Boruto the Akatsuki: In Search of Power 15

In the previous chapter: Boruto and Karasugan faced off in an epic battle, unleashing their full power in a fight that shook both heaven and earth. Boruto, despite his injuries and the wear and tear of combat, managed to create a new technique, "Raiton: Tenrai no Hachi ," using the power of lightning. Karasugan, impressed by Boruto's unexpected strength, compressed a sphere of lava and volcanic rock to confront him in a final, devastating clash.

The final clash was monumental, with both combatants unleashing all their energy in an attack that shook the battlefield and left the landscape completely devastated. After the colossal impact, absolute silence enveloped the place, as the battle left deep scars on the surrounding mountains.

Karasugan, severely injured and with his wings shattered, stared in disbelief at Boruto, who, despite being covered in blood and his body on the verge of collapse, continued to walk towards him with relentless determination. With his Doujutsu activated until the very last moment, Boruto unleashed his final technique, "Ryumetsu no Kiri," an invisible slash that nearly finished off Karasugan.

However, the attack was not enough to defeat the crow, and Boruto, exhausted and with his Doujutsu finally deactivated, fell to the ground, ending the fight. Karasugan, stunned, watched as Boruto, a mere human, had gone so far in a fight that exceeded the limits of his power.

At Boruto's new base, a clone was monitoring the computers, watching 6 and Moku's progress. Everything seemed normal until suddenly, the clone froze, as if frozen in time. Then, without warning, it disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Meanwhile, in Konoha, the clone created by Boruto with the Kanpeki Bunshin no Jutsu (Jutsu: Perfect Clone) technique lay on a hospital gurney. It was nighttime, and the clone suddenly opened his eyes in alarm.

"What's going on?" he murmured, feeling the connection with his original self momentarily fading. "Has he died? No, I can still feel his presence… he's still alive. I need to send chakra to him immediately."

The clone quickly sat up on the bed. He pulled out a three-pronged kunai, placing it on his legs. With determination, he performed a series of hand seals, finally aiming for the kunai. Although his body could only use 30% of the original's power, he decided to send 25% of his chakra into it, leaving only the minimum necessary to not disappear.

Boruto lay face down on the ground, several hours had passed since the intense fight. Karasugan, also wounded, watched him with caution, his eyes fixed on the blond. The silence of the battlefield was interrupted only by the labored breathing of both combatants.

"We've been like this for hours, and my energy has recovered a bit," Karasugan murmured, raising his head to look at the sky. The clouds covered the last rays of light, which fell on Boruto's body, illuminating it weakly. "But it seems that human has died…"

However, as Karasugan watched, Boruto's fingers began to move slowly. The ninja pouch on the back of his belt began to glow softly. Karasugan opened his eyes in surprise, his voice shaking in disbelief.

—What's going on? Is he still alive?

With astonishing willpower, Boruto got to his knees, though he kept his head down. Blood continued to pour from his wounds, but looking up at the sky, Boruto saw the last rays of sunlight disappear, completely covered by clouds. A deranged grin formed on his face as he turned his gaze to Karasugan.

—The fight isn't over, KARASUGAN! —Boruto shouted, raising his arms with great effort and placing them over his chest—. Jutsu: Mystic Palm!

A sky-blue chakra enveloped his hands, and he began to heal. The blood stopped flowing, and the wounds on his right arm, badly damaged by the previous clash, began to close. His entire body was restoring itself before Karasugan's astonished gaze.

"This is impossible..." Karasugan whispered, astonished.

A few minutes later, Boruto was completely healed. In his mind, he coldly calculated.

"The clone sent 25 percent of the chakra… I've used up 20… I only have 5 percent left," Boruto thought, standing up. His shirt was torn, and his jacket had been completely destroyed in the previous fight. But his determination remained intact as he glared at Karasugan with an evil laugh. "Time to move on… Hahahaha !"

Karasugan watched him silently, unable to contain his admiration.

—Human... no, Boruto... you've earned my respect. Being able to fight to this level... I thought you were just an ordinary human who had fallen into this place, that you were my food. But it's amazing to see everything you've shown. Even I can't believe it. I'm willing to be your partner, not out of pity or because I'm hurt, but because I respect you, Boruto.

Boruto began to walk towards Karasugan, his voice full of determination.

"I've been training since I was five years old. Every step I took was by myself, without asking for help from anyone. Everything I am, I achieved with my own strength," Boruto said as he arrived at Karasugan's side. Raising his head, he continued, "I've seen the darkness in this world, and I know what it means to fight alone. I don't seek power out of simple ambition. What I desire is to be the strongest, to create a legacy that transcends any world. If you accept this pact, we will be equals in this fight, and together we will achieve a power that no one else could imagine."

Karasugan, still impressed by Boruto's determination and strength, lowered his head in respect.

—I have never seen a human like you, Boruto. You have proven yourself more than worthy, not only for your power, but for your unbreakable will. That being the case, I am willing to form a pact with you, not out of obligation, but because of the admiration you have earned in combat. I will be your partner and together we will reach the top.

Boruto smiled, his gaze reflecting a mix of pride and satisfaction. He knelt in front of Karasugan with a hand sign a scroll appeared in front of him and spread it out on the ground, the scroll showing Boruto's name. He bit his thumb, letting the blood flow. With a quick movement, he traced another seal on the scroll and began reciting the words of the summoning contract.

—With this pact, I, Boruto Uzumaki, summon you, Karasugan, so that together we may conquer absolute power. There are no limits to what we can achieve.

The seal on the scroll beneath them began to glow brightly, the symbols of the summoning contract spreading out like roots. Karasugan felt his power connecting with Boruto's, a union that transcended the physical and the spiritual.

—From this moment on, —Boruto continued, his voice firm—, we will not be just summoner and summoned. We will be allies, companions in the quest for power and transcendence.

