Chapter 70: Humbling Kawaki

Under the cover of the dark night sky, a figure lurked in the shadows, carefully observing the house without drawing any attention to himself.

That figure was none other than Koji, who had taken on the task of spying on the residents of the house.

"Hmm, everyone seems to be inside except for Boruto," Koji remarked to himself, his voice barely audible. "What is that brat up to during these times?"

A sigh escaped Koji's lips as he muttered, "I can't believe he held back in that kick." The memory of Boruto's powerful kick still lingered in his body, a constant reminder of his own limitations.

"But I must persevere and gather as much information as possible," Koji whispered under his breath. "These guys need it."

Koji had made it his mission to withhold vital information from Jigen, the leader of their organization. He knew that by doing so, he could buy more time for Kawaki and the others, giving them a fighting chance in their battle against Jigen.

In the vibrant village of Uzushiogakure, Boruto found himself immersed in the task of aiding his clones in the construction of the place. The air was filled with the sounds of hammers hitting nails and the chatter of workers, including Delta who was lending her assistance as well.

As Boruto diligently worked on the construction, one of the researcher's clones approached him, catching his attention.

"Boss, shouldn't you be preparing for Jigen's imminent arrival?" the clone inquired, concern evident in its voice.

Boruto glanced at the clone, a confident smirk forming on his face. "Eh, I can handle him," he replied nonchalantly, exuding an air of self-assurance.

"Let's hope you don't hold back," the clone remarked, its tone tinged with a hint of doubt.

Boruto chuckled in response, his voice filled with confidence. "I know I'm not Goku," he quipped, referring to the legendary warrior from another realm.

"True, but remember," the clone interjected, its voice carrying a note of caution.

Boruto nodded, acknowledging the clone's words. "I know, I need to rely on myself," he affirmed, fully aware of the importance of his own abilities and decisions.

"I am your paranoid side manifested in a clone, so be careful," the clone warned, emphasizing the need for caution and vigilance in the face of upcoming challenges.

Boruto took a moment to absorb the clone's warning, understanding the significance of its words. However, he couldn't help but let his guard down slightly, confident in his own capabilities and determination to face whatever lay ahead.

The following days,

After an intense training session with Naruto, Kawaki found himself sitting on the ground, catching his breath and allowing his body to recover. Naruto had left him there, and it wasn't long before Boruto approached him, his determined gaze fixed upon Kawaki.

"Get up, we're about to start your training," Boruto declared, his voice filled with a sense of urgency.

Confusion flickered across Kawaki's face as he looked up at Boruto. "What do you mean?" he asked, unsure of what Boruto had in mind.

Boruto's expression hardened as he explained, "The Hokage's training alone won't be enough for you. He's been teaching you in moderation, but if you truly desire greater strength, you need more than that. You want power, don't you?"

A flicker of determination sparked in Kawaki's eyes as he responded, "Yes, I do want power."

"Then follow me. I'm going to push us both to our limits in training, so that you can at least stand a chance against one of the members of Kara," Boruto declared, his voice tinged with a confidence.

Kawaki took in Boruto's words, his resolve solidifying. With a determined nod, he replied, "Lead the way."

As Boruto and Kawaki arrived in the dense and mysterious Forest of Death, they were greeted by the sight of Mitsuki, Shikadai, and Sarada already present and engaged in warm-up exercises. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and determination.

Sarada, in the midst of stretching her body, voiced her curiosity. "You finally made it, but what is Kawaki doing here?" she questioned, her tone laced with intrigue. Having encountered Kawaki during one of her previous walks, she couldn't help but wonder about his sudden involvement in their training.

Mitsuki, ever calm and composed, simply smiled in response, his eyes gleaming with excitement. On the other hand, Shikadai appeared perplexed, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall who Kawaki was and how he fit into the group.

Boruto turned to Sarada, addressing her question. "He will be training with us today. By the way, where's Metal?" he inquired, curious about the absence of their fellow teammate.

Shikadai shrugged, his voice tinged with nonchalance. "He's currently on a mission with his dad," he explained, his words revealing the reason behind Metal's absence.

Boruto's gaze shifted to Shikadai's appearance, noticing the change in his style. "Interesting choice of attire you're sporting," Boruto remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Shikadai smirked, his hair styled in a manner reminiscent of Sung Jinwoo, a renowned figure from a popular series. His black clothing, including a sleek black jacket, added to his transformed look. "Just following your direction," Shikadai responded, his tone reflecting his playful compliance.

Boruto's expression softened as he spoke to Shikadai, his voice filled with genuine encouragement. "I hope you become the strongest among us," he expressed, conveying his belief in Shikadai's potential.

Shikadai rolled his eyes, a hint of annoyance coloring his response. "Enough with the chatter. Let's get this started. This is already troublesome," he grumbled, eager to begin the training session.

Boruto nodded, acknowledging Shikadai's impatience. "Alright, alright. Let's start with our usual routine. You guys can team up against me," he suggested, preparing himself for the challenge.

Shikadai, however, had a different idea. "Nah, let me try a one-on-one match," he proposed, his voice filled with newfound confidence.

Boruto couldn't help but tease Shikadai, a playful smirk forming on his face. "Wow, you're getting bolder, aren't you?" he taunted, impressed by Shikadai's growing assertiveness.

Shikadai brushed off Boruto's comment, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. "Shut up, and let's just get started," he declared, reaching for two Chakra Daggers and gripping them in an ice pick grip, crossing his hands with a determined stance.

