Previous Chapter: Finally, Boruto stood up from his seat and walked out of the classroom, followed by the wary glances of his former friends. As he headed towards the exit of the academy, a man with brown hair and marks on his face stood in his way, introducing himself as Sukea, a reporter. Though Boruto fooled him by posing as a sensei, he later joked about being a student.
Sukea explained that he was there to interview students preparing for the graduation exam. Boruto, interested, decided to help him, accompanying him around the academy while Sukea interviewed the students. However, Boruto couldn't help but think about the strange chakra he sensed in the man. After an exchange of words on the rooftop, Boruto revealed that he knew that Sukea was actually Kakashi, who had been hiding his identity.
Later, Boruto overheard a conversation between Sarada and Saku regarding Namida's decision to retire as a ninja. Interjecting with sharp remarks, Boruto provoked Sarada into reflecting on the situation, leading her to step in to help her friend. Meanwhile, Kakashi, in his office, was pondering the students' attitude towards the graduation exam, preparing to face the challenges ahead.
Elsewhere, Boruto was sitting on the roof of a train, letting the evening wind caress his face, when Mitsuki suddenly appeared to speak to him. Boruto, not hiding his disdain for Mitsuki's dependence on others, warned him that he must find his own path or face dire consequences. Mitsuki, upon hearing Boruto's words, disappeared in a Shunshin. Boruto silently stared at the horizon, mentally preparing himself for what the next day would bring.
The next day, Boruto's clone left his house, leaping nimbly between the rooftops of Konoha's houses. His mind was focused on the mission, but a figure in the shadows of an alley caught his attention. Without hesitation, he changed direction and landed in front of the person, where the sunlight illuminated him, revealing his presence.
"What's wrong? I thought you would send the mission mentally," the clone said, his tone direct and without losing his guard.
From the shadows, a calm but firm voice replied, "I considered doing so, but this time I want to conserve as much chakra as possible, even in the smallest details.
Boruto's clone frowned, trying to decipher his counterpart's intentions. "Are you the real Boruto? Even though you say your chakra reserves are limited, they are still large enough to be in the range of a high jonin. Unless a significant fight is coming up and you need all the chakra you can get..."
Boruto, hands in his pockets, allowed the sunlight to dispel the shadows on his face. "I'll use the jutsus from the forbidden scroll that I haven't been able to master yet. I need to calculate how much chakra each technique requires to adjust to them. It will be valuable to gain experience. In the fight with Karasugan, I couldn't use those jutsus because I hadn't even the slightest practice. I would have only signed my death sentence."
The clone nodded, partially understanding. "So you plan to use my chakra as well."
"It will depend on the fight or if there is a need for him to appear," Boruto replied, shrugging with an almost carefree calm.
—So, this is how it works... When you create me, you use 30% of your chakra, which leaves 70% in your body. But that chakra recovers over time, so it's like having 130% if you combine both.
Boruto looked at him carefully, before calmly answering, "It's not that simple. There is only 100% chakra in the body. My body must expend 30% in order to summon 30% of your chakra. At that point, I am back to 100%. But enough of the words, it's time for me to explain what you have to do."
The clone looked at him seriously, anticipating Boruto's orders.
A small smile formed on Boruto's lips. "All you have to do is untie yourself."
The clone opened his eyes, clearly surprised. "What? I don't understand."
Boruto continued, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Just let loose, show the difference from the others. That's all, it's not that difficult."
The clone, still perplexed, nodded slowly. "I don't understand what your plans are, being the same person, but I will do as you say."
Boruto nodded confidently. "Go to the academy. The first phase of the exams will begin soon. First will be the written exam to leave the academy, and then the second phase to become a genin."
The clone nodded and leapt back onto the rooftops, heading towards the academy with agility and determination. Boruto watched him until he disappeared from sight. Then, he stepped completely out of the shadows and let the sun shine on his entire body. He looked up at the clear, deep blue sky and muttered in a low voice, almost like a whisper to himself, "The time has come. Everything is in place. All that's left is for the pieces to start moving. Isn't that right, Jiro? You taught me that each piece has a role in the game… but also that a single piece can take on multiple roles. Soon, the entire world will hear me… and tremble."
With those words, Boruto looked down, his expression turning darker as he began to slowly walk towards his resting place, mentally preparing himself for what was to come.
Meanwhile, the clone continued on his way to the academy, accurately jumping between buildings. As he did so, he couldn't help but reflect on what had happened. "How strange. I don't think the real Boruto needed to save so much chakra; he could have sent that information without much trouble. He could have recovered that chakra in a matter of minutes. Something doesn't make sense... Maybe the information he gave wasn't for me, but for someone else."
The clone stopped abruptly on the roof of a house, crouching down and placing his hand on the surface as he closed his eyes, concentrating on the chakras around him. He sensed the presence of the citizens of Konoha, but detected nothing out of the ordinary. Frustrated, he stood up and muttered, "I don't feel anything… It really doesn't make sense what the real Boruto did."
Shaking his head, the clone put aside his doubts. "It doesn't matter anymore. I've received the mission. It's time to complete it."
With renewed determination, he continued on his way to the academy, ready to face whatever the day had in store for him.
