to complete his mission, then he couldn't push it.]

I know that. You're my best friend, too, Kaede. [Softer:] I wouldn't want to see you die, either, you know. It's the same selfish feeling and I can admit that. I think it'd be best for you, of course, but... I also just... it would hurt me. I'm sorry for hurting you this way.