It's been two days since Boruto began training with Himawari, and in that short time, she has shown overwhelming progress. They can now be seen in the same forest where they previously trained. Boruto watches his sister kindly as she attempts to perfect the Rasengan. His thoughts are filled with wonder at how quickly Himawari is learning and improving.
—It's amazing how she's progressing—Boruto thought as he watched Himawari—. Her body adapts at a surprising speed. At her age, I couldn't even sense chakra as easily as she does now. And although the Rasengan is still difficult for her, she has advanced to the second phase, handling the rubber ball with ease. She lacks strength and more rotation, but reaching this level in such a short time is amazing.
Boruto continued to ponder his sister's abilities, noticing something peculiar about her Byakugan.
"His Byakugan is strange," he said to himself. "He has the same abilities as a normal one, but his power is much greater. It's like he's missing something to reach his true potential. His chakra is also incredibly high, much higher than mine when I was his age. He surpasses me by far. It's a shame he's not a natural sensor, but with the Byakugan, it's almost the same. If he keeps this up, he'll become a great ninja."
Boruto's admiration for Himawari grew with each moment they spent training together. Though he himself had been a prodigy, he recognized that his sister's potential was something special.
Himawari was concentrating on spinning the chakra inside the ball, trying to burst it. Suddenly, the ball unexpectedly flew towards Boruto's face. Still deep in thought, Boruto simply tilted his head, effortlessly dodging the projectile.
Himawari, surprised, turned to her brother and exclaimed:
—Boruto- niisan ! You dodged the ball! How did you do that? It seemed like you were in deep thought.
Boruto snapped out of his reverie and looked at Himawari, calmly answering:
—Is something wrong, Himawari?
— Mmm , little brother... What should I do? It's not working, the ball always flies away —Himawari said, pouting in frustration.
Boruto turned around and walked towards the ball, which had crashed into a tree. As he did so, he replied:
"You just have to practice. It's the only way to get stronger, stronger and stronger." He reached the ball, bent down to pick it up, and turning back to his sister, continued. "There is no easy way, Himawari."
Himawari, still frustrated, looked away, pouting again.
Boruto came to her side and looked at her with a gentle smile. He stroked her hair tenderly, while thinking to himself:
—You have to be strong, Himawari. Train and train, never stop, because if you do, people you love could die without you having the ability to save them.
He shook off those thoughts and spoke more softly:
—I'll show you again, but this time slower. Pay more attention, Himawari.
Boruto stopped stroking his sister's hair and, with the hand holding the ball, picked it up. He began to explain to her how the Rasengan worked, making sure she understood every detail.
"Listen carefully, Himawari," he said, as chakra began to flow into his hand. "The Rasengan is a technique of concentration and control. You need to spin the chakra in all directions at once, as if you were creating a storm inside the ball. But it's not enough to just spin it, you also need to compress that power and keep it under control. It's like trying to contain a whirlpool within a small space. If you let it escape, the ball will fly aimlessly, but if you control it well, the energy will concentrate until it can no longer be contained and it will explode with force."
Boruto showed Himawari how to spin the chakra inside the ball, making sure each movement was clear and easy to understand. After the demonstration,
Boruto finally burst the ball ending the demonstration, he took out another ball and gave it to Himawari to continue practicing.
"Now try again," he said with an encouraging smile. "Remember, Himawari, it's all about concentration and control. Don't rush it."
Himawari took the ball with determination, ready to try again, this time with more self-confidence.
Himawari continued to struggle until evening began to fall. Her breathing was heavy, and exhaustion was evident on her face. Boruto, noticing her tiredness, approached her with a soft smile and lifted her onto his back.
In a flash, Boruto disappeared, appearing a short distance from his house. As he walked, he spoke in a calm tone:
—We are close to home now.
Himawari, happy to be with her brother, hugged him tightly and, with a smile on her face, asked:
—Brother, why don't you teach me more techniques?
Boruto let out a soft laugh, with a hint of humor in his voice.
—You couldn't handle them, Himawari. It's best to let your body grow before trying anything more advanced.
She frowned thoughtfully and replied with some confusion:
—I still don't understand...
Boruto patiently explained to him:
—I taught you shadow clones and the Rasengan because they are Dad's techniques, and they are also simple and easy to use if you learn to control them. If you tried something more complicated, you wouldn't be able to handle it; your body isn't ready yet. Besides, you're about to turn six, so there's no need to rush, do you think?
Himawari nodded happily, excited for her upcoming birthday.
—But I don't think I'll be able to train you in the next few days —Boruto continued, in a more serious tone.
Himawari, who had been happily lying on her brother's back until then, lowered her head and whispered in a low voice:
-Because...?
Boruto, noticing her sadness, replied softly:
—The academy starts again, and my time is running out.
Himawari was silent for a moment, and between barely audible murmurs, she said:
—So... we won't be able to spend time together?
Boruto smiled and, with a comforting voice, replied:
—Don't worry, it'll only be a few days. Then we'll start training again, I promise.
Himawari nodded slowly, clinging a little tighter to her brother.
At that moment, they arrived home. Boruto entered and they headed to the kitchen, where Hinata was finishing preparing dinner.
"Hey, Mom, we're here," Boruto said, while Himawari did the same.
"Welcome back," Hinata replied with a warm smile. "Dinner is ready. And Boruto, remember to prepare your things for tomorrow; the academy continues."
Boruto nodded, taking a seat at the table next to Himawari, both of them calmly waiting for their food.
Elsewhere in Konoha, an excited voice was heard:
—So this is the place, Konoha, the Leaf Village! It's amazing... Grandma Tsunade, you were Hokage in this village, it's amazing!
