Chapter 46: Welcome Back

Gaara, accompanied by his guard and Boruto, had finally arrived in Konoha. Thanks to Boruto's intervention, they managed to avoid any delays and arrived on time.

As they stepped foot in Konoha, Gaara turned to Boruto with a suggestion. "Would you like to go and watch the first round of the Chunin Exams? We still have plenty of time," Gaara proposed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Boruto's eyes widened in surprise at the invitation. He had assumed that attending the Chunin Exams would be off-limits for him. "Can I go?" he asked, seeking confirmation.

Gaara smiled warmly at Boruto, understanding his hesitation. "Of course you can. After all, you are Naruto's son. Join me," Gaara reassured him, extending an invitation.

Excitement building within them, Gaara and Boruto embarked on their journey towards the Exam area. As they made their way, they caught sight of numerous genin participants scattered across the hills, engrossed in the challenges of the first round. The atmosphere was electric, filled with anticipation and determination.

Once they reached the Exam area, Gaara's guards bid them farewell, taking up their positions to ensure the security of the perimeter.

The hills overlooking the Exam area were bustling with activity, as Kurotsuchi, Darui, and Chojuro, the respective leaders of Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure, had gathered there.

Curiosity piqued, Kurotsuchi couldn't help but inquire about the absence of Gaara, the Kazekage. "Where is Gaara?" she questioned, her voice filled with intrigue.

Just as the question hung in the air, Gaara's voice resonated from behind them. "I am here," he announced, his presence finally revealed as he ascended the hill, accompanied by Boruto, whose face was concealed by a cloak.

Darui, unable to contain his curiosity, spoke up. "Gaara, who is that with you?" he asked, his tone laced with confusion.

Boruto, seemingly unfazed by the attention, paid no heed to the three Kage and instead directed his gaze towards the Genin participants below. A smile formed on his face as he spotted Sarada. "She has really stepped up her training game," he remarked, admiration evident in his voice.

Darui, growing impatient, reached out and pulled down the hood of Boruto's cloak, revealing the unmistakable shock of yellow hair. Both Darui and Kurotsuchi found themselves bewildered, as the figure standing before them bore an uncanny resemblance to Naruto from behind.

Gaara let out a sigh of exasperation, accustomed to such confusion. However, Chojuro, the Mizukage, smiled knowingly, recognizing the true identity of the young shinobi in front of them. "Boruto, it has been a long time," he greeted, his voice filled with warmth and familiarity.

Boruto responded by raising his thumbs up in a casual gesture, acknowledging Chojuro's greeting. The reunion of old acquaintances marked the beginning of an eventful day at the Chunin Exams.

"Boruto, the son of the Hokage? What brings you here?" Kurotsuchi inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Aren't you supposed to be participating in the Chunin Exams?"

Boruto shrugged nonchalantly. "Just sightseeing," he replied, his tone casual.

Darui raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Boruto's response. "Really? Just sightseeing?" he repeated, his voice tinged with skepticism.

Gaara, quick to come up with a plausible explanation that would protect Naruto's reputation, stepped in. "No, he has just returned from a mission," he interjected, his voice firm yet diplomatic. By covering for Naruto and implying that Boruto had accompanied him on a mission, Gaara hoped to prevent any negative assumptions about the Hokage's parenting or leadership skills. Boruto glanced at Gaara, a small smile playing on his lips, appreciating the Kazekage's quick thinking.

Observing the exchange between Gaara and the other Kage, Chojuro couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. 'This kid,' Gaara thought to himself, knowing that Boruto's mischievous nature often led to unexpected situations.

Not one to let the conversation falter, Kurotsuchi pressed on with her inquiries. "If that's the case, what rank are you currently?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Boruto scratched his head, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I'm not quite sure yet," he admitted.

As the conversation came to a close, the first test of the Chunin Exams began, marked by the enthusiastic start of the participating Genin. The hills buzzed with excitement and anticipation.

Boruto, feeling a sense of detachment from the proceedings, decided to make his exit. He bid farewell to the group, his voice filled with casualness. "I'm heading home. See you guys later," he stated, his steps carrying him away from the hills and towards his own path.

Shikadai who was running towards the objectives said "I think I saw Boruto?"

"Hah? Is it true?" Inojin ask as he run side Shikadai.

"Ignore that, I think my eyes is playing with me. Focus on the task on hand" Shikadai said.

Chocho and Inojin nodded.

×-×-×-×-×

Hokage Office,

Naruto, engrossed in his paperwork, was interrupted by the presence of three ANBU members kneeling before him. Their urgent message drew his attention away from the never-ending stack of documents.

