Disappearing and reappearing in front of me in no less than an instant, he went right at my chin with his fist.
His moves, almost as if artificially executed, were precise but relatively slow compared to Hiashi's. Dodging the incoming attack, I sent his body flying with a 90° kick using my right leg to his chin.
He spun in the air and landed on the ground with ease. His eyes remained the same, as well as his expression. I've gotta say, he's quite the flexible one.
Dusting off his shoulder, he looked ready to come at me again.
"Boruto, Mistuki! What are guys doing?"
Shino stood between us, interrupting our small spar.
"I was testing Boruto's strength, Mr. Shino. Is that not clear?"
Mitsuki answered, no lies in his words.
"Whether it's clear or not, you are not allowed to fight each other without the teacher's permission. Do you understand?"
"I see. If then, I am gravely sorry Mr. Shino. I hope you don't mind me fighting Boruto if I ask you then?"
"Yes, I do mind... Now just go to your classroom. You too Boruto. Everyone! The sparring session is over! Get to your classroom at once!"
In response to Shino's command, everyone, including me hastily left the training ground.
"Hey Boruto"
After reaching the classroom Shikadai called out to me.
"Yeah?"
"What was that? I mean I know you're strong and all... But I didn't know you were THAT strong"
"You never asked... Did you?"
He shut his mouth upon hearing that. Mitsuki, on the other hand, was sticking close to me like a koala.
"What do you want?"
"Nothing"
Still keeping that bright smile, he responded with a casual tone. I sensed two pairs of eyes intensely staring at me from behind.
Gazing back, I saw Sumire and the... Cho-Cho? I can understand why Sumireʼs trying to kill me with her piercing gaze... But why this girl?
"Are you bothered by the fat girl, Boruto? Should I dispose of her?"
"No, nothing of that sort... And by the way, you shouldn't casually talk about killing a person in front of them"
Cho-Cho had flinched when Mitsuki spoke. In her eyes, she'd never seen bloodshed, so it was natural to stagger when even speaking of that topic.
"I see. I will refrain from speaking of that sort then. As I, don't want you to hate me, Boruto"
Never once did he speak with lies... Such a vague existence. A fragile goal... Like a baby, taking his steps, one by one. Trying to form an individuality, at the same time, mocking my own.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Feel free to ask me anything"
A simple yet fierce question.
"If I tried to kill you... Would you fight back?"
"No"
"...I see"
Naturally, anybody would fight back, even if it meant killing the other party. No matter how much a person steel their resolve to not hurt another being, it would inevitably be crushed when a critical event happens.
But Mitsuki's case was different. His sole existence is revolved around me, to me, he's an invaluable asset. A person I could fully put my trust in... But I won't, he may very well revolt against me after forming his individuality. After becoming... More human.
That aside, the atmosphere inside the classroom was tense. Some were anxious, fearing that a fight would break out.
"O-Oi, Boruto. Why're you asking that kinda question dude?"
Shikadai, who had a sweat visible on his forehead. Spoke with nervousness.
"It was just a simple question out of curiosity, no need to get tensed up"
He sighed, probably out of relief. The atmosphere in the classroom gradually cooled down. Everyone slowly took their seats and started their conversations.
.
.
.
.
The day went by and night took after. I stood under a lamplight. Taking a seat on the bench near me, I took a sip of the canned juice I bought from a small convenience store nearby.
Gazing down at several buildings, I felt a sense of harmony. That was soon crushed by a presence nearing me from behind.
"You're quite busy nowadays... Dad"
"Haha... Yeah"
Chuckling, Naruto sat beside me. Glancing at him, I could see dark bags under his eyes.
"You're not getting proper sleep, are you?"
"Don't worry! My health is perfect"
Putting on a facade, he smiled brightly sounding like he was full of energy.
"You know full well I'm not buying that crap"
His grin slowly faded away, leaning back. He smiled bitterly with sadness overflowing within his eyes.
"I'm sorry... I-I'm trying my best.. To be a good father, but..."
"You don't need to apologize. Afterall, a Hokage's path is not easy, right? Hima and Mom would be sad if they saw you like this"
His eyes were half closed, screaming with exhaustion. Suddenly, his body flinched.
"What happened"
"Ah~ It's nothin' a shadow clone just popped"
"Then why did you flinch?"
I probed, he didn't know I had the understanding of the shadow clone Jutsu's pros and cons.
"Did I? You must be imagining things"
"Dad... I use the shadow clone Jutsu as well. did you think of the consequences of using such a reckless method? I admit that supporting the village using such a large amount of clones can help our village further grow... But is it worth sacrificing your own life?
"I gave my life to this village the day I swore I would become Hokage, Boruto. I wouldn't think twice to sacrifice myself"
"Then... The village doesn't need a loser with no rational thinking. Get yourself some rest, and keep in check with your health. The village needs a person who can protect it, who can protect their civilians. The village doesn't need some loser who mindlessly thinks like this. Listen, a person with good health can only make good decisions for the future of the Village. While someone with poor health like you can only bring upon destruction"
His eyes split open as if he had been struck by a thunderbolt. As he tried to respond, he looked like he was listening to someone else.
Looking toward me, his eyes had flames within them.
"Haha...hahahaha!!"
Laughing like a maniac, he buried his face with his left palm.
"Look at me, being lectured by my own son"
His laugh soon faded away, overtaken by a gentle smile.
Looks like Kurama gave the last push to awaken his rational side.
"Thank you, Boruto. I now know what I need to do... You're right, the village doesn't need a sleepy Hokage who can't even defend his own Village, but instead, the Village needs a Hokage who can always protect it. May it be politics, manpower or firepower, Even if the process is slow, I will protect this village. Not as the old sleepy Naruto, but as Namikaze Minato's son"
"Thank you again, Boruto. After fixing my schedule, I will be home, I won't make Hima, Hinata, or you sad anymore"
Pulling me into a tight hug, he kissed my forehead and disappeared from my sight.
"What a troublesome father"
I chuckled while shaking my head.