The lake lay still like a silver mirror, perfectly reflecting the soft glow of dawn and the trees surrounding it.
Sarada stood silently, her tears sliding down her cheeks and falling into the lake below, creating gentle ripples.
Every memory she had with Boruto—every laugh, every mission, every moment—cut into her heart like invisible blades, leaving her breathless.
Sumire Kakei stood nearby, her head bowed low, fists clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms.
She wanted to speak, to explain, but the fear that her words would only deepen the awkwardness kept her frozen.
At that moment, Sarada slowly turned around. Her crimson eyes were no longer her usual Three Tomoe Sharingan.
Instead, a mysterious, sun-shaped pattern now spun within them.
"Did she just awaken her Mangekyō Sharingan…?" Boruto exhaled softly, stunned.
Sarada spoke in a low, trembling voice.
"Boruto, we—"
But before she could finish, Sumire suddenly interrupted.
"I'm sorry, Sarada!" Sumire cried out, tears already rolling down her face and splashing into the lake.
"It's my fault. I ruined your relationship. I—" Her voice broke as she struggled to continue.
"After today, I'll leave the Ninja Academy… leave Konoha. I promise I'll never appear before you again."
Her declaration was filled with resolve, but the pain behind it was unmistakable.
"I won't see Boruto again. I won't see his smile again. I just—"
Her voice faltered, and she broke down, crying uncontrollably.
Seeing Sumire cry so desperately made Sarada's own tears flow even harder.
Both girls wept openly, the sound of their sobs echoing across the lake's surface.
Boruto, caught between them, covered his face with one hand and muttered helplessly, "Man… I didn't even do anything…"
After what felt like forever, the crying finally began to subside.
Sumire glanced at Boruto through her tears, thinking bitterly, Boruto… this is the last time I'll see you.
She wiped her face, turned around, and started walking away.
"Wait—Sumire!" Sarada's voice cracked as she called after her.
Sumire stopped but didn't turn around. "I'm leaving Konoha, Sarada. It's better this way. I've already made up my mind."
She trembled slightly, afraid that staying would only bring more pain to everyone involved.
Sarada took a deep breath and walked forward, passing by Boruto without looking at him.
When she finally stood in front of Sumire, their gazes met briefly before Sumire lowered her head again.
"Sumire," Sarada said softly, "you don't have to leave."
Sumire looked up, confused. "Sarada…?"
"Come with me. There's something I need to tell you."
Sarada took her hand and led her toward the wooded area beside the lake.
Boruto watched them disappear into the trees, wanting to follow, but then heard Sarada's voice behind him.
"Don't come, Boruto. Let Sumire and I talk alone."
Boruto stopped and sighed, shaking his head as he turned back toward camp.
When he returned, Denki was already awake, folding up his sleeping bag.
He looked up and blinked. "Boruto! Where'd you go? I thought you'd already left for home!"
"I went to train," Boruto said flatly.
"Train? You're already crazy strong! What, are you trying to become Hokage like your dad and grandpa?" Denki asked in disbelief.
"Hokage?" Boruto scoffed. "Nah. That title's boring. Not my thing."
"What?! But I joined the Ninjutsu program because I admired you! Give me back my motivation, man!" Denki cried dramatically, slumping to the ground.
Just then, Chocho wandered over, munching on chips. "Hey, Boruto, where are Sarada and Sumire? Haven't seen them all morning."
"They went to train too. Should be back soon," Boruto said casually.
Shikadai, packing up his gear, snorted. "Training this early in the morning? You guys are ridiculous. Only Metal would actually enjoy that."
Before long, both Sarada and Sumire returned—quiet, distant.
Sumire avoided Boruto's eyes, heading straight for her tent.
Sarada glanced at Boruto briefly, then looked away and walked past him without a word.
Boruto instinctively reached out to grab her hand, but she didn't even notice.
She just kept walking, expression unreadable.
"…Did I just get dumped?" Boruto muttered under his breath.
Later that night, Sarada stood in front of her mirror, gazing at her crimson reflection.
Her Mangekyō Sharingan glowed with that same intricate sun pattern, pulsing faintly with power.
"So… this is my Mangekyō?" she whispered. "Its ability…"
Suddenly, a distortion appeared beside her, and the small creature Krab emerged, tail wagging nervously.
"Mistress! I've come to pick you up!" he said eagerly.
"Oh, Krab, you came at the perfect time," Sarada said, glancing down at his single eye, which also contained a Mangekyō pattern.
"M-Mistress, have your eyes evolved?" Krab asked, startled by the powerful aura radiating from her.
As their eyes met, Sarada's right Mangekyō spun rapidly, radiating a fierce red glow.
Krab instinctively took a step back, trembling.
"Mistress?" he stammered.
"It worked…" Sarada whispered, a small smile touching her lips.
Then her eyes returned to normal. "Krab, go back. I'm not coming tonight—or ever again."
"Ah? But Mistress, how do I explain this to Master?" Krab asked nervously.
Sarada narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh, really? You're questioning me? Then tomorrow, I'll have Boruto send you to Orochimaru for experiments."
Krab's tail shot straight up. "No need, Mistress! I'll leave immediately!"
And with that, he vanished in a flash of spatial ripples.
Sarada gazed at the moonlight spilling into her room.
"Krab's Mangekyō ability is to distort space for movement—'Heavenly Spin,' and to manipulate objects—'Soul of Destiny.'"
Her reflection smirked faintly.
"My right Mangekyō's power is to copy the abilities of other Mangekyō Sharingan…" she murmured.
"The Heavenly Path of Destiny."
She lifted her gaze to the moon, her eyes glowing like crimson fire.
...
Author's Note:
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