The glow faded, leaving a sense of shared power in the air. Karasugan bowed its head, acknowledging the pact, and Boruto, still with a smile on his face, felt Karasugan's energy merge with his own.

—Together, Karasugan, we will be unbeatable. There will be no force in this world or the next that can stop us.

Karasugan nodded solemnly, fully accepting his new role at Boruto's side. Now, with this pact sealed, the two prepared for a new chapter on their path to greatness.

—Let's show the world —Boruto said, standing up— what it means to be the strongest.

Boruto closed the scroll and put it away. He slowly stood up from the ground and, with an amused smile, said:

—It seems like everything is over, but before we do what I told you, we need to heal.

Karasugan turned his head to look at his damaged feathers, an anime style drop appeared on his head :

—I can't even seem to fly.

Boruto almost laughed and replied:

—So what do we do? Do you know a place to rest?

Karasugan looked at him curiously and replied:

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I just need to submerge myself in lava for a few days and I'll be as good as new. But you, although you seem to have healed, you still have internal injuries in your body," Karasugan added in an amused tone.

Boruto looked at him with lines in his eyes and thought Karasugan was making fun of me…. Boruto sighed and said:

—I understand, we'll talk in a few days. I'll be leaving.

Karasugan nodded and added:

—Whatever you say, Boruto. Although we can communicate in your mental space.

Boruto turned to look at Karasugan and replied:

—Understood. Well, I'll leave you.

At that moment, Boruto disappeared in a yellow flash.

Karasugan looked at the place where Boruto had disappeared and started walking, since he couldn't fly. A few minutes later, he came to a river of lava and dove into it. In Karasugan's mind, he thought, "That Boruto... he looks like he's only a few years old, but he's incredibly strong. Are all humans like that? Hmm , I don't think so. I've heard from that Toad Sage, Gamamaru, and that Snake Sage, Hakuja, that humans are quite fragile. Hmm , well, nevermind."

Karasugan closed his eyes and sank deeper into the lava, beginning to sleep.

Boruto appeared in the cave near the red-colored lake, observing the surroundings carefully. The atmosphere was gloomy, with the walls of the cave reflecting the crimson glow of the water. Without wasting any more time, he disappeared in a yellow flash and reappeared inside his laboratory, where cold lights illuminated the metallic space.

He turned his gaze towards the incubators where 6 and Moku were, watching the indicators that showed their progress. With a firm gesture, Boruto walked towards an empty incubator, opening it with a soft, mechanical sound. He knew that his body could no longer take it after the intense combat.

"Time to rest," Boruto muttered as he prepared to enter the incubator. With slow, exhausted movements, he looked down at his hands, noting how the tattered gloves no longer served him. With a sigh, he removed them then kicked off his shinobi sandals, letting his feet feel the cold of the metallic floor. Then, he stripped off his combat-torn shirt, revealing the still-fresh wounds on his torso. Finally, he removed his pants, leaving him only in his underwear, before slipping into the pod, ready to find the rest his body demanded.

Boruto looked down at his scarred body, saying softly:

—It seems that the Mystic Palm is still not enough.

With heavy steps, he made his way to a nearby stone bed and laid his damaged clothes on it. Then, he turned around and walked back to the incubator.

He slipped inside the incubation pod, where a strange liquid began to envelop his body, providing instant relief. Calmness washed over him as he closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to give in to exhaustion. The lab fell silent, with Boruto resting inside the incubator, recovering from the battle and preparing for what was to come.

A few days later, Boruto began to move slightly inside the incubator, as if trying to wake up. Immediately, the incubator made a soft, mechanical sound, a hum that echoed through the laboratory. The sound persisted for a few seconds before stopping, and the liquid surrounding Boruto's body began to rapidly drain away. Once all the liquid was expelled, the incubator opened with a soft clicking sound.

Boruto slowly opened his eyes, his pupils adjusting to the light around him. With effort, he reached out with one hand and grabbed onto the edge of the incubator, placing his foot outside of the pod and stepping out completely. His body, once covered in wounds, was completely healed; there was not a single scar, as if the battle from days ago had never happened.

With firm steps, Boruto made his way to a stone table where his damaged clothes rested. He stretched out his hands and looked at his wristbands, noticing that they had some almost undetectable seals on them. With a quick sign from his left hand, a puff of smoke revealed a scroll, which Boruto placed on the stone table and unfolded. Several seals were displayed on the scroll, and after making another sign with his hands, a new set of clothes appeared in a soft flash.

Boruto picked up his damaged clothes and stored them inside the scroll, which he closed and resealed. With the same hand sign, the scroll disappeared in a puff of smoke, and Boruto began to dress in his new clothes. As he did so, he mused to himself:

—I didn't think that liquid was so healing. I've recovered the lost chakra, and my body is as good as new. I wonder why Shin didn't use it, or maybe he didn't have time. Well, nevermind. It must have been about two days. Time to move on.

Once dressed and putting on his gloves, Boruto looked up and observed 6 and Moku, who were still in their incubators. As he moved his wrist, which he held with his other hand, his thoughts revolved around them:

"They've been asleep for quite some time. Will they be able to wake up? It would be a shame if they didn't...wake up," he muttered to himself, with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

Boruto started walking towards them to examine their condition, but at that moment, 6's incubator emitted the same sound as Boruto's moments before. A second later, the sound echoed from Moku's incubator. Boruto stopped, surprised, and a malicious smile appeared on his face.

"Looks like they're awake now," he murmured with satisfaction.

Boruto, who was curiously looking at the incubators, put his hands in his pockets. A person and a small being came out of one of the incubators, both walking slowly. Their bodies were still a little wet from a strange liquid. When they stood in front of Boruto, it could be noticed that the person had one arm covered in Sharingans , and in their eyes the mythical Sharingan also shone. The small being had a huge eye with a Sharingan in the center.

Boruto watched them with a mix of curiosity and expectation, and finally spoke: "Can you guys talk?"

