《Naruto: Vertex》 Chapter 1 - The Children of Naruto [1] - And what did you say to her, man? - I said... Shikadai didn''t even have time to react. In an instant, Boruto tripped over someone and the two of them rolled along the ground, crashing several meters ahead amid a deafening crash. Before he could process what was happening, another noise - less intense, but still worrying - came from right behind him. Boom! - Ouch! Shikadai froze for a second. He looked forward, wanting to help Boruto, but his instinct screamed that there was another threat right behind him. At the last second, he jumped to the side, his eyes widening at the sight of... - ...a girl?! - There, my ass. Damn... - Who are you? - Let me go, you...! Boruto''s indignant voice came from a distance. Shikadai turned in time to see two blond haired men rising from the ground. - Fuck! A boy as blond as his friend, but a little taller, ran towards them. Shikadai reflexively pulled out his kunai. - Shikadai? Hanami? - The blond boy held the girl''s shoulders, panting. - How did you end up here? What happened? Shikadai frowned. - Do you know me? The blond blinked, confused. - What kind of joke is that, Shika? Wait... - He let go of Hanami and grabbed Shikadai''s shoulders. - Did you hit your head? - He ran his hands over his friend''s shoulders, neck and arms, examining him. Shikadai stepped back and raised the Kunai again. - Hey, man! Stop touching me! What kind of joke is that? The blond turned red with anger. - Kidding? Fuck you, Shikadai! This isn''t funny at all! Did you pull Hanami? Did you hide in a shadow? - Hanami? - Shikadai repeated, lost. That''s when Boruto finally arrived, running from the other side of the field. - Who the hell are you? - he growled at the blond. - And why did you throw yourself at me? Shikadai looked from his friend to the other blond, then back to Boruto, repeating the movement a few times. - Dude... he''s identical to you. Identical. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. - Identical my ass! I can''t be that ugly! - And I say the same! - The blond snorted, crossing his arms. - The same as that rude man? No way! They both stuck out their noses and turned their backs to each other, indignant. Hanami watched them both and repeated Shikadai''s gesture, glancing from one to the other a few times before declaring: - He''s right, Shin. Apart from the scratches on your cheeks and your eyes... you look like twins. When they realized each other''s presence, they slowly turned their necks, as if reflected in a mirror. As soon as their gazes met, they dropped their arms in shock. Yes, it was almost like looking at your own reflection, except for a few details. Silence hung over everyone, heavy with awe, until Shikadai broke it: - Here comes our train, Boruto. We need to catch it. Before they could move, the new blond boy grabbed Shikadai''s wrist, his voice carrying a mixture of confusion and urgency: - Wait a minute... You know him, but you don''t know me? Shikadai frowned, without hesitation: - Yes, of course. I''ve never seen you before in my life. The stranger looked at the girl next to him. His eyes reflected the same astonishment. Boruto, for his part, watched the approaching train. As Shikadai prepared to jump, Boruto grabbed his arm. - Shikadai, wait! We need to understand what''s going on. This guy... He''s identical to me. Shikadai sighed, impatient: - Damn it, Boruto. I don''t want to get into trouble. - Please. Shikadai glanced at the three of them - each one more terrified than the last. Finally, he exhaled sharply, clenching his fists before grumbling: - What a mess! - And he stayed. The four of them stood still, watching the train go by. The strong wind, driven by the moving machine, made their clothes flutter. The deafening noise of the irons on the tracks echoed around them, but between them, the silence was almost abysmal. It took them a few seconds to recover after the train finally disappeared over the horizon. No one knew exactly what to do. Hanami let out a groan, running her hand over her own ass. - Damn... I bet it''s already purple. The burst of laughter came instantly. The blond next to her bent over, laughing uncontrollably. - What are you laughing at, asshole? - she snarled, clenching her fists. - Do you want to be punched? - By the gods... - he could barely speak, holding his stomach. - Every possible way to fall... It had to be on your ass, Hanami?! After two weeks of practicing just to learn how to fall properly... Mom will love this story! - You won''t tell her! - Oh, of course I will. And forget it, Dad''s not going to save you this time, silly. Hanami took a step forward, her eyes sparkling. - Shut up now, Shin! Or I''ll... - What are you going to do, girl? Throw a frog at me? - Shin teased, unable to hold back his laughter. Shikadai and Boruto looked at each other, confused by the argument. - Why, you... - the girl lowered herself onto one knee and began to form a hand seal. - ...Shadow Jutsu?! - Shikadai''s eyes widened. On impulse, he ran up to her and slapped her hands together, undoing the seal. - Ouch! - Who taught you that? - It was