《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.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered 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!Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    - 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.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    - 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.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    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?

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 Chapter 5 - Nara Property [3]

    - "Yes!" Shin exclaimed excitedly, wiping his mouth with a napkin.


    - That sounds like a great idea! Let''s just act like we''re friends in front of your mother and sister, and when Dad comes, the three of us will be there. He won''t be able to pretend or deny anything. He''ll see that we know each other and he''ll have to say something!


    - We''re not going to say anything - Hanami interrupted, gesturing as she imagined the scene. - We''re just going to stand there and play, as if nothing''s going on. Then, when he arrives, we''ll look at him like it''s the most normal day ever. Let''s see what he says.


    - What time is he usually home, Boruto? - Shin asked, curious.


    His eyes still downcast, Boruto answered, his voice low and bitter:


    - He''s hardly ever home.


    - Come on, he''ll turn up at some point, it''s not possible - Hanami commented, her hand on her waist, trying to be optimistic.


    - There''s no timetable. - Boruto shied away from the conversation, looking away.


    - I''ll arrange for him to come home today. - Shikadai intervened firmly. - Leave it to me.


    - And what are we going to do all day? - Hanami asked, arching an eyebrow.


    - We''ve already skipped class, so... - Shikadai concluded with a subtle smile. - Let''s go for a walk around the village.


    - Yes! So I can show you what the real Leaf Village is like, Shikadai! - Shin said triumphantly, as if he had found the perfect solution.


    - And if you show me everything that''s different, Shin... - Shikadai replied, raising an eyebrow with a slightly wry smile. - Does that mean we''re in another village?


    - Actually, Shika... - Shin started to get up from the table as he spoke. - I suspect we''re in a Genjutsu.


    Boruto let out a loud laugh. The other three looked at him, exchanging silent glances, not knowing what to say. Until Boruto recovered and spoke, with a serious expression:


    - Seriously, it''s unbelievable the state of denial you''re in, just to avoid facing reality! - He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed on the others. - Dad has two families. Period! There''s no genjutsu here!


    - I was in the middle of a battle when I fell on you, you idiot! - Shin advanced towards Boruto, staring at him with intensity. - I''m not in denial!


    - Battle? - Shikadai asked, puzzled.


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    - Yes. Against The Fox.


    - Who? - Shikadai frowned, not understanding.


    - That''s what he calls himself, at least. - Shin replied, with a tone of voice that mixed frustration and explanation.


    - We don''t have any enemies with that name. - Shikadai said, putting his hands in his pockets as he walked into the room, accompanied by the others.


    - Could this be a disguise for Orochimaru? - Boruto asked, his voice full of doubt.


    - The Sannin? - Hanami asked, looking bored. - He died a long time ago.


    Boruto and Shikadai looked at each other, surprised.


    - And Mitsuki? Where is he? - Boruto asked, with a twinge of concern.


    - Sorry, we don''t know this person. - Shin replied, looking uncomfortable.


    Boruto, unable to hide his frustration, knocked hard on the kitchen door. His first theory was that his father was an old fool who had made another family, but his second, more disturbing theory involved the idea that those two could be from the future. And if they didn''t know Mitsuki... maybe something terrible had happened to him. The idea seemed absurd, but the need to see him, to have some answers, made the desperation grow.


    - Shikadai. Let''s take a walk around the village. I need to find Mitsuki. Quick, you two, let''s go. - His voice was tense, full of urgency.


    Shikadai watched his friend with a half-smile, understanding what was going through Boruto''s head. He was beginning to see that Boruto was starting to consider other possibilities than just seeing the Nanadaime as an asshole. He himself had his own theories, but he knew better than to risk saying anything before Naruto found the two brothers. And, deep down, Shikadai couldn''t help worrying about what might happen to the world if this meeting really did take place.


    ***


    They spent the day walking around the city center, talking about the different "Leaf Villages" they knew. The changes, however, weren''t that significant - that''s what they noticed. A few stores had disappeared or moved, but nothing else seemed really different.


    Shin, however, noticed something curious: cell phones were not so common there. Hanami, on the other hand''s eyes lit up when he saw the numerous combinations of snacks in the burger shop:


    - Isn''t fruit obligatory in the combo? Wow! Give me all the greasy stuff, sir, please! - he exclaimed with a mischievous grin.


