Inside the cave, Sumire Kakei wiped the blood from her cheek, turned resolutely, and walked out into the night.
The moonlight poured through the gaps in the trees, bathing her in a soft silver glow.
When Tobirama saw Sumire emerge unharmed, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
"You did very well, Sumire," Tobirama said seriously. "In actual combat, you showed composure and decisiveness far beyond your peers."
He paused, his expression softening. "But remember this — true strength doesn't come from power alone. It comes from conviction and unshakable determination."
Sumire bowed her head slightly. "Thank you, Tobihiko-sensei, for your guidance. I'll continue to do my best."
Meanwhile, at Kabuto's base in the Land of Fire, Kabuto turned toward Boruto with a curious smile.
"So," he asked, "who are you planning to summon next with Edo Tensei?"
Boruto crossed his arms. "Members of the Akatsuki."
Kabuto raised an eyebrow. "The Akatsuki Organization? Interesting choice."
Boruto's thoughts drifted for a moment. In my previous life, when I watched Naruto, I always regretted never seeing all ten Akatsuki members fight together.
Sure, the Ninja Road movie had a group battle… but it wasn't part of the main story.
Their power is nothing compared to the Ōtsutsuki Clan now, but as villains — their charisma, their stories — they're unforgettable.
I've always wanted to see them together again.
Time flew by like an arrow.
"Hard to believe the graduation exams are already here," Shikadai said with a sigh in the Ninja Academy classroom.
"I know, right?" Iwabe added confidently. "This time, I'll definitely pass and become a real ninja."
Denki looked down, frowning. "Once we graduate… we might not get to hang out much anymore. Everyone's going to be busy with missions."
"Don't be so gloomy," Shikadai replied with a grin. "Even if we graduate, we can still meet up whenever we want."
Denki's face brightened. "You're right! Then… how about we throw a camping party before that happens?"
"A camping party?" Iwabe perked up immediately. "Hell yeah, count me in! It's the perfect way to chill."
Shikadai smirked. "So, Denki, where exactly are we camping?"
Denki grinned proudly. "My family owns a big private forest. We can set up tents there, barbecue, and even do some light ninja training."
Shikadai groaned. "As expected of the Kaminarimon family… only the richest folks in Konoha could own a forest."
Denki laughed shyly. "It's not that big of a deal."
Just then, Boruto and Sarada walked into the classroom together, as inseparable as ever.
Sarada's long black hair flowed to her waist, her glasses reflecting the sunlight.
Boruto, cheerful and confident as always, lit up the room just by walking in.
"Yo," Boruto greeted, flashing a grin. "What's everyone talking about?"
Denki waved excitedly. "Perfect timing! We're planning a camping trip this weekend — you two in?"
Sarada's eyes sparkled as she looked at Boruto, silently asking his opinion.
Boruto smiled. "Yeah, let's do it. Who knows how many chances we'll get to hang out like this again?"
"Great! It's settled then!" Denki cheered.
That night, Sumire lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. A wave of sadness welled in her chest.
Once I graduate… will I even see Boruto as often?
She closed her eyes, Boruto's warm smile flashing in her mind.
Her gaze drifted to the wall — where Boruto's black jacket hung. The one he'd taken off that night.
Every time she saw it, her heart would warm for a moment — only to sink again, heavy with insecurity and self-doubt.
The weekend came with sunshine and a gentle breeze — perfect weather for camping.
In the Kaminarimon family's private forest, colorful tents dotted the clearing.
"Where are Denki and the others?" Boruto asked.
Mitsuki replied, "They went fishing. Said they're trying to catch an Eternal Carp."
Sarada's eyes lit up. "The Eternal Carp? I've heard it's really rare — hard to catch, but its meat's supposed to be amazing."
Mitsuki nodded. "Yeah. They say once you taste it, you'll never forget."
Boruto smirked. "Then let's go check how they're doing."
The trio followed a forest trail and soon found Denki and Shikadai sitting by a cliff, rods in hand, focused on the water below.
Boruto chuckled. "What's this? Not even one catch yet?"
Denki sighed. "You don't understand, Boruto. The Eternal Carp is incredibly smart and cautious. You need patience and skill to catch it."
"At this rate, you'll be fishing till graduation," Boruto teased, activating his Tenseigan.
His eyes locked on something beneath the rocks. "So that's the Eternal Carp?"
He raised a hand — gravity pulsed, and a massive, shimmering carp shot out of the water. Its scales glistened with rainbow light under the sun.
Later that evening, everyone gathered around the campfire, feasting on the Eternal Carp Boruto caught.
"It's delicious… seriously, this is next-level," Shikadai said between bites.
The tender meat melted in their mouths, drawing praise from everyone.
As night fell, the stars blanketed the sky.
"It's so beautiful," Sumire whispered, gazing upward. "I've never seen such a sight."
She turned her head — Boruto was looking at the same sky, his expression calm and resolute.
"In the village, you'd never get to see something like this," Shikadai said softly.
"Yeah," Mitsuki added. "It's… really nice."
Boruto lifted a hand toward the sky, eyes burning with quiet determination.
"Ōtsutsuki Momoshiki, Kinshiki… when you come to this world, I'll be ready. I'll make sure you're very surprised."
Later that night, everyone retreated to their tents. Except for Sumire.
She was still deep in the forest, training as usual. Sweat rolled down her face as she panted. "That's enough for today…"
When she finally turned back toward camp, the tents came into view — and so did a familiar figure.
Sarada.
She was sneaking quietly between tents, moving carefully, glancing around. Her eyes finally locked on Boruto's tent.
Sumire froze. "What is she doing?"
Sarada crouched, gently lifted the corner of Boruto's tent — and slipped inside.
Sumire's eyes widened. She clapped a hand over her mouth, heart racing.
What… what did I just see?
...
Author's Note:
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