After a few minutes of running and jumping between the rooftops, Boruto's clone finally arrived at the entrance of the academy. With an air of indifference, he began to walk towards the classroom, ignoring the curious gazes of the other students. When he entered the classroom, silence took over the place. All eyes were on him, but Boruto didn't pay much attention to them. He simply walked to the last seat and sat down, with a cold and distant expression.
Boruto's classmates exchanged uneasy glances. They wondered what was going on, since Boruto had stopped talking to his friends for a while now. Even those who had once been close to him were watching him warily, not knowing what to say or how to act in his presence. At that moment, Shikadai's mind was in a whirlwind of thoughts.
—I expected it would show up in this exam... but when will it? It must be in the test to become a genin. I have to find the necessary evidence to show it to the others. That way, I can stop Boruto. I don't know what he's after, but I know that this isn't the way —Shikadai thought, with a worried expression.
As Shikadai pondered, those who knew the truth about Boruto shared the same thought: all of this had to end.
At that exact moment, Shino entered the classroom, breaking the silence. Sumire stood up, and following her example, all the other students did the same, except for Boruto, who remained seated in his place.
Shino stood in front of the class and spoke in his usual calm tone. "I will now hand you the graduation exam. I will call you by name so you can come and pick it up."
The students nodded and sat back down, as Shino began calling out each of them by name. A few minutes later, everyone had their test papers in their hands.
"You may begin. You have one hour," Shino announced.
The students focused on their exams, filling the classroom with the sound of pencils moving rapidly across paper. An hour later, everyone had finished and turned in their tests. Shino collected the exams and gave the following instructions. "In an hour, I will meet you at the academy exit. I will take you to the forest, where the test to become genin will be held, but only those who truly wish to remain ninjas."
The students nodded silently, aware of the importance of the upcoming exam. Shino, with one last glance at the class, left the room, leaving the students to their thoughts as they prepared for the challenge ahead.
Boruto stood up from his seat and walked out of the classroom without saying a word. Saku, noticing his departure, decided to follow him without the other classmates noticing. He walked behind the blond for a few minutes until he reached the exit of the academy, where Boruto sat under the shade of a tree. Closing his eyes as he relaxed, Boruto spoke softly:
-What do you want?
Saku, with an awkward smile, approached him and replied:
—I just want to hear what you think or what you plan.
Boruto opened one of his eyes, looking at him coldly.
"What do you want to know for?" he asked.
"Just out of curiosity," Saku replied.
Boruto closed his eye again and, with a carefree tone, replied:
—I won't hold back in this exam. If you get in my way, I'll have no choice but to crush you. You're not my target. Tell the others."
Saku looked at him seriously.
—You say that, but I heard that genin are always in teams.
Boruto smiled slightly.
—I don't know, I'm not the smart one here.
Just as Saku was about to say something else, a voice interrupted their conversation:
—So you're not the smart one... Then what's the real Boruto's goal?
Boruto was unfazed by Shikadai's arrival.
—I'm not interested in you coming up with your deductions, Shikadai. But you surely think I'll do something on the exam, right? Not me, but the real one.
Shikadai walked over, a disgusted expression on his face.
—What bothers me is that you think you're better than us.
Boruto replied with a cocky smile:
—I don't think I'm better than you, you're just not enough. If you're not, you don't know how to deal with me. It's not that way, Shikadai.
Shikadai glared at him with suppressed fury.
—I wonder if the real you is more desperate.
Boruto, without losing his calm, said:
—If only you were stronger, you could stop me, but… you are weak. Just go away, Shikadai. Although you have great intelligence, you are unable to use it properly because of your own stupidity.
Shikadai, on the verge of exploding, was interrupted by Saku, who stepped between the two.
—That's enough, you two are partners and you shouldn't be getting along like this. Boruto, we may not be enough, but when several people join together, you are able to reach a place high enough to make your enemy seem insufficient.
Boruto, who had kept his eyes closed the whole time, slowly opened them and looked at Saku.
—That works when you're up against an enemy you can understand. You're ignorant.
Saku watched him for a few seconds before answering:
—You may be right, but the will of the fire will never be extinguished.
"You're talking about willpower when you've only been here for a few days. What a joke," Boruto replied disdainfully.
"Even if I've only been here for a few days, I'm able to understand it better than you, who have been here for years," Saku replied.
Boruto stood up, staring at him intensely.
—You think you know a lot, but you're just a kid who thinks he can become someone because someone told you so. Let me tell you something: you're a hypocrite, just like everyone else in this village. They call themselves heroes, but they're just survivors who think they can make a difference wherever they are. All they did in that war was get in the way.
Shikadai, who had been silent, finally spoke:
—What gives you the right to talk like that? Just because you lost someone... Everyone loses someone. You're just hurt because no one pays attention to you.
Boruto looked at him and laughed mockingly:
—Hahaha, you're so funny. Do you really think that's why? You're just talking because you want to help me, because you think everyone should be saved and live happily. But that's not the case. I don't want to be saved, I don't want to change, I don't wait for anyone. You're angry because what I showed you was what you wanted to see, and when you realized that it was all just an illusion, that what you saw was nothing more than a reflection of your own desires, you became enraged. You think you're better than all of us, but when you couldn't see through me, when you couldn't accept that there was someone better, someone capable of surpassing you, or rather... Defeating you!
Shikadai looked at him with determination.
—It may be one of the reasons, but I am angry that you do not trust us, that you think we are not worthy, that you say we are weak, when your mind and desire are those of a child.
