Boruto the Akatsuki: In Search of Power 13

In the previous chapter: Boruto disappeared in a yellow flash and reappeared at the site where he had fought Shin's clones. With a calculating coldness, he observed the place scarred by the battle, with dried blood darkening the ground. Determined to use the equipment from Shin's laboratories, Boruto began to work to hide the place from the world, using seals and the power of his shadow clones. With precision, he ordered his clones to place seals in the area and search for the laboratories. After a series of meticulous actions, Boruto managed to completely hide the place, using a powerful Fuinjutsu: Genjutsu no Sekai, which left him exhausted. Determined to make this site his new training place, Boruto moved a gigantic pillar with a laboratory using advanced techniques, although the lack of chakra forced him to rest on one of the stone beds in Shin's laboratory.

A few hours later, Boruto slowly opened his eyes, his vague gaze scanning the darkness around him. He was lying on a stone bed within the laboratory hidden in the pillar. Stretching out, he felt his muscles tense and heard his ribs creak. He sat up with a sigh, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared at the shadows moving softly on the cave walls.

"So this was where you slept, Shin?" Boruto muttered with a sneer. "I don't know how you could rest on this stone… Not that it matters. I'm already used to these inconveniences."

He stood up slowly, stretching his body, his joints creaking as he twisted his torso, cracking his back and neck.

"I wonder what time it is…" he said quietly, as if he expected the darkness to answer him. "I must get out of this place. There is much to do, and I have no time to waste down here."

With a flash of yellow, Boruto disappeared from the pillar room, reappearing on the surface of his new base. The cold morning air caressed his face, and for a moment, he closed his eyes, enjoying the contrast between the darkness of the laboratory and the light outside.

"The sun is just coming up," he murmured, watching the first golden rays that were beginning to light up the landscape. "Perfect. The day is just beginning, and so am I. There is much to prepare."

With a mischievous smile on his face, Boruto looked up at the orange-tinged sky, his mind already planning his next moves.

Standing on the surface, Boruto took a deep breath of the fresh morning air, feeling the breeze caress his face. The sky was beginning to light up with the first golden glimmers of dawn, and Boruto let out a light smile, feeling free and at ease. Here, in his haven, away from the responsibilities and expectations of others, he could be himself.

"It's about time the clone got sick," she murmured in a calm voice, her eyes reflecting a serene determination. "Soon, Mom will go wake him up."

With a quick movement of his hands, Boruto made a seal stance, and in an instant, his consciousness shifted to the clone lying on the bed in the Uzumaki home. He snapped his eyes open, taking control of the clone sleeping comfortably. The familiarity of his room enveloped him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to gaze at it with longing.

—It's been a while since I've been here... —Boruto thought as he scanned the room. —I'm always at the factory... It doesn't seem like this place has changed much.

His gaze hardened slightly, remembering the task at hand.

—Well, that's not the important thing. It's time to make the clone sick.

With a firm gesture, Boruto performed another hand position and closed his eyes, concentrating. He felt his chakra flow through the clone's body, weakening its defenses and allowing any latent viruses to begin acting. A slight warmth began to invade the clone's body, a sign that the fever was beginning to take effect.

"It's done," he thought with satisfaction. "The fever has started… Boruto won't be showing up for the field trip because of this. Hahaha, how funny."

Without getting out of bed, Boruto closed his eyes and returned to his main body, which remained standing on the surface of his new base. When he opened his eyes again, a mischievous smile appeared on his face.

"It's done," he muttered to himself. "Boruto won't be showing up for the field trip thanks to him being sick. Hahaha, how funny."

He looked around, taking in the imposing rock formations surrounding him, with two enormous stones that grew towards the sky and curved, forming a natural arch. In the center, a stone tower stood majestically, and to one side, a deep blue lake reflected the clarity of the sky, contrasting with the red lake in the depths.

—It's time to get on with what I couldn't do last night... But first, I'm going to have breakfast.

With an agile leap, Boruto landed on top of the stone tower. In one fluid motion, he pulled a scroll from his left hand and unrolled it. He tapped the scroll, and from a seal emerged a wooden table. With another tap, a chair appeared beside it. Boruto placed the furniture in the center of the tower and sat on the chair, positioning it to have the best view of the sunrise.

He pocketed the scroll in a puff of smoke and with another gesture pulled out a new scroll from which he extracted a fresh, well-prepared meal.

"These seals are really useful," he thought with a satisfied smile as he looked at the feast before him. "I don't regret learning Fuinjutsu."

The wind began to blow softly, caressing his hair and making it flutter in the air. Boruto took out some cutlery from the scroll and, after putting it away again, he took off his black gloves and set them aside on the table. As he began to eat breakfast, the sun continued to rise, bathing everything in a warm and comforting light. With each bite, Boruto felt the tension melt away from his shoulders. At that moment, under the light of dawn and with the wind caressing his face, Boruto felt truly free.

"This is life…" he murmured to himself, enjoying the tranquility and solitude of his refuge, as the dawn painted the sky in shades of gold and orange. Every bite he took was a reminder of his freedom, his power, and the peace he had found in solitude.

After eating breakfast, Boruto put on his gloves and put everything back into the scroll and looked up, watching the sun fully rise over the horizon. For a few seconds, he remained silent, enjoying the warmth of the first rays of sunlight on his face. He breathed deeply, letting the fresh air and the peaceful environment envelop him, feeling a strange peace that he rarely experienced.

"It's time to get started," he said loudly, his tone firm and determined, before disappearing in a flash of yellow.

He reappeared in the laboratory, inside the hidden pillar, his gaze scanning the space with a mixture of satisfaction and criticism.

"This place needs some remodeling," he thought as he looked at the walls and scattered equipment. The idea of turning this lab into his base of operations excited him. "I need to get this place ready before we start."

