Chapter 3: The Breaking Point
The mission was over, but the tension in the air remained. Boruto walked at the front of the group, his fists clenched, his knuckles white. The blood on his bandages had dried, but the memory of what he had done lingered fresh in his mind. He had killed that rogue ninja. Not out of necessity, not out of self-defense—but out of anger. Out of something dark that had been simmering inside him for days.
Sarada walked behind him, her Sharingan still active, though she wasn't sure why. She kept glancing at Boruto, her expression a mix of concern and fear. She had never seen him like this—so cold, so distant. It was as if the Boruto she knew had been replaced by someone else entirely.
Mitsuki, always observant, walked silently beside her. His golden eyes were fixed on Boruto, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare look of unease. He had always seen Boruto as his "sun," the one who guided him and gave him purpose. But now, that sun seemed to be fading, shrouded in shadows Mitsuki couldn't understand.
Konohamaru, on the other hand, was deep in thought. He had noticed Boruto's behavior during the mission but hadn't wanted to address it in front of the others. Now, as they made their way back to the village, he could no longer ignore it. Something was wrong with Boruto—something very serious.
...
The group stopped to rest near a small stream. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the forest. Boruto sat apart from the others, his back against a tree, his eyes fixed on the ground. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions—anger, frustration, and a deep, gnawing sense of emptiness.
Konohamaru approached him cautiously. He knew Boruto was on edge, but he had to try.
— Boruto, he began, his voice calm but firm, we need to talk.
Boruto didn't look up.
— About what?
— About what happened back there. You killed that ninja, Boruto. You didn't have to.
Boruto's jaw tightened.
— He was a threat. I eliminated him. Isn't that what we're supposed to do?
— Not like that, Konohamaru said, his tone sharper now. You didn't just eliminate him—you destroyed him. That's not how we operate. That's not who you are.
Boruto's eyes flicked up, and for a moment, Konohamaru saw something in them that made his blood run cold. There was a darkness there—a rage that seemed almost inhuman.
— Maybe you don't know who I am, Boruto said, his voice low and dangerous.
Konohamaru hesitated. He had never seen Boruto like this, and it scared him. But he couldn't back down now.
— Boruto, something's going on with you. You've been acting strange for days. If you're struggling with something, you need to tell me. I'm your sensei. I'm here to help you.
Boruto's hands clenched into fists.
— I don't need your help, he snapped. I don't need anyone's help.
Konohamaru's expression hardened.
— That's where you're wrong. You're not alone, Boruto. Whatever you're going through, we're here for you. But you have to let us in.
Boruto stood abruptly, his eyes blazing.
— Stop pretending you care! he shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. You don't care about me. None of you do!
The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. Sarada and Mitsuki exchanged worried glances, but neither of them knew what to say.
Konohamaru took a step closer, his voice softer now.
— Boruto, that's not true. We care about you. I care about you. But you're pushing us away, and I don't know why.
Boruto's breathing was ragged, his chest rising and falling rapidly. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but he couldn't find the words. Instead, he turned and walked away, leaving the others behind.
...
The rest of the journey back to the village was silent. Boruto walked ahead, his shoulders tense, his eyes fixed on the ground. Sarada tried to approach him once, but he brushed her off with a cold glare.
— Boruto, she began hesitantly, I know you're upset, but…
— Don't, he interrupted, his voice sharp. Just don't.
Sarada flinched but didn't give up.
— I just want to help. You're not yourself right now, and it's… it's scary.
Boruto stopped walking and turned to face her.
— Scary? he repeated, his voice dripping with sarcasm. What's scary, Sarada? That I'm not the weak, useless Boruto you're used to? That I'm not Kawaki?
Sarada's eyes widened.
— That's not what I meant!
— Then what did you mean? Boruto demanded, his voice rising. Because it sure sounds like you're comparing me to him again.
Sarada's cheeks flushed, and she looked away.
— I wasn't trying to… I just…
— Just what? Boruto snapped. You think Kawaki could've done better? That he's stronger? Smarter? More capable?
Sarada's fists clenched at her sides.
— That's not fair, Boruto! I'm trying to help you, but you're making it impossible!
Boruto laughed bitterly.
— Help me? You don't even know me. None of you do.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Sarada standing there, her heart pounding in her chest.
...
When they finally reached the village, Konohamaru made a beeline for the Hokage's office. He needed to talk to Naruto. Whatever was going on with Boruto, it was bigger than any of them realized.
As for Boruto, he went straight home, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He barely noticed when Himawari greeted him at the door, her cheerful voice a stark contrast to the storm raging inside him.
Upstairs, in the privacy of his room, Boruto finally let his guard down. He sank to the floor, his head in his hands, and let out a shaky breath.
— You see now, don't you?
The voice was soft, almost soothing, but it sent a chill down Boruto's spine. He looked up to see Momoshiki standing in the corner of the room, his pale eyes glowing in the dim light.
— They don't understand you, Momoshiki continued. They never will. But I do. I've always understood you, Boruto.
Boruto's hands trembled.
— What do you want from me?
Momoshiki smiled, a cold, predatory smile.
— I want you to embrace the truth. You don't belong with them. You never did. But with me… with me, you can become something greater. Something they'll never be able to ignore.
Boruto closed his eyes, the weight of Momoshiki's words pressing down on him. He didn't want to believe it, but a part of him knew it was true.
No one cared about him. Not really.
And maybe… maybe that was okay.
At 30 power stones, 5 more chapters!!!