Boruto laughed once again.
—Hahaha, I don't want to talk to you anymore. It's pointless. But today I will show you the difference between us, when the exam starts.
Shikadai, without saying anything else, turned around and walked somewhere else.
Saku, in a softer tone, said:
—I just want us to be able to get along. You may have suffered day and night with what happened to you when you were younger, but I sincerely want to show you another path, like the one my grandmother showed me. Even if you are a clone, just follow what your heart tells you.
Boruto looked at him coldly.
—Another path? The paths you speak of will not be traced because my path was made by my own choice.
Saku didn't say anything else and joined Shikadai, leaving him alone.
Boruto lay back down under the shade of the tree, closing his eyes. A few minutes later, the other students who would participate in the exam to become genin began to arrive, waiting for the sensei.
In the teacher's office, Shino was immersed in reviewing his students' exam papers. The one in his hands bore a prominent name: "Boruto Uzumaki." He frowned as he scratched his chin, and finally wrote firmly: "100, perfect score." He looked at the paper, still in thought, when a familiar voice echoed in the room.
—Boruto Uzumaki got a perfect grade. Not bad… —Kakashi commented, suddenly appearing in the doorway.
Shino, surprised by the arrival of the Sixth Hokage, looked up.
"When did you arrive, Sextus?" he asked in astonishment.
Kakashi, with his usual carefree air, continued:
—Although, perhaps, he is being overconfident.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the academy, the students who were about to face the exam to become genin were animatedly discussing the test they had just taken.
Iwabe, with a relieved smile, approached Denki:
—Thank you, Denki. You saved me.
Denki, always modest, replied:
—If you hadn't distracted the teacher, he wouldn't have been able to steal the questions.
Inojin, with his usual confidence, commented:
—Even though there was a lot of security, there was always someone watching. That's part of the challenge.
Sarada, crossing her arms with a serious expression, added:
—It's good that the professor gave us that clue. Otherwise, it would have been impossible.
A flashback showed Shino giving a hint in class: "Researching the exam so that I can take action." The flashback ended, and Shikadai, who was nearby, mused out loud:
—He told us to steal the exam to test our ninja ability in gathering information. A true ninja must know how to get what he needs.
Sumire, who was with her companions, turned her gaze towards Boruto, who was lying under a tree, with his eyes closed as if nothing in the world mattered to him.
"I wonder if Boruto stole the questions too. After all, that information was given last week," Sumire murmured, unable to hide her curiosity.
Sarada, with a slight tone of disdain, said:
—I hope he fails the exam. He always acts like he's the best.
Shikadai, ever pragmatic, replied:
—I don't think so. Boruto is pretty smart. He probably didn't even need to steal the questions.
Metal Lee, full of determination and with his eyes shining with passion, declared:
—I won't let Boruto defeat me! I'll do my best.
His eyes reflected a flame of unbreakable will. Noticing the mood among his companions, Metal Lee looked around and asked:
—Why are you guys so muted? What's going on? I also wonder why Boruto is alone.
Those present looked away, not knowing how to answer the question.
Chocho, while carefreely chewing some potatoes, commented with a playful smile:
—Boruto is alone because I'm too much for him. That's one of the reasons... I'll tell you the others later.
Metal Lee nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. Meanwhile, Boruto, still lying in the shadow, slowly opened his eyes, feeling the coolness of the wind. He calmly stood up just as Shino suddenly appeared in a Shunshin, holding some papers.
"Everyone, please gather around. I will hand out your exam papers, and then you will head to the Konoha Forest, where the genin exam will be held. Those who wish to take another career path may go home now," Shino announced authoritatively.
The students began to gather, forming an orderly line as Shino called out their names one by one. After a few minutes, everyone had the test paper in their hands. Boruto looked at his test paper with a mix of indifference and satisfaction.
—A 100… I guess it's okay. It's time to go to the forest —Boruto thought, putting his test in his backpack.
Shino spoke again, his voice echoing with seriousness:
—You have one hour to get to the forest. Prepare yourselves, it will be a hard day for you.
The students who would be taking part in the exam nodded with determination, and Shino disappeared in a Shunshin, leaving a light breeze in his place. Boruto, without hurry, put away his exam paper and, with a quick movement, also disappeared in a Shunshin.
Sarada, watching Boruto's movements closely, couldn't help but wonder:
—He's fast… I wonder how strong he really is?
Chocho, noticing the concern on Sarada's face, looked at her with a mischievous smile and asked:
—Are you worried about Boruto?
Sarada turned quickly, shaking her head, and replied firmly:
—I just hope it doesn't make me fail the exam.
Chocho watched her as she continued eating her chips and said, in a playful tone:
—Are you sure it's just that?
Sarada was about to retort, but Mitsuki intervened, her voice soft but intriguing:
—You're curious about Boruto's power. Why don't we follow him when the exam starts?
Saku, Shikadai, Inojin, Denki, Iwabe, Sumire, Sarada, Chocho and Metal Lee nodded, sharing the same curiosity about their mysterious companion.
Elsewhere, Boruto was running between buildings with impressive agility. Within seconds, he arrived at the forest, where the exam would take place. He appeared in a Shunshin in a cleared area, devoid of trees, where the other students would gather before heading into the dense forest. Boruto walked over to a fallen tree trunk on the ground and sat down, watching the wind blow the leaves off the trees. All was calm, a moment of peace before the storm.