Out of his thoughts, Boruto made a seal with his hands and uttered:

—Kage Bunshin no Jutsu.

In a puff of smoke, 20 clones appeared, all with the same determined expression.

"Let's get this place ready. We need to move all the computers, set up the incubators, and prepare five beds in a circle, with one in the center. Make that six beds in total," Boruto ordered. "I'll take care of the seals to make sure they can't escape. Go!"

The clones quickly dispersed, beginning to move equipment, joining tubes and moving stone beds, while Boruto focused on placing six spaces filled with seals, preparing for the arrival of Shin's six clones.

It took several hours of intense work, but finally everything was in place. The beds formed a perfect circle, with a bed in the center, and the incubators, though not yet used, were ready for their purpose. The seals glowed with a latent energy, ready to be activated.

Boruto walked over to a wall where there was a stone chair and sat down, looking at his creation with a mixture of pride and coldness. In his mind, he thought:

—It's all over. It's time to bring them in and get started. It'll be a long few hours... possibly days.

After a short break, Boruto stood up and walked to the six spaces with seals. The 20 clones stood behind him, expectant. Boruto, in front of the seals, made several hand positions at high speed and said:

—Hiraishin: Shuzoku Ido.

In a flash of white, Shin's six clones appeared, each in their respective space surrounded by seals. The clones, surprised, looked around with a mixture of bewilderment and fury until their gazes fell on Boruto, who watched them with amusement.

"Game over," Boruto said as he studied them. "I was wondering which body would make the best vessel… and I selected this one."

He approached the last of the six and grabbed him by the head, looking him straight in the eyes.

"You are the smartest one in this group. You will live. After all, you were the calmest one when you asked me questions last time," he said with a crooked smile. "I'll call you 6 for now, until I decide on a more appropriate name."

He let go of 6's head and turned to his clones.

—Put them in their beds.

The clones moved quickly, placing the six prisoners on the prepared beds, while Boruto watched them with a maliciously satisfied expression.

Shin's clones, now in their beds, showed palpable fear on their faces. Boruto, enjoying the scene, spoke in a mocking tone:

—Don't worry, they won't feel much pain. Just enough for them to enjoy the process. —He paused and then added with a malicious laugh—. Sedate them and let them sleep forever... hahaha.

Boruto's clones were quick to inject Shin's six clones with a powerful sedative. Their bodies relaxed, their eyes slowly closing as they fell into a deep sleep, not knowing what awaited them. Boruto, watching with cold determination, spoke again, addressing his clones:

—Split into groups of three. The two remaining, along with the three in the middle, will be with me. We will make the perfect Shin.

The clones nodded in unison, preparing for the task ahead. Boruto removed his jacket and gloves, letting the garment fall to the floor, and put on a surgical gown that hung on the wall of the lab. With precise movements, he put on a pair of white medical gloves, and his clones imitated his every step, all ready for the creation of their new subordinate.

Everyone took their positions around the stone beds. The atmosphere was charged with tension, as surgical tools gleamed under the dim light of the laboratory. With absolute concentration, Boruto gave the signal to begin the operation.

The clones moved with precision, cutting open the prisoners' bodies one by one. They worked silently, their movements coordinated and expert, extracting the strongest and healthiest organs from the least fit bodies. The sound of flesh being cut and organs being removed filled the air, but Boruto was unfazed.

Boruto, along with the other five clones around him, focused on 6's body, the vessel chosen to house the best attributes of the others. Boruto's hands moved with almost superhuman dexterity as he removed 6's less functional organs and replaced them with those that had been carefully selected.

—This one's heart... —Boruto murmured, as he placed the organ extracted from another Shin clone into its place inside 6's chest. His precision was surgical, without errors—. This other one's lungs are much stronger.

Vital organs were transferred one by one, the clones working in a macabre symphony of surgery and technique. Boruto kept giving orders, guiding the process to make sure everything was done perfectly.

"The liver and kidneys," Boruto said quietly, watching his clones at work, "these are strong enough to withstand the loads that await him."

Every organ that moved into 6's body was carefully integrated, and medical seals were activated to ensure the operation was a success. Boruto felt a kind of dark emotion as he watched 6's body grow stronger with each step.

When the last organ was transferred, Boruto and his clones closed the incisions with healing seals, ensuring that no trace of the operations would remain.

—Perfect... —Boruto whispered, looking at 6's body, which now lay, repaired and improved, on the bed in the center—. This will be my new and most loyal subordinate. And his creation has been... a resounding success.

With a satisfied smile, Boruto pulled off his bloody gloves, letting them fall to the floor. His eyes scanned the room, taking in Shin's clones that were still breathing but now nothing more than empty remains. The job was done, and the result exceeded his expectations.

"Clean up this mess and make sure 6 is ready for the next phase," Boruto ordered, his voice cold and calculating. "A new stage has begun."

After a few minutes, Boruto's clones had cleaned up the room. The gloomy, suffocating atmosphere of the lab contrasted with the orderly precision that had returned to reign. The surgical tools and remains of the operation had been removed, and 6's body rested on the central bed, shrouded in an eerie silence.

Boruto watched the scene with a cold and calculating gaze. He had achieved his main objective, but he knew that the final touch was still missing to perfect his creation. He addressed his clones with a firm and determined voice:

"Take out his eyes," he ordered, without a hint of doubt in his tone. "And prepare 6's arm. We will place the eyes of the other Shins on him and modify his own so that he obtains the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan."

The clones didn't hesitate to act. They moved with the same surgical precision as before, approaching 6's body. With extreme caution, they began to extract the eyes of Shin's other clones, those that now lay like empty shells. The atmosphere in the room became even more tense, but Boruto remained impassive, observing every movement like a master craftsman supervising his masterpiece.

