Chapter 77: Road to Stars

Koji and Amado found themselves in a concealed location within Konoha, their presence hidden from prying eyes. They were taken aback by the unexpected prowess displayed by Shikamaru's son, Shikadai.

Amado took a drag from his cigarette, his gaze fixed on the windows as he contemplated their next move. The unforeseen challenge posed by Shikadai had caught them off guard, forcing them to retreat and seek refuge in the shadows.

The failed attempt to detect their presence had put Konoha on high alert. The Yamanaka clan's renowned sensory abilities had proved ineffective against these new intruders, leaving the village vulnerable and wary of potential threats. The situation demanded heightened vigilance from the village's defenders.

In a frigid region, Code had successfully infiltrated Boro's cult building, breaking through its defenses. Now, he stood before a colossal tube, inside of which lay a woman in a deep slumber.

With a powerful strike, Code shattered the door, rousing the woman from her sleep. As she stepped out, Code introduced himself, attempting to initiate a conversation. "I'm Code. Good morning, Eida. I apologize for abruptly waking you."

Eida simply disregarded his presence and continued walking, seemingly disinterested in engaging with him.

Code was taken aback by her lack of response. He knew he needed allies for his cause, and attacking Eida, as he had done in the original canon, would not be a wise decision this time.

"I require your assistance, Eida," Code pleaded, hoping to gain her support.

She glanced at him, her expression filled with a mix of resignation and caution. "I understand, but our chances of success against my dear are slim. He has already foreseen our actions and grows stronger with each passing moment."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Code contemplated his next move. "If that's the case, I will depart," he declared, making his way towards the exit. Before leaving, Eida uttered a final warning, her voice tinged with a sense of futility. "No matter what you do, it will be in vain."

Code, determined and undeterred, replied, "You don't know the full extent of my plans," before exiting the building, leaving Eida behind.

Leaving the building, Code found a secluded spot and clenched his fist, summoning a blade-like protrusion from his palm. "Wake up! You're not as foolish as this. We must gather our strength," he muttered to himself, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Code couldn't help but notice the strange influence Eida seemed to have over him. Concerned about falling under her enchantment, he swiftly made the decision to leave the area, not wanting to risk further manipulation.

Meanwhile, Eida made her way to the restroom, her mind filled with a mix of excitement and jealousy. She couldn't help but imagine Boruto, the groom, carrying her in a joyous celebration. However, her elation quickly turned to anger as she witnessed Boruto casually carrying Sarada, the Uchiha bride.

"Uchiha Sarada, you just wait. I will take him away from you," Eida seethed with determination. "But before that, I will eliminate Amado, just as my dear desires. It's intriguing how even with his immense power, my dear still harbors concerns about Amado being a potential enemy. However, I cannot bring my little brother into my dear's grasp. He would surely be killed out of pure spite."

Eida's lips curled into a sinister smile as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. "I simply cannot wait to meet you, Boruto," she whispered, her anticipation evident in her voice.

....

The following day,

In his current state, Boruto had become the epitome of strength. Yet, despite his newfound power, he found himself feeling somewhat lethargic when it came to dealing with Code. His focus was primarily on the arduous task of rebuilding Uzushiogakure, leaving him with little energy to spare for other matters.

For now, Boruto's main objective was to search for the remaining members of the extinct clans and offer them a place to live within the confines of Uzushiogakure. It was his way of ensuring the survival and revival of these ancient lineages, a responsibility he took to heart.

Boruto found himself perched on the rooftop rail of the newly completed Uzukage building, the future seat of his leadership as the village's new leader. From this vantage point, he had a commanding view of the village and its surroundings.

In the midst of his contemplation, a multitude of his clones materialized around him, their voices overlapping as they addressed him. "Boss, should we extend an invitation to Goku? It's been quite some time since we last spoke. Besides, there's plenty of space for him to stay here."

Boruto nodded, considering the suggestion. "That's a good idea. I'll head out and find him," he replied, activating his Jougan to aid in his search for Son Goku. With a surge of chakra, he honed in on Goku's location, discovering him in a forest, playfully interacting with rocks.

Boruto couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before him. "Is this for real?" he mused, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Descending from the rooftop, Boruto approached Son Goku, who seemed taken aback by his sudden appearance. To his surprise, Boruto noticed a striking similarity between their chakra signatures, reminiscent of the Otsutsuki clan.

"Boruto?" Son Goku uttered in disbelief.

"Yes, it's me," Boruto confirmed, his smile widening as he greeted Son Goku.

Boruto settled himself comfortably beside Son Goku, and it was Goku who initiated the conversation with a curious question. "So, what have you been up to lately?"

Boruto leaned back, contemplating his response. "Well, I've been quite busy. Defeating other Otsutsuki, rebuilding my ancestor village, and trying to gather as many members of the extinct clans as possible," he replied.

Goku raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "That doesn't sound like 'not much' to me. Your definition of 'not much' must be quite different."

Boruto grinned mischievously. "Well, my concept of 'much' would be more like destroying planets, stars, even universes," he confessed, his tone lighthearted.

Goku couldn't help but chuckle at Boruto's response. "That's a bit excessive, but I suppose it makes sense in your world. By the way, how did you acquire the aura of an Otsutsuki?" he inquired.

Boruto's expression turned more serious as he revealed, "I actually became one. It's part of the reason I'm here, to invite you to my place. I thought it would be a way for you to have some excitement and not just play with rocks."

Son Goku tried to hide his embarrassment, realizing that Boruto was aware of his simple pastime. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm actually quite content living here," Goku replied graciously.