The little being, displaying unexpected agility, knelt before him and replied in a respectful voice: "Father."

The person imitated him almost instantly, bowing reverently as he said, "Father."

Boruto looked at them, surprised, while a bead of anime-style sweat appeared on his face, reflecting his bewilderment. Not fully understanding what was happening, he spoke calmly, "First, stand up."

With a quick, fluid motion, Boruto pulled a scroll out of one of his pockets. From it, he extracted a piece of clothing which he handed to the person. Then, he turned to the small being and handed him a cloak of thick cloth. "Put your clothes on," he ordered.

The person immediately obeyed, dressing in a garment similar to those worn by Shin's clones, although black. The small being put on the cloak, also black, which enveloped him completely, giving him a mysterious appearance. A few minutes later, they were both ready, with their appearance renewed. Boruto looked at them with approval and said: "It's time to go to the surface so you can see the outside."

Without wasting any time, Boruto took his hands out of his pockets and, after performing a series of precise hand signs, he said: — Hiraishin: Shuzoku Ido .

In a bright flash, the three of them disappeared from the underground laboratory and reappeared on the surface, where the sun was high in the sky, casting its light down upon them. The person covered his face with one hand, trying to shield himself from the intense light, while the small being lowered its head, avoiding the glare.

Boruto, with his hands back in his pockets, watched the two of them react and asked, "Do you remember who you are?"

The person, still adjusting to the sunlight, lowered his head slightly and replied, "I remember who I was in the past, but I don't know who I am now."

The small being raised its enormous eye towards Boruto and spoke in a soft voice: —I don't remember almost anything, I only know that you are my creator.

Boruto stared at them, evaluating their words, and then said, "I'll give you a name. Are you okay with that?"

They both nodded in acceptance. Boruto looked at the little being with a slight smile and said, "Before I created you, I had already thought of a name for you. It will be Moku. Do you like it?"

The little creature smiled broadly, revealing a row of teeth, and replied enthusiastically, "Thank you, Father."

Boruto then turned his gaze to the person and said in a thoughtful voice, "I've been thinking of a name for you too. I think the name Kuroshi Uchija suits you well."

The person showed an expression of gratitude, a slight smile appeared, and replied in a firm voice: "Thank you, Father."

Boruto looked at him with interest and asked, "Aren't you curious about who the Uchi ja are?"

Kuroshi looked up, his Sharingan eyes shining, and replied, "I know who the Uchija are. Don't worry, Father."

Boruto nodded slightly, although a slight concern arose in his mind: "Everything seems to be fine... there are no problems with his memory or his brain. Everything is going according to plan." He came out of his thoughts and, returning to reality, spoke to them: "Do you know why I created you?"

Moku and Kuroshi exchanged confused glances and both shook their heads, showing their ignorance.

Boruto looked at them seriously and explained, "I won't force you to follow me. My goal is to become stronger and stronger, breaking every limit. I don't care if that means harming this world or saving it."

Kuroshi, sensing the determination in Boruto's words, knelt down again and replied with conviction, "No matter what happens, Father. I will follow you no matter what."

Moku, imitating Kuroshi, added reverently: "Father, you created me. I will follow you wherever you go."

Boruto, keeping his tone firm, continued, "If you follow me, I will sacrifice you when necessary. If you are no longer useful, I will discard you. You are my tools. Do you understand? So, what are your answers?"

Kuroshi, with greater determination, replied, "I don't care, Father. I will do whatever is necessary."

Moku, with his huge eye fixed on Boruto, added: "I will follow you, father."

Boruto smiled with satisfaction and said, "Good. From today on, you are my team. You will carry out the missions I assign to you. Do you understand?"

Kuroshi and Moku nodded firmly, their gazes reflecting unwavering loyalty.

Boruto, changing his tone, said: "Stand up. And from today on, don't call me father anymore."

Kuroshi and Moku looked at each other in some confusion and then asked in unison, "What shall we call you then, father?"

Boruto thought for a moment, and then, with a slight smile, said, "Call me leader."

Kuroshi and Moku spoke at the same time, with renewed respect: "Leader-sama."

An anime-style drop appeared on Boruto's head and, with a resigned smile, he added: —Well, since...

Boruto continued speaking:

—Next up, we'll test your skills. What do you feel you're capable of?

He turned around and, with a nimble leap, landed on the edge of the earth tower, perching on the edge to watch them from there. Kuroshi stepped forward and replied:

—I want to try something... I don't know exactly what it is, but I feel like it's something strange.

He closed his eyes, concentrating intensely. Boruto watched him curiously when a voice echoed in his mind:

—Boruto, it seems you've recovered.

Surprised, Boruto replied out loud:

—Karasugan, is that you?

—Yes, it's me. Close your eyes and concentrate —Karasugan instructed.

Boruto did as he was told, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, he found himself in an unknown place, a strange space of a dark blue color. There was water beneath his feet, but there were no visible boundaries around him, as if the place had no end.

"Where am I?" Boruto asked, confused.

Karasugan suddenly appeared, as if out of nowhere. Boruto was startled to see him and repeated his question:

—Where am I, Karasugan?

Karasugan looked at him calmly and replied:

—Don't you remember what I told you?

—Ah, I see... This is my mind space —Boruto said when he realized.

Karasugan nodded and commented:

—I thought this place would be different, but oh well, it doesn't matter anyway.

Intrigued, Boruto asked:

—Different how?

"I thought it would be a strange place, full of strange things, considering how you are," Karasugan replied with a mocking smile.

Boruto looked at him with a serious expression and replied:

—Well, what are you doing in this place?

"Nothing in particular. I just want to see what you see," Karasugan replied.

—I see... Then you'll be here until you get tired, I guess —Boruto said with a sigh.

"Sure, buddy," Karasugan replied in a friendly tone.

Boruto nodded and asked:

—So how do I get out of here?