Time passed, and little by little the students began to arrive at the clearing in the forest. The sun was high above, bathing the place in its warm light while an almost cloudless blue sky looked down upon them, barely interrupted by a few lazily floating clouds. A few minutes later, all the students were present, chatting happily amongst themselves, as if they had not the slightest concern for the upcoming exam.
Saku, Shikadai , and Mitsuki were sitting on a fallen log, calmly watching the scene. Meanwhile, Denki stood at a distance, watching Iwabe, who was talking animatedly to Inojin. A little nervously, Denki began to do a series of hand positions, moving slowly, as if he lacked practice.
— Ishi Tojin ... transfer of will —Denki muttered, completing the seals.
A seal appeared on Iwabe's back, slightly restricting his movements. Startled, Iwabe stood still for a moment before making an effort to break the restriction. With a gesture of strength, the seal broke, and Iwabe turned his head quickly, searching for the culprit.
—What are you doing, Denki? —Saku asked, watching the scene with curiosity.
Denki, visibly nervous, replied:
—Well... I wanted to try out the sealing techniques.
From a distance, Boruto watched the scene with a mocking smile on his face. He heard Denki's words and burst out laughing.
—Pfft... Hahaha! That Denki is a case. He doesn't even know how to do the seals quickly to save time, and he's not able to channel even a bit of chakra properly —Boruto mocked loudly, not bothering to lower his tone.
Denki heard the comment and lowered his head, feeling dejected. Shikadai noticed Denki's reaction and cast a reproachful look towards Boruto.
—Don't worry, Denki. You just need to develop your chakra further. When you have enough, you'll be able to show the true strength of a well-made seal —Shikadai said in a reassuring tone.
Denki looked up and gave a small smile.
"Thank you, Shikadai," he replied gratefully.
At that moment, Iwabe quickly approached Denki and grabbed him by the collar.
—Denki! —he exclaimed harshly.
"Iwabe-kun!" Denki replied, frightened.
Before the situation could escalate, Inojin intervened, placing a hand on Iwabe's shoulder.
"Don't worry about what that guy says," Inojin said, referring to Boruto.
—That's right, Denki. Don't worry about someone who isn't your friend —Iwabe added, letting go of Denki and trying to calm down.
Meanwhile, Boruto, still watching from a distance, thought to himself with a disdainful expression:
—Look how everyone is running to comfort him. He doesn't even know how to properly cast seals to trap his opponent. Even with little chakra, a seal can work perfectly if it's done right. That's what's great about them… well-executed seals can be more powerful than any other technique, but it seems like no one here understands that.
The wind blew softly through the trees, carrying with it the unspoken words and tensions that hung in the air. Meanwhile, the wait for the genin exam continued, with each student facing their own fears and challenges.
At that moment, an authoritative voice broke the tranquility of the group:
—I see you very relaxed.
All the students immediately raised their heads. On the top of a tree, three figures could be seen. With a swift movement, the three people jumped to the ground, and the students, upon recognizing them, exclaimed in unison:
—Shino-sensei!
Shino, with his characteristic calm, spoke:
—Come closer, I will explain the rules of the practical exam. Today we will be the ones who will evaluate you: Anko-sensei, Konohamaru-sensei and I.
The students quickly gathered around, and Boruto, who had been sitting some distance away, stood up and walked towards the group to listen to instructions.
Shino took the floor:
—First, put these white ribbons on your heads.
The students complied, adjusting the ribbons around their foreheads. After a few minutes, everyone was ready. Shino continued:
—These ribbons represent your life. If you take them away, you will fail the exam.
Konohamaru took the floor:
—This exam will consist of a real combat. As you know, it will take place in this forest. You will have 24 hours to complete the test.
Anko continued speaking in her defiant tone:
—As you can see, on our chests we have a belt with a button. That button represents the same thing as your ribbons. To win, you must hit us in that spot. If you manage to activate the button, we will retreat. Understood?
Anko tapped the button on her chest, which lit up red, demonstrating what she had just explained. The students nodded, making a mental note of the strategy they should follow.
Boruto, with a bored expression, commented out loud:
—That easy? I thought it would be more complicated.
In his mind, Boruto mused, "It seems that the real Boruto won't appear in this place... I guess I'll have to finish them off in a crushing manner."
Sarada, who had been watching Boruto carefully, turned to look at him and asked with a smile:
—Are you sure? I wonder how you will treat Master Konohamaru.
Boruto, unfazed, replied:
—Let's stop fooling around and fight already.
He crossed his arms, and the sensei looked at him curiously, surprised by Boruto's unusual behavior. Just then, a familiar voice echoed from the shadows of the forest:
—But you have to make it easy, right?
All the students turned their heads towards the direction of the voice, and Boruto did the same. From the shadows, a figure with white hair and a chunin vest appeared. Iwabe, recognizing him, shouted:
-Sixth!
Kakashi's presence made all the students startle and back away in shock. Boruto looked at him, smiling:
—Kakashi-oochan...
"Hello, Boruto," Kakashi greeted in his usual carefree tone.
Boruto walked towards Kakashi and commented:
—I see, so it was you who was the chakra I sensed earlier.
Kakashi leaned close to Boruto's ear and whispered:
—Don't call me by my name, call me "Sixth" in front of others.