One of the clones gently took 6's eyes, while another prepared the vessel's arm, making sure it was ready to receive the new eyes. Every step was meticulous, every action calculated. Boruto wanted to make sure there was no room for error; the success of this operation would define the future power of his new subordinate.

The process was long and delicate. The other Shin's eyes were inserted into 6's arm, one by one, ensuring that each of them was perfectly aligned. Finally, 6's original eyes were reinserted in place, but this time with a different purpose. Boruto's seals began to resonate, activating as chakra flowed through 6's body, forging the connection necessary for the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Boruto watched with a mix of concentration and satisfaction. He was creating something unique, something that would not only serve him on the battlefield, but would also provide him with an unrivaled advantage. As the last eye was secured to the arm and the seals completed their work, Boruto stepped back to admire the result.

—Perfect... —he whispered, watching as the eyes on 6's arm glowed with the power of the Sharingan—. Now, you're ready.

6, though unconscious, was now a being beyond anything any Shin could have imagined. Boruto knew he had created a powerful tool, and the dark satisfaction on his face reflected the magnitude of what he had just accomplished.

The laboratory, now cleaner and tidier, emanated an aura of absolute control. Boruto, with one last glance at 6's enhanced body, felt that he had taken another step on his path to supremacy. With a determined move, he turned around and began walking towards the exit, leaving his clones to finalize the last details.

"When he wakes up, he'll know his place," Boruto muttered to himself as he left the room. "And I'll be here to guide him."

With a precise movement, Boruto removed his medical gown and gloves, revealing the clothing that identified him as the cold and calculating shinobi that he was. He picked up his black jacket and gloves, symbols of his power and determination, while his thoughts followed a dark and calculating thread.

"I've placed seals on his organs; if he ever thinks of betraying me, he'll die instantly," he mused, feeling a dark satisfaction at the thought of the precautions he'd taken. "Furthermore, I've modified his brain so that he only retains fragments of what he once was. He excels with ten Sharingans in his arm and, in his eyes, the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan… hahaha, this is just too much fun."

As he headed towards the door, Boruto paused and turned, his voice ringing with authority:

—Put him in the incubator. I want his body to progress efficiently. And one more thing: get rid of these bodies or incinerate them, they're no longer useful. Although... leave one. We might need it later.

The clones nodded quickly, understanding the importance of Boruto's orders. Without another word, Boruto turned around and walked out of the laboratory, leaving behind the echo of his indomitable will.

As he stepped out of the lab, the fresh air outside greeted him with a gentle breeze, laden with the scent of the nearby water. He walked slowly towards the lake, each step imbued with a sense of triumph and absolute control. He reached the shore and, with a sigh of satisfaction, sat down on a rock overlooking the landscape.

As he pulled on his black jacket and gloves, Boruto stared at his reflection in the red-tinged water inside the cave. Shadows danced around the surface, mixing with the echoes of the seals and experiments he had just conducted. "It's been quite a few hours," he thought, feeling exhaustion beginning to weigh on his body. "I'm a little tired… I need to eat."

With a firm resolve, Boruto focused and disappeared in a flash of yellow, using the Hiraishin to transport himself to the surface. When he reappeared, the warm embrace of the sun immediately greeted him. He looked up, admiring the blue sky that stretched endlessly above him. The intensity of the sun's rays forced him to raise his hand, covering his face to shield himself from the glare.

"It's already noon," he muttered to himself, noticing how time had passed without him even noticing. He felt the sun's energy replenishing his spirits, but he knew he needed something more to keep going.

He lowered his gaze and began to walk calmly, letting the natural surroundings envelop him as he made his way to the place where he had eaten breakfast earlier. He reached the earthen tower that rose majestically in the middle of the landscape and, with an agile leap, he climbed to the top.

Once there, Boruto pulled out the same scroll he had used in the morning. With a skilled gesture, he unfolded the scroll and activated the seals, releasing the wooden table and chair he had stored away. He placed the table in the center of the tower and sat down, surrounded by the calm of the surroundings. The gentle wind caressed his face, and Boruto couldn't help but feel a moment of peace in the middle of his day full of tasks.

Boruto opened the scroll again, taking out the food he had kept in perfect condition. As he prepared to eat, he took off his gloves and set them aside on the table. A slight smile appeared on his face as he looked at the food, and he thought with satisfaction, "These seals really are useful." Enjoying the tranquility of the moment, each bite gave him back the energy he had lost. The wind, blowing gently around him, accentuated the feeling of freedom he valued so much.

Boruto finished eating, savoring the last bite with a satisfaction he rarely experienced. With a sigh, he leaned his back against the wooden chair, feeling his body relax completely. He looked up, observing the clear sky and the gentle movements of the clouds in the distance. The silence surrounding him was deep and peaceful, a complete contrast to the tensions and responsibilities he carried in his daily life.

"These moments of quiet..." he muttered to himself, barely aware that he was speaking out loud, "without anyone bothering you, are really precious."

In those moments, Boruto felt something he rarely allowed to enter his consciousness: a slight inner peace. Here, at the top of the earthen tower, without the presence of anyone else, he could simply be himself, free of expectations and burdens. The gentle wind that caressed his face and lightly moved his hair seemed to reflect the freedom he so longed for.

This kind of tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the world and the complications of his plans, was what gave him the strength to carry on. He closed his eyes for a moment, enjoying the breeze and the warmth of the sun on his skin. In those few seconds, he allowed himself to forget everything else, surrendering to the calm that surrounded him.

After a while, Boruto opened his eyes, letting reality settle back into his mind. He leaned forward, a look of resigned determination on his face. He knew this moment had to end, but he had made the most of it.