—Close your eyes and think about leaving. And when you want to come back, just think about it, and that's it —Karasugan explained.

Boruto nodded again, closed his eyes and when he opened them, he was back in reality. With a quick thought, he confirmed:

—Karasugan is still here.

"What's wrong, Boruto?" Karasugan asked from his mind.

"Nothing," Boruto replied, turning his attention back to the situation.

Kuroshi looked at Boruto curiously and asked:

—Is something wrong, Leader-sama?

Boruto looked at him briefly before answering:

—It's okay. Go on with what you were going to show me.

Kuroshi nodded and closed his eyes again, concentrating again. Boruto was watching him intently when Kuroshi opened his eyes, revealing an unexpected power. Surprised, Boruto commented:

—I didn't think it would work, after all, they're not pure Uchija.

From inside Boruto, Karasugan watched the scene without much interest and asked:

—What are they, Boruto?

Boruto replied with a thought:

—They are subordinates that I created.

Karasugan, without showing much concern, replied:

—I see... They don't seem very strong.

"Their bodies are weak at the moment, but their eyes are what's important," Boruto explained.

Karasugan thought briefly and then said:

—His eyes... Well, I don't care. I'm leaving.

Boruto, a little bewildered, reminded him:

—Didn't you say you were staying?

"I was feeling lazy. Call me when there's something important," Karasugan replied with disinterest.

"Have you recovered yet?" Boruto asked.

—Yes, I'm already recovered. Goodbye, Boruto.

"Goodbye, Karasugan," Boruto replied, turning his attention back to Kuroshi.

"What can you do with that eye, the Mangeky or eternal Sharingan?" Boruto asked, intrigued.

Kuroshi, with his eternal Mangekyo activated, looked at him and replied:

—I don't know, Leader-sama, but I want to find out what these eyes are capable of.

Boruto stood up, stretching his arm forward, signaling for Kuroshi to attack him.

—Then try it out by fighting me —Boruto suggested.

Kuroshi nodded, preparing to discover the true power of his eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Kuroshi leapt towards Boruto at high speed, appearing in front of him in an instant, throwing a straight punch. With impressive speed, Boruto tilted his head and dodged the attack, jumping back to gain distance. Wasting no time, he activated his Doujutsu, preparing for combat.

Seeing Boruto's eye, Kuroshi instinctively took a step back, not understanding why, but not feeling any fear. Determined, he ran at Boruto at full speed, jumping over him and delivering a kick towards his head. Without turning, Boruto stopped the attack with his forearm, then grabbed Kuroshi's leg and sent him flying. Kuroshi stabilized himself in mid-air, landing on his feet on the ground, and launched himself back into the attack, beginning an intense exchange of punches and kicks. Every punch Kuroshi made was countered by Boruto until, with a push, Boruto sent him back five steps.

Kuroshi steadied himself, looking at Boruto seriously. His Mangekyo Sharingan began to spin, and black blades began to form around him, multiplying rapidly. With a movement of his hands, he directed them towards the blond. Boruto agilely dodged all the blades, but they spun in the air, launching back at him. Without looking back, Boruto pulled out a kunai and accurately struck all the blades, making them bounce off and dig into the ground.

"Is that all, Kuroshi?" Boruto asked, his tone defiant.

Kuroshi, surprised by Boruto's skills, glared at him with his Mangekyo Sharingan. He concentrated the blades, bringing them together in a single point, forming a huge shuriken that he launched at Boruto. In a yellow flash, Boruto disappeared from the tower and appeared outside of it, watching Kuroshi, who was frantically searching for him with the Sharingan on his arm. The embedded eyes detected Boruto, and the shuriken headed towards him with great speed. Boruto, attentive to Kuroshi's movements, disappeared once again in a yellow flash and reappeared next to Kuroshi, giving him a side kick that launched him at high speed towards the lake. Kuroshi bounced off the water, creating a loud bang, BOOM!

—I thought you'd be able to see me at that speed, but it seems not —Boruto commented—. At least you managed to put your forearms up to block part of the blow, but it's not enough with an eternal Mangekyo.

Kuroshi slowly stood up on the water, not losing his composure. With determination, he made several hand positions, but nothing happened. Boruto, surprised, commented:

—Those signs are those of the Hiraishin... Don't try it, you won't be able to copy my technique. After all, it's similar to a kekkei genkai.

Kuroshi stopped and looked at Boruto seriously, taking in his words.

Kuroshi, his determination renewed, lunged at Boruto again. This time, his gaze was fixed on the blond, and the eternal Mangekyo Sharingan in his eyes swirled with greater intensity. Boruto watched him with a calm expression, but behind his eyes was a meticulous analysis of Kuroshi's every move.

Kuroshi appeared in front of Boruto, throwing a series of rapid punches. Boruto dodged and blocked with precision, his Doujutsu allowing him to anticipate his opponent's movements. Kuroshi, frustrated, tried to increase the speed and strength of his attacks, but Boruto was still one step faster. At a critical instant, Boruto threw a punch aimed at Kuroshi's chest.

Kuroshi, sensing the impending danger, instinctively. Suddenly, a dark teal glow enveloped his body, and the Susanoo's ribs materialized around him, blocking the impact of Boruto's punch. The clash echoed across the battlefield, the air charged with the Susanoo's energy, and Boruto stepped back slightly, assessing Kuroshi's new defense.

"Interesting…" Boruto murmured, his smile not reaching his eyes. "So you can activate Susanoo, even if only partially."

Kuroshi, now protected by Susanoo's ribs, was breathing heavily. Although Susanoo provided him with a formidable defense, he was aware that he could not keep it active for long.

Boruto didn't give him any time to rest. With a flash, he disappeared and reappeared behind Kuroshi, delivering a punch with overwhelming force. Kuroshi was barely able to turn and reinforce the Susanoo's ribs, but the impact was so powerful that it sent him back several meters, leaving him staggering.