Boruto nodded understandingly but still wanted to extend the invitation. "Fair enough. But remember, if you ever change your mind, I can also invite your brothers and sisters to join us," he added.

Goku smiled warmly. "I'm flattered, but for now, I think I'll stay put."

After leaving Goku, Boruto's determination to gather the other tailed beasts remained unwavering. He knew it wouldn't be an easy task, but he was determined to extend his invitation to each of them.

One by one, Boruto approached the other tailed beasts, explaining his plan and inviting them to join him. However, to his disappointment, each of them expressed their desire to remain in their original homes. Boruto respected their wishes, understanding that they had found their own sense of belonging and purpose.

With a sigh, Boruto found himself sitting on a sturdy tree branch, idly swinging his legs back and forth. He pondered his next move, feeling a sense of restlessness. "What am I going to do now? I have nothing to occupy my time. Maybe I should just go and take care of that guy," he muttered to himself.

Activating his Jougan and Rinnegan, Boruto utilized his unique ocular abilities to scan the Earth, as if he were using a high-tech satellite. His eyes darted across the planet, searching for his target: Code. With precision and speed, he located Code's whereabouts and teleported right in front of him, catching the unsuspecting Code off guard.

Before Code could react or attempt to escape, Boruto swiftly took hold of him, his grip tightening around Code's throat. With a swift, decisive motion, Boruto snapped Code's neck, ensuring he posed no further threat. Continuing his ruthless efficiency, Boruto proceeded to sever Code's hand, the very hand bearing the Karma seal. With a final display of power, Boruto obliterated Code using Particle Style, leaving no trace of his existence.

Boruto couldn't help but acknowledge the immense power he possessed. "I've become incredibly overpowered at this point," he mused, a mix of awe and determination in his voice. "But this is necessary for the greater good. I still have to confront Eida and her little brother. They are among the remaining troublemakers that need to be dealt with."

Boruto continued his relentless pursuit, determined to confront Eida. He used his abilities to locate her and appeared before her, her expression betraying that she had anticipated his arrival.

Boruto stood before Eida, his gaze fixed on her face, his features devoid of any reaction. Suddenly, someone leaped onto Boruto's shoulder, interrupting the tense atmosphere. "So, you're the guy named Boruto?" the newcomer exclaimed.

Eida's heart sank as she realized the implications of her little brother's actions. She knew that something terrible was about to unfold.

The small child clinging to Boruto's back was Daemon, Eida's younger brother. "You're really annoying. Who do you think you are, riding on my back?" Boruto attempted to strike Daemon, but to his surprise, he was met with a swift punch in return.

"Hmm, not bad," Boruto remarked, unfazed by the blow. Seizing Daemon by his collar, Boruto forced him down.

Eida couldn't help but interject, pleading with Boruto, "Please, don't kill him."

"Oh, so you witnessed what happened to him," Boruto remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Onee-san, you shouldn't beg this guy," Daemon chimed in.

"Stay quiet. I'm trying to save you," Eida shot back, her tone firm.

Daemon understood the gravity of the situation, realizing that Boruto possessed the ability to bypass his own powers. "Why shouldn't I?" Boruto questioned. "He'll only become a nuisance in the future. It's better for me to live in a peaceful world without any threats."

"Daemon, run! Leave me here," Eida pleaded, but her brother refused, declaring, "No, I'm going to protect you."

Daemon rushed toward Boruto, only to find himself caught by the neck. The young boy was taken aback by Boruto's unexpected strength.

"I'm going to pay homage to..." Boruto began, but before he could finish, Eida simultaneously uttered the same words, "Lion Sin of Pride."

Eida had witnessed this scenario play out multiple times before, and she knew she couldn't save her little brother.

Boruto utilized a transformation jutsu, morphing into the form of Escanor. "I'll pity you," Boruto declared, hurling Daemon against the wall.

With a menacing stride, Boruto approached Eida, but she grabbed hold of his forearms, desperately pleading, "Please, let it go."

Boruto glanced at her for a moment, then placed his hand on her head, causing her body to disintegrate into nothingness.

Daemon watched in horror as his sister vanished before his eyes. Consumed by rage, he attempted to attack Boruto, but the odds were stacked against him.

Boruto swiftly slapped Daemon, sending him crashing to the ground. "This is what happens when there are no parents involved. Have a great day in the pure land," Boruto taunted as he ascended into the air, conjuring a massive, flaming Rasengan that obliterated the surrounding building, reducing it to ashes.

"Finally, my mission is complete. Now, it's time to confront Amado," Boruto declared with determination. With a swift teleportation, he materialized right behind Amado, catching him off guard. In one fluid motion, Boruto snapped Amado's neck, instantly incapacitating him. The lifeless body of the old man crumpled to the ground, his presence reduced to nothingness.

"Hmm, it seems Koji isn't here. Well, no matter. I have other matters to attend to," Boruto mused as he teleported back to Uzushigakure, the Village Hidden in the Whirling Tides.

Delta, waiting for his return, bowed respectfully and greeted him, "Welcome back, Boruto."

Boruto acknowledged her with a nod and replied, "Thank you, Delta."

"Hmm, after all that, I need to get some rest. I've accomplished everything I set out to do," Boruto stated as he made his way to his room. Collapsing onto his bed, he let out a sigh of relief. "Finally, I can rest knowing there are no more enemies. However, I still can't shake the feeling that I need to eliminate the remaining Otsutsuki. But that's a story for another time 'Road to stars'."

With that thought in mind, Boruto closed his eyes and drifted into a deep slumber, his exhaustion catching up to him after the intense events of the day.

(~The End or is it?~)