Boruto grabbed his gloves and put them in his pockets. With a determined movement, he began to gather up everything he had used. He put the food and utensils back into the scroll, watching as they disappeared in a puff of smoke. Then, he picked up the table and chair, returning them to the scroll as well, leaving everything as if it had never been there. He stood up, putting the scroll away, and his gaze fixed on the horizon, ready to continue with what came next.

Without wasting any more time, Boruto leapt into the lake near the earth tower. He landed softly on the shore and crouched down, dipping his hands into the cold water. As he washed his hands, his mind clouded for a moment as visions flashed through his mind, causing his eyes to narrow slightly. Boruto closed his eyes, remaining calm, and removed his hands from the water, standing up. He shook his hands to let the water drain away, and with his eyes still closed, he muttered,

—It seems that defeat cannot be forgotten.

He opened his eyes slowly, and with his hands now dry, he took the gloves out of his pocket and put them on, adjusting the last one on his right hand. He closed his fist several times as he looked at his hand, murmuring again:

—This doesn't let me forget... and that's good.

With his hands stuffed into his pockets, Boruto, still standing above the lake, disappeared in a flash of yellow and appeared inside the lair. He began walking down the hallways that led to the laboratory embedded in the central pillar. Silence surrounded him as his footsteps echoed along the path. After a few minutes, he arrived at the laboratory, where one of the 20 clones noticed him and commented:

—You sure took your time.

Boruto looked at him without much interest and replied in a neutral tone:

—I just wanted to walk.

Without stopping, he walked over to the incubation tubes at the back of the lab, connected to several large hoses.

"How's the progress going?" Boruto asked, not taking his eyes off the incubators.

One of the clones answered seriously:

—Everything is going well, but we don't know how long it will take for 6 to adapt. Despite the healing seals, his body is still adjusting. His chakra network also needs to change to adapt, and it's difficult to estimate how long it will take.

Boruto nodded thoughtfully:

—It seems like it won't be easy...

His eyes went to another incubation chamber next to 6's, and he ordered:

—Clones, prepare the place with spatial seals. I don't want the little thing to get away.

The clones moved quickly, carrying out Boruto's order to the letter. They placed several seals around the space, making sure everything was prepared for what was to come. When the seals were in place, Boruto said out loud:

—Fuinjutsu: Kukan Fusoku (Space Restriction Seal).

The seals scattered across the walls and floor of the laboratory glowed brightly for a few seconds before fading away. A feeling of satisfaction washed over Boruto's mind.

"It was a good idea to create these kinds of seals... Knowing that I might not be the only one with spatial abilities and how to counter my own technique was a wise decision," Boruto thought as his eyes scanned the lab.

Back to reality, Boruto addressed his clones with a firm voice:

—Prepare two beds and bring the body I told you to keep.

The clones obeyed without delay, creating two stone beds, side by side. On one of them, lay a barely alive body, covered in scars and stitches that showed evidence of suffering. It was barely breathing, and Boruto watched it without a trace of emotion as it approached the empty bed. With a hand sign, it summoned a scroll in a flash.

Boruto held the scroll with a calculating look before turning his attention to his clones:

—Prepare for combat.

The clones, alert, pulled out three-pronged kunai and took up combat stances, surrounding Boruto and the stone bed. Carefully, Boruto placed the scroll on the stone bed and, making a hand seal, uttered:

-Release.

The seal on the scroll flashed, and in a cloud of smoke appeared a small being that instinctively jumped back. Boruto watched it curiously as the small being, furious, activated its Sharingan, but nothing happened. He tried once more, and again, nothing happened. Confusion took hold of the small being as it tried to escape, not understanding why it couldn't do so.

Boruto let out a laugh full of malice:

—Hahaha, I seriously thought this little being was capable of much more.

The clones, relaxing their stance, put away their kunai and smiled slightly, as Boruto continued speaking:

—It seems that only when someone controls it does it truly show its abilities.

Turning his gaze back to the small being, Boruto leaned over him.

—Little creature, at this moment you can only let yourself be carried away by your instincts. But don't worry, I will make you a little smarter.

Boruto reached out his hand, grabbing the small being's upper body. The small being looked at him in confusion as a seal emerged from Boruto's hand, spreading across his entire body.

"Suppression Seal," Boruto said in a cold voice.

The small being was completely immobilized. Without effort, Boruto lifted him up and placed him face down on the table. Addressing his clones, he ordered:

—Take the brain out of Shin's clone and we'll put it in this one.

The clones immediately prepared themselves, forming a circle around the table. With surgical precision, they activated the Mystic Palm Technique and the Chakra Scalpel . Under Boruto's direction, they proceeded to perform the operation. One of the clones made a careful incision into the Shin clone's skull, delicately separating the brain tissue. The procedure was meticulous; Boruto and the clones worked in perfect sync, making sure not to damage any vital parts of the brain.

Once removed, the brain was placed in a special container to keep it viable during the transfer. With the tiny being still immobilized by the suppression seal, Boruto made a similar incision into its skull. The atmosphere in the lab was tense, but every movement was precise. The clones followed Boruto's lead as the delicate transplant process moved forward.

Finally, with the operation almost complete, the new brain was placed into place within the small being's skull. Boruto performed a series of additional seals to stabilize the transplant, ensuring that the new brain integrated properly with the small being's nervous system. After a few minutes of work, the process was complete. Boruto took a step back, observing the result of the operation with satisfaction.

—Now, little being... let's see what you're capable of with a proper brain —Boruto muttered, while his clones prepared for whatever might happen next.

Boruto made a hand position and said in a firm voice:

-Release.

The seal that kept the small being immobilized began to fade, dissipating into a soft glow that disappeared completely. Boruto, without showing emotion, gave the following order:

—Put him in the incubator.