"Not enough!" Boruto shouted, launching himself into the attack again. This time, his speed and strength increased, and Kuroshi could barely react. The Susanoo creaked under the pressure of Boruto's blows, each impact echoing like thunder across the battlefield.

Finally, Boruto unleashed a chakra-charged spinning kick that pierced through the Susanoo's defenses, breaking the manifestation's ribs and striking Kuroshi squarely in the abdomen. The impact sent him flying through the air, crashing into the wall on the other side of the lake with a deafening boom. BOOM! The crash tore a hole in the wall, raising a cloud of dust that obscured the view for a few moments.

Kuroshi tried to get up and get out of the hole, but his body wouldn't respond. His Susanoo faded away, and pain pierced every fiber of his being. Boruto looked down at him from the earthen tower, his gaze unrelenting.

"You have potential, Kuroshi, but you still have a long way to go to be at my level," Boruto said, his tone cold but stern. "Learn from this defeat. Only by being stronger will you be able to fulfill what I expect of you."

Kuroshi, with difficulty, climbed out of the hole and jumped into the lake, nodding. He knew Boruto was right, and at that moment, his loyalty to him only grew stronger. Although defeated, Kuroshi was determined to improve, to become stronger and worthy of being Boruto's subordinate.

Boruto, satisfied, turned around and jumped towards where Moku was watching the fight, deactivating his Doujutsu. In Boruto's mind, he analyzed the situation: "That Susanoo is a good defense, but it seems that it lacks chakra to activate it beyond a few simple chakra ribs."

Out of his mind, Boruto looked at Moku and spoke:

—What are you capable of doing, Moku?

Moku looked at him, activated his Mangekyo, and a spinning vortex enveloped him, transporting him to another place. With his eye activated, he moved a few blades with precision. Boruto nodded, satisfied, and then turned his gaze to Kuroshi, who was slowly approaching with his hand on his stomach, still recovering from the fight.

"Tell me what you discovered during the battle," Boruto asked, his tone firm.

Kuroshi, now beside Boruto, replied as he stood upright despite the pain.

—With my Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, I am able to create blades at will, and also summon Susanoo. Although, so far, I have only been able to manifest the ribs.

Boruto looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

—Do you know what Susanoo is?

Kuroshi nodded, his gaze lost in the memories he had acquired.

—I remember someone mentioned that those of the Uchiha clan who manage to awaken exceptional ocular power can summon a spiritual energy to protect themselves. That energy is called Susanoo.

Boruto nodded slowly, understanding his subordinate's potential.

"Remember, Kuroshi," Boruto said, his tone relentless, but with a hint of teaching, "true strength comes not just from the power of your eyes or the defense of your Susanoo. It comes from how you use all of your abilities together, how you adapt and overcome the limits you face."

He paused before continuing:

—You still haven't gotten used to using the eyes on your arm. During this month, you will train tirelessly. In addition, you will learn medical jutsus. And tell me, have your eyes undergone any other evolution? I remember that the others could also control blades.

Kuroshi pondered for a moment before answering.

—In the memories I have, I could control blades, but there was a limit. I feel like that limit has been broken. I can now create them faster, with greater precision, and anywhere I look. I can also mark weapons to control them just by touching them.

Boruto nodded in satisfaction and placed his hand on Kuroshi's chest, transferring chakra to him. Kuroshi was surprised by the sudden influx of energy.

"Create as many as you can," Boruto ordered. "I want to see your limit."

Moku, who was nearby, disappeared in a spinning vortex and reappeared next to them, watching with interest.

Kuroshi looked up at the sky, his Sharingan activated. As more chakra flowed into his body, multiple blades began to form at an impressive speed, ascending into the sky and fusing into a gigantic shuriken. Boruto continued to send chakra into it, challenging Kuroshi's limits. Finally, a massive shuriken that covered half the sky was formed.

"Leave it like that," Boruto ordered.

Kuroshi stopped the flow of chakra to his eyes, falling to his knees as he panted, exhausted. The stinging pain in his eyes was intense. The large shuriken began to fall apart, the blades disappearing into a black miasma.

"From today on, you will train until exhaustion. I won't be able to be there every day, but I will give you the necessary scrolls. You will learn everything," Boruto said seriously. "When you finish your training, you will have a mission: to search certain places for me. And one more thing, Kuroshi: learn more about the Sharingan. The skills you have shown today are not all you can do, do you understand?"

Kuroshi nodded, determined.

—And from now on, you two will be partners —Boruto added.

Kuroshi and Moku exchanged a determined look and then nodded in unison.

Moku, curious, asked:

—Leader-sama, will I also train?

Boruto looked at him and answered frankly:

—You won't train the same as Kuroshi, but you must strengthen your body. Make it tough enough to take a hit from me without dying.

Moku nodded determinedly.

With a quick movement, Boruto took out a scroll from amidst a smoke and handed it to Kuroshi.

—Inside this scroll you will find everything you need to survive a month: techniques, history, food, clothing. If you need weapons, there is a storage room under the laboratory. Use them as you wish.

Kuroshi took the scroll and knelt down next to Moku.

"Yes, Leader-sama," they answered in unison.

Without another word, Boruto disappeared in a yellow flash, leaving his subordinates determined to become stronger.

Kuroshi looked at Moku with determination as they both prepared to begin their training in the warehouse.

—It's time to train. We can't fail Boruto-sama —Kuroshi said firmly.

Moku, curious, looked at him from the ground.

"How do you know his name?" Moku asked.

Kuroshi paused, thinking before answering.

—I don't know... It seems that my memory already had it —he answered in a thoughtful tone.

Moku nodded, accepting the explanation, and then jumped onto Kuroshi's shoulder. With a quick movement, he created a spinning vortex that sucked them both in, transporting them back to the lab. Upon arriving, Kuroshi began walking towards the warehouse, going down a floor and finding a door that led to a space filled with ninja weapons.