Kawaki eagerly anticipated witnessing the fighting skills of Boruto's friends. Mitsuki, sensing his curiosity, encouraged Kawaki to observe their performance closely.

As Boruto prepared for the fight, he removed his shirt and hoodie, revealing his impressively muscular physique, which left Kawaki in awe. Boruto then proceeded to warm up by stretching his shoulders in circular motions.

With a determined expression, Boruto declared, "Get ready." Shikadai, fully engrossed in the spectacle, attentively observed every subtle movement made by Boruto.

Boruto swiftly propelled himself forward with a burst of speed, materializing in front of his opponent as he unleashed a powerful downward kick. However, Shikadai, anticipating the attack, skillfully sidestepped, evading the kick and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Not one to be deterred, Shikadai retaliated with a lightning-fast right hook, but Boruto deftly maneuvered backward, narrowly eluding the blade-like strike. Undeterred, Shikadai pressed on, launching a left straight punch with precision. However, Boruto expertly intercepted the blow by placing his right hand over Shikadai's left hand, thwarting the intended impact.

In a display of cunning, Shikadai deftly utilized his right hand, attempting to slash at Boruto's forearms. However, Boruto, ever vigilant, anticipated the move and closed the distance between them, countering with a forceful headbutt that caused Shikadai to stumble momentarily.

Seizing the opportunity, Boruto swiftly launched a powerful right hook, aiming to land a decisive blow. Yet, Shikadai quickly reacted by clasping his hands together, and that forced Boruto to retreat by leaping away.

However, as soon as Boruto's feet touched the ground, he found himself ensnared by Shikadai's Shadow Imitation Jutsu. Despite being caught in the technique, Boruto couldn't help but express his admiration, acknowledging Shikadai's impressive performance. "Great job," he exclaimed, genuinely impressed by his opponent's skills.

Kawaki, unimpressed by Boruto's capture, couldn't help but voice his disdain. "What are you doing, getting caught in this petty trick?!" he exclaimed, his frustration evident.

Boruto, taken aback by Kawaki's outburst. Unfazed by Kawaki's comment, Boruto confidently responded, "If you think this is a petty trick, go ahead and try fighting against him." As Boruto walked forward, he effortlessly broke free from the confines of the Shadow Imitation Jutsu, displaying his unwavering confidence in Shikadai's abilities.

After all, Boruto had personally trained Shikadai and believed in his friend's capability to overcome Kawaki.

Shikadai, witnessing Boruto repeatedly break free from his jutsu with ease, couldn't help but feel a mixture of surprise and frustration. "Even with my improvements, he still manages to break out of my jutsu," he sighed.

Eager to prove himself, Kawaki stepped forward, expressing his desire to take on Shikadai. Shikadai, sighing in response, reluctantly put away his dagger, preparing to face Kawaki without the aid of a weapon.

However, Kawaki, activating his Karma, transformed his right hand into a blade, urging Shikadai to use his dagger. Unfazed, Shikadai calmly replied, "I think I don't need it."

"You're going to regret not using a weapon," Kawaki warned, his confidence evident.

Meanwhile, Boruto observed the interaction with a smile as he took a seat next to Sarada. Curious, Sarada asked, "Shikadai is going to win, right?"

Boruto nodded confidently. "Yeah, he's already set his trap," he replied. Mitsuki chimed in, adding, "Kawaki hasn't noticed it yet."

The tension between Shikadai and Kawaki reached its peak as they locked eyes, preparing for the impending clash. Without hesitation, Kawaki charged towards Shikadai, attempting to thrust his blade at him.

However, Shikadai was one step ahead and swiftly deployed his Shadow Imitation Jutsu. As Shikadai's shadow began to move towards Kawaki, he quickly recognized the danger and changed direction, circling around Shikadai. Despite Kawaki's evasive maneuvers, Shikadai's shadow doggedly pursued him, determined to ensnare its target.

With unwavering focus, Shikadai closed his eyes, relying on his keen sense of hearing to anticipate Kawaki's movements. Kawaki, determined to reach Shikadai, skillfully sidestepped the encroaching shadow, inching closer to his opponent.

Just as Kawaki neared Shikadai, the Nara clan member clasped his hands together, instantly immobilizing Kawaki with the formidable grip of the Shadow Imitation Jutsu. A circular shadow formed beneath the two combatants, symbolizing the extent of Shikadai's control.

Kawaki's hand was frozen in place by the unyielding grip of the jutsu. Desperate to break free, he exerted all his strength, only to find that Shikadai tightened the restrictions further by manipulating his shadow to constrict Kawaki's body.

"Give up?" Shikadai calmly inquired, his voice laced with confidence.

Caught off guard by the strength of the shadow's hold, Kawaki hesitated for a moment before reluctantly admitting defeat. "No, I... surrender," he conceded, acknowledging Shikadai's superiority.

Releasing his hold, Shikadai turned around and addressed Kawaki, acknowledging the unorthodox nature of their battle. "That fight wasn't entirely fair. I manipulated your movements to my advantage. Nonetheless, it was a great fight," he admitted, displaying a sense of sportsmanship.

Kawaki, taken aback by Shikadai's strategic approach, realized that he had encountered a different kind of fighter. In his tumultuous life, he had only faced brutal and ruthless opponents, making Shikadai's tactics a surprise.

"By the way, during my fight with Boruto, he was holding back and refrained from using his full array of flashy moves," Shikadai added, shedding light on his previous encounter with Boruto "If he wants, he can spam Jutsu, and there's no way I can win."