The clones obeyed immediately. With precise movements, they carefully lifted the small being and placed it inside an incubation capsule. The container quickly filled with a viscous greenish liquid, which enveloped the small being inside, making it float slowly in the center of the chamber, in a posture similar to that of "6".

Boruto approached the incubator, watching as the small being's body adapted to the liquid environment. His gaze turned calculating as he muttered:

—This little one's name will be Moku. When you wake up, you will be Moku.

He stood there for a few more seconds, carefully analyzing the process, before turning around. His figure slowly moved away from the spot, while the clones surrounding him began to disappear in clouds of smoke, leaving only one.

Boruto paused for a moment before leaving the laboratory and spoke without turning around:

—You will take care of this place. Let me know when he wakes up; just disappear.

The clone nodded determinedly, understanding the importance of his mission. Without another word, Boruto continued on his way, leaving behind the laboratory embedded in the pillar, confident that his creation would be guarded until the right moment.

Boruto walked a few more steps until he stopped in front of a deep red lake, whose waters reflected a surreal hue under the light of the cave. He stood there, observing the landscape in silence. The atmosphere was charged with an eerie tranquility, which contrasted with the intensity of his mind at that moment. His thoughts flowed clearly:

—It seems I'm done for today. It's time to take another step in my training. My chakra is still a weakness, and while I wait for my creation to awaken and locate the village of Uzushiogakure, the Country of the Whirlpool, I must advance on other fronts.

Boruto sat on a nearby rock, his gaze fixed on the lake as the red ripples moved slowly, creating a play of light and shadow on his face. He pondered his next steps:

—I need a summon, but finding the right one is extremely difficult. I can only rely on luck at the moment.

A cool breeze blew across the lake, and Boruto, his mind racing, contemplated the alternative. The gleam in his eyes revealed a spark of resolve.

—But there is another way. If I write the name on the scroll and perform the summoning jutsu, I could summon a creature to guide me or, with luck, be teleported to the summoning world. It is a risk, but one I must be willing to take.

Boruto stood up from the rock with a determined expression. With a quick gesture of his hand, he summoned a large scroll in a puff of smoke. He carefully unrolled it, letting it spread out on the cave floor. The whispering breeze that swept through the place seemed to fill the space with an echo of expectation, as if nature itself awaited the outcome.

With calculated precision, Boruto pulled a kunai from his sleeve and without hesitation, lightly cut one of his fingers, allowing blood to flow out. With that blood, he began to write characters on the scroll, each stroke a tangible manifestation of his determination and commitment to his goal. As he did so, the red lake beside him reflected the dark ceiling of the cave, like a crimson mirror of his surroundings.

As he finished tracing the last symbols, Boruto looked up at the lake. His mind was focused on the next challenge, knowing that each step he took in his quest for power and knowledge would bring him closer to his destiny. He stood up, staring at his name written on the scroll as thoughts raced through his mind.

"I found this scroll in Dad's room a while ago," Boruto recalled. "At first, I thought it was the toad summoning contract, but when I checked it in detail, it turned out to be just a common summoning scroll. That was a little disappointing, but nevermind."

Boruto turned his attention back to the scroll, a mix of curiosity and expectation in his eyes.

—The important thing now is to see what I will be able to bring and where it will take me.

Without wasting any more time, Boruto quickly performed several hand positions and, with a firm shout, exclaimed:

—Kuchiyose no Jutsu! —slamming his bloody hand hard against the ground.

In his mind, Boruto thought, "I'll send out all my chakra... This all depends on luck. I hope to get something."

The summoning seal began to spread across the cave floor, glowing with an unusual intensity that surprised Boruto. The seal's glow intensified, illuminating everything around it, and at that moment, Boruto disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Elsewhere, more specifically in Konoha, the home of the Uzumaki...

The sun was just beginning to rise, filling the house with a warm morning light. Hinata, on the first floor, was on her knees beside a backpack, carefully packing Boruto's things for the upcoming excursion. She held a notebook in one hand, going over the list of what she had prepared.

"It's two shirts, two pairs of pants, a toothbrush..." she muttered to herself, pausing in thought. "I think that's it."

Satisfied, Hinata stood up and raised her voice, calling her son:

—Boruto, come down now! Your things are already packed!

However, Boruto didn't reply. Hinata frowned with a slight concern on her face. As she put away the notebook, she thought: What is he doing? Besides, he hasn't had breakfast yet, it's going to be late for him... Is he not going to go?

She looked over at the couch where Himawari was sitting, engrossed in the television. Hinata decided to ask her for help.

—Himawari, can you go to your brother's room and call him down? —she said in a calm voice.

Himawari, still watching the television, nodded, flashing a smile at her mother. She happily got off the couch and began walking towards Boruto's room. As she walked up the stairs, her mind was occupied with thoughts of her brother.

What is my brother doing? Is he home? Himawari frowned, thinking. He told me he would train me, but he hasn't followed through... She paused for a moment, pouting, but soon cheered up. Well, since he promised, I know he'll keep it, so there's no need to worry. Himawari smiled, regaining her good mood as she reached the door to Boruto's room.

Once there, he knocked softly on the door and called in his tender voice:

—Little brother, my mom is calling you.

No one answered. Himawari insisted, with the same sweetness in her tone:

—Little brother!

Again, there was no response. Worried, Himawari decided to go inside.

"Little brother, I'm coming in," he announced, turning the knob and pushing open the door.

The room was silent when Himawari entered. She approached Boruto's bed and, seeing him, froze. Boruto was lying down, his face slightly red and breathing heavily. Himawari, alarmed, ran to him.

"Little brother..." she whispered softly, but her concern was growing.

Seeing Boruto not responding and noticing his condition, Himawari freaked out. Without a second thought, she ran out of the room, running down the stairs as fast as she could. She entered the kitchen, where Hinata was serving breakfast.

