"Big brother!"
"Brother, get up quickly!"
Land of Fire, Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha) — inside the Naruto's residence, in Boruto Uzumaki's room.
Uzumaki Himawari gently pushed open the door. Sunlight streamed through the half-closed curtains, scattering warm golden patches across Boruto's bed.
"Brother, get up already!" Himawari's clear, melodic voice rang out.
Boruto rubbed his sleepy eyes and mumbled lazily, "Mmm… Himawari, let me sleep a little longer…"
But she wasn't giving up that easily. Jumping lightly onto the edge of the bed, she lifted the blanket with her tiny hand, revealing her brother's sleepy face.
"No way! Today's the day you enter the Ninja Academy!" she insisted firmly.
Boruto sighed helplessly, sat up, and affectionately ruffled her hair. "Alright, alright. I'm up, Himawari."
As he got dressed, a complicated emotion stirred within him.
It's already been eight years since I crossed into the Naruto world… he thought. To think I actually became Naruto Uzumaki's son. A sister, a home, strong parents — talk about a perfect start.
But he couldn't help feeling a twinge of regret.
The only problem is… I'd never actually watched Boruto: Naruto Next Generations before I transmigrated! I only knew a few things — like Naruto and Sasuke fighting the Ōtsutsuki duo, Momoshiki and Kinshiki.
He sighed, lips curling wryly. If I'd known I'd end up here, I would've memorized the whole plot… But Boruto's reputation wasn't exactly great, so I kinda skipped it back then.
Breakfast at the Uzumaki Home
At the dining table, Hinata had already laid out a beautiful breakfast.
"Boruto, today you'll be entering the Ninja Academy," she said with a gentle smile. "That's where your father and I first met."
Boruto grinned. "Mom, you've told me that story like… a hundred times."
Hinata chuckled softly. "I know. But your father — even though he used to be such a troublemaker — was actually really handsome back then."
Boruto groaned, waving his hand dismissively. "I've heard that one a hundred times too."
Hinata's lavender eyes softened with warmth. "But you're not like your father at all. You're calm, kind, and never get into trouble. You're such a thoughtful boy."
Boruto smirked playfully. "Maybe I just inherited Mom's gentle side."
That earned him a small laugh from Hinata.
Boruto glanced at the empty seat across the table and sighed. "Looks like Dad stayed overnight at the Hokage's office again."
Himawari's expression dimmed. Ever since Naruto became Hokage, he'd been spending less and less time at home.
Hinata gently stroked her daughter's hair, her eyes flickering with both heartache and understanding.
"The Hokage's work is heavy," she said softly. "He carries the peace of the entire village on his shoulders."
Then, smiling faintly, she added, "Alright, eat up."
"I'm starting!" Boruto and Himawari said in unison.
Just then, a strange mechanical voice echoed in Boruto's mind.
[Ding... Role-Playing System successfully bound!]
[Host: Uzumaki Boruto]
[Assigned Role: Tendo Pain (Nagato)]
[Progress: 0 / 10,000,000]
[Note: Progress increases when your role evokes emotional resonance from others. Complete the role to obtain all of that character's powers!]
Boruto froze, nearly dropping his chopsticks. His eyes darted around the room — but everything looked perfectly normal. His family kept eating, completely unaware of the storm inside his head.
Did I just… awaken a system?
He blinked, dazed. And it wants me to play as… Tendo Pain?
"Boruto, it's almost time," Hinata's voice cut into his thoughts. "Didn't you promise to meet Sarada?"
"Ah—right! Got it, Mom!" Boruto snapped out of his daze, scarfed down the rest of his breakfast, and rushed to the door.
"I'm heading out!"
"Be careful, Boruto," Hinata called after him.
"Brother, good luck!" Himawari's small voice followed him down the hall.
At the Uchiha Residence
The streets of Konoha were lively as always. Passing through the bustling crowds, Boruto arrived at the Uchiha household and knocked on the door.
The door opened to reveal Sakura smiling warmly.
"Oh, Boruto. Good morning."
"Good morning, Aunt Sakura," Boruto greeted politely.
"Come in, Sarada's still getting ready upstairs."
Sakura stepped aside and went to the kitchen. "Wait a bit — I'll get you two some snacks."
Before long, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs.
"Boruto, sorry to keep you waiting." Sarada Uchiha appeared at the landing, smiling brightly.
Boruto nodded and held out his hand. "Let's go."
Sarada took his hand without hesitation. "Mom, I'm heading out!"
"Wait, Sarada—!" Sakura hurried out with a tray of sweets, but the two kids were already halfway down the street.
She sighed with a smile. "Honestly… those two are always so full of energy."
The morning sunlight streamed through the trees, dappling the path with shifting light.
"Boruto, today's the real start of our journey," Sarada said softly.
"What's wrong? Nervous?" Boruto teased, leaning closer.
Her face flushed slightly. "N-No… I'm just… excited, that's all." She pushed up her glasses to hide her embarrassment.
Boruto grinned. "Really? Then why are you blushing?"
"I'm not!" Sarada retorted quickly. "Maybe it's just the spicy food Mom made this morning!"
Sorry, Mom… she thought guiltily.
Laughing and chatting, the two reached the gate of the Ninja Academy.
"Boruto! Sarada!" Denki Kaminarimon waved cheerfully.
"Morning, Denki!" they replied in unison.
Boruto grinned. "No more bullies giving you trouble, right?"
Denki shook his head. "Nope. After you taught them a lesson, they never bothered me again. And… I signed up for the Ninjutsu Department this year!"
Boruto blinked in surprise. "Really? I thought you'd go for the General Department."
Denki smiled brightly. "I changed my mind. I want to protect the village too — and the people I care about."
"Nice! Go for it." Boruto gave him a thumbs-up. "You head in first. I'll catch up in a sec."
"But the entrance ceremony's about to start…" Sarada hesitated.
"It's fine. I'll be quick," Boruto said, patting her head.
"…Alright, but don't be late."
Sarada gave him one last glance before disappearing into the crowd of new students.
Boruto watched her go, then looked up at the sky. His expression hardened.
"Then… let's begin — to make them feel Pain."
The Entrance Ceremony
Inside the academy courtyard, rows of new students stood neatly in formation.
"Akimichi Chōjiro!"
"Here!"
"Yamanaka Inojin!"
"Here!"
"Uzumaki Boruto—"
Silence.
Teacher Shino Aburame frowned slightly. "Uzumaki Boruto?"
No response.
Whispers broke out among the students.
"Boruto Uzumaki? Isn't that the Hokage's son?"
"Where is he?"
Sarada bit her lip, glancing around nervously. Where are you, Boruto…?
Even Naruto, watching from the stage, furrowed his brow. Don't tell me he's late again…
Nara Shikamaru leaned over with a smirk. "You can't go find him, Lord Seventh. You're up for the opening speech soon."
Just then—
A student suddenly pointed upward. "Look! Up there!"
Everyone's eyes turned to the sky.
A figure floated above the academy — orange-haired, wearing a black cloak embroidered with red clouds.
Arms spread wide, as though embracing the heavens themselves, his presence radiated a terrifying pressure.
Naruto's pupils shrank in shock.
"This… this can't be… Pain?!"