Tsunade sighed and calmly replied:
—Calm down, Saku.
Saku, full of energy, asked:
—What shall we do now, Grandma Tsunade?
—We'll go rest first, it's quite late. Tomorrow morning we'll go to the Hokage's office —Tsunade answered, with a determined tone.
Saku nodded happily, unable to contain his excitement.
"I can't wait to meet more people," she said excitedly.
However, Tsunade looked at her seriously, a trace of anger in her voice:
—But first... I have to punish you for what you did in the Mist Village.
Saku blanked out, trying to understand, and then spoke in a worried tone:
—But, Grandma Tsunade, I saved people! Isn't that okay? Plus, I made friends...
"That's true, but you didn't follow my orders. Do you want me to return you to the orphanage?" Tsunade replied, with a piercing look.
With tears forming in his eyes, Saku pleaded:
—No, Grandma Tsunade! I swear I'll follow your orders to the letter next time.
Tsunade smiled slightly and said:
—I hope so, Saku.
The two arrived at a house, went inside and prepared for the next day.
Meanwhile, Mitsuki, sitting on the roof of a house, looked at the starry sky. With a soft voice, he murmured:
—Boruto, I'm back. It seems like a new sun has appeared. I wonder if he's the one or if your true self is the way.
Mitsuki stood up quickly, climbed down from the roof and entered the house, lost in his thoughts.
The next day, Boruto left his house with his usual calm, walking towards the academy. His steps were firm, but his mind was elsewhere, calculating his next moves. As he walked, he decided to deviate from his usual path, entering a dark and lonely alley. With a quick movement of his hands, he performed a seal stance, and in an instant, a clone appeared in a puff of smoke.
Boruto looked at him with a cold and determined gaze, and then spoke:
—You know what to do. The game is over; it doesn't matter what other people think anymore. The old man will soon start moving anyway.
The clone nodded seriously and began to run towards the academy, fulfilling his mission. Meanwhile, Boruto disappeared in a flash and reappeared in his new lair, located near the lake. His eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for his new subordinates. He placed his hand on the ground and closed his eyes, concentrating. Thanks to his ability, he could sense the presence of his subordinates, still far away, near the laboratory.
Boruto looked at the imposing pillar where his hidden laboratory was located and, with a flash of chakra, he moved to an abandoned factory where he sat on his throne with calculated calm. His thoughts were clear:
—I thought they would escape, but it's good that they didn't. I'll let them do their thing for now. In a month I'll look for them, I want to see how strong they've become.
Meanwhile, Boruto's clone ran and jumped at full speed, making sure to arrive at the academy in time.
Boruto's clone arrived at the academy, walking calmly as he made his way to the classroom. As he entered, he noticed that he had arrived early. He made his way to his usual seat, the last one near the window, and plopped down into the chair, thinking about the mission ahead and the upcoming Genin exam.
Little by little, his classmates began to arrive, greeting Boruto, who returned the greeting calmly and with a slight smile. After a few minutes, the classroom was full of students. Shikadai entered through the door, fixing his gaze on Boruto, who was at the back of the room.
—Boruto, how are you? —Shikadai asked in his usual tone.
Boruto looked at him and replied with a simple:
"I'm fine," his tone was indifferent, almost as if he didn't care about the conversation.
Shikadai noticed the change in his friend, but didn't know what else to say. Sarada, who was chatting with Chocho, noticed the interaction and turned her head to look at Boruto, who was still staring out the window. She thought to herself, "What's wrong with this baka now ?"
A few seconds later, Sensei Shino entered the classroom, and Sumire, as usual, stood up and said:
—Stand up.
All the students stood up, except for Boruto, who had an indifferent expression. Sumire, without any other choice, said again:
—Sitting.
The students sat down, but Boruto was still lost in his thoughts.
Shino spoke in his calm tone:
—We have a new student today. You can come in, Saku.
A person entered the classroom. He had brown hair, brown eyes, and a calm smile. Saku walked to the front, next to Shino.
"You may introduce yourself," Shino told him.
Boruto looked at the new student curiously. He noticed that some of his classmates were looking at him as if they already knew him, but he didn't give it much thought and turned his gaze to Saku.
"My name is Saku Senju, and I hope to make good friends," the new student said in a kind voice.
Boruto's eyes widened in disbelief. He quickly performed a hand seal, and in an instant, the royal Boruto, who was sitting on his throne with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them, cracking a smile.
—So the Senju blood still exists... Is he the son of the Fifth? I don't think so... There must be another reason.
Back at the academy, Shino spoke:
—Sit down, Saku.
Saku looked at the empty seats and noticed that Mitsuki was alone. He walked over to him and sat down next to him. Boruto watched the scene curiously, seeing Mitsuki smile. He thought to himself, "I see, so he's found a replacement. He's still unable to move forward on his own."
Classes began, and after a few hours, they ended. Sensei Shino left the classroom, and all the students gathered around to talk to Saku. Boruto, not giving much thought to his new classmate, got up from his seat and left the classroom, heading to the rooftop.
Once there, Boruto looked at the academy with a lazy expression on his face, as if he didn't care about that place at all.
Suddenly, a voice was heard behind him:
"What's wrong, Boruto? Do you feel overshadowed by the new student?" Sarada said in an amused tone.
Boruto, still looking at the academy, replied coldly:
—Do you think so, Sarada?
The indifference in his voice surprised Sarada, who replied:
—I heard you were sick. I just wanted to know how you were.
"I'm fine, nothing happened," Boruto replied without much interest.