"Hokage-sama, your son has returned to the village," one of the ANBU reported, his voice filled with a mix of respect and urgency.

Naruto's face lit up with a smile, his fatherly instincts kicking in. He had been eagerly awaiting Boruto's return, and the news brought a sense of relief and joy to his heart.

"And he came back with Kazekage Gaara," another ANBU added, his tone conveying a hint of concern. "There are also some abnormalities we noticed about your son, Hokage-sama."

Naruto's surprise was evident as he paused his writing and directed his full attention to the ANBU. His mind raced with questions and thoughts about what could have happened during Boruto's absence.

"What kind of abnormalities?" Naruto inquired, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and worry. The ANBU member handed him a picture, and as Naruto studied it, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"Hmm, he does look older than his actual age," Naruto remarked, his eyes fixed on the image. The realization struck him that Boruto seemed to have matured beyond what was expected for a child his age. And as he examined the picture closely, Naruto couldn't help but notice the absence of Boruto's distinctive whisker marks.

A wave of thoughts and emotions flooded Naruto's mind. Concern for his son's well-being mixed with a sense of pride at his growth and development. But above all, the Hokage's primary concern was the safety and happiness of his child.

"Please keep me informed of any new developments or changes regarding my son," Naruto requested, his voice firm yet filled with a father's love and protectiveness.

The ANBU nodded in acknowledgment, their duty to report any significant information about Boruto firmly ingrained in their minds.

With a swift flicker, they disappeared, leaving Naruto to ponder the mysteries surrounding his son's return and the changes that had occurred in his absence.

×-×-×-×-×

Boruto stood in front of his family home, his hood pulled up to shield him from the outside world. As he approached the front door, a sense of nostalgia washed over him, accompanied by a bittersweet feeling of longing and anticipation.

"Home sweet home," Boruto whispered to himself, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He reached out and gently knocked on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood.

From inside the house, Hinata's voice carried through the door, filled with warmth and excitement. "Wait, I'm on my way!" she called out, her footsteps growing louder as she hurried to greet her son.

Meanwhile, Himawari's voice could be heard, tinged with eagerness and innocence. "Mama, I can open it!" she exclaimed, her young voice brimming with anticipation.

The door swung open, revealing Himawari's smiling face. Her eyes widened with surprise and delight as she took in the sight of her older brother standing before her. Overwhelmed with joy, tears welled up in her eyes as she threw herself into his arms, embracing his legs tightly.

Boruto knelt down, his heart swelling with love as he returned his sister's embrace, his arms wrapping protectively around her. The bond between siblings, strengthened by time apart, was palpable in that moment.

Just then, Hinata emerged from the hallway, her eyes widening in astonishment as she beheld her son, now taller and more mature than when he had left. A mixture of emotions flooded her being, and without hesitation, she rushed towards him, tears streaming down her face.

In that heartfelt reunion, words were unnecessary. The love and longing they felt for one another transcended any need for verbal communication. They clung to each other tightly, their embrace speaking volumes, as tears of joy and relief mingled with their shared emotions.

As the heartfelt embrace came to an end, they all slowly stood up, releasing each other from their tight grasp. Hinata's emotions were still running high, and in a moment of mixed feelings, she unexpectedly slapped Boruto across the face.

Boruto's surprise was evident on his face, but he quickly composed himself, understanding the underlying reason for Hinata's action. "I deserve that," he admitted, his voice filled with a mix of remorse and acceptance.

Himawari, witnessing her brother being slapped, was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. Her eyes widened with concern, unsure of how to react in that moment.

Hinata, her initial burst of emotion subsiding, softened her voice as she spoke to Boruto. "But welcome back," she said, her words carrying a sense of forgiveness and understanding.

Boruto nodded, his eyes shifting to meet Himawari's gaze. "Is there anything you want to say to me?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of vulnerability.

A bright smile lit up Himawari's face as she looked up at her older brother. "Nothing, I'm just happy to see you, Onii-chan," she replied, her words filled with pure joy and affection.

Boruto couldn't help but smile at the endearing term coming from his little sister. The weight of their time apart seemed to dissipate in that moment, replaced by a renewed sense of love and connection.

Hinata, always the caring mother, interjected with a gentle reminder. "Now, get cleaned up," she said, her voice firm but loving. "If you don't have any other clothes with you, I can find a set that fits you."

"Please do," Boruto responded gratefully, appreciating his mother's thoughtfulness and willingness to make him feel at home once again.