you, Shika! What the hell, it was you! Shikadai, normally calm and rational like his father, was not easily shaken. But this took him by surprise. He exchanged an alarmed glance with Boruto before saying, seriously: - Okay, guys... there''s something very wrong here. We need to talk. Boruto wanted to go to the burger shop, but Shikadai thought it would be more prudent for them to walk away into the forest. It was too strange, too frightening, to discuss in a public place. - So your name is Shin? - Shikadai asked, trying to process the situation. - That''s right. - And yours is Hanami? - Yes. Boruto narrowed his eyes at Shin, assessing him. - Could it be that you''re me in the future? - Only if your eyes change color when you ejaculate, genius. - Hey, I''m already 13! - Can you stop talking about it in front of me? - Hanami rolled her eyes, laughing as she feigned indignation. - I''m a girl! Shikadai sighed, returning to the main subject. - How did I teach you this Jutsu, Hanami? It''s my family''s secret... I should never have done that. - Well... you''re my best friend, Shika. And... well... - She looked uncomfortable, the words coming out hesitantly. - ¡°It''s not like I know how to control everything like you do. - So you just did the handstand as a bluff, did you? - Shin laughed with an arrogant smile. - Did you really think I''d be scared off by that? Really, Hanami? Chapter 2 - The Children of Naruto [2] - Be more respectful of my friend''s manner, okay? You should be scared just by the way his hands are held. - And who says I''m not? The only difference is that if it was Shika doing it instead of you, then I''d be scared. - Oh, what a drag! - Shikadai exclaimed angrily. - All you do is fight? - That''s what brothers do, isn''t it? - Hanami shrugged, fixing her hair with a mischievous smile. - Ah, so your brothers... - Boruto said, finally making the connection. - Well, I have a sister and I never fight with her. She''s my sweetheart, the love of my life. - See, Shin? You should look up to your twin. At least for that, since for the rest... - Hanami laughed, teasing him. - Just a minute, guys - Shikadai stood up, adjusting his posture. - We''ve missed the train and we''re in the middle of the forest. It''ll be dark soon and we need to get home. Let''s try to sort this out soon. - He turned to the three of them sitting on the ground, sighing and pressing his nose with his hand, clearly exhausted. - Do you two know me? - Yes - the brothers replied in unison. - From where? - From the village. - You''re the son of our parents'' friend. We''ve known each other since we were born. Shikadai let out a heavy sigh. The situation was more complicated than he had imagined. - And why did you throw yourself on Boruto? - Shin asked. - I didn''t throw myself; I fell on him. That''s quite different. - So you fell from the sky? - asked Shikadai, with a raised eyebrow. The brothers laughed. - Of course not. I''m not an ET. - Shin replied with a mocking smile, finding both Boruto''s question and his own answer funny. - Much less an angel. - Hanami whispered, rolling her eyes. - So, you guys are from Leaf Village? - Yes... But this isn''t exactly Leaf Village. - Hanami explained. - Of course it is! - Boruto replied, confused. - In Leaf Village, the trains are on the south side, not up here in the north. - Shin explained patiently. - And they''re not old and noisy like this one. - Old and noisy? - Shikadai looked surprised. - These trains are the most modern! The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. - Then you need to visit our village, Shikadai. - Hanami said with a smile. - But this is Leaf Village! - Shikadai almost shouted, clearly lost. - This is getting very confusing. Where is your home, then? Since you live in the Leaf Village... The brothers looked at each other, laughing at Shikadai''s confusion. - It''s the Hokage''s house. Boruto and Shikadai looked at each other. - The Hokage House is a small, two-bedroom apartment," Boruto explained. - It can''t accommodate two teenagers and their parents. - Besides... the Hokage is Boruto''s father. - Shut up, Shikadai! - Boruto shouted, visibly annoyed. Shin stood up, startled. - Wait a minute... What''s your father''s name, kid? - Damn it, Shikadai! - Boruto retorted, turning to him. - If you live in the Leaf Village, you know very well who the Nanadaime is. - Is it Naruto? - Hanami asked, getting up too, her eyes watering. - Your father''s name is Naruto, Boruto? Tell me! - Of course it is! - Shin exclaimed, pulling at his hair and pacing back and forth. - Boruto is the name of that thing... that acorn, Hanami, the one with the ramen! - Does your father love ramen, Boruto? - Hanami asked, already in tears. Boruto stood up, now completely annoyed. - Stop this drama! Everyone knows that my father loves ramen. What''s so exciting about that? Don''t tell me your fans of that old fool too. Hanami lowered her head and began to cry quietly. Shin then put his hands on Boruto''s shoulders and said, with a more serious tone: - Boruto... Naruto, the Nanadaime... he''s, our father. - WHAT? - Boruto clenched his fists so hard that