—So, what are you doing here, Sixth? —Boruto asked, following Kakashi's request.
"Why? Well, I'll be conducting this exam," Kakashi announced, dropping the bomb.
The students cried out in surprise. The news that Kakashi would be conducting the exam caused quite a stir. Comments filled the air:
"The Sixth will be conducting the exam!" Denki said, visibly nervous.
"Did you come to test my power?" Chocho asked in a defiant tone.
"It can't be..." Inojin muttered in disbelief.
Shikadai watched Kakashi warily, while Iwabe, filled with excitement, exclaimed:
—Great! He's a prodigy ninja who became a jonin at the age of 12, the one who ended the chaos of war. He'll be conducting our exam!
"It'll be a pain..." Shikadai muttered with resignation.
Saku, who was standing next to Shikadai, asked curiously:
—So this person is the Sixth Hokage...
Kakashi, looking at the students, spoke:
—I've heard about you.
Boruto stared at him and asked:
—What have you heard about us?
Kakashi narrowed his gaze and replied:
—That they are a bunch of troublesome children. That's why I'm here, to conduct this exam. Because those who cause trouble can't be ninjas.
Saku was surprised and thought, "So that's what they think of our class... This is complicated."
Kakashi continued his explanation:
—I'll decide if they're worthy of being ninjas. Oh, I almost forgot...
He pulled a bell out of his ninja pocket and showed it to everyone:
—If you take this away from me, they'll get through. Oh, and the ribbons on their heads are to make it easier. Because if I accidentally killed them, it would be a pain.
The clearing fell silent, only broken by an unexpected laugh. Boruto, with an excited smile, began to laugh:
—Ha... ha... Hahahaha! How fun! Now I understand everything. But, Kakashi-oochan, I hope you're prepared.
Kakashi looked at him, as did the other sensei, who were wondering what was going on with Boruto.
"Is there a bell for each person?" Shikadai asked, trying to understand the situation.
"There's only one," Kakashi replied calmly.
—I see... So this exam will be like this. How boring and annoying —Boruto commented, disinterested.
The students looked at Boruto, waiting for more words, but he didn't say anything. The silence became palpable until Saku broke the ice:
—So only one person will pass...
Kakashi lazily replied:
—Well, they can drop the exam, but they will fail.
Boruto yawned, as if the whole thing was nothing more than a waste of time, and walked over to a nearby log to sit down. The others looked at him curiously, not knowing how to interpret his attitude.
Kakashi, turning his gaze towards the students, spoke seriously:
—In this time of peace, there is no problem if there are no ninjas.
"Don't you think that's unreasonable?" Saku asked, sounding worried.
Shino intervened firmly:
—Unreasonable? How will they know in a real battle if they don't find something unreasonable?
Konohamaru added in a somber tone:
—Don't forget that if you want to enter this world, and you take a false step, you will die.
"Senseis are scary!" Namida whispered, frightened.
Shino, with his usual calm, added:
—We are the Sixth's escorts.
"If you want to get to him, you'll have to defeat us," Anko continued with a twisted smile.
Konohamaru closed the explanation:
—We won't make it easy for him.
Kakashi looked at the students with determination:
—You don't need to hold back. Come at me like you want to kill me. Show me your determination. I won't let some brats defeat me. You have 24 hours to catch me. I'll give the signal to start...
Before he could finish, Saku quickly made a series of hand seals, and roots emerged from the ground, trapping Kakashi's foot. Everyone present was shocked, and Saku, with a satisfied smile, commented:
—Looks like we already have a winner.
Kakashi looked at him and commented:
—I heard about you from your grandfather. You are a Senju... I hope you don't disappoint me.
At that moment, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving a log in his place. The students widened their eyes in surprise, while Kakashi, walking beside them into the forest, spoke calmly:
—Well, without further ado, let's get started.
And with a quick Shunshin , Kakashi and the sensei disappeared into the trees, leaving the students with the difficult task of facing one of Konoha's most legendary ninjas.
The students began to run with determination, chasing after the sensei through the dense forest. Each of them felt the pressure to prove themselves, but Boruto's group of friends stood still, watching their movements. They all wanted to know what the next step would be for Boruto's clone, who seemed to have a very different plan.
Boruto looked at them, smiling confidently, and said calmly:
—You can follow me, but you won't catch me. This is all over now.
Before anyone could react, Boruto disappeared in a Shunshin, leaving everyone shocked and desperately searching for his trail.
"Follow me," Mitsuki ordered. "He's fast, you won't be able to keep up with him at your normal pace."
The others nodded, aware of Boruto's superior speed. They leapt between the trees, struggling to keep up. As they moved forward, Saku approached Shikadai, who always seemed to have a strategic perspective.
"What do you think about this exam?" Saku asked.
Shikadai, his gaze fixed on the road, replied:
—I thought it was all about catching the bell, but when I saw Boruto, I knew there was something more. It's not just about stealing the bell.
The others nodded, knowing that Boruto always had a hidden tactic.
Mitsuki interrupted his thoughts:
—We must increase speed. Boruto is catching up with the senseis.
Surprise was reflected on the faces of those present. Shikadai, understanding the situation, suggested:
—Mitsuki, Sarada, go ahead. You guys are the fastest. We'll stay behind; we're not as fast. —Then, he approached Sarada, handing her a small tracker. —With this, we won't get lost. Go ahead.
