Is there any direct data flow between EPC & eNB in option 3X NSA mode?

What is the purpose of user plane between EPC & eNB in option 3X NSA mode?
Is it only for voice call?

Some docs are showing user plane between EPC & eNB & in some docs its not reflecting. Which is correct one?

As the data path is 1) from EPC - gNB - UE & 2) EPC - gNB - eNB - UE.

Or is it operator specific choice?