With a touch of grace, Sarada added:
—So why don't you have the same energy as always? Is your idiocy over?
Boruto gave a slight smile and replied:
—I'm hungry. I'll go eat.
Boruto turned around and started walking towards the stairs to go down from the roof, passing by Sarada. As he passed by her, he added:
—The game is over.
Shocked once again, Sarada quickly turned around and looked at Boruto's back. She didn't know what to answer as Boruto's eyes brought back a memory of the past, leaving her unsure of what to do. After a few seconds, she thought to herself, "But what's going on?"
After the break ended, Boruto was about to enter the classroom when he noticed Saku walking towards him down the hallway. Saku, with a wide, carefree smile, greeted him energetically.
"Hey, you must be Boruto, right?!" Saku said, quickly approaching. "I've heard a lot about you!"
Boruto glanced at him, his expression cold and indifferent. Without stopping, he continued walking towards the classroom door.
"So what if I am?" Boruto replied in a tone that clearly showed his lack of interest.
Saku, unfazed by Boruto's response, followed him to the door.
"I heard you're one of the best in the class!" Saku continued, his enthusiasm intact. "I hope we can train together someday! I'm sure we could learn a lot from each other."
Boruto stopped just before entering the classroom and turned slightly towards Saku, fixing his eyes on him with a piercing gaze.
—I don't waste my time on idiots who just want to make friends —Boruto said, a mocking smile on his lips—. If you really want to be strong, stop acting like a fool.
Boruto's response didn't do much to cheer Saku up, who simply scratched his head with a nervous laugh.
"You're quite direct, Boruto!" Saku replied. "But don't worry, I'm going to show you that I can be strong in my own way!"
Boruto looked at him for a moment, assessing the determination in Saku's eyes, before letting out a soft sigh.
"Do whatever you want," Boruto muttered, before turning and entering the classroom, leaving Saku behind.
Saku, still with a smile on his face, followed him into the classroom, determined to show Boruto that his path could also lead to strength.
After the break, Boruto was heading back to the classroom when, as he turned a corner, he came face to face with Saku. The young Senju smiled at the sight and raised his hand in a friendly greeting.
" Hey , Boruto!" Saku said with his usual enthusiasm. "How are you doing?"
Boruto stared at him for a moment, a spark of irritation flashing in his eyes as he recalled their earlier interaction. However, his expression remained cold and unfazed.
"Fine," Boruto replied curtly, without stopping.
As he walked, in his mind, Boruto couldn't help but muse, 'I don't know why, but that guy irritates me. That smile... I didn't think I would respond to him like that, but... nevermind.'
Saku, not giving up, walked alongside Boruto.
"That's great!" Saku continued, ignoring Boruto's coldness. "Looks like the academy is more fun than I expected. I want to learn a lot here, and who knows, maybe we'll become good friends!"
Boruto suddenly stopped, forcing Saku to brake sharply to avoid colliding with him. Boruto turned his head slightly towards him, his eyes filled with an almost palpable indifference.
"Friends, huh?" Boruto muttered. "I'm not here to make friends. If you want to have fun, find someone else."
Without waiting for an answer, Boruto continued on his way, leaving Saku slightly bewildered, but without losing his smile.
When Boruto entered the classroom, class was about to start. Saku followed him, still not fully understanding Boruto's attitude, but determined not to be discouraged.
Classes continued without incident, but at the end of the day, Boruto was the first to get up and leave the classroom. His classmates looked at him strangely, feeling some sort of invisible barrier keeping them away from him.
Denki was the first to break the silence, speaking in a worried tone.
"What's wrong with Boruto? He's been weird all day," Denki said, a slight note of fear in his voice.
Inojin tried to calm the group's uneasiness, although his own tone was not entirely convincing.
—I'm sure it will pass quickly. After all, it's Boruto.
Shikadai, observing the scene, turned to Mitsuki, who until then had remained silent.
"What do you think, Mitsuki?" Shikadai asked.
Mitsuki, with his eternally enigmatic smile, answered calmly.
"Maybe it is like that," Mitsuki said, without elaborating.
Shikadai frowned at Mitsuki's evasive response, but before he could say anything else, a female voice interrupted.
"It seems that he has returned to his old self or something has happened during the time we were away from Konoha," Sarada said, drawing everyone's attention.
Iwabe, confused, quickly asked.
—What are you talking about, Sarada?
Chocho, who had been listening to the conversation, intervened with curiosity.
— Mmm , what are you talking about, Sarada? Is it what you mentioned the other time?
Sarada nodded slowly.
—It seems that Boruto has returned to his old self. I heard that he suffered a lot as a child, but I don't know the details. It's possible that he's returned to the way he was before we met him.
Shikadai, crossing his arms, pondered what he had heard.
—I heard something about that too, but it's strange that he would suddenly behave like that.
Iwabe, Denki and Inojin looked at Shikadai, unable to believe what they were hearing.
"Did something happen to Boruto? What are you talking about, Shikadai?" Inojin asked, eager for an explanation.
The classroom fell silent as everyone waited for Shikadai's response, who finally spoke.
—I don't know what happened, but it must have been something strong.
Chocho, trying to lighten the mood, suggested a possibility with a touch of humor.
—Could it be that he has those days?
But before he could continue, Saku, who had been listening silently, intervened.
—He's not like that, is he? —she asked curiously.
Shikadai looked at him, intrigued.
—How do you speak?
Saku briefly recounted the interaction he had with Boruto before entering the classroom, surprising everyone present.
The change in Boruto was so strange that no one knew what to say. Shikadai turned his attention to Mitsuki, remembering her behavior over the past few days.
