Chapter 2: Shadows of Doubt
The morning of their next mission arrived, but for Boruto, it was just another day drowning in his thoughts. As he walked toward the village gates, the weight of exhaustion pressed down on his body. His hands, wrapped in hastily applied bandages, were still caked in dried blood and dirt. Normally, his face bore an arrogant grin, full of confidence, but now, his expression was blank—lifeless. The usual spark in his blue eyes had dimmed.
Mitsuki was the first to notice. He always paid close attention to Boruto, but today, his curiosity shifted to concern. Boruto's lack of energy, the stiffness in his movements, and the absence of his usual cocky attitude—it all pointed to something being very wrong.
Konohamaru, unaware of Boruto's state, started explaining the mission as soon as everyone arrived.
,,We've received orders to eliminate two rogue ninjas who have been terrorizing the outskirts of the Land of Fire. Be on your guard. These enemies are not to be underestimated.
Sarada, however, wasn't listening to Konohamaru anymore. She was looking at Boruto. Something was different. His posture, his silence—it all made her uneasy. She didn't know how to approach him about it, but she thought of something.
,,Hey, Boruto, how's Kawaki doing? she asked casually, hoping to stir a reaction.
She regretted it immediately.
Boruto's fists clenched. His expression darkened, and his entire body tensed. A dangerous look flickered across his face before he turned to her.
,,Sarada, why the hell are you trying to piss me off this early in the morning? I know you don't have anything better to do, but I don't feel like talking to you. And since you're so curious—Kawaki is doing just fine. Now, stop talking to me until this mission is over! he snapped, his voice filled with frustration.
Sarada took a step back, startled by his sudden aggression.
,,I just asked a question… Why are you so mad? Did something happen? And even if something did, don't take it out on me! she said firmly, activating her Sharingan instinctively.
Normally, Boruto would have reacted, maybe even gotten nervous at her intense gaze. But this time, he simply stared at her for a few seconds before walking past her without another word.
Konohamaru, oblivious to the tension between them, continued discussing their mission details. Boruto, however, wasn't listening. His mind was elsewhere.
Would it be so bad if I just killed them? he thought darkly.
His thoughts spiraled deeper as he followed the team toward their destination.
That night, as the team rested near a river, Boruto sat alone, staring at his hands. His knuckles were bruised, his body aching from his relentless training. He hadn't eaten all day, nor the days before, but the hunger didn't bother him anymore.
A cold wind passed through the trees, making the flames of their campfire flicker. And then, a voice.
,,You're changing, Boruto.
Boruto's breathing hitched. He knew this voice all too well.
,,Momoshiki… he muttered, closing his eyes in frustration.
,,How unfortunate. The great Boruto Uzumaki… cast aside like a stray dog, Momoshiki sneered. Your mother, your father, your sister… none of them thought about you in these past days, did they? No one checked on you. No one even noticed you were gone.
Boruto gritted his teeth.
,,Shut up…
,,Oh? Did I strike a nerve? Momoshiki chuckled darkly. You know it's true. While you bled and suffered, Kawaki sat at the table that used to be yours. He played the role of the perfect son. And you? You're nothing but a ghost to them now.
Boruto's fingers dug into the dirt beneath him.
,,They care about me…
,,Do they? Tell me, Boruto, who gave you those bandages? Who worried about your wounds? Who saved a single bite of food for you?
Boruto's body stiffened. No one did.
,,Face it, boy. They don't need you anymore. Kawaki has replaced you in every way. He is stronger, more obedient, and more loved.
Boruto's hands trembled. Anger, frustration, and sorrow twisted inside him.
,,You could prove them wrong, Momoshiki whispered. You could make them see your worth. But not as you are now. You must become something more. Something they fear losing.
Boruto's breathing grew heavier. He clenched his fists, ignoring the pain shooting through them. He wouldn't let this happen. He wouldn't be replaced. He had to show them.
Stronger.
Faster.
Better than Kawaki.
A dark determination settled in his heart as he gazed at the night sky.
Tomorrow, he would show them all.
The next morning, the team continued their mission. Boruto walked ahead of the group, silent and focused. Mitsuki and Sarada exchanged glances, both sensing something was off.
,,Boruto, are you feeling okay? Mitsuki finally asked.
,,I'm fine, Boruto replied shortly.
Sarada frowned.
,,You don't look fine. You look like you haven't slept in days.
,,Drop it, Sarada, Boruto snapped, not even looking at her.
She was taken aback. He had never been this cold to her before.
They eventually reached the hideout where their targets were last seen. Konohamaru signaled them to stay quiet as they approached. The rogue ninjas were inside, laughing and drinking, unaware of their presence.
,,Alright, we'll do this clean. Sarada, Mitsuki, you take the left side. Boruto and I will handle the right. No unnecessary risks, Konohamaru ordered.
But Boruto wasn't listening.
He could hear Momoshiki's voice in his head.
,,Show them your power, Boruto. Show them they should fear you.
Before anyone could react, Boruto dashed inside, activating his Karma.
,,Boruto! Konohamaru yelled.
But it was too late.
Boruto was already upon them. His movements were swift, his attacks ruthless. One of the rogue ninjas barely had time to react before Boruto's fist crashed into his face, sending him flying against the wall. The second enemy drew his weapon, but Boruto was faster, dodging effortlessly before driving his knee into the man's stomach.
Sarada and Mitsuki watched in shock. This wasn't how Boruto fought. He was brutal. Precise. Almost… enjoying it.
The first ninja struggled to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth.
,,W-Wait! We surrender! he coughed.
Boruto didn't stop. He raised his hand, lightning crackling around his palm.
Sarada's eyes widened in horror.
,,Boruto, stop! We just need to capture them!
Boruto hesitated for only a second before slamming his attack into the ninja's chest, sending him crashing through the wall.
Konohamaru stepped forward, gripping Boruto's shoulder firmly.
,,That's enough, Boruto. The mission is complete.
Boruto's breath was ragged. His hands shook slightly as the adrenaline wore off. He looked at the unconscious bodies before him, then at Sarada's concerned expressions.
For a brief moment, he saw it.
Fear.
And for some reason…
He didn't mind.
That night, as Boruto lay awake, staring at the stars, he heard Momoshiki's voice once more.
,,You felt it, didn't you? The power. The respect. They finally saw what you can do.
Boruto closed his eyes, exhaling slowly. He knew this wasn't who he used to be.
But maybe… just maybe… this was who he needed to become.
,,I'll get stronger, Boruto whispered to himself. No matter what it takes.
And in the depths of his soul, Momoshiki smiled.