his hands were shaking. With a sudden movement, he lunged forward, pushing his torso against Shin. Shikadai quickly got up and put a firm hand on his friend''s shoulder. - Calm down, Boruto. This must be some kind of mistake. - Mistake, Shikadai? Did you hear what they said? How could it be a mistake? Naruto, the Nanadaime of the Leaf. There can be no other! - Boruto turned to the other blond with wide eyes. - Or are you making fun of me? Hanami, her head down, let the tears run slowly down her cheeks. - If this was a joke, it would be the worst one ever," she muttered, her voice fragile. Shin took a step back, his eyes wandering to the trees and the sun that was beginning to disappear over the horizon. - It''s getting dark... - Shikadai also observed, the tension in the air being broken by the change in environment. - Guys, we really need to get out of here. - I''m not leaving here without understanding this, Shikadai! - Boruto exclaimed, almost shouting, with his fists clenched. - I knew it! I knew that old fool was up to something. - He paced back and forth, pulling at his hair, visibly agitated. - Of course, he could only be setting up another family! He never comes home, he''s never with us. Where could he be? Obviously at another woman''s house! How could I not have thought of that before? - What are you saying, Boruto? - Hanami asked, frowning in pain. - That our father has two families?! - That doesn''t make sense, kid," said Shin, with his hand on his chin and a serious look on his face. - My father would never do anything like that. - I already think it''s his face! - Boruto retorted, turning to Shin. - Fooling everyone by playing nice. But he''s never fooled me! That idiot... I knew something was wrong! - Stop talking about my father like that! - Hanami shouted, her fists clenched in anger. - Dad''s a decent man, he''d never do anything like that! - You''re an idiot, you don''t know anything about life, you little brat! - Boruto retorted with contempt. - Hey, kid! - Shin intervened, keeping his cool but stepping forward to stand in front of Boruto, ready to face the situation. - Nobody here is going to yell at my sister. - STOP IT NOW, YOU THREE! - Shikadai shouted firmly, his hands quickly coming together to form a seal. Taking advantage of the dim light still seeping into the forest, he conjured up a small but solid Shadow Jutsu that enveloped the three teenagers around him, immobilizing them instantly. - Silence and listen to me! We need to get out of here before night sets in. You two will go with me to my clan''s estate and stay there until dawn. Boruto, you''re going straight home and, if you know what''s well, you won''t tell anyone. Understand? Chapter 3 - Nara Property [1] - Yes... - Tomorrow morning, get to my house early. We''ll go to the Nara Forest. There, the four of us will talk calmly. Do you understand me? - Yes. - S-yes, Shika... - I''m going to let you go now. But stay still and don''t attack each other, understand? Everyone nodded, as far as possible, and then Shikadai undid his Jutsu. A collective sigh of relief escaped everyone. Hanami broke the silence: - You''ve never done this Jutsu before, Shika. - It''s a new technique. I trained to face Boruto''s Shadow Clones in the Chuunin exam. - Are you Chuunins already? - Shin asked, visibly impressed, as he approached Shikadai. - Not exactly... - Shikadai looked at Boruto, noticing his friend''s wide eyes. He decided to keep quiet. - We had some unforeseen circumstances and the exam was canceled. - But did you actually take the exam? - Hanami asked, also approaching. - Yes, we did! - Shikadai replied in a calm tone. - Your ninjas, haven''t you heard? - A bit early for that, isn''t it? - Shin commented, his gaze turning to Hanami as he ignored Shikadai''s question. - Enough of this talk! - Boruto exclaimed, kicking a pebble across the floor. - If we have to leave, let''s leave soon. The other three looked at each other. They knew Boruto was right, although each had their own reason for wanting to leave the place. Shikadai was worried about the coming night; Hanami, exhausted, just wanted to rest; Shin was immersed in his own thoughts about everything that had happened; and Boruto... Boruto just wanted to let go of the tension and return home, where he could face his father. They walked in silence until a part of the road where they finally stopped. At this point, the brothers, in a gesture of consideration, moved a little away from Shikadai and Boruto. - Bye, Boruto. See you,¡± Hanami said, waving from afar. - See you later, kid - Shin also waved goodbye, his voice quiet but with a touch of seriousness. When they were alone, Shikadai, with both hands stuffed in his pockets, looked at Boruto and said seriously: - Don''t do anything rash, Boruto. Confronting your father now won''t be smart, not until we understand this situation better. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. - That old fool won''t be home anyway,¡± Boruto replied with a forced smile, before leaping off the rooftops without so much as a goodbye. Although Shikadai tried to appear calm, he knew his friend well. He knew that, behind the facade of anger, Boruto was much sadder than he wanted to admit. However, Boruto didn''t go home as expected. His destination was the Hokage Tower. More specifically, the window of the Hokage House, a small annex to the tower. There, crouched on the balcony ledge, he observed the apartment. The light was still off, the room as closed as ever, with no sign of life. The furniture was exactly as he remembered it - nothing out of place, nothing even touched. The silence was even more present. However, only one light was still on in the building: the Hokage''s office. With an agile movement, Boruto hung upside down and cautiously peered through the glass. There, he saw his father sitting with his back turned, apparently busy with papers. In the next instant, Naruto straightened up in his chair, alert. He turned quickly, looking around as if he knew something was wrong. By reading his lips, Boruto realized that his father had seen him. Without hesitation, he turned and ran, heading for home. Standing at the point where they separated from Boruto, Hanami looked at Shikadai and asked: - Why do you think we should go to your family''s house, Shika? - Yeah, if this really is the Village, I think we need to go home,¡± agreed Shin, supporting Hanami''s suggestion. Shikadai scratched his chin thoughtfully. - I have a few guesses,¡± he said, with a thoughtful look on his face. - And if I''m right, I don''t think you exactly have a home here. Shikadai''s speech was interrupted by a sudden hug from Hanami. He was surprised, but before he could react, she murmured, her voice breaking: - I''m scared, Shika... It''s so strange that you don''t recognize me! We were together all the time, how can I be here, in front of you, and still miss you so much? With a sigh, Shin gently pulled his sister out of Shikadai''s arms, with a look of pity on his face. - Hanami... don''t push him,¡± he said softly. Hanami, however, seemed inconsolable. - You don''t understand, Shin... - I''m sorry, Hanami... - Shikadai swallowed, his face flushed. - If we''re such good friends, maybe at some point I''ll... Tsk, this is really sucking... - He scratched his head, a little shyly. - If you want, we could go to your house, but I''m pretty sure she won''t be there. - Like the trains? - Shin asked. - Yes, exactly like trains - Shikadai confirmed, putting his hands in his pockets and resuming his walk. - I trust you, Shika,¡± said Shin, nodding calmly. - If you think it''s best for us to stay at the Nara Estate, let''s go there. I have some ideas too, but... it''s better to rest now and think together tomorrow. Then we''ll decide what to do. But... is that going to be a problem for you? - I''m hungry,¡± Hanami mumbled, making a little sound. - There''s food there, Hana. - Shikadai answered quickly, then turned to Shin. - You''re trusting me. I''ll trust you too. Let''s go. Shikadai led the way, guiding the group as they ran along the rooftops, until they reached a forest with sparse vegetation. After a while, they spotted a kind of farmhouse. Shikadai made a quick hand seal and opened the gates, allowing everyone to enter. In the center of the grounds, a simple-looking house stood. With another hand seal, Shikadai unlocked the door and they entered. The interior of the house exuded a rustic charm: a cozy fireplace, two sturdy wooden sofas and a large bearskin rug dominated the center of the room. In one corner, a bar counter with three high chairs displayed a selection of drinks, delicate glasses and a small refrigerated wine cellar. At the back, three closed doors hinted at other rooms. - The door on the right leads to the kitchen, Hanami. There, you''ll find food in the fridge and cupboards. - Shikadai explained, pointing. Shin, with a complicit smile, put his hand on Shikadai''s shoulder and replied: - We know the house well, Shika. - We come here once a month. - Hanami added, smiling back. - We know every corner as if it were the back of our hand. Chapter 4 - Nara Property [2] Shikadai opened his mouth, but the words didn''t come out immediately. The situation was truly frightening, and a doubt drove him to test them both: - And what''s in that door? - he asked, pointing to the door next to the one leading to the kitchen. - The pier. - Hanami replied, her voice breaking. - Where we made that promise. But...¡± her eyes filled with tears. - You don''t remember, do you? She watched the boy, seeing him bite his lip. Of course he didn''t want to hurt her, but it seemed that with every question she asked, that was exactly what happened. How could he remember, after all, if he''d never had the chance to meet those two? Luckily, Shin noticed the tension and tried to ease the situation: - That''s enough, Hanami. He''s not the Shika you know. Get it out of your head and leave the guy alone. He''s already being more than kind. - Then, turning to Shikadai, he added: - Thanks, Shika. We''ll see you tomorrow morning. Shikadai bit his lip again, looking sad and embarrassed, and said goodbye to the two brothers. As he put his hand on the doorknob, he turned briefly to speak: - Maybe you already know, but I''d