"Mom, mom! Boruto is sick, he doesn't look so good," Himawari said, panting as she tried to catch her breath.

Hinata's expression changed instantly. She dropped what she was doing and ran towards the stairs, followed closely by Himawari. Entering Boruto's room, Hinata quickly approached her son, and upon seeing him up close, her worry turned to fear. Boruto was lying down, his breathing heavy and uneven. Hinata placed a hand on her son's forehead.

"He's burning with fever..." he murmured, quickly withdrawing his hand.

"Little brother..." Himawari whispered, her voice shaking.

Suddenly, Boruto started coughing violently.

—Cough, cough, cough!

Hinata leaned over him, trying to reassure him, but before she could say anything else, Boruto coughed again, this time expelling some blood.

—COUGH, COUGH, COUGH!

Blood stained the bed, and both Hinata and Himawari froze in horror. Hinata reacted immediately, activating her Byakugan. Watching her son's chakra flow, her heart raced - Boruto's chakra was rapidly weakening.

No... this isn't right... Hinata thought, as panic set in. Without hesitation, she lifted Boruto into her arms, hugging him tightly.

"I'll take him to the hospital right away," she said in a shaky voice. "Himawari, come with me. I can't leave you alone for long."

Himawari, though frightened, nodded obediently and followed her mother as they quickly left the room. Hinata walked down the stairs with Boruto in her arms and, without wasting any more time, they left the house, rushing towards the hospital in the hopes that they would arrive in time to help their son.

After a few minutes of walking, Hinata arrived at the hospital and Sakura, who was at the entrance, attending to other patients, saw Hinata with Boruto in her arms and Himawari next to her,

Sakura, busy tending to a patient in the hospital's emergency room, looked up upon hearing the commotion at the entrance. It was then that she saw Hinata running towards her, Boruto in her arms. Her face reflected a mix of urgency and fear. Without wasting a second, Sakura called another nurse to take care of the patient she was tending to and ran towards Hinata.

"Hinata! What happened?" Sakura asked as she quickly approached, her tone filled with concern.

Hinata, her voice trembling and her eyes filled with anguish, answered while trying to hold back her tears:

—I don't know... Boruto is very sick. His chakra... his chakra is fading rapidly. I don't know what to do!

Sakura's heart raced at Hinata's words. Without hesitation, she took Boruto from her mother's arms and carefully placed him on a nearby stretcher.

"We'll get him into a room right away," Sakura said, her voice firm and determined, but with a hint of worry she couldn't hide.

As they pushed the gurney through the hallways, Sakura watched Boruto intently. His breathing was ragged, and his face was pale, beads of sweat beading on his forehead. Sakura, trying to remain calm, turned her head to give instructions to the nurses accompanying them.

"Prepare the treatment room. We need life support equipment ready and a chakra infusion immediately," he ordered authoritatively.

The hospital staff, trained to act in emergency situations, moved quickly and precisely. Within seconds, they arrived at the room prepared for critical situations. Sakura hurried to connect Boruto to the necessary equipment, while her mind worked at full speed, trying to understand what was happening.

Hinata stood by the gurney, her eyes fixed on Boruto, struggling to maintain her composure. Himawari, frightened, clung to her mother's hand, looking at her brother with tear-filled eyes.

Sakura, as she placed her hands on Boruto and began to do the mystic palm jutsu trying to stabilize him, Sakura spoke in a reassuring tone, although her own concern was evident:

—Hinata, we're going to do everything we can to help Boruto. But I need you to trust me. We'll get through this, okay?

Hinata nodded slowly, her hands shaking as she held Himawari close. Face covered in sweat, Sakura focused on steadying Boruto's chakra flow, knowing that every second counted.

A few seconds later, a pair of nurses arrived and gently but firmly led Hinata and Himawari out of the room. Hinata tried to resist, her eyes filled with worry and fear, but the nurses insisted, explaining that they needed space to work.

"Please, Mrs. Uzumaki, let us work. We will do everything we can to save him," said one of the nurses, with empathy in his voice.

Hinata, with a heavy heart, allowed herself and Himawari to be led into the observation room. They both stood in front of a large glass window that overlooked the room where Boruto was. From there, they could clearly see everything that was happening inside.

Sakura, focused and determined, worked quickly to stabilize Boruto. She placed her hands on his chest, channeling her healing chakra as the monitors around her emitted rhythmic sounds, measuring the young man's vital signs. Her face was covered in a sheen of sweat from the effort, but she didn't allow herself any rest.

Several nurses and doctors came in and out of the room, bringing in supplies and adjusting medical equipment. One of them handed Sakura a chakra infusion bag, which she quickly connected to try and revive Boruto's weakened energy system.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Hinata watched with a mixture of helplessness and hope. Beside her, Himawari held her hand, trembling slightly. They both stared through the glass, unable to look away from the fight unfolding before them.

—Boruto... please hold on... —Hinata murmured softly, her free hand pressing against the glass, as if with that gesture she could get closer to her son.

Himawari, her eyes filled with tears, tried to stay strong, imitating her mother's posture, but fear was palpable on her small face. The room was filled with unbearable tension, as time seemed to stop in the midst of despair.

Inside the room, Sakura didn't stop. She focused all of her knowledge and skill on stabilizing Boruto, her mind focused on one goal: saving the life of her best friend's son.

Seconds seemed like hours as Hinata and Himawari waited anxiously, hoping that Sakura could perform a miracle.

After what seemed like an eternity, Boruto finally stabilized. Sakura, visibly exhausted but relieved, walked out of the room and approached Hinata and Himawari, who were anxiously waiting in the hallway.

Hinata, her heart in her throat, asked worriedly:

—Sakura, how is Boruto? What happened to him?