—Mitsuki... —Shikadai approached him with determination—. You know what's going on with Boruto, right?
Mitsuki looked at him with calm eyes, letting a few seconds pass before answering.
—Do you want answers about Boruto's attitude?
Shikadai, already convinced that Mitsuki knew something more, persisted.
—So you know. What's going on?
Mitsuki, in his characteristic enigmatic tone, replied.
—It's hard to explain, but what you see is both the truth and the lie.
The others looked at each other, confused by Mitsuki's words.
"Explain yourself," Shikadai demanded.
Mitsuki looked at his companions before continuing.
—Have any of you talked to Boruto today? Did he tell you anything important?
Everyone looked at each other again, but it was Sarada who spoke.
—I talked to Boruto.
Mitsuki looked at her with interest.
—Did he say anything significant to you?
Sarada, remembering the conversation on the rooftop, replied.
—He said something strange... "The game is over."
The revelation left everyone perplexed, and they all looked to Mitsuki for an explanation.
"So the game is over…" Mitsuki muttered. "He'll show up soon."
Shikadai, losing patience, asked firmly.
—What are you talking about?
Mitsuki looked at them all seriously before giving the final explanation.
—The real Boruto never came to this academy. All they saw was what they needed to see, even me.
The shock was immediate. Everyone was talking at the same time, trying to process the information.
"What are you talking about? We don't understand you!" they exclaimed almost in unison.
Mitsuki sighed before clarifying.
—The Boruto you saw at the academy today was a clone. The real Boruto never appeared here. And with what Sarada said, it's likely that that clone will stop acting. As he said... "the game is over."
The classroom fell silent, everyone completely stunned. Even Chocho stopped eating his chips, unable to process what they had just heard.
Saku, not understanding much, looked at them with a mix of confusion and concern.
Shikadai, feeling the pressure of what he had just discovered, sat down at his post, bringing a hand to his face as his elbows rested on the table. His mind was racing, trying to unravel the mystery behind Boruto.
The others didn't know what to think or what to say. Finally, Denki broke the silence, speaking desperately.
—But... Boruto saved me. Nothing you said changes that, Mitsuki.
Mitsuki looked at him with an unreadable expression.
—I don't know, Denki. I don't know if the person who saved you was Boruto or his clone.
Sarada, with a mix of anger and frustration, faced Mitsuki.
—What do you mean by that, Mitsuki?
Mitsuki, with his usual calm, explained.
—You see, it seems that the clone that the real Boruto created is a clone with different emotions than the original. That is, it is a clone with a different personality.
The classroom was in a state of absolute shock. No one knew how to respond to this revelation, and the atmosphere was filled with palpable tension.
The atmosphere in the classroom was tense following Mitsuki's revelations and Shikadai's deduction. Boruto's classmates tried to process what they had just heard, but the words felt heavy, almost impossible to digest. The idea that Boruto had maintained such an elaborate facade for so long left them stunned.
Inojin, still trying to understand everything, was the first to break the silence:
—But why did he suddenly change? I mean, why did he say that the game is over?
Shikadai took a deep breath, as if he had already considered that question before Inojin asked it. Everyone turned to look at him expectantly.
"You see," Shikadai began in a serious tone, "for Boruto, the academy is just a game, and we are his pieces. He was just having fun with us. And when he said that the game is over, it's because the academy is about to end soon. There's no point in him continuing to be with us."
Those words fell like a stone on his companions. Sarada, with a mixture of disbelief and frustration, was the next to speak:
—But how was he able to deceive us all?
"The clone is capable of doing it," Mitsuki replied, confirming what Sarada feared.
Shikadai looked at him carefully before asking:
—But how did you find out about all this, Mitsuki?
The silence that followed was thick. Mitsuki, after a brief pause, revealed:
—My father told me.
Shikadai nodded, acknowledging that this information carried weight.
Chocho, who until then had been silent, spoke with a slight tremor in his voice:
—Why is it that way?
Shikadai turned his gaze to Mitsuki, anticipating the answer everyone wanted to hear.
"That's what you said, Boruto suffered a lot when he was little," Mitsuki replied, confirming the suspicions.
Shikadai muttered, more to himself than to the others:
—So that's why it is like this now...
Sarada, still unable to fully understand, questioned:
—But how was he able to create such a clone? It's a high-level technique.
Mitsuki explained:
—His technique is called "The Perfect Clone." It's his creation.
"A creation of yours? And how do you know its name?" Sarada looked at him in disbelief.
—I've been sending my snakes all over Konoha looking for him, but all I've found is the name of his technique. Plus, Boruto is hard to track; he disappears and appears out of nowhere. I can't get to him.
Shikadai, intrigued, asked him:
—You know Boruto's story, can you tell us?
Mitsuki nodded after a few seconds and began to recount all the information he had gained from his father. The room fell silent as Mitsuki spoke, each word weighing more than the last. By the time he finished, everyone was speechless, processing what they had just heard.
Chocho was the first to speak again, with a thoughtful tone:
—To think that Boruto would be a genius... He was already capable of doing so many things when he was little... Plus, his dead friends... I wonder what happened that night.
Sarada, still thoughtful, looked at Shikadai and asked:
—What do you think, Shikadai?
Everyone awaited the strategist's words, knowing that he was always accurate in his predictions.
Shikadai turned his head to look at his companions and finally spoke:
—From what Mitsuki says, they never found the culprit. It's possible that Boruto killed him.
The revelation came as a shock. The idea that Boruto, at five years old, had killed someone was almost impossible to process.