Mitsuki and Sarada increased their speed, leaving the rest of the group behind. Saku, sensing the urgency, decided to accompany them.
—I'll go with them. I don't know what might happen later.
Shikadai nodded, and Saku joined the chase, quickly catching up with Mitsuki and Sarada. As they continued forward, Chocho's question echoed in the others' minds:
—I didn't think Boruto was that fast. I wonder how strong the original will be if this clone is already so powerful.
Those with them gulped, aware that Boruto had always been an enigma.
As Mitsuki, Sarada and Saku ran at full speed, they passed several of their classmates who were also chasing the sensei. The sensei, surprised by the speed of the group, watched as Sarada, without stopping, asked:
—How long until we catch up with Boruto?
Mitsuki, keeping his focus, replied:
—There isn't much left, but Boruto is very fast. He's already very close to the Sixth. The first fight is about to take place.
Suddenly, Mitsuki opened his eyes, noticing something unusual.
"What's wrong, Mitsuki?" Sarada asked, worried.
—It's strange... The senseis have stopped and changed their course, but Boruto is still chasing the Sixth.
Sarada frowned, trying to understand the situation.
"Didn't you sense Boruto?" she asked, intrigued.
Mitsuki, after a brief analysis, explained:
—I see... It's possible that Boruto is using something to hide his chakra. I put a snake on his body, so I can sense it, but others can't.
Saku, worried, commented:
—So, Boruto has a clear path. We have to prepare for combat here. The sensei are heading our way, and our comrades are also approaching. It seems the battle will be at this place.
Sarada nodded, making a decision.
—Boruto has planned this. We have to be ready to face the sensei and then move forward to catch up with him.
The three of them braced themselves, aware that the real challenge was about to begin, as Boruto continued forward, chasing after the Sixth Hokage, with his own plan in mind.
Boruto moved at full speed between the trees, jumping with agility and determination, his face serious and focused. Finally, he reached the largest tree in the entire forest. Without stopping, he began to ascend quickly, climbing until he reached a thick, tall branch from which he could observe the entire forest. He took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs, and spoke out loud:
—Kakashi-oochan, why did you bring me to this place? —she asked in a tone that was a mix of curiosity and impatience—. It's quite high, it could make anyone dizzy.
From the shadows, Kakashi replied in a carefree, almost mocking tone:
—You were in such a hurry, Boruto... but following me wasn't one of your best ideas.
Boruto quickly turned around, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw a kick aimed at his face. With quick reflexes, he threw a kunai with an explosive tag, and a second later:
"Boom!" The explosion echoed through the air, filling the area with a deafening roar.
Part of the gigantic tree was destroyed in the explosion, and Boruto emerged from the smoke screen, rapidly descending to the ground. He landed on one knee, his gaze sharp as a voice echoed through the air:
"That kunai wasn't bad, but it's not enough," Kakashi said, his tone as calm as ever, not losing an ounce of his composure.
Boruto looked up, a defiant expression on his face, and saw Kakashi a few feet in front of him.
"So this is where the fight will take place," Boruto said, a cheeky grin on his face. "I hope it will be entertaining."
Kakashi watched him, his eyes half closed, with his typical relaxed expression:
"You were able to locate me and also hide from the sensei," Kakashi commented, in an almost lazy tone. "You're strong, Boruto, but that's not enough."
Boruto's expression hardened, his eyebrows furrowed in annoyance:
"You're starting to annoy me with this whole not-enough thing, when I already know what the premise of this damn exam is," he replied with a mix of anger and frustration.
Kakashi opened his eyes slightly, intrigued, though his voice remained calm:
—So, what is it?
Boruto stood up, his face full of determination, his fists clenched.
—Being a person who doesn't abandon his companions, no matter what. Right, Kakashi-oochan?
Kakashi nodded slightly, his expression barely changing, showing a slight recognition.
—I see you know a lot about me.
"I know a lot of things, but in the end I know nothing," Boruto replied, with an enigmatic tone and a bitter smile.
Kakashi looked at him seriously, although his posture was still relaxed, his hands resting in his pockets:
—So, what are your plans?
"I'd like to ask you a favor, so we can avoid a lot of things," Boruto replied, giving a small, sly smile.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his voice slightly curious:
—A favor? What favor could it be?
—Pass me on this test, it's simple, right? —Boruto suggested, his tone full of sarcasm and a mocking smile on his face.
Kakashi opened his eyes a little wider, his expression hardening slightly, though he kept his tone calm:
—You sure don't look like your father... I thought you would show me your will and surpass your father, but you are only this.
Boruto let out a laugh, his voice echoing with contempt:
—Hahaha Do you expect me to get angry with those words? It's child's play.
Kakashi frowned, his tone becoming more serious and cold:
—It seems that your friend Jiro wasn't your friend after all. You're abandoning those around you right now, so I think you've abandoned Jiro.
Kakashi's words hit Boruto with overwhelming force. The smile on his face instantly faded. His jaw clenched, and he glared at him with intense hatred:
—Kakashi-oochan... you're challenging death —Boruto muttered, his voice shaking with suppressed rage.
Kakashi maintained his firm stance, his tone barely showing a hint of doubt:
—Well, it's like you say. You asked me to let you pass this exam, but you know what it means: abandoning your classmates. And if that's what you're showing, you must have abandoned Jiro and his little sister in the past... that's why they're dead.