Sakura, taking a deep breath before answering, said:

—Boruto's situation is under control for the moment. We managed to stabilize him.

Hinata, although relieved, couldn't help but insist:

—But... what was wrong with her body? How was it possible for her to get so sick? Yesterday she was fine...

Sakura nodded, understanding her friend's distress, and explained:

—It seems that his body's defenses suddenly went down, allowing a very potent virus to enter and spread rapidly. Boruto probably didn't show any symptoms during the day yesterday, but the virus started attacking in force during the night. However, don't worry, we've already neutralized it and Boruto is out of danger. We'll move him to a room to rest. He's unconscious at the moment, but he'll wake up in an hour. But he'll need to stay in the hospital for a few days to make sure there are no complications. You'll be able to visit him in a few minutes.

Sakura's words brought immense relief to Hinata. Her expression softened, and tears of happiness began to roll down her cheeks knowing that her son would be okay.

"Thank you, Sakura-chan… thank you so much!" Hinata said, bowing deeply. Himawari, following her mother's example, also bowed in gratitude.

Sakura smiled warmly and replied:

—No need to thank me, Hinata. It's a pleasure to be able to help.

Hinata nodded, still excited, and took Himawari's hand, sharing a moment of relief and gratitude as they waited to see Boruto again.

Sakura watched them with a mix of curiosity and concern, then spoke:

—But Boruto... didn't he have to go on an excursion today?

Hinata momentarily blanked out, suddenly remembering the day's plans. Her expression changed to one of urgency, and she quickly replied:

—You're right! I have to go to the entrance of Konoha. I'll also stop by the Hokage building to tell Naruto. —Hinata looked at her daughter with determination. —Come on, Himawari.

Himawari nodded, understanding her mother's urgency.

Before leaving, Hinata raised her head and gave a grateful smile to Sakura:

—I leave Boruto in your hands.

Sakura smiled back confidently.

—Don't worry, Hinata. Leave it to me.

Hinata nodded, feeling a mix of relief and responsibility, and began walking, leading Himawari by the hand. Though her heart was torn between duty and worry, she was relieved to know that her son was in good hands. As they walked out of the hospital, her quick, confident gait reflected the ease she felt at leaving Boruto in Sakura's care.

At the entrance of Konoha, Class 1-A was eagerly awaiting their classmate. Everyone was a little restless, looking around for Boruto.

"When will Boruto arrive?" Chocho complained, crossing her arms. "I'm already getting tired of standing for so long. I can't wait to see the sea!"

Sarada, with her arms crossed and a twitch in her eyes, replied:

—What is that fool doing that he doesn't come?

Meanwhile, Boruto's group of friends also shared his impatience.

"What a pain..." Shikadai sighed, looking around. "What's the representative doing?"

Denki, who was standing next to him, expressed his concern:

—Something might have happened to him, right?

Inojin, always with a carefree smile, commented:

—I don't think so. After all, he always has a lot of energy. I'm sure he's up to some mischief, as always.

Iwabe, arms crossed, added confidently:

—I don't think so either. Boruto is very strong.

Shikadai nodded, but his attention shifted to Mitsuki, who was standing somewhat apart from the group, looking seriously towards the Konoha gate. Intrigued, Shikadai approached Mitsuki and asked:

—What's wrong, Mitsuki?

Mitsuki looked at him and calmly replied:

—It's okay, I'm just waiting for Boruto.

Shikadai watched him for a few seconds and then nodded, returning to the rest of his friends. Meanwhile, the murmurs among the students grew louder, all questioning Boruto's delay.

In Shino's mind, as he watched his class, the same question was being asked: "Why isn't Boruto coming? I'll wait about five more minutes, and if he doesn't show up, we'll leave without him."

At that moment, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts:

—Shino-kun!

Shino turned around completely, and seeing Hinata, he approached her, walking away from the group of students.

"Hinata, what are you doing here? Did something happen?" Shino asked worriedly as he approached her.

Hinata waited for Shino to come to her side and replied:

—Well, I don't think Boruto can come. He's sick and won't be able to attend the field trip.

Shino frowned in concern.

—I see... How are you?

"He was hospitalized, but he's now stable." Hinata's voice was a mix of relief and concern.

Shino was surprised, but relaxed a little upon hearing that Boruto was better.

—I hope you get better soon. And thank you for coming to tell us that Boruto wouldn't be coming.

Hinata nodded with a slight smile.

—Thank you all for waiting.

Shino said goodbye to Hinata and returned to the group of students. Meanwhile, Hinata turned around, taking Himawari's hand, and began walking towards the Hokage building, with a look of relief knowing that her son was on the mend.

Shino came to the students, and with a serious expression, announced:

—I have an important announcement.

All the students turned to look at him, expectant. Shino took a brief pause before continuing:

—Boruto will not be performing today due to medical issues.

The entire group fell silent, shocked by the news. They didn't know what to say.

"We'll leave immediately," Shino added firmly, breaking the tension.

Without further ado, the students began to gather their things and prepare to leave for the train station. However, Sumire, with palpable concern on her face, approached Shino.

—Sensei, what happened with Boruto? —he asked softly.

Shino looked at her for a few seconds, then replied:

—Apparently he was quite ill. But he has now stabilized; he is just hospitalized to make sure he recovers fully.

Sumire opened her eyes, surprised and worried at the same time. Meanwhile, Sarada and Boruto's friends, who had been listening to the conversation, shared the same surprised expression.

Mitsuki, in particular, was left pensive. He considered the idea of staying in Konoha, but a voice brought him out of his thoughts.

"Aren't you coming, Mitsuki? We're waiting for you." It was Shikadai, calling out from the group that was already moving.

Mitsuki took one last look in the direction of the hospital, and a thought echoed in his mind: "Boruto, I hope you can get what you're looking for."