Chocho, with fear in his voice, asked:
—Boruto... at the age of 5, did he kill someone?
Mitsuki, as calm as ever, nodded:
—So Boruto killed him. At the age of 5 he was able to kill a war veteran. It's surprising... I wonder how strong he is now.
The atmosphere in the classroom became even more tense, with everyone lost in their own thoughts. But then, a person who had been listening to the entire conversation from the classroom door, with tears in his eyes, opened the door and spoke with determination:
—We will only find answers if we find the real Boruto.
Everyone was shocked to hear those words. Inojin, puzzled, asked:
—Delegate... But how will we find him?
Shikadai, always thinking of strategies, replied:
—Shall we do it through his clone or just wait for him? I'm sure he'll show up on the day of the exam.
Inojin asked again:
—So, we're not going to tell the adults?
They all looked at him and, almost in unison, nodded.
"They won't believe it," Shikadai replied. "Besides, Boruto has been able to fool them for years. They know how mischievous he is; they'll probably think it's a joke. They won't believe us until we find proof. Do you understand?"
They all nodded, sharing the same determination. They knew that the truth, as difficult as it was to accept, would only be revealed if they sought it themselves.
Sarada and Chocho, seeing Sumire crying, quickly got up from their seats and approached her to comfort her. They both hugged her, trying to offer her the support she needed at that moment. Sumire, although still with tears in her eyes, felt comforted by the presence of her friends.
A few minutes later, everyone began to say their goodbyes, aware that they had a lot to think about and process. Saku, who had been watching everything closely, walked alongside Mitsuki as they headed towards the exit. He broke the silence surrounding them:
—I didn't think this would happen at the academy on my first day. But that Boruto... how is he able to do this to his classmates?
Mitsuki, with his usual serenity, replied:
—He probably doesn't even consider us his companions.
Saku, in a softer, more thoughtful tone, added:
—I hope we find the real Boruto... I want to help him.
Mitsuki looked at her curiously, intrigued by her words and the sincerity she showed. However, he decided not to say anything else, keeping his thoughts to himself as they both continued on their way.
The next day, Boruto arrived at his classroom with his usual carefree air. Upon entering, he noticed his classmates staring at him seriously, their faces reflecting a mix of uncertainty and tension. Without paying much attention to them, Boruto walked to his seat and plopped down in his chair, staring out the window as if nothing in the world mattered to him.
However, the persistence of those stares fixed on him began to annoy him. Boruto, with an expression of boredom and annoyance, slowly turned his head towards his companions and said in a cold and sarcastic tone:
—Your faces tell me a lot of things... But, Mitsuki, you have a big mouth.
Mitsuki, sitting in his usual spot, gave a serene smile, showing no surprise at Boruto's accusation.
—I simply told what needed to be known, Boruto.
Boruto stared at him, his eyes showing a mix of defiance and disdain.
"You think so?" Boruto replied, a crooked smile on his face. "I guess what you think of me doesn't matter. In the end, you're just spectators in my little game."
Shikadai, arms crossed, intervened with his usual calm, but with a more serious tone:
—So this is all a game to you, Boruto? Even what happened with all of us alone?
Boruto turned his head towards Shikadai, his expression turning sharper, almost mocking.
—Don't be so sentimental, Shikadai. Everyone plays their role, and I... —he paused, his gaze becoming more intense—...am simply following mine.
Sarada frowned and spoke up:
—Is that all you have to say? After everything we've found out, you're not even going to try to explain yourself?
Boruto let out a small laugh, full of contempt.
—Explain? I don't have to. You wouldn't understand... even if you tried. But I'm glad the "game" entertained you for a while.
The atmosphere in the classroom became more tense, with Boruto's classmates exchanging glances full of worry and discomfort. Mitsuki, without losing his cool, spoke again, this time with a softer tone.
—Not all games end well, Boruto.
Boruto glanced at him sideways, with a malicious smile.
—You're right, Mitsuki. But if you think it's all over, you're wrong. This is just the beginning, and when the real end comes, it will be the greatest show of all.
With those words, Boruto turned his attention back to the window, making it clear that the conversation was over for him, while his companions were left in an awkward silence, not knowing what to think or how to react to the enigma that Boruto had become.
Sumire, her face tense and her fists clenched, finally decided to speak up. She took a few steps towards Boruto, ignoring the gazes of the others.
—Boruto... —he began firmly, although emotion trembled in his voice—. I don't understand how you can do this. How can you play with us like this after everything we've been through together?
Boruto slowly turned his head towards her, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips.
"Play?" he repeated, his voice cold and calculating. "Sumire, you should know better than anyone what it means to be used, manipulated, right?"
Sumire stepped back a little, remembering her past, but she didn't let her emotions get the better of her.
—But... —she continued, not letting Boruto interrupt her—. You saved me! It was you who showed me a different path, who made me believe that I could change. Why would you do something like that if it was all a lie?
Boruto kept his gaze fixed on her, unperturbed.
—I saved the Sumire that needed saving. That Sumire has already served her purpose. Did you really think this was more than just a strategy?
Sumire's eyes filled with tears, but she didn't back away. Instead, she took a step closer to him.
—Boruto... I don't know what happened to you to make you become like this, but I can't believe that everything you did was a lie. You can be better than this... if only... if only you would trust us.
"Confidence…" Boruto muttered disdainfully. "That's a weakness I can't afford."
Sumire looked into his eyes, searching for some trace of the Boruto she thought she knew, but found only a cold, distant emptiness.
"Is this what you want to be?" he finally asked, his voice softer. "A shadow with no emotions, no ties, no friends? Is that what you want, Boruto?"
