Sasuke watched Boruto holding Sarada's small hand. His right hand clenched into a fist unconsciously, countless tragic scenarios of Boruto's demise flashing through his mind.
But in the end, he just exhaled softly, turned away, and walked off without another glance.
"Old man finally left. I haven't had a chance to get close to Sarada these past few days," Boruto said happily, watching Sasuke disappear down the path.
In a quiet corner of Konoha's training grounds, Boruto and Sarada embraced tightly, their lips meeting once again.
This time, Sarada no longer had the shyness and hesitation of their first kiss — instead, there was a growing understanding and deep affection between them.
After a long moment, they slowly pulled apart. Boruto gazed at her delicate face.
"What is it, Boruto?" Sarada asked softly.
"It's nothing… I was just thinking — Sarada, you'd look even more beautiful with long hair," Boruto said gently.
"Long hair?"
At that, an image of Sumire's long, violet hair flowing down her back flashed through Sarada's mind.
"Does Boruto like girls with long hair?" she asked curiously.
"It's not about that," Boruto shook his head quickly. "I just think long hair would really suit you."
"If Boruto thinks it would look good… then I'll grow it out," Sarada said with a small smile.
Boruto smirked inwardly. One sentence and she's willing to grow her hair for me? That's some serious charm.
Time flew by, and soon, the holiday semester had ended.
Inside the Ninja Academy classroom—
"Boruto, what's that thing following you? Is it a summoning beast?" Denki asked curiously, staring at the strange creature at Boruto's feet.
As Boruto entered the classroom hand in hand with Sarada, all eyes immediately turned toward the small, odd-looking creature trailing behind him.
Though tiny, it was impossible to ignore — especially its palm-sized face, covered by a custom-made half-mask with a row of white teeth set on a black background.
It looked fierce, but in truth, the mask was just to hide Krab's rather unsettling real face.
"This is my pet dog — Krab," Boruto said casually.
That immediately caused a stir.
"A dog?"
"It walks upright, has one eye, and wears a creepy mask — that's no dog!"
A curious girl couldn't resist and gently poked Krab's tail. To her horror, he suddenly spoke.
"Hey, brat, don't touch my tail!"
The girl screamed and jumped back, while the entire class burst into chaos, crowding around in fascination.
"Krab, they're my classmates," Boruto warned with authority. "Watch your mouth — or else…"
"Y-Yes… Master!"
Sweat dripped down Krab's face as he quickly backed off.
Shikadai crossed his arms, curious. "Boruto, where did you even find this thing?"
Boruto just smirked. "That's a secret."
Sarada stood quietly beside him, already knowing the truth but saying nothing.
Later, at the training arena—
Iwabe and Metal were arguing heatedly about which of the Five Kage was the strongest. Before long, fists were about to fly.
"Hokage-sama is the strongest, no doubt about it!" Iwabe said firmly.
"That's not certain! It depends on the situation!" Metal shot back.
Boruto, walking in with Sarada, looked puzzled. "Why are they fighting this time?"
"They're arguing over who's the strongest among the Five Kage," Mitsuki explained calmly.
"What's there to argue about? My dad's obviously unbeatable," Boruto said with a grin.
Mitsuki nodded. "The Seventh Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto — hero who ended the Fourth Great Ninja War — possesses immense chakra and the power of the Nine-Tails. He's the strongest Hokage in history and the mightiest of the Five Kage. 'Invincible' is accurate."
Boruto laughed. "You really know how to flatter, Mitsuki."
Mitsuki blinked. "I was just stating facts."
"You're not wrong," Boruto agreed, nodding proudly.
Then Mitsuki reminded, "By the way, today's the day of the Five Kage Summit — it's being held right here in Konoha."
"The Five Kage Summit, huh…" Boruto murmured thoughtfully.
Later that day, at Ichiraku Ramen—
Boruto and Sarada pushed open the door. Ayame looked up, her face brightening. "Well, if it isn't Master Boruto!"
"Haha, hey there, Sister Ayame," Boruto greeted, scratching his head.
Her eyes widened as she noticed the small creature beside him. "Oh my, what's that?"
Boruto coughed awkwardly. "Ah, this is my… summoning beast."
He almost said "pet dog," but thought better of it — ramen shops and animals didn't mix well.
"A summoning beast, huh? It's quite the unique one," Ayame said with a good-natured laugh.
Boruto smiled sheepishly. "Three bowls of your best ramen, please!"
"Coming right up!" she replied cheerfully.
Boruto and Sarada sat down — only to realize Denki, Iwabe, and Metal were already eating nearby… and still arguing.
"Seriously? You two are still fighting about that?" Boruto sighed.
Iwabe turned around. "Boruto, Sarada! Perfect timing — you decide for us! Who's the strongest Kage?"
Before Boruto could answer, the TV above the counter lit up, showing a live broadcast of the Five Kage's arrival.
A flash of golden lightning streaked across the sky as the Fifth Raikage, Darui, appeared — majestic and imposing.
"Whoa! Raikage Darui!" Metal shouted in excitement.
"Now that's an entrance," Iwabe admitted, nodding in approval.
Boruto muttered under his breath, "Raikage Darui, huh… guess the Hidden Cloud's doomed."
Next, mist filled the screen as the Sixth Mizukage, Chojuro, strode in, twin blades on his back.
Boruto sighed. "Mizukage Chojuro… yeah, the Mist's doomed too."
Then a massive stone statue rose up, and the Fourth Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi, appeared with a confident smirk, one hand resting on her hip.
Boruto whispered, "And there goes the Rock Village…"
Finally, a tornado of golden sand swirled on-screen, revealing the Fifth Kazekage, Gaara.
Boruto frowned slightly. "Man… what happened to you, Gaara? The Sand's doomed too."
With the four Kage gathered, the Five Kage Summit officially began.
High above Konoha, a cloaked figure hovered silently in the clouds — Pain's Deva Path, its Rinnegan eyes glowing faintly.
It was Boruto's shadow clone.
Meanwhile, the real Boruto was slurping ramen beside Sarada, utterly relaxed.
The clone stared down at the Hokage Building and spoke in a deep, cold voice.
"Now then… let's begin. Feel the pain."