With that reflection, Mitsuki put aside her worries, momentarily putting aside her thoughts of Boruto, and began walking towards her group, one step closer to a new day.

In the Hokage's office, Naruto and Shikamaru were working as usual, reviewing documents and planning strategies. Suddenly, the phone rang, interrupting the routine. Naruto stopped what he was doing and answered it.

"Hello, who's speaking?" Naruto asked.

From the other side, a familiar voice answered:

—Hey, Naruto, how have you been?

Naruto immediately recognized the voice and smiled happily.

"Grandma Tsunade! How have you been?" she exclaimed, her tone full of excitement. Shikamaru, who was standing beside her, stopped working and came over, hoping to hear the news.

"I'm fine, Naruto," Tsunade replied in her calm, confident tone.

"I'm very glad to hear that. How did your trip go?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Everything's fine, don't worry. I just called you to give you some important news," Tsunade replied, which further piqued Naruto's curiosity.

"News?" Naruto frowned, intrigued. "What news could it be?"

—You see, right now I'm in the Land of Water and I found a very special person —Tsunade began.

Naruto sat up straighter, intrigued by what the Fifth Hokage might have discovered.

"What do you mean, a special person, Grandma Tsunade?" Naruto asked, now even more interested.

"I heard a rumor about someone with a rather strange ability," Tsunade continued.

Naruto, sensing that it was something serious, took the phone out of his ear and put it on speaker so Shikamaru could hear as well.

"The person I found has a Kekkei Genkai... the Mokuton, the wood release," Tsunade said calmly.

Naruto and Shikamaru's eyes widened, and Naruto stood up from his chair, stunned.

"How can that be possible, Grandma Tsunade?" Naruto asked, still processing the information.

"I heard rumors that there was someone in the Land of Water who could use the wood element, so I came here to make sure. I didn't want to spread false information before I was sure it was true," Tsunade explained. "I came to a small town near the Mist Village, asked the locals, and ended up in an orphanage. There I found a boy of about 11 years old, his name is Saku, no last name."

Naruto, who had sat back down, his mind now filled with questions, muttered:

—A child...? Did they experiment on him?

"I don't think so," Tsunade replied. "Apparently, his parents died when he was very young, and he was left in the orphanage at the age of 5. That's what he told me himself. I have now taken him out of the orphanage, and I'm thinking of returning to Konoha with him. Although he is a little restless brat, he is a good person… he reminds me of you, Naruto."

Naruto smiled wistfully on the other end of the line.

"We'll be waiting for you, Grandma Tsunade," she said warmly.

Shikamaru, who had been silent, pondering everything he had heard, looked at Naruto and added:

—Naruto, aren't the boys from the academy on a field trip to the Mist Village?

Naruto immediately remembered and nodded.

—Sure, we can have him join them.

Tsunade, who had been listening to everything, intervened:

—What do you mean, an excursion, Naruto and Shikamaru?

Shikamaru briefly greeted:

—Hello, Tsunade-sama.

Naruto took the floor:

—You see, Grandma, right now the kids from the academy are on a field trip to the Mist Village. We were able to reach an agreement with the people from the Land of Water, and we thought it would be a good opportunity for them.

"I see..." Tsunade replied, getting the idea. "Do you want me to join them on the return trip?"

"That's right, it might be easier for you to return with them to Konoha," Naruto explained.

"It's okay, it'll be good for Saku too. I was thinking about making him some friends at the academy, and this trip might be a good opportunity for him," Tsunade said, agreeing to the suggestion.

"That's excellent, Grandma Tsunade," Naruto replied with satisfaction.

—Well, I'll leave you, Naruto. We'll talk more when I get to Konoha. I might give him the Senju surname when he arrives.

"Goodbye, Grandma Tsunade," Naruto said, parting with a smile.

—See you later, Tsunade-sama —Shikamaru added.

With that, the call ended, and Naruto leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply.

"So the Senju blood is still alive... that's good," Shikamaru commented thoughtfully.

"Yes," Naruto replied with relief. "Konoha is slowly recovering."

Naruto was about to return to his work when he heard a knock on the door. He looked up and said:

-Forward.

The door opened, revealing Hinata and Himawari entering the office.

—Hello, Naruto. Hello, Shikamaru —Hinata greeted with a smile.

Himawari ran to her father, coming around the desk to hug him.

"Hey, Dad!" Himawari exclaimed, clinging to Naruto.

—Hello, Hinata. Hello, Himawari. What brings you here? —Naruto asked as he returned his daughter's hug.

Hinata approached Naruto's desk, her expression changing slightly to a more serious one, and began to explain to him what had happened with Boruto:

—Naruto, Boruto has been very sick. This morning... his chakra began to decrease rapidly, and he seemed to be losing strength. I took him to the hospital, and Sakura treated him. Apparently, he contracted a very powerful virus, which attacked his system while he was sleeping. He was in a critical condition, but Sakura managed to stabilize him. He is now resting, but he will have to remain hospitalized for a few days to fully recover.

Naruto listened to each word with growing concern, while Shikamaru also paid attention. Naruto finally spoke, his voice filled with relief:

"But is Boruto okay now?" he asked, still worried.

—Yes, he's okay now. Sakura is taking care of him —Hinata replied, reassuring him.

Naruto relaxed a little and said:

-That's good.

Hinata smiled and said goodbye to Naruto and Shikamaru, while Himawari also said goodbye before leaving with her mother.

When Hinata and Himawari left, Shikamaru looked at Naruto and asked:

—Aren't you going to visit your son?

Naruto looked at him and smiled.

—Boruto is already recovering. I'll go when I'm done here —she replied with determination.

Shikamaru looked at him and nodded in understanding. With that, they both returned their focus to their work, and the day continued as normal as they finished their duties.