"It's time to train, Moku," Kuroshi said, looking at the various weapons with interest.

Moku replied from Kuroshi's shoulder, his tone filled with determination. The two of them entered the warehouse, knowing that their training would be key to improving their skills and meeting Boruto's expectations.

While Kuroshi focused on mastering weapons and improving his control over the blades he could create with his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, Moku decided that the best way to increase his endurance was to take hits. Thus, Kuroshi attacked Moku, who prepared himself to take the hits, hardening his body and increasing his tolerance to pain.

The training was rigorous, with Kuroshi launching a variety of attacks using kunai, shuriken, and blades created with his Doujutsu, while Moku focused on withstanding each impact, trying to strengthen his body to the maximum. Despite the pain and exhaustion, they both knew that this effort would bring them closer to living up to the expectations of their leader, Boruto.

Before Kuroshi and Moku began their training, Boruto appeared in the abandoned factory and sat on his throne with a commanding calm. As he relaxed, a voice echoed in his mind, interrupting his thoughts.

"So those are your subordinates," the voice said.

Boruto was surprised and opened his eyes slightly.

—I didn't expect to see you so soon, Karasugan. I thought you had left.

Karasugan responded with unusual calm.

—I left for a while, but I came back. I watched the fight you had with that Kuroshi guy.

"What do you think?" Boruto asked, interested in the crow's opinion.

"He has potential, but he's weak compared to you. He's lacking a lot. I thought all humans were like you," Karasugan said, his tone a mix of disappointment and curiosity.

"I don't think so," Boruto replied, pondering for a moment before asking, "But tell me, how did you know about humans? I don't think you had a summoning contract."

Karasugan took a moment before answering.

—The toads and the snakes told me. They are always the ones who talk about you.

Boruto nodded, intrigued.

—I see. You talk like they're no big deal. How long have you lived, Karasugan?

"I've been around as long as that toad and that wise snake… or so they say. I don't really know, I haven't spoken to them in many years," Karasugan said, his tone unchanging.

Boruto opened his eyes a little wider, surprised.

—You've been alive for hundreds of years? So you and them are the oldest beasts?

Karasugan laughed , a deep, resonant laugh.

"Hahaha, of course not. There are many older beasts, but they don't interact with humans. In fact, they don't even know humans. They live in their own dimensions," Karasugan replied, his tone suggesting there was much more to it than Boruto imagined.

Boruto, shocked by the revelation, adopted a thoughtful expression as he processed the new information.

—It's quite incredible what you're saying... I didn't know that part —Boruto muttered, deep in thought.

Karasugan watched Boruto for a moment before saying goodbye.

—I'll leave you for now, Boruto, but this time I'll be serious. Call me when you need me.

Boruto nodded, still lost in his thoughts.

—Okay, see you.

Karasugan disappeared from Boruto's mindspace, leaving the young shinobi with a mind full of new ideas and possible strategies.

Boruto sat on his throne for a while, pondering over everything that had happened. Finally, he decided it was time to head home. He had to fulfill an important promise he had made to Himawari. With a quick hand sign, he sent the information to his clone, who was at home.

At that moment, Boruto's clone was at home, fresh out of the hospital, sitting on the couch next to Himawari, watching TV. The two were laughing together, enjoying the moment, when suddenly, the information reached the clone. He stood still for a few seconds before looking at his sister.

—Himawari, do you want to come with me? It's time to fulfill the promise —Boruto said with a smile.

Himawari looked at him for a few seconds and then nodded enthusiastically.

—Okay, bro! Let's go.

Boruto stood up from the couch, took Himawari's hand, and together they headed towards the door to leave. Hinata, who was nearby, watched them curiously.

"Are you going somewhere?" Hinata asked, with a soft smile.

Boruto looked at her and nodded, returning her smile.

"Yes, we want to take a walk," Boruto replied.

Himawari also nodded, happy as she grabbed her brother's hand. The two headed towards the door, and began to put on their ninja sandals. Hinata approached them, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Be careful and come back for dinner," he told them.

—Yes, Mom. We're leaving —Boruto replied in a carefree tone.

"Bye, Mom!" Himawari added happily.

Boruto and Himawari left the house, and Boruto led her by the hand as they walked through the streets of Konoha. After a few minutes, they came to a somewhat secluded alley, where shadows covered part of the place.

"Is this where we'll be training?" Himawari asked, looking around curiously.

"We're waiting for someone," Boruto replied, while keeping his attention on the shadows.

Himawari looked at him, and after a moment, she lowered her head a little disappointed.

—I see, you're not the original —he murmured.

Boruto nodded, but before he could say anything else, footsteps echoed in the alley. A familiar voice spoke from the shadows.

—Himawari, everything has a purpose. I hope you understand.

Himawari, hearing the voice, quickly raised her head, searching for where it came from. From the darkest corner of the alley, a figure began to emerge.

"How have you been, Himawari?" the figure, who turned out to be the real Boruto, asked.

Himawari opened her eyes in wonder and happiness.

"Little brother!" she exclaimed, running towards him and hugging him tightly.

Boruto hugged him back, smiling softly as he looked at the clone, who vanished in a puff of smoke. Receiving the information and experience from the clone, Boruto thought to himself, "I see, even so, he didn't come… Well, nevermind."

He took Himawari's hand and spoke to her in a soft but firm voice.

—Come on, I'll take you to a place to train.

In a flash, Boruto and Himawari disappeared from the alley, ready to fulfill their promise and begin new training.

Boruto and Himawari appeared in a flash in a dense, quiet forest. The trees stood tall, their crowns intertwined, slowly dropping their leaves as if time passed differently in that place. The sunlight, filtered through the foliage, created patches of light on the ground, briefly illuminating the dark surroundings. It was a place of contrasts, where the serenity of nature mixed with the memory of intense training.