better tell you. Hanami, visibly irritated, replied: - We already know. We can''t leave. Shikadai opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say. He mumbled something incomprehensible, shook his head affirmatively and left, leaving them behind. It was 8:30 in the morning when Shikadai and Boruto arrived the next day. When they entered the kitchen, they found Hanami sitting at the table, while Shin finished frying eggs, wearing an apron. - Look at you, you look great in that apron, blondie. - Boruto didn''t miss the chance to tease, entering the room with his hands behind his head. - If you think an apron is just for women, you''re an idiot, kid. - Shin retorted, without losing his composure. - Good morning, everyone. - Shikadai intervened, trying to calm the situation. - How are you, Hanami? - The question sounded strange, and he felt a twinge of discomfort. There were no memories, just a feeling of emptiness. Hanami just shook her head politely, but didn''t answer. Shikadai and Boruto pulled up chairs and sat at the table, watching the brothers eat in silence. - Something strange has happened... - Shin said, interrupting the silence as he sat down. - I didn''t dream that night. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Boruto and Shikadai looked at each other, as if he had said something completely out of the ordinary. - I''m sorry, Shin, but... - Shikadai began, confused. - How could that be important? - It was strange, Shika. - Shin insisted, looking at him with a serious countenance. - It was like I blinked and suddenly the whole night had passed. That''s never happened before. - Maybe it''s just tiredness... - Shikadai commented, trying to play it down, without attaching too much importance to the subject. - Right, let''s get on with it. - Boruto said impatiently. - Have you thought of anything, Shikadai? - I think confronting your father will be pointless, Boruto. If all this is true, he''ll probably deny it anyway. - Shikadai said, trying to remain calm. - At least I''ll catch him red-handed. And show him that I know he''s an asshole. - Boruto said, clenching his fists with determination. - Stop calling my father that! - Hanami suddenly stood up, her voice full of anger. - He has another family, and I can''t call him an asshole? - Boruto replied, irritated. - You''re an asshole if you really think my father would do something like that! - She shouted, before running out of the kitchen. The two of them watched her leave through the door that led to the pier. - Hanami! - Shin shouted, desperate. - I''d better go after her, Shin. - Shikadai stood up slowly. - In case she goes any further. - She wouldn''t do that, Shika. - Shin replied, trying to stay calm. - You never know. - Shikadai said, with a serious expression, before walking towards the exit, leaving the two blondes sitting at the table. - What do you think we should do? - Boruto asked Shin, with a worried look on his face. - ¡°Man... I really can''t believe my father started another family. But... - Shin hesitated for a moment, looking at Boruto. - Well, you exist. And you''re here, in front of me. - That''s right. - Boruto grumbled, his tone lower now, reflecting his own frustration. - I''d like to talk to him alone. - Shikadai said, trying to remain calm. - No!¡± Boruto slammed his hand on the table, his voice firm and defiant. - I want to see his face. - It''s like Shikadai said, you know? - Shin commented, biting into a piece of bread as he thought. - If that''s really true, he''ll deny it. So I don''t think it''s a case of ¡°confronting¡± him. What we need to do is demand that he decides what we''re going to do from now on. Say that we don''t accept the situation, that sort of thing. Now... - he sipped his drink - as for when my father could have another family, I really don''t know. He doesn''t stop working and, when he''s not working, he''s at home. - Oh, and all the times he says he''s working and really isn''t? - Boruto replied, looking skeptical. Shin laughed, trying to defuse the tension. - I''m sorry, Boruto, but there''s no such thing. When he''s not working, he''s at home, as I just said. And he lives at home. - What are you talking about? - Boruto asked, not understanding. - The hardest thing is getting my father out of the house. He makes our coffee and dinner every day, rain or shine. He''s never spent the night away from home, except on a mission - which is rare. I can remember, I don''t know, five or six times in my life when I went to bed and he wasn''t there. Boruto looked down; his chest tight. He felt his tears begin to form, anger burning inside him. So that was it. His father loved that other family more than his own. He was always absent for him, but present for those two. What was so special about them that he and Himawari didn''t have? The image of Shikadai returning with Hanami brought Boruto out of his thoughts. - I''ve got an idea! - Hanami exclaimed, smiling back, clearly more excited. Something Shikadai had said to her seemed to have transformed her mood significantly. - What if we went to your house, Boruto, and pretended that none of this was happening?