Night had fallen. The world was silent beneath the pale glow of the moon.
On the thick trunk of an ancient tree, Sasuke Uchiha, dressed in a deep black cloak, sat quietly. His bangs hung low, partially covering the Rinnegan in his left eye.
His expression was calm yet stern — his gaze sharp with determination as he waited.
"Go to hell!"
An agile figure suddenly leapt up onto the branch, calling out to him.
"You're slow."
Sasuke tilted his head slightly, his tone showing a hint of impatience.
"Even though it was just a clone that came here, it still took me a lot of effort. By the way, where are we?" Naruto asked, slightly out of breath but grinning.
"Don't ask unnecessary questions. Where's the scroll?" Sasuke replied curtly.
Naruto reached into his cloak and handed him a scroll. Sasuke unrolled it and studied the contents carefully.
The document contained detailed information about the Bull-Headed Heavenly King.
"I never thought Danzo had researched Kaguya's secrets this deeply," Sasuke muttered. "With these clues, we might finally get closer to the dimension where she once existed."
He tucked the scroll away and stood up, clearly ready to move on.
"Hey, come on! You're leaving already? Aren't you going back to the village?" Naruto asked, frowning when he saw Sasuke preparing to depart.
Sasuke turned back to him — a faint trace of emotion flickered in his eyes.
"Then, Naruto… please tell Sakura I'm sorry for everything that's happened."
With that, Sasuke vanished into the night in a single flicker of chakra.
"I should be the one apologizing," Naruto murmured softly. His head dipped, and with a puff of white smoke, his shadow clone dispersed.
The next morning, at the Hokage Residence, the Uzumaki family sat around the dining table enjoying breakfast — all except Naruto, who had worked another long night at the Hokage Building.
"Dad's really something," Boruto muttered, frowning as he poked at his food. "Is being Hokage really that busy? It wasn't this bad when Tsunade or Kakashi were in charge."
He sighed, shook his head, and quickly finished the last bite of breakfast before looking up at Hinata.
"Mom, I might be home late tonight. I promised Sarada we'd go to Ichiraku Ramen."
"Oh? Going on a date with Sarada?" Hinata asked with a gentle smile. "But Boruto, do you have enough pocket money?"
"Date?" Boruto blinked, startled, then waved his hand with a grin. "Don't worry, Mom. I've got it covered."
"Alright," Hinata said softly. "Just come home early and be careful, okay?"
"Got it, Mom!" Boruto called as he grabbed his bag and dashed out the door.
At the Ninja Academy, Shino Aburame pushed open the classroom door.
But instead of beginning the lesson as usual, he stood silently and gazed toward the hallway. His stillness immediately caught the attention of the students.
Following his gaze, everyone turned to look toward the door.
Standing there was Sumire Kakei, dressed in her familiar purple outfit, leaning quietly against the wall.
Her hands were clenched, her lips pressed together, and a shadow of hesitation lingered in her violet eyes.
"Come in, Sumire," Shino said calmly.
She lowered her head slightly, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
At once, the room fell silent — every student's eyes were on her.
"Everyone… I'm back," Sumire said softly, raising her head to face them.
"Sumire!"
"Class Rep!"
Her classmates rushed over, surrounding her with joy and relief. They fired off questions — where she had been, whether she was okay, what had happened.
Sumire felt warmth spread through her chest — gratitude and guilt intertwined. She smiled faintly, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm fine."
Her eyes, however, sought out only one person — the boy still sitting quietly at his desk.
Boruto Uzumaki leaned back in his chair, hands clasped behind his head. When their eyes met, he gave her a small nod and a gentle smile.
Tears shimmered in Sumire's eyes. She quickly lowered her head as one slid down her cheek.
"What's wrong, Sumire? Did someone bully you?" one classmate asked with concern.
Standing nearby, Sarada Uchiha noticed the subtle exchange between Sumire and Boruto. Her brows knitted slightly as an odd, unexplainable feeling stirred inside her chest.
Shino clapped his hands lightly, drawing the class's attention.
"Alright, everyone. Back to your seats. Let's begin."
That night, the streets of Konoha glowed under warm lamplight. Boruto and Sarada walked side by side, hands brushing occasionally as they made their way through the busy avenue.
Before long, the bright red sign of Ichiraku Ramen came into view.
Once a small, humble ramen stand, it had been completely renovated — now a cozy restaurant, always full of light, laughter, and the mouthwatering scent of broth that wafted into the streets.
Boruto pushed open the door, and the rich aroma of ramen immediately hit him.
"Welcome!" came Ayame's cheerful voice.
"Well, if it isn't young Master Boruto!" she said with a teasing grin as she spotted them. "Looks like we've got some special customers tonight."
Boruto rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. "C'mon, Sister Ayame, don't tease us. Just two bowls of your signature ramen, please."
"Sure thing! Give me a moment," Ayame replied, flashing a knowing smile as she turned toward the kitchen. "My, my… Boruto's really grown up. Bringing his girlfriend to take care of my business, huh?"
Sarada's cheeks turned pink. She lowered her head, pretending to study the menu. Boruto chuckled and the two sat by the window.
Moments later, two steaming bowls of ramen arrived — fragrant, rich, and irresistible.
Boruto picked up his chopsticks and offered Sarada a slice of tender roasted pork.
"Try this, Sarada. Way better than hamburgers — and healthier too."
She took a bite, then smiled. "It's really good."
Just as they began to relax, the restaurant door opened again.
A tall man stepped in — wearing a bright orange jacket, golden hair gleaming under the lights.
It was Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage.