Chapter 39: The Past Part 3

"We have located the place, but we cannot confirm if the scroll containing the desired jutsu is present," the clone reported.

Pondering the situation, Boruto made a decision. "I want at least ten of you to keep a close watch on that location. I will be departing to focus on training my physical abilities," he instructed.

Understanding the importance of their task, the clone acknowledged Boruto's command. "Understood," it replied.

Activating his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, Boruto prepared to teleport away. However, he hesitated, realizing that he lacked knowledge of a suitable training ground where he could avoid attracting the attention of Zetsu.

Frustration etched across his face, Boruto let out a sigh. "I can't even train my Susanoo without drawing unwanted attention from Zetsu," he lamented.

The clone empathized with Boruto's predicament and posed a question. "Indeed, but where can we find a suitable location?"

Shaking his head, Boruto responded with a tinge of disappointment. "There is no safe place, considering Zetsu's presence throughout the entire world. I suppose I'll have to resort to unconventional training methods. I'm heading to the Land of Iron. Take care, everyone."

With his decision made, Boruto utilized his teleportation ability to travel to the Land of Iron, where he would embark on his rigorous training regimen.

Capital of Iron,

In his quest for stability, Boruto began his search for employment. Surprisingly, he managed to secure a position as a waiter at a local restaurant. With a straightforward approach, he confidently asked for a job, and the restaurant graciously offered him the opportunity.

Next on Boruto's agenda was finding a suitable place to call home. Considering his current income, he diligently scoured the area and eventually stumbled upon a house that aligned with his financial capabilities. Recognizing its affordability, he decided to rent the house, ensuring a comfortable living situation.

Despite his skills as a shinobi, Boruto deliberately avoided taking on any mercenary jobs. He understood the potential ramifications that such work could have on altering the course of the future. Instead, he chose to focus on his role as a waiter, believing that this path would have a lesser impact on the timeline.

As time unfurled its relentless march, two years swiftly passed by.

Bathed in an ethereal glow, the moon shone brightly in the night sky, casting its luminescent rays through the dense canopy of the forest below.

"Fifth Gate, Open!" Boruto's voice echoed through the area as his skin adopted a reddish hue and steam began to billow from his body. The transformation was immediate and intense, filling him with a surge of power that left him in awe.

However, the increased strength came with a price. Boruto could feel an acute pain coursing through his body, a side effect of employing such a potent technique.

"This must be my limit," Boruto conceded, acknowledging the new-found power and the accompanying discomfort.

Relinquishing the technique, he felt the pain subside almost instantly, leaving behind a body battered from the exertion of the Fifth Gate. He sank to the ground, drawing in deep breaths to regain his composure.

"I've truly pushed myself to the brink with this training," Boruto mused aloud. Now a 10-year-old, he had accomplished all of this on his own, a testament to his resilience and determination.

He grinned, acknowledging the benefits of his rigorous training regimen. "The time I've spent here has only made me stronger. I need all the strength I can muster," he muttered, a fiery resolve in his eyes. "I'm going to make that pale ass alien regret crossing paths with me."

As his thoughts wandered, he remembered his Jougan, a power he had chosen to keep dormant. He had no desire to rely on it, considering it more of a nuisance than a benefit. With his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan already at his disposal, and the prospect of acquiring the Rinnegan in the future, he felt sufficiently armed for the battles that lay ahead.

In an unexpected turn of events, Boruto's clone materialized before him, gasping for breath. "Boss, this isn't the actual ruins they're utilizing. It's not even a flying ship," the clone informed him, disappointment evident in their voice.

Boruto let out a weary sigh. "So, it must be located somewhere on the outskirts of the Land of Fire," he deduced, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Furthermore," the clone continued, "they're making preparations to set sail for the Land of Fire."

Time was of the essence, and Boruto knew they had to act swiftly. "We're running out of time. Disperse, all of you," he commanded, urgency lacing his words. "I need as many clones as possible to help me locate this ruin."

He swiftly donned his cloak, a symbol of his determination and readiness for the task at hand. With a sense of purpose, Boruto hastened out of the Capital of Iron, his movements swift and agile. Creating a multitude of clones, they fanned out in all directions, combing the land in search of the hidden ruins.

As Boruto continued his search under the scorching sun, the minutes turned into hours, and frustration began to creep in. Despite the brightness of the day, he still hadn't managed to locate the elusive ruin. Standing on a sturdy branch, he found himself face to face with Uchiha Sasuke, a familiar figure whose presence added an unexpected twist to the situation.

A mix of disbelief and annoyance washed over Boruto as he muttered under his breath, "You've got to be kidding me."

The tension between them was palpable as Sasuke rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. Boruto's mind raced, considering the possibilities of encountering Orochimaru or his hideout in this vicinity.