In Boruto's mind, Kakashi's words unleashed a torrent of memories. Images of Jiro and his sister dying before his eyes, their hands stained with blood, flooded his mind. An unbearable pain went through his head, and he screamed in desperation:
—Aaaaa!
Kakashi watched with concern, realizing that perhaps he had gone too far:
"I better get ready..." Kakashi muttered, slowly taking his hands out of his pockets and adopting a defensive stance.
Boruto lowered his head, still holding it with both hands, his breathing accelerated, and muttered bitterly:
—It's a damn mistake to leave emotions in the clone...
Kakashi looked at him, now genuinely intrigued:
—Leave the emotions in the clone? —he repeated to himself.
Suddenly, Boruto raised his head, his eyes filled with tears, his face transformed into a mask of pure anger. With a voice filled with rage, he shouted:
—YOU'RE DEAD!
Boruto's chakra began to surge violently, creating a swirl of leaves around him. Kakashi was shocked to feel the intensity of Boruto's chakra, his body tensing as he thought to himself, "Shit, I hit a raw nerve... This won't end well. It seems those words hit him harder than I imagined. Boruto must have witnessed the deaths of his friends... I better prepare myself."
Boruto took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. The angry expression on his face disappeared, and in its place, an amused smile spread across his face. The tears stopped flowing, and Boruto began to laugh:
—Hahahaha! It's over! It's time for the main show!
Kakashi looked at him seriously, his mind calculating the sudden change in attitude, although his posture did not alter.
Boruto reached into the ninja pouch at his waist, slowly pulling out a three-pronged kunai. Kakashi was shocked, widening his eyes as he recognized the weapon, though he maintained his outward calm:
"No way…" Kakashi muttered in disbelief. In front of him, Boruto held the kunai he knew so well: his master's kunai.
Boruto couldn't stop laughing, his laughter echoing through the air.
—He'll finish you off. I hope you're ready... —Boruto said with a sly grin as he disappeared in a puff of smoke, dropping the kunai to the ground where it stuck in the dirt.
Amidst the dispersing cloud of smoke, a figure appeared. Kakashi was shocked by what he saw, his eyes filled with disbelief, though his face remained unfazed. In front of him, his master's kunai was stuck in the ground, and a new Boruto had appeared. This Boruto had his eyes closed, he was wearing different clothes, with a longer jacket that had red lines on the sides, taller shinobi sandals, and black gloves on his hands.
The new Boruto slowly opened his eyes and muttered, in a firm voice:
—All the information has arrived. It's time to finish this.
Kakashi couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Before Boruto appeared in a clearing in the forest the sensei was defeating the students with ease leaving only a few people,
The Ino-Shika-Cho team, together with Denki, Iwabe and Metal Lee, faced their sensei. Shino Aburame and Anko Mitarashi, known for their formidable skills, calmly observed their students, who knew that this fight would not be easy.
"We can't underestimate our sensei," Shikadai said, positioning himself behind Inojin and Ch eight. "We need to coordinate perfectly if we want to have any chance."
"Got it," Inojin replied, preparing his brushes. "Quick and precise attacks."
"I'll take care of the direct offensive," Chocho added, activating his Super Expansion Mode.
Shino was the first to attack, releasing a swarm of insects that scattered in all directions. The insects moved with such speed that they covered the area, making visibility difficult.
"Futon: Daitoppa!" shouted Denki, who had learned a basic wind technique to disperse the insects. A strong gale swept through the area, momentarily dispersing the creatures, but Shino's insects were not easy to neutralize.
Anko appeared out of nowhere behind Iwabee, throwing a series of poisoned kunai. Iwabee reacted quickly, blocking them with his stone sword, but Anko had already closed the distance.
—Kage Nui! —Inojin used his Shadow Manipulation technique, trying to trap Anko in his shadow threads, but Anko, with her speed, avoided the trap.
"They're faster than I thought," Chocho said, growing even larger. "Cho Harite!" She launched a powerful punch at Shino, but the jonin vanished in a cloud of insects, reappearing several meters away.
—We have to combine our skills, or we won't be able to defeat them —Shikadai shouted, quickly forming hand seals—. Kagemane no Jutsu!
The Ino-Shika-Cho team synchronized their movements, attempting to corner Shino with Shikadai's Shadow Manipulation, while Denki and Metal Lee attacked Anko with quick, precise movements. Iwabee kept up the rear, defending the team from possible counterattacks.
But Shino and Anko weren't sensei for nothing. Shino used his ability to dissolve his body into insects and escape from the Kagemane, while Anko made a quick position change, appearing in front of Metal Lee and throwing a snake with paralyzing poison at him.
"This isn't working!" Iwabee shouted, frustrated as he watched every attempted attack be easily evaded.
Shino and Anko continued to dominate the match, showing the gap between students and sensei. However, the Ino-Shika-Cho team, along with Denki, Iwabee, and Metal Lee, were not willing to give up so easily.
The students were tense as they watched as one by one their classmates fell to the powerful combination of Shino and Anko. The Ino-Shika-Cho team, along with Denki, Iwabee, and Metal Lee, prepared to face the two sensei, knowing that they were among the strongest left.
