"Willing?" Moon's question froze Hikari in place.
Her mind drifted back to that dim dungeon where Boruto had once told her, "If you must find a reason, then it's because I am willing."
A storm of emotion rose in Hikari's heart. Other than Boruto, she had never encountered such pure and selfless kindness before.
In this cruel world—where only the strong survived and the weak were trampled—everyone's actions seemed to carry hidden motives.
"Do as you please…"
Hikari turned her head slightly, avoiding Moon's gaze. But in her tone, there was a hint of softness that hadn't been there before.
Seeing that, Moon's lips curved into a faint smile. She knew she had planted a small seed of trust in the heart of this stubborn girl.
Hikari landed lightly on the ground, found a spot, and sat down to rest. But she didn't sleep.
Though she had begun to trust Moon a little, she still didn't dare let her guard down in such a dangerous world.
Moon, understanding her caution, sat quietly nearby without disturbing her.
The night deepened. Crickets sang softly in the distance, their rhythm filling the silence with a strange sense of calm.
After a while, Moon broke the quiet. "What's your name?"
Hikari paused for a moment before answering, "Hikari."
"Hikari…"
Moon repeated the name as if tasting it. "A beautiful name."
Hikari said nothing, her eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.
"Hikari, why are you so determined to find that boy named Boruto?" Moon finally asked.
At the mention of his name, Hikari's body trembled slightly.
Then, in a low but steady voice, she said, "He gave me freedom… made me realize my worth. He's the only light in my life."
Moon let out a soft sigh. "In such a chaotic world, meeting someone like that is rare indeed."
She didn't ask more, simply sitting there in silence beside Hikari.
For reasons she couldn't explain, Hikari felt an unfamiliar sense of security from this woman.
Her eyes slowly closed, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she fell into a peaceful sleep.
Morning came. The first rays of sunlight slipped through the trees, landing gently across Hikari's face. She stirred as the smell of roasted meat reached her nose.
Opening her eyes, she saw Moon crouched a few steps away, roasting several wild rabbits over a small fire.
Golden fat dripped into the flames with a hiss, and the air filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
Then Hikari noticed something else — a warm, cotton coat draped over her shoulders.
"You're awake?" Moon called with a smile. "Come eat something. You need your strength."
She held out two perfectly roasted rabbit legs, glistening with oil.
Hikari hesitated, though her stomach betrayed her with a growl. Still, she didn't take them.
Seeing this, Moon chuckled and held one out again. "Relax. It's not poisoned."
Hikari looked into her eyes — calm, sincere, and unguarded. After a moment, she reached out and took the food.
She took a bite. The meat was tender, juicy, and filled with flavor.
"Good?" Moon asked.
Hikari nodded slightly. "Mm."
Seeing her finally respond, Moon smiled in quiet satisfaction.
She sat beside Hikari, eating as she spoke. "So, what now? You can't just keep wandering near the Uzumaki ruins forever, can you?"
"I must find him," Hikari said firmly.
"Then you will. But first…"
Moon handed her a small brown block that gave off a faint, clean scent.
"What's this?" Hikari asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"For washing your hair," Moon replied with a soft laugh. "Look at you — your hair's a total mess. Clean yourself up a bit. Maybe then you'll find your Boruto faster."
Hikari glanced down, embarrassed, at her tangled hair.
She walked to a nearby lake, holding the brown soapberry bar tightly. The surface shimmered in the morning light.
Ever since her parents had died — since the Uchiha Clan imprisoned her as a living weapon — she had never once properly taken care of herself. Her hair was a tangled, dirty mess, matted with leaves and dust.
Staring at her reflection, she whispered, "Like this… am I really worthy of Boruto?"
"Don't know how to use it? Let me help."
The gentle voice behind her startled her.
"N-no, I can do it myself," she protested quickly.
"Let me help," Moon insisted, stepping closer. She picked up the soapberry and began to gently work it through Hikari's long hair.
Her movements were slow and practiced, full of care.
Hikari stiffened at first — she wasn't used to this kind of touch — but soon she began to relax.
It reminded her of Kaguya. When she was little, Kaguya used to wash her hair the same way — gentle, patient, and warm.
Those days were long gone.
Hikari closed her eyes and let herself feel the comfort of those hands.
When Moon finished, she dried Hikari's hair with a soft cloth, then pulled out a small wooden comb.
Slowly, she untangled each strand until the dark locks flowed smoothly down Hikari's back.
"There," Moon said with a smile. "You look much better. You were already beautiful — you just forgot how to take care of yourself."
Hikari gazed at her reflection in the lake, her clean face and smooth hair shining under the morning light.
"Thank you…" she said softly, not daring to look back.
"Mhm," Moon murmured, her eyes glistening faintly before she quickly turned away.
Days passed. Together, Hikari and Moon searched for Boruto across countless places.
They questioned travelers, explored abandoned temples, and even infiltrated hidden compounds.
But no matter where they went, no one had seen Boruto.
It was as if he had evaporated from the world — leaving behind only silence and uncertainty.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Boruto: Growing Up as Naruto's Son is now on Patreon!
🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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