As dusk settled over the sea, the glow of twilight reflected across the surface of the pool. The students, exhausted after an entire day of splashing and playing, lay sprawled around the edges, watching the sun sink slowly into the horizon.
Up on the top deck—above the observation platform—Boruto and Mitsuki had quietly set up a small campfire, roasting the results of their afternoon's work.
They sat cross-legged on the flat viewing platform, their eyes fixed on the giant fish lying across a wooden grill. The size of the catch was almost comically large—about as long as Boruto's entire body, and Mitsuki's too.
"Does Boruto really like eating fish?" Mitsuki finally asked. From the moment they boarded the ship, Boruto had immediately dragged him into the water to hunt for them.
"I don't particularly like it," Boruto said casually, flipping the huge fish and sprinkling seasoning on it with practised ease.
"Then why… did we spend half the day in the ocean?" Mitsuki asked, genuinely confused.
"Fishing. And practising my swimming while I'm at it."
"…I see." Mitsuki didn't question him further. Instead, he formed a hand seal and grew sharp wooden stakes with Wood Release, using them to support his own fish over the flames. His Wood-style chakra prevented the grill from burning.
The thick scent of grilled fish wafted across the deck, and it didn't take long for the other students to notice.
"Hey, Boruto! We want grilled fish too!" Iwabe shouted.
"Yeah! We're starving, committee member!" Chocho added, her nose twitching at the aroma.
Boruto clicked his tongue softly and looked at the approaching silhouettes. After a moment, he shrugged.
"Well, Mitsuki, if you don't mind sharing yours, we can just split mine with everyone."
"I don't mind. Food is food," Mitsuki said calmly.
Boruto stared at him. "Is this guy really not picky… or just lacking common sense?"
A moment later, their third guest climbed up onto the observation deck—a girl with long purple hair tied neatly, droplets still sliding down from her swim.
"Kakei…?" Mitsuki said with surprise.
Sumire froze for a moment, startled to find them there.
"Yeah," Boruto said, nodding for her to sit. "She'll probably be working with us."
Mitsuki glanced at her with quiet curiosity. Sumire lowered her gaze shyly and sat down beside Boruto, nerves tightening her posture.
Down below, students were halfway through devouring their own snacks, but many of their eyes kept drifting up toward the deck—specifically toward Boruto and Sumire sitting close together.
"Boruto…?" Sumire whispered.
Boruto cut a large piece of fish, sizzling with dripping oil, placed it neatly on a plate, and handed it to her.
"Let's get acquainted properly," Boruto said to Mitsuki.
"Mm." Mitsuki nodded.
They all knew each other already, but this was their first calm moment together. Sumire, who once caused a major incident in Konoha, had been explained to Mitsuki before. And as Orochimaru's son, Mitsuki naturally drew her curiosity.
Boruto sliced another piece and handed it to Mitsuki—Sumire's portion just slightly larger.
"Mitsuki's father is Orochimaru," Boruto said. "He understands Nue better than anyone."
Fish crackled over the fire. The orange glow warmed their faces as the sun dipped fully behind the sea.
Sumire brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, cheeks flushed with the afterglow.
The grilled fish grew smaller as they carved it apart, conversation gradually growing lighter.
Suddenly, Sumire asked, "How much does Mitsuki know about Boruto's abilities?"
Boruto took a bite and listened without commenting.
Mitsuki answered slowly, "Boruto can use many advanced ninjutsu—bloodline limits, Wood Release, and more."
Sumire tilted her head. "Anything else?"
After glancing at Boruto—who showed no objection—Mitsuki added, "He possesses a powerful eye technique. The final evolution of the Byakugan. It has the power to destroy and create."
"The Tenseigan," Boruto added simply.
"Oh…" Sumire's eyes lowered faintly. The gap between them felt… immeasurable.
Boruto wiped his hands. "There's something happening tonight. Monitor, I'll need you to watch over the class. Or at least cover for us."
"O-okay," Sumire said, startled.
"Relax," Boruto smiled. "Mitsuki and I are just going out to sea. Might find a treasure or two."
"Huh? Like a shipwreck?" Sumire asked curiously.
"The ocean's full of mysteries," Boruto said. "Maybe flying fish. But tonight… we're looking for a three-tailed turtle."
Sumire froze.
Mitsuki didn't react—he already knew. Their real goal tonight was the Three-Tails, Isobu, whose territory might be near these waters.
"It's simple fishing," Boruto said lightly. "Just depends on who takes the bait."
Night deepened, and moonlight blanketed the deck. Only a few students lingered, watching Boruto and Sumire from afar as they stood side by side under the silver glow.
"You think… they're dating?" Chocho whispered, munching chips.
"I think… maybe," another girl murmured.
The sea was calm, waves brushing softly against the hull. Students slowly drifted back to their rooms, leaving the peaceful scene undisturbed.
Inside the ship, the boys gathered in the common room, too energised to sleep. They crowded around a card game.
Shikadai, Iwabe, Denki, Metal, and the others held their hands of cards, bickering playfully.
"Do you think Mitsuki's upset?" Iwabe asked slyly. "Boruto's closest to him. Now he's off with Sumire."
Everyone paused.
They looked over at Mitsuki, who sat on the windowsill, hands resting at his sides, bathed in moonlight. His pale robes looked thin—almost lonely.
"…It's possible," Denki whispered.
"Yeah! Boruto's out there flirting while his best friend's here alone!" Metal said dramatically.
They laughed and teased each other, continuing the game. Mitsuki heard everything.
He turned slightly, backlit by the moon, and smiled faintly.
"It doesn't matter who he's with," he said softly. "We'll always be friends."
Everyone blinked—then nodded awkwardly, half understanding, half lost.
"Well… just don't let things get too complicated," Shikadai sighed.
Mitsuki turned his gaze back toward the moonlit sea, where the waves gently rolled.
Something was coming. He could feel it. Storm or not—
Boruto was already walking toward it.
And Mitsuki would follow.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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