Boruto didn't respond immediately. He simply stood up from his seat, walking towards the classroom door.
—The end has not yet come, Sumire. We will see who is left standing when it is over.
Without looking back, Boruto walked out of the classroom, leaving Sumire and the others in a heavy silence.
Boruto walked to the rooftop, as he walked he thought I don't want to go to class today, those looks as if asking for an explanation are annoying, anyway, it doesn't matter much the plan has already advanced and nothing will change it
Boruto reached the rooftop and walked up to the railing, where he stopped and put his hands in his pockets, closing his eyes. The gentle breeze caressed his face as he let his thoughts flow.
"I know I'm more like the real Boruto... after what happened with the other clone. The real me made me less sensitive, but there are still some memories and recollections that bother me... having to do this..."
At that moment, the rooftop door opened and Saku appeared, his expression serious, but there was also curiosity in his eyes. Boruto didn't turn around immediately; he simply exhaled calmly, as if he was waiting for the newcomer to speak.
"So here you are," Saku said, approaching cautiously. "You know, ever since I came to the academy, I've been hearing a lot of things about you, Boruto. Things I didn't expect."
Boruto slowly opened his eyes, but he didn't bother to turn around. Instead, he stared out at the horizon, his face unchanging.
"Oh, yeah? " Boruto replied in an indifferent tone. "I hope you at least enjoyed the show."
Saku stopped a few steps away from him, crossing her arms.
"Is it just a show to you?" he asked incredulously. "Because to us, to them… it's so much more than that. Why are you taking this so lightly?"
Boruto let out a low laugh, no trace of joy in it.
—It's not a matter of taking it lightly, Saku. It's a matter of perspective. I'm just a piece in this game, one that can change as needed. Today I'm this one, tomorrow I'm that one. Who cares if it's real or not? As long as it serves the purpose...
Saku frowned, feeling a knot in his stomach at Boruto's words.
—That sounds... empty. Is that what you want? To be just a tool? Don't you have any desires of your own?
Boruto finally turned his head to look at him, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
—One's own desires are a luxury not all of us can afford, Saku. My purpose is simple: to ensure that the real me achieves its goals. The rest... is irrelevant.
Saku looked at him carefully, trying to understand the complexity behind those words.
—And if you could choose... if you could be something more than that, would you do it?
Boruto shrugged, looking back towards the horizon.
—That's irrelevant too. I'm not the one making those decisions.
Saku stepped forward, his voice firmer.
—Maybe not now, but if you ever do… if you ever get to make a decision for yourself, remember that you don't have to be just a shadow, Boruto. You could be more… if you want to.
Boruto looked at him once more, a glint in his eyes that almost seemed... human.
"Saku…" he began, before his expression hardened again. "You should focus on yourself. Not everyone who crosses your path needs saving."
With that, Boruto turned around and began walking towards the rooftop exit, leaving Saku alone on the rooftop, pensive and with more questions than answers.
In Boruto's mind, thoughts swirled as he walked away from the conversation with Saku.
"They sure won't leave me alone, but I brought it on myself... though those words, even if I wanted to... I'm just a clone that disappears in smoke when the day is over. The original, me... is the true monster. They'll never be able to change him. Even without a will like fire or the others, that guy always rises. His desire is so strong that he'd even sell his soul for power, but he'd never let himself be controlled. You'll never be able to reach his level..."
Boruto clenched his fists in his pockets as he walked, feeling the truth of those words resonate within him.
"Even as a clone, we have a part of him and we can feel that he is in a different league. Although if they were to surpass him... impossible. There is no other way but death, but that is impossible. No one of this generation will be able to surpass him."
With those thoughts still fresh, Boruto put the thought of it behind him and decided to leave the academy. The morning sun was just beginning to warm the air, and the day still had many hours ahead of it. However, Boruto was already feeling exhausted just by existing in that in-between state.
He walked over to a tree in the school yard, away from the hustle and bustle of the other students. He sat down under its shade, leaning his back against the trunk as he closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
"We just have to wait for the academy to end for today..." he thought, even though he knew that was still a long way off. However, he didn't care. Being there, under that tree, was the closest thing to a break he could get before the cycle of his temporal existence came to an end at nightfall.
In the classroom, silence reigned as Shino-sensei looked at his students with an inquisitive look. Finally, he broke the silence.
"Has anyone seen Boruto?" he asked, his tone combining concern and patience.
The students looked at each other, unsure of what to say. No one knew exactly where Boruto was, or what to say to the sensei. After a few awkward seconds, Shino sighed, resigned.
"I understand..." he said, more to himself than to the others.
A few minutes later, Boruto entered the classroom, his expression his usual carefree self. He knew he couldn't be away for too long; it would be a problem if he drew too much attention. However, he didn't seem too worried about the stares from his classmates or the questions that might come up.
Classes continued without further incident, and at the end of the day, as the sun began to set, Boruto calmly gathered his things. He knew that the day was almost over, and that his task as a clone was also coming to an end for the day.
As he made his way towards the exit, he noticed the stares of those who called themselves his friends, who seemed to want to say something, but no one dared to stop him. Boruto simply continued on his way, ignoring the stares and comments around him. His mind was already somewhere else, anticipating the moment when he could finally cease to exist, at least for a while, until The next day, Boruto found himself in sensei Shino's office, sitting next to his mother, Hinata. The atmosphere in the room was serious, though Shino kept his tone calm.
"Boruto's results overall are excellent," Shino commented, looking at the papers in front of him.
Boruto, hearing that, showed a satisfied expression, as if it were something natural for him.
