"Oh my goodness, are they really making it into a movie? That's insane!"
On the lively, crowded streets of Konoha, a young ninja exclaimed excitedly to his friend.
"Yeah!" his friend replied, just as hyped. "Even the trailer alone looks amazing! If the whole movie's like that, it's going to be a total hit."
"But this is Pain we're talking about!"
A middle-aged man nearby interjected anxiously.
"He brought so much pain and destruction to Konoha back then. Can they really release a movie about him?"
His voice carried the heavy weight of memories from that dark time.
Inside Ichiraku Ramen, a group of women sat together, slurping noodles while watching the trailer play on a hanging screen.
"Hokage-sama was so handsome when he was young!" one of them gushed. "Those orange eye markings and the Hokage robe—just wow!"
"I agree," another said dreamily, "but honestly, I think Pain looks even more handsome."
Her comment drew immediate backlash.
"How can you say that?" one woman snapped.
"Pain was our enemy! The things he did still haunt people to this day!"
"The reason we're even rebuilding parts of Konoha is because of him!"
The woman with the ponytail frowned deeply, her voice full of irritation.
"Oh, I'm not saying I support him!" the first woman quickly clarified, raising her hands defensively.
"I just mean… his power and mystery have a certain appeal."
"Dad, I wanna see the Seventh Hokage's movie! I wanna see Hokage-sama fight Pain!"
A little boy clutched his father's hand, his eyes wide with excitement.
The father smiled softly.
Deep down, he understood—though that battle had been brutal and full of loss, it had also marked Konoha's resilience and rebirth.
"Alright," he said gently. "When it comes out, I'll take you."
"What's going on?!" someone shouted. "Is the trailer only playing once? I wanted to see the Seventh Hokage's fight again!"
A young man looked up at the big screen, now replaced by an ad, and sighed in disappointment.
[Host: Boruto Uzumaki]
[Role Played: Deva Path Pain (Nagato)]
[Progress: 71%]
"It really works!" Boruto muttered, sitting in Denki's living room. "Just that trailer alone boosted the progress by three hundred thousand!"
Denki walked back in with a concerned look.
"Boruto, bad news. The advertisers just pulled the trailer. They said no matter how much we offer, they won't put it back up."
"Oh?" Boruto frowned. "Any idea why?"
"I heard someone from the Hokage Building reported it directly to your dad," Denki said hesitantly. "So maybe…"
"I get it," Boruto interrupted. "Thanks, Denki. You did great."
He sat back, thinking hard. Is Dad the one trying to stop it?
After all, those battle scenes between Naruto and Pain weren't CGI—they were filmed using Boruto's own Shadow Clones, perfectly recreated.
"Forget it," Boruto muttered. "I'll just go ask him myself."
Inside the Hokage's Office, Boruto gently pushed open the door.
Naruto, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, looked up as his son entered. "Boruto, you're here."
"Yes, Dad."
"That trailer—you filmed it yourself, didn't you?" Naruto asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his tone.
"You're planning to put that period of history on the big screen?"
"Yeah," Boruto nodded.
Naruto leaned back, expression serious. "That time left a lot of scars on Konoha. Are you sure it's wise to bring all that pain back?"
"I know it was painful," Boruto said firmly. "But that's exactly why we should face it. A movie isn't just entertainment—it's a way to connect hearts."
"I want people to understand that history. To see not only Pain's suffering and beliefs, but also your courage—and Konoha's rebirth through it."
Naruto fell silent, eyes thoughtful.
"Boruto… I understand what you're trying to do," he finally said.
"But not everyone sees that time the same way. Some still fear Pain. If this isn't handled carefully, it could stir up panic again."
Boruto shook his head. "Dad, have you forgotten who you are?"
"You're Naruto Uzumaki—the hero of Konoha. The fear of Pain is fading. People know that as long as you're here, peace will return."
"Maybe the older generation still trembles when they hear his name," Boruto said softly, "but for the new generation, you're their hope. Their symbol."
Naruto's expression softened, eyes glistening with emotion.
"Dad, you are the flower of hope in this world that never withers."
Boruto reached out and placed a pure white paper flower on his father's desk.
After Boruto left, Naruto stared at the delicate paper flower for a long while.
"May you become the flower of hope that never withers…" he murmured.
A small smile formed as he stood and looked out the window toward the glowing lights of Konoha.
"Jiraiya-sensei… Nagato… Konan…" he whispered. "Maybe this is what you meant all along."
Naruto left the office, walking through the warmly lit streets.
Villagers greeted him one after another, and he returned each smile with his own.
"Hokage-sama!" a child's voice called. "Is it true they're making a movie about you and Pain?"
Naruto crouched down, ruffling the little girl's hair gently. "Mm-hmm."
Her eyes sparkled. "That's awesome! I'm definitely gonna watch it—and tell all my friends too!"
Naruto laughed softly, warmth in his eyes. "I'll be counting on you then."
...
Author's Note:
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