Shino, with his characteristic control over insects, launched a wave of kikai at the group, forcing them to disperse. Shikadai, with his strategic mind, ordered Chocho and Inojin to stay together, while he analyzed Shino's attack patterns.
—Chocho, Inojin, cover my left flank. Denki, Iwabe, stay in front. Metal, attack when you find an opening —Shikadai ordered, his mind already forming a plan.
Chocho inflated her body with the expansion jutsu, blocking the insects' advance, while Inojin summoned his ink creatures to attack Anko, who was moving quickly across the battlefield. Anko, with her agility, dodged the ink attacks, throwing a series of kunai towards Inojin. Metal Lee, with his impressive speed, intercepted the kunai, deflecting them with his bare hands.
Denki and Iwabe, knowing they had to give it their all, charged at Shino. Denki used his technology to release an electric shock that scattered some of the insects, while Iwabe used his mastery of the Earth Style to raise a rock barrier that protected the group from Anko's counterattack.
"Good job, guys," Shikadai said as he formed the hand seals for his most trusted technique. "Kagemane no Jutsu!"
Shikadai's shadows spread out quickly, seeking to catch Shino. But Shino, always one step ahead, anticipated the movement and used his insects to deflect the shadow, staying out of its reach.
"It's not that easy, Shikadai," Shino said calmly.
Meanwhile, Anko launched herself at Chocho with dizzying speed, but Inojin managed to intercept her, summoning an ink barrier that blocked her path. Metal Lee took advantage of the distraction to launch a direct attack, looking to hit with a powerful punch. Anko, with her experience, dodged the attack at the last second, counterattacking with a powerful punch that sent Metal Lee flying backwards.
The battle intensified, with both teams pushing their limits. Shikadai knew they couldn't hold out much longer. But he also knew they had to hold out long enough for their next move to work.
Meanwhile, in another part of the Sarada Forest, Saku and Mitsuki faced Konohamaru at a clear numerical disadvantage, but they knew that their sensei would not be easy to defeat.
Konohamaru, serious and focused, watched them closely, looking for any sign of weakness. It was Sarada who made the first move, throwing a kunai wrapped in chakra threads, trying to bind her sensei. Konohamaru dodged easily, but Saku was already on the move, his hands forming seals rapidly.
—Mokuton: Shichuro no Jutsu! —Saku exclaimed, and a wooden prison emerged from the ground, trapping Konohamaru inside.
But Konohamaru was not one to be caught so easily. With a swift Rasengan, he destroyed the wooden prison, sending splinters flying in all directions. Mitsuki, taking advantage of the distraction, attacked from a side angle, his arms stretching out like snakes to pin Konohamaru down. However, Konohamaru reacted with the speed of an experienced shinobi, using a substitution jutsu at the last second.
"They're good, but they'll need more than that to defeat me," Konohamaru said as he reappeared behind Mitsuki, delivering a series of quick punches.
Sarada intervened, using her Sharingan to anticipate her sensei's movements and blocking the blows aimed at Mitsuki. Saku, for his part, retreated a little, forming more hand seals. He knew he needed time to prepare his next technique.
The battle continued with both sides measuring their strength, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. But tension was rising, and they knew that at any moment the real fight would begin.
In the midst of the confrontation, as the battle raged on, Mitsuki felt something strange, a familiar presence. Suddenly, he opened his eyes wide and, without saying a word, jumped backwards, away from Konohamaru. Saku and Sarada, alerted by Mitsuki's reaction, immediately followed suit, retreating and taking defensive positions.
"What's wrong, Mitsuki?" Sarada asked, worried by her companion's sudden action.
Mitsuki, staring in the direction from which he felt that presence, replied in a serious tone:
—I can feel it... Boruto has appeared on the scene.
Mitsuki's words echoed through the trees, filling the air with unexpected tension. Saku and Sarada looked at each other, sharing a mix of surprise and anticipation, before speaking in unison:
—So it's in this place...!
Konohamaru, who was observing the situation closely, frowned slightly, wondering what was going on as his gaze turned in the direction of the source of the disturbance. The air in the forest seemed to have transformed, charged with a sense of impending change.
The battle was not over yet, but the three students knew that with Boruto nearby, the real challenge was just beginning.
In the other fight, Anko and Shino sensed an unexpected presence and in unison leapt onto a nearby tree branch. Their gazes darted toward the source of the disturbance, their senses heightened by intrigue.
Inojin, noticing the opponents' distraction, exclaimed:
—Let's attack! They're careless.
The others nodded determinedly, ready to seize the opportunity. However, Shikadai raised a hand to stop them and said in a deep voice:
—Wait. Something has changed in the forest. You can't feel it.
The group fell silent, feeling the atmosphere grow increasingly strange. The air in the forest seemed to chill their skin, creating a palpable sense of unease.
Chocho, hugging herself, commented with a trembling voice:
—What's going on? I'm getting goosebumps.
The others stood on guard, unable to fully understand the cause of his growing unease. Shikadai, with a thoughtful expression, muttered:
—Don't tell me this is the presence of the real Boruto.
Shikadai's words caused surprise among those present, who wondered if he was serious. Metal Lee, who had been informed of the situation, was surprised by Boruto's presence and sharpened his senses to the maximum.
In Anko and Shino's minds, the question was clear:
—What's going on?
The tense air and the abrupt change in atmosphere indicated that the real challenge was just beginning.