—But there is a problem —Shino continued, looking away at Boruto—. However, his attitude in class has not been the most desirable.
Boruto made an awkward smile, as if he recognized the problem, but didn't give it too much importance. Hinata could only sigh, somewhat worried about her son.
"This kid..." he muttered, though a small smile appeared on his face, aware that, despite everything, Boruto always found a way to stand out.
"In any case, I have no problem with him," Shino said, changing his tone slightly. Hinata smiled with a bit of relief at those words, proud of her son's skills. But then, Shino turned her gaze directly to Boruto. "By the way, Boruto, what kind of ninja do you want to be?"
Boruto looked up, surprised by the question.
"What kind of ninja?" he repeated, as if it was something he hadn't seriously considered until now.
"Well, I mean, what do you want to do or what do you want to become as a ninja?" Shino explained, expecting an answer that reflected Boruto's aspirations.
Boruto was silent for a moment, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a spark of determination appeared in his gaze.
"I want to be the strongest," Boruto replied without hesitation, his voice full of conviction. "It doesn't matter what kind of ninja I am, I just want to be the strongest, stronger than anyone else."
Shino looked at him seriously, taking in the strength in those words. Hinata, on the other hand, showed a mix of surprise and concern. She knew her son's ambition, but Boruto's desire seemed to go beyond what she had imagined.
"But hey, there's nothing to worry about," Boruto said confidently, relaxing his posture in his seat. "After all, the exam will be easy."
Hinata looked at him with a mix of relief and concern. Boruto's confidence was evident, but he was also worried that his son would underestimate things.
—I trust you, Boruto, but remember that it's important to take every challenge seriously —Hinata commented softly, trying to remind him of the importance of humility.
"I know, Mom," Boruto replied, giving a small smile, although his gaze showed that in his mind he had already passed that exam long before it even began.
Shino watched the interaction between mother and son, analyzing Boruto's confident attitude. While he recognized the young Uzumaki's talent, he knew that confidence could be both his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
"Well, Boruto," Shino concluded, "I hope that confidence you have translates into results, not only in the exams, but also in how you face the challenges to come."
"He will, sensei," Boruto replied, keeping his tone confident.
The meeting ended shortly after, and as Hinata and Boruto headed towards the exit, Boruto couldn't help but think about how boring the exam would be, as he was convinced that it would be nothing more than a simple formality on his path to true strength.
After finishing the interview, Shino was in the teachers' office, looking through some papers. A familiar voice interrupted his concentration.
"Good job on today's interview," Professor Anko said, entering the room.
"Professor Anko," Shino replied, looking up.
"You look exhausted," Anko commented, her tone a mix of concern and a hint of sarcasm.
—Ninjas have been thinking less like ninjas these days... —Shino let out a sigh.
Anko gave a scornful smile and replied, "And the first on the list is the 'genius' Boruto Uzumaki."
Shino nodded slowly, "It is true that he is excellent, but…" she paused, searching for the right words, "he did mention that he wanted to be the strongest. However, there are barriers that even the strongest will not be able to overcome."
As Shino and Anko chatted, the students in the classroom chatted animatedly about the interview. Boruto, sitting in the back row, watched his classmates with disdain. They all talked about trivial topics, about why they wanted to be ninjas and how they would enjoy their lives after retirement. For Boruto, all of that was a nuisance.
Finally, Boruto stood up from his seat and walked out of the classroom. His former friends followed him with their eyes, but now with caution. As he walked towards the exit of the academy, a person stood in his way. He had brown hair and some marks on his face.
—Hey, kid. Do you study here? —the person asked.
Boruto, with an amused smile, replied, "No, I am a sensei of this place."
The stranger looked at him strangely, while Boruto burst out laughing.
—Hahaha, of course I'm a student, but...
The man frowned, and Boruto, still smiling, asked, "Sir, who are you?"
The man, holding a camera in his hands, replied while recording Boruto, "Don't call me 'sir.' I'm Sukea, a reporter."
Boruto looked at him curiously and replied, "I see, you're a journalist."
"I'm here to interview the students who will take the graduation exam," Sukea explained. "I want to hear their enthusiasm, to know their inspirations."
Boruto watched him for a few seconds and then said, "Sounds interesting, I'll give you a hand."
Without further ado, Boruto ran towards the academy and stopped halfway, gesturing with his hand for Sukea to follow him.
—Hurry up! —Boruto told him, smiling.
Sukea muttered to himself as he watched Boruto walk away, "But I wanted to interview you… Well, nevermind."
In Boruto's mind, dark thoughts crossed his mind—: This chakra... It will be him. Let's continue with the game for now.
Boruto accompanied Sukea throughout the academy, helping him interview students. As they went along, Sukea noticed the way Boruto's classmates were watching him, especially his closest friends. When Sukea approached them to ask questions, they couldn't hide their surprise at seeing Boruto acting in such a familiar manner, almost like the Boruto of old. However, there was something in their gazes, a mix of distrust and confusion. Sukea, intrigued by the students' reaction, watched carefully, noticing the strange contrast between what seemed to be the "old" Boruto and the perception his friends had of him now.
After Sukea finished interviewing most of the students, Boruto's clone accompanied him to the academy's rooftop. Meanwhile, Sukea commented:
"There are a lot of kids with personality this year," he said as he said goodbye to Chocho, who glanced at Boruto out of the corner of her eye. Boruto, leaning against a wall, thought to himself, " Hmm , that fat girl is really annoying."
Sukea noticed Boruto's expression and asked:
-What's happening?
Boruto pushed himself away from the wall and walked towards Sukea.