Himawari, still holding her brother's hand, gently released her grip. Her gaze filled with curiosity as she slowly turned on her heels, exploring every corner with her bright eyes. She walked over to a nearby tree, where she noticed some deep cuts in the bark. Her small hand slid along the jagged edges, feeling the roughness of the scars on the wood.

"Will this be where we train, brother?" Himawari asked, her sweet voice echoing in the silence of the forest.

Boruto, with a warm smile, looked at his sister. The air was filled with the calm of nature, and at that moment, he felt at peace.

"Yes, Himawari," Boruto replied, his words filled with a tenderness he rarely showed. "This will be our training ground."

Himawari continued exploring, approaching another tree marked by cuts that looked like traces of old battles. Her expression turned thoughtful as she stroked the wounds in the wood.

"Brother, you used to train here, right? " she said, looking at the marks with curious eyes. "These cuts look like they were made by different people."

Boruto closed his eyes for a moment, letting himself be carried away by the images that emerged in his mind. He saw shadows of his past, flashes of intense training, and for an instant, Himawari's figure vanished, replaced by the image of Yuki. He opened his eyes slowly, nostalgia and reflection intermingling in his gaze.

"Yes, I trained here with… some people," Boruto said, his voice soft, almost melancholic.

Himawari turned around, her face lit up with a cheerful smile.

"Were they your friends, Boruto- niisan ?" he asked excitedly.

Boruto smiled, a lighter one, but with a hint of sadness.

"I think so… yes, I think they were my friends," he replied, his tone heavy with memory.

Himawari, ever the optimist, gave a little jump for joy.

"I hope you'll introduce me to them one of these days," she said, her eyes full of hope.

Boruto nodded slowly, his smile growing warmer.

"Sure, I'll introduce you to them one of these days," he promised, although deep down he knew that day might be further away than either of them imagined.

The forest was silent, as if respecting the connection between the siblings. The leaves continued to fall slowly, and in the midst of that landscape of light and shadow, Boruto and Himawari shared a moment of peace, ready to face the training that awaited them.

Boruto turned to Himawari, his expression changing from nostalgia to determination.

"It's time to begin, Himawari," he said seriously, although a small smile remained on his lips.

Himawari, full of excitement, ran towards her brother and stopped right in front of him, her face lit up with excitement.

"What are we learning today, Boruto- niisan ? Sword techniques? Stealth combat?" he asked, striking exaggerated poses as he tried to imitate the ninjas he'd seen in his brother's stories and training.

Boruto couldn't help but let out a cheerful laugh at the sight of his sister's enthusiasm and energy. It was a refreshing contrast to the darkness of his own training. He lovingly stroked Himawari's hair, who stood still, enjoying the gesture, as she smiled back at him.

"First I will teach you to control what you already have," Boruto said, with a calm but firm voice, while his gaze focused on his younger sister.

Himawari tilted her head slightly, bringing a hand to her chin as she tried to unravel her brother's words. Her confusion was reflected on her face as her blue eyes searched for any clues in Boruto's expression.

"What I already have...?" she repeated, clearly confused, her eyebrows furrowed in a gesture of uncertainty.

Boruto, maintaining a patient and understanding gaze, raised a hand and pointed at Himawari's eyes with a deliberate gesture.

—You have the Byakugan, Himawari. That is a powerful inheritance from our mother. It will be the first thing we will learn to use. And afterward, I will teach you two techniques that will be crucial for you. It will be up to you whether you decide to improve them or not —Boruto explained, his reassuring tone conveying confidence and security in the process they were about to begin.

Himawari nodded determinedly, her initial confusion slowly fading as her eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. She felt a knot of anticipation in her stomach, but also a growing resolve.

"So what do I do first?" he asked, his voice reflecting his willingness to learn and absorb his brother's every word.

Boruto watched her for a moment, as if assessing her readiness before speaking again. There was a care in his words, knowing that every step in this process was crucial.

"Are you able to feel the chakra in your body?" he asked softly, aware that this would be the basis of everything that was to come.

Himawari frowned as she pondered the question. She had heard of chakra, but had never felt anything she could describe with any certainty. Finally, she shook her head, her honesty reflected in her expression.

"I'm not sure, Boruto- niisan ," she replied, no trace of falsehood in her voice. She knew that learning sincerely was the right path.

Boruto nodded, understanding the difficulty Himawari might be facing. He knew that chakra control wasn't something that came naturally to everyone, let alone someone as young as her.

"I understand. First, we're going to have you feel the chakra and direct it to your eyes. Do you understand?" Boruto said, his voice soft but full of confidence, wanting Himawari to feel the same power he had learned to handle.

Himawari nodded again, this time with more conviction, her eyes reflecting a renewed determination. She knew this was just the beginning, but she was ready to take the first step.

Boruto knelt behind her carefully, his stance close and protective. He placed a hand on Himawari's back, closing his eyes for a moment as he focused on his own chakra. He could feel the warmth of the energy flowing within him, like a calm river running beneath the surface. With deliberate effort, he channeled that energy into his sister, letting a stream of warm energy flow from his hand and spread across Himawari's back.

Himawari closed her eyes, letting the sensation of chakra wash over her. It was like a warm wave surrounding her, a pulse of life that seemed to resonate with her very being. Carefully, she began to guide the flow into her eyes, following Boruto's lead. She could feel the Byakugan slowly responding, not with a full activation, but with a slight pressure on her eyes, a sign that it was beginning to awaken.

"Very well, Himawari. Now, keep practicing this until you feel like you can do it on your own," Boruto said in a calm voice, removing his hand from Himawari's back and walking over to stand in front of her. He watched her closely, looking for signs of progress as a slight smile spread across his face. He knew his sister was on the right path, and that with time and practice, she would master the power she carried within her.

A moment later, prominent veins appeared around Himawari's eyes. When she opened her eyes fully, the Byakugan immediately activated, emitting a powerful wind wave that came out of her pupils with unexpected force. Boruto, surprised, took a step back, shocked by what he had just witnessed.

