Deep within Orochimaru's dark underground base, the flickering lights cast long shadows down a narrow tunnel.
Naruto and Sasuke walked side by side, their expressions solemn.
Soon, two familiar figures appeared ahead—Suigetsu and Jūgo.
"Sasuke, it's been a while," Suigetsu greeted with a smirk.
Sasuke's tone was curt. "Suigetsu, take us to see him."
Before Suigetsu could respond, Naruto interrupted, "No need, Sasuke. Orochimaru's already here."
Right as he said that, soft footsteps echoed behind Jūgo and Suigetsu.
Dressed in a pristine white robe, Orochimaru stepped into view, his snake-like smile gleaming in the dim light.
"Well, well… what rare guests. Sasuke and Naruto," Orochimaru's tone was teasing, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.
Sasuke met his gaze coldly. "Orochimaru."
Naruto crossed his arms, eyeing him suspiciously. "Hey, why do you look younger than before? What kind of anti-aging jutsu is this?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly. "You should already know my condition, Naruto. There's no point complaining about the inevitable."
Sasuke's voice sharpened. "Orochimaru, someone who looks like one of your former subordinates has kidnapped my daughter—and Naruto's son. If you're behind this, you'd better start talking."
Orochimaru frowned, his expression momentarily darkening.
"Do I really look that suspicious to you? The surveillance outside this base isn't for decoration, you know. But tell me—who could possibly snatch away your children? Could that person be stronger than Kaguya Ōtsutsuki?"
Sasuke replied, "His name is Uchiha Shin. He can manipulate time and space. His body—his arms, even his head—are covered with Sharingan."
At that, Orochimaru's eyes flickered, as if the name stirred something in him.
"…Let's discuss this somewhere more private," he said, turning to lead them into a deeper chamber.
Meanwhile, in Uchiha Shin's hidden base, Boruto lounged lazily on a floating throne, his chin resting in one hand.
Before him, Uchiha Shin struggled miserably, surrounded by floating weapons that sliced through the air like predators circling their prey.
A satisfied smile curled on Boruto's lips.
He deliberately slowed the attacks, savoring the control and dominance. His sharp eyes never left Shin, studying every twitch of pain and fear.
[From Uchiha Shin's emotions, the progress bar increases by 411 points]
"Just as I thought," Boruto murmured. "Pain gives the best progress points."
He sighed faintly. "Still too slow. I need to make him feel more."
Standing from the throne, he waved his hand—the golden seat vanished into thin air. His feet touched the ground softly.
"Adamantine Sealing Chains!"
The ground beneath Uchiha Shin cracked apart.
Golden chains shot out like living serpents, wrapping tightly around his limbs. In seconds, he was bound spread-eagle, unable to move an inch.
Panting, bloodied, and exhausted, Uchiha Shin struggled in vain. The chains held fast—unyielding, even to a tailed beast's power.
Boruto stepped closer, each footstep deliberate and cruel.
"Damn brat! Let me go if you've got guts! Fight me one-on-one, no ninjutsu!" Uchiha Shin roared.
Boruto chuckled, tilting his head with disdain. "Fight you? And what would that prove?"
He tapped his chest. "In this world, strength is everything. But real power isn't just muscle—it's status, influence, and bloodline. My father is the Hokage of Konoha. Who's your father?"
"I—" Uchiha Shin faltered, speechless.
Boruto smirked, lightly patting his own cheek in mock pity. "Exactly. You're a little turtle."
With a flick of his wrist, a small black knife appeared in his hand. Its blade gleamed coldly in the dim light.
"Now then," he said casually. "Let's play a game. I'll ask you a question. If you don't answer, this knife will leave a mark on your body."
Uchiha Shin glared back defiantly. "You bastard! I'm not answering anything!"
Boruto laughed quietly. "I love the tough ones."
He leaned in closer, his voice a whisper dripping with malice.
"Listen carefully—what is one thousand minus seven?"
Uchiha Shin's eyes burned with hatred. He stayed silent.
Boruto sighed, shaking his head. "Wrong answer."
The black knife slashed downward.
A deep cut split open across Shin's torso, blood spilling freely.
[From Uchiha Shin's emotions, the progress bar increases by 433 points]
Uchiha Shin's face twisted in agony. He clenched his teeth, refusing to scream.
Boruto tilted his head, admiring the resilience. "Good physique, huh?"
He pressed the cold blade to Shin's cheek, making him flinch.
"I'll ask again. What is one thousand minus seven?"
Still no answer.
With a swift motion, Boruto sliced across the Sharingan embedded in Shin's arm. Blood sprayed.
[From Uchiha Shin's emotions, the progress bar increases by 502 points]
"AAAH—!" Shin's roar echoed through the stone chamber.
His body shook violently, but he still didn't beg.
Boruto's tone hardened. "What is one thousand minus seven?"
He raised the knife again, carving another deep scar across Shin's other arm.
[From Uchiha Shin's emotions, the progress bar increases by 559 points]
Shin's breath came in ragged gasps, his body trembling in pain. Yet still, he refused to yield.
"Hmph. Still holding out? Fine, let's continue," Boruto said coldly.
He lifted the knife once more.
Finally, through the pain, Uchiha Shin rasped out, "...Nine hundred… ninety-three…"
Boruto froze for a moment—then smirked.
"See? That wasn't so hard. Unfortunately…" His eyes gleamed with amusement. "That's the wrong answer."
The blade flashed once more.
[From Uchiha Shin's emotions, the progress bar increases by 636 points]
"AAAH! YOU DAMN BRAT!" Shin screamed. "It is nine hundred ninety-three! Haven't you learned math?!"
Boruto ignored him, twirling the knife between his fingers. His voice dropped to a chilling calm.
"What is one thousand minus seven?"