"I'm surprised that many of them think about their future that way," Boruto commented.
—Well, there are some who don't want to be ninjas... —Sukea replied calmly.
—Yeah, it seems like the easy way out, huh? —Boruto added with a wry smile.
Sukea turned to Boruto and started recording.
—By the way, why did you enter the academy? —Sukea asked.
Boruto became serious, his gaze fixed on a point as he answered:
—I wonder why I entered the academy. It wasn't necessary, but all things need an explanation, right? Otherwise, how would they exist?
Boruto turned his head towards Sukea and continued with a smile:
—You don't believe it, Sukea?
Sukea opened her eyes slightly, returning the smile.
-If you say so.
Sukea looked at her camera and commented:
—I didn't think I would finish all the interviews today, but now I have a good idea for my article.
Boruto walked up to the rooftop mesh, observing the academy from above. Then, without turning around, he spoke:
—You know, I want to ask you a question. Since we started these interviews, I've seen some people quit being ninjas. I don't understand them.
Sukea, intrigued, watched Boruto's back.
"So that's it?" he replied.
"I don't understand. If they're going to give up in the end, why try so hard? It's strange," Boruto said, frowning slightly.
—It's not that strange. You see, ninjas are becoming less and less useful. Those people who choose the path of being civilians, having the ninja curriculum, will find it easier to get a job —Sukea explained calmly.
"The resume, huh?" Boruto muttered thoughtfully.
—You didn't know? And you study here —Sukea smiled slightly.
—Not being a ninja and being protected by others is selfish, but we all are. Each person wants everything for themselves — Boruto mused, looking at the horizon.
Sukea watched him curiously.
—Even if you graduate with the highest grades, in a world of peace, ninjas will cease to exist and the world will move forward into a new era.
Boruto turned around and, with an amused smile, said:
—I don't know what to tell you, Kakashi- oochan .
Sukea's eyes widened in surprise.
—How did you find out? —he asked.
"Your chakra is very well known," Boruto replied, still smiling.
Sukea adopted a serious expression.
—So you're a sensor. The problem was mine for not knowing how to hide my chakra.
—Well, Kakashi- oochan , I have to go. I hope we meet again in the future —Boruto said as he walked towards the rooftop exit.
Kakashi also said goodbye, thoughtfully.
—I couldn't read it... the moment Kakashi called me was strange —he muttered to himself.
Boruto, while walking through the halls of the academy, saw Sarada and Saku at the classroom door, talking.
—So Namida is thinking of retiring from being a ninja, and Wasabi is angry because they promised to be shinobi together —Saku said.
—Apparently, her parents decided so, —Sarada replied.
"So Namida wants to be a ninja, but her parents won't let her," Saku said in a thoughtful tone.
"It's a complicated situation," Sarada nodded.
Boruto, having heard everything, walked past them and commented:
—You should get involved. You want to be Hokage, right? So how do you expect to achieve that if you don't get involved in other people's problems?
Sarada glared at him a little angrily, while Saku smiled and added:
—You should help them. I think it would be best. After all, you told me that your dream is to be Hokage. To become one, you have to help others and be able to protect them.
Sarada opened her eyes in thought, then walked inside the classroom to talk to Namida and Wasabi.
Boruto smiled crookedly and walked out of the academy. He had to prepare for the next day.
Saku looked at Boruto's back as he walked away and smiled.
A few hours later, Sukea found herself in the principal's office, taking off a wig. Her real white hair was revealed.
"Is all this really necessary, Kakashi?" Iruka asked, watching the transformation.
"Don't worry," Kakashi replied calmly. "I was able to talk to the students before the exam and confirmed a lot of things." Kakashi tested his voice, clearing his throat. "Besides, gathering information is part of a ninja's job… and it's also a bit of a hobby."
Iruka, with a tone of resignation, commented:
—You don't change, Sextus. I'm grateful that you've taken charge of the graduation exam, but you could show some consideration.
"I understand, but regardless of what this time is like, I'm worried about the attitude of those aspiring to be ninjas," Kakashi said, his expression serious. "We'll see how many of them stand their ground. This exam will be a bit tough."
Elsewhere, at that very moment, Boruto was sitting on the roof of a train, letting the wind hit his face as the sunset turned the sky orange.
"What brings you here, Mitsuki?" Boruto asked, without turning around. "Your father has already left Konoha. Besides, I sensed his chakra when he arrived, but you… what is it that you want?"
Mitsuki appeared behind Boruto in a Shunshin, his gaze cold and calculating.
"I want to talk to the original," Mitsuki said firmly.
Boruto continued to sit, as if he didn't care.
—What do you want it for? Do you want to know if it's what you're looking for? Well, let me tell you, it's not.
Mitsuki replied, in a defiant tone:
—You think you're invincible. You're just a clone.
Boruto gave a small smile.
—But I am enough to defeat you, Mitsuki.
Silence stretched between them for a moment, until Mitsuki spoke again:
—I'll stay in Konoha. I want to find what I came for.
Boruto tilted his head slightly, not losing his cool.
—That's your problem, Mitsuki. You think you need someone to find your way, but even you don't understand what you're really looking for. You already have the potential to be someone on your own. That's why I can't stand being around you. The thought of depending on someone fills me with rage. If you really want to move forward, do it alone. Because if you don't, and you come near me with that arrogant attitude again... I'll kill you.
Mitsuki nodded slightly, accepting Boruto's words.
"I will remember those words," he said before disappearing in a Shunshin.
Boruto turned his gaze towards the sunset, allowing calm to envelop him.
"Tomorrow is the day," he muttered to himself, as the sky slowly darkened.