Not wanting to escalate the situation further, Boruto cautiously backed away, choosing to retreat and continue his search elsewhere. His determination remained unwavering as he scoured the area with renewed vigor.

After what felt like an eternity, one of Boruto's clones finally dispersed, sending back the crucial memory of the ruin's location. With the information in hand, Boruto wasted no time and made his way towards his destination.

As he arrived at the scene, a captivating sight unfolded before him. Naruto, accompanied by a mysterious figure, was sprinting towards the ruin. Simultaneously, Sakura was seen darting in the opposite direction, her purpose unclear.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to tremble, and the ruin emerged from its concealed state, revealing its true form—a magnificent flying ship. Sensing an opportunity, Boruto seized the moment and leaped onto the ship, swiftly making his way inside.

Venturing deeper into the ship, Boruto skillfully infiltrated the main room. Concealing himself, he observed Naruto engaged in a heated confrontation. The words "I'll never forgive you!" echoed through the air, followed by a thunderous thud as Naruto was forcefully propelled into a nearby wall.

Boruto winced at the sight of Naruto enduring such a brutal beating. A wave of hesitation washed over him as he grappled with the decision to intervene and come to Naruto's aid. The conflicting emotions within him made it difficult to witness his father suffering without taking action.

When Naruto landed a powerful blow on his opponent, the man's body inexplicably regenerated, defying the laws of nature. Without wasting a moment, the man swiftly retaliated by materializing behind Naruto, delivering a devastating Rasengan-like attack to his back. The impact sent Naruto soaring through the air, crashing into the throne and shattering it into fragments.

Boruto's thoughts were thrown into turmoil as he witnessed the relentless assault on his father. "I... that's your father. Why haven't you moved? Fuck the future," Boruto's conflicted thoughts swirled. "No, altering the future could have dire consequences. You might cease to exist if you intervene, you fucking idiot."

Seizing Naruto's hair, the man suddenly found himself face-to-face with Naruto, who had effortlessly appeared behind him. However, the man quickly detected the unexpected turn of events and swiftly grabbed hold of the Naruto behind him, hurling him into the air.

With a powerful leap, the man soared through the air, launching a forceful kick to Naruto's stomach, sending him crashing to the ground and causing the clone to vanish.

Naruto persisted in his efforts, but he found himself losing every single encounter with the formidable opponent. In a surprising turn of events, the man allowed Naruto to land a punch squarely on his face, only to seize Naruto's hand and unleash a flurry of punches, sending Naruto hurtling through the air and landing beside the girl.

'Fuck this! I can't bear to watch anymore,' Boruto exclaimed as he appeared beside Naruto.

The presence of an unknown figure caught the man off guard, surprising even Sasuke, who was observing from the main room. Recognition flickered in Sasuke's eyes as he muttered, "That guy..."

As Naruto looked up, he spotted a figure dressed entirely in black standing by his side.

Boruto swiftly created a clone, which began healing Naruto's wounds.

Curiosity piqued, the man questioned, "Who are you?"

"It's not necessary for you to know. I was doing a mission, but I can't stand by and watch Naruto being beaten like this," Boruto replied. "It's weighing on my conscience."

The clone reassured Naruto, "Take some rest. We'll handle this."

Naruto inquired, "And who are you?"

The clone simply smiled and responded, "In the future, Uzumaki Naruto, I will reveal myself."

Meanwhile, Boruto stretched his hips and declared, "I'm someone who's going to give you a taste of your own medicine."

"Go ahead, give it a try," the man challenged confidently.

Boruto prepared himself by hopping in place, mirroring Goku's signature move. He swiftly removed his cloak and tossed it to the girl, instructing her, "Take care of this."

Taking a deep breath, Boruto flicked his fingers right in front of the astonished man, who was taken aback by his speed.

In a display of power, Boruto unleashed a punch infused with chakra, striking the man's stomach with tremendous force. The impact sent the man hurtling through the air, obliterating the throne and causing damage to the tree-like structure behind it.

Spotting the scroll, Boruto swiftly flickered to its location and snatched it away. Simultaneously, he grabbed hold of the man's hair and tossed him aside.

To Boruto's surprise, the man stood up unscathed, his body regenerating from the damage inflicted upon him.

"You are strong," the man acknowledged as he charged towards Boruto. Anticipating the man's swift movement, Boruto skillfully evaded a powerful right hook by ducking down.

Seizing the opportunity, the man attempted to knee Boruto in the face, but Boruto swiftly shifted his body to the side and delivered a punch to the man's thigh. With his left hand planted on the ground, Boruto propelled himself upwards and launched a downward kick.

Maintaining his balance, Boruto quickly stood up after executing the move.

The man made another attempt to grab Boruto, but Boruto retaliated with a spinning kick, sending the man flying through the air.