"Did something happen, brother?" Himawari asked, her Byakugan still activated, as she looked at Boruto with a worried expression.

A series of thoughts flashed through Boruto's mind. That was interesting… A wave of wind just by activating his Byakugan. Is this an evolution? Or could he be closer to awakening the Tenseigan?

Boruto came out of his thoughts and answered him with a reassuring voice:

—It's okay, Himawari. Tell me, what can you see with your eyes?

Himawari lowered her head, looking at her hands, then looked around and finally turned her gaze to her brother. In a soft voice, she described what she saw:

—I see something like bright blue channels in you, brother, and also in my body. My vision extends far beyond normal, but it is a little difficult to control...

Boruto nodded in understanding and replied with an encouraging smile:

—Don't worry, it's normal at first. I'll help you control it, Himawari.

She nodded happily, her eyes shining with determination as the excitement of learning something new filled her heart.

After a bit of practice, during which Boruto patiently guided her to perfect her control over the Byakugan, she decided it was time to advance to the next level of her training.

—Now I will teach you two very important techniques. First, the shadow clones, and then, the Rasengan —Boruto announced, adopting a more serious and concentrated tone.

Himawari looked at him with shining eyes, unable to contain the excitement she felt.

"I'm ready, Boruto- niisan !" she exclaimed, brimming with enthusiasm.

Boruto smiled, pleased with his sister's attitude, and began the lesson. He showed Himawari the hand seals needed to create shadow clones, moving his fingers with precision and explaining each gesture in detail. Himawari imitated his movements with surprising accuracy, absorbing her brother's teachings like a sponge.

—Remember, Himawari, the trick is in the distribution of chakra —Boruto told her, while she closed her eyes and concentrated deeply, trying to divide her chakra evenly.

Himawari performed the hand seals carefully, and after a small burst of smoke, two clones appeared beside her. Her eyes lit up at her success, joy reflected on her face.

—I did it, Boruto- niisan ! —he exclaimed, jumping with excitement and looking at his clones with pride.

Boruto nodded, feeling immensely proud of his sister.

—That's it! Now, let's move on to the Rasengan. This one is a bit more complicated, but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it with practice — Boruto said as he began to show him the technique, channeling chakra into his palm to form the signature spinning sphere.

Himawari watched his every move, fascinated by the intricacy of the technique. Boruto patiently guided her, step by step, helping her understand how to mold and control the chakra in her palm to form the Rasengan. Although the process proved to be challenging, Himawari's determination was unwavering. Each attempt brought her closer to the goal, and Boruto never stopped encouraging her.

The training continued, with Himawari devoting herself to mastering both the shadow clones and the Rasengan. As they progressed, Boruto not only saw his sister improve by leaps and bounds, but he also felt a deeper connection forging between them. This bond filled his heart with a warm feeling, one he rarely experienced.

The two brothers immersed themselves in their training, under the sunlight that passed through the treetops, in a place that, for Boruto, would always be full of memories. Here, they were not only honing their skills, but also strengthening the brotherly bond that united them.

The sun began to set, dyeing the sky in shades of orange and gold. Boruto looked at Himawari, who was lying on the ground, clearly exhausted.

"Himawari, it's time to go home," Boruto said, his tone soft but firm.

Himawari, still panting from the effort, nodded, her face flushed with exhaustion and the strain of training.

"Can you walk?" Boruto asked, approaching her with a slight smile on his lips.

Himawari looked at him, a tired but satisfied smile lighting up her face.

"I don't think so, Boruto- niisan ," he admitted, letting out a small laugh.

Boruto smiled tenderly, bending down to carefully pick her up and place her on his back.

"It's time to go home," he murmured, and with a flash, they both disappeared from the woods, reappearing in the alley near his home.

As they walked towards the Uzumaki house, Himawari, curled up on her brother's back, began to ask him questions, her voice soft and full of childlike curiosity. Boruto answered patiently, smiling at his sister's innocence.

—Boruto- niisan , why are you wearing gloves? —Himawari suddenly asked, her head resting on Boruto's shoulder.

Boruto's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, his mind wandered into deeper thoughts. However, he replied with an amused smile:

"It's because I like them, Himawari. It gives me more authority, don't you think?" he replied in a light tone, although deep down he knew that wasn't the real reason.

Himawari giggled, enjoying the conversation and the closeness of her brother. As they continued walking towards home, the questions and jokes continued, filling the air with the warm feeling of a brotherly connection.

A few minutes later, Boruto and Himawari arrived home. Opening the door, Boruto carefully set his sister down, and the two quickly took off their sandals at the entrance. Himawari, filled with excitement, ran inside the house to greet her mother.

"Mom!" Himawari called out with a beaming smile as she ran over.

Boruto, calmer, also greeted upon entering.

—Hi, Mom.

From the kitchen, Hinata's soft voice reached them.

"Welcome back," he said, in that warm tone that always managed to make his children feel at home.

Boruto came a little closer and replied with a smile on his lips:

—We're here, Mom.

Elsewhere, more specifically in the Hokage's office, an urgent message reached Naruto's hands. Upon reading it, his eyes widened in surprise.

"So that happened…" he muttered, letting out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair. "When will the boys arrive?" Naruto asked, turning his gaze to Shikamaru, who was standing beside him.

"They'll be here in about two days," Shikamaru replied in his usual calm tone, though there was a slight concern in his expression.

Naruto nodded thoughtfully and added:

—That's good... Besides, Grandma Tsunade will also arrive.

Shikamaru confirmed with a slight nod.

—That's right. Besides, the academy will end soon… It seems like time has flown by.

Naruto sighed, feeling the weight of his responsibilities mounting on his shoulders.

—Oh, well, it seems I won't be making it home today either —he said, with a tone of resignation as he looked at the papers on his desk.