On the surface of the water, Kagura was still gasping for breath, staring blankly at Boruto—who had transformed into Tendo Pain.
His expression suddenly twisted, ferocity flashing across his face like an evil spirit taking over.
"Is he losing control again, Kagura?"
Chōjūrō's brow furrowed as he watched from the sidelines, his heart filled with worry.
"Should we stop it?" one of the guards asked.
Chōjūrō hesitated, his gaze shifting between Boruto and Kagura.
"Let's wait and see. Maybe Boruto can bring him back to his senses."
Boruto stood calmly on the water's surface, watching Kagura's murderous expression deepen, a purple gleam flickering in his eyes.
"Why do you look like a completely different person?" he asked quietly.
Suddenly, Kagura charged—his sword slicing through the air with ferocious power, the water beneath him erupting from the force of his speed.
But Boruto simply shifted his body sideways, effortlessly dodging the strike.
In the same motion, he swung his own blade backward, striking Kagura across the back.
Clang!
Kagura reacted instantly, turning his sword horizontally behind him to block.
Metal clashed sharply, and the shockwave sent water splashing everywhere.
The duel intensified. Kagura's attacks grew more frenzied and precise—each blow aimed directly at Boruto's vital points, slicing the air with deadly speed.
Yet Boruto remained composed, deflecting every strike with practiced ease.
After another fierce clash, Boruto's counterforce sent Kagura tumbling backward.
He rolled several times before hitting the water hard—but even then, he staggered up again, eyes still wild with fury.
"It looks like you're the one suffering, Kagura," Boruto said calmly.
"But my pain… is greater than yours."
His voice deepened as he perfectly imitated Tendo Pain's tone, his eyes growing cold and sharp.
"What a familiar scene…" Iwabe muttered from the audience, his brow furrowing.
"Boruto's really going all out this time, huh?"
"Guess we're about to see something crazy," Mitsuki said with a faint smile.
Boruto placed a hand on his scabbard.
With a subtle flick of his wrist, the blade danced in the air—spinning several times before sliding cleanly back into the sheath with a swish.
"Wow, that's so cool!" several girls in the audience squealed, stars in their eyes.
Inojin smirked. "He really knows how to show off."
Boruto crouched slightly, legs apart, his focus locked on Kagura.
"Tendō One-Sword Style — Iaizuki: Lion's Elegy!"
With a deep, powerful shout, Boruto drew his blade in one flawless motion.
The action was so fast that most couldn't even follow it with their eyes.
A blinding flash sliced through the air—like lightning splitting the sky.
Kagura roared and swung his sword to counter, but the impact sent him flying backward as if struck by a cannonball.
Just before he hit the wall, Chōjūrō appeared behind him, catching him firmly though the force still pushed him back several steps.
[From Chōjūrō's emotions, the progress bar increases by 1238 points]
[From...]
The Kirigakure students stared in disbelief.
"Kagura actually lost like that…?"
"Oh my god!"
"How strong is the Hokage's son? Kagura's a Chūnin!"
"Is Boruto already at Jōnin level? But he's just a kid!"
Chōjūrō's eyes widened slightly, "What incredible power. Naruto's son… he's already reached such a level at his age."
Kagura groaned softly. "What's wrong with me… Lord Chōjūrō…"
He pushed himself up with Chōjūrō's support, his expression softening back to normal.
"I lost control again… I still can't handle my sword properly."
Chōjūrō smiled kindly and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Kagura, you did an excellent job. Losing control isn't weakness—it just shows how deeply you pursue perfection in your swordsmanship."
"The sword is the extension of the soul. Only when your heart is calm as water will the blade reveal its true edge."
Kagura slowly lifted his head, gratitude and determination shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, Lord Chōjūrō. I'll train harder—to control my emotions and walk the true path of the sword."
He turned toward Boruto, who had released his transformation, a wry smile tugging at his lips.
"What a miserable defeat… Boruto, you're incredible."
Boruto smiled modestly. "Not at all. I just got lucky. Your swordsmanship's amazing, Kagura—I learned a lot from that fight."
When they returned to the viewing platform, Denki ran over, eyes gleaming.
"Boruto! That last move was so cool! I didn't know you could use a sword!"
Boruto chuckled. "I don't actually know swordsmanship."
"Huh? Then why'd you shout Tendō One-Sword Style — Iaizuki: Lion's Elegy!?" Denki asked.
Boruto blinked and grinned. "I just said it to sound cool."
"Oh, so it's just for style!" Denki laughed. "What a waste of such an epic name!"
Boruto patted his shoulder. "Hey, I didn't come up with it. I stole it from a guy who uses the Three-Sword Style. He's really good at naming moves."
"Three-Sword Style?" Shikadai tilted his head. "I've heard of the One- and Two-Sword Styles, but how do you even hold three?"
"Maybe one in each hand and one with your butt," Inojin joked.
Everyone burst out laughing.
"You're disgusting!" Chocho snapped, glaring. "I was eating chips and you nearly made me choke!"
Boruto smiled. "Three-Sword Style's nothing. There's a guy in the Hidden Cloud Village who uses Eight-Sword Style."
"Eight-Sword Style?!" Denki's jaw dropped. "No way—that's insane!"
"Yeah, Boruto," Sarada said, curious. "Even if you could hold eight swords somehow, how do you control them?"
"He actually can," Boruto said mysteriously. "Ask your dad when he gets back."
"My dad?" Sarada blinked. "You mean… My dad fought someone like that?"
Boruto grinned. "Oh, he sure did."