    Boruto was annoyed by the choice, but in the end, he paid for everyone, since only Hanami had a bit of money - which, apparently, was worthless there. Meanwhile, Shikadai left his friends eating and went off to talk to his father, continuing with his own plans.


    When he returned, they followed Boruto to Mitsuki''s house. While Boruto went inside and started talking to his friend, Shikadai and Shin sat in a nearby square, playing Shogi, while Hanami distracted himself by hunting insects. At the end of the afternoon, everyone gathered and headed for Boruto''s house.


    - I''m home! - Boruto announced, walking through the door. As soon as he entered, he saw Himawari running towards him, beaming.


    - Welcome back, bro! - She exclaimed, reaching out to hug him, but then stopped, looking curiously at the two brothers standing in the doorway.


    - I brought some friends, Mom. - Boruto said, still in Himawari''s embrace.


    - It''s okay, son. Send them in. - His mother''s voice came from the living room, warm and quiet.


    That voice... Shin felt a strange sense of familiarity, but he couldn''t remember who it was. They took off their shoes under the watchful eye of Himawari, who was observing everything with curiosity. Boruto was sweating nervously, but tried to keep his composure as he introduced them:


    - These are my friends, Shin and Hanami, Hima. - He turned to them both, still trying to look natural. - And this is my sister, Himawari.


    Hanami, smiling warmly, came forward and hugged the girl affectionately:


    - Boruto talks about you a lot, Himawari. It''s nice to finally meet you. - She said, with a friendly smile on her face.

 Chapter 7 - Chaos Theories [2]

    ¡ª Dad? ¡ª Naruto lifted his head, thinking Boruto had spoken, but he quickly realized it was Shin. The boy took two hesitant steps toward him. ¡ª Erh, hello, sir¡­


    ¡ª You can call me Naruto.


    ¡ª Naruto? ¡ª The boy found it strange. He had always called this man ¡°Dad¡± his entire life.


    ¡ª Yes, that¡¯s my name. Naruto. ¡ª Naruto¡¯s confusion only deepened. He looked closely at the two boys, trying to understand what was happening. Could these children be from another village? Or did they not recognize him? ¡ª But¡­ we know each other, don¡¯t we? ¡ª he asked, a sincere doubt in his eyes.


    Shin¡¯s heart nearly stopped. A flicker of hope shone in his eyes. ¡ª I¡¯m sure we do. But from where? ¡ª Naruto placed his hand on his chin and looked deeply into Shin¡¯s eyes. His smile, though affectionate, carried a total absence of recognition.


    ¡ª Dad¡­ I mean¡­ my dad, he¡­ ¡ª Shin tried, but he realized that Naruto truly didn¡¯t recognize him. Still, there was something, a vague memory, something that could be the starting point. Maybe a special moment¡­ ¡ª My dad also likes ramen ¡ª he said, trying to find a connection, though he didn¡¯t know what else to say.


    Naruto laughed and placed his hands on his hips. ¡ª I see your dad has good taste, kid! ¡ª Then, he placed a hand on Shin¡¯s shoulder and said: ¡ª Make yourselves at home. I¡¯m going to wash my hands and be right back. Hina, I¡¯m starving, Dattebayo!


    ¡ª We¡¯re going to wash our hands too, Mom! ¡ª Boruto shouted, pulling Shin¡¯s hand. In turn, Shin took Hanami¡¯s hand, and the three of them quickly ran up the stairs to Boruto¡¯s room, while Hinata, from the kitchen, called out:


    ¡ª There¡¯s a sink down here, Borut¡ª...


    Inside Boruto¡¯s room, silence filled the air. The atmosphere was heavy. Sniffling, Hanami was the first to break the silence:


    ¡ª He wasn¡¯t faking it. He really didn¡¯t know who we were. ¡ª Boruto paced back and forth, sighing and pulling at his hair. Shin remained standing, staring into the void, his lips curved in a serious expression. ¡ª Shin¡­ what¡¯s happening, brother? Why didn¡¯t Dad remember us? Not even Aunt Hinata?


    ¡ª You know my mom? ¡ª Shin asked, trying to find something positive in the situation.


    ¡ª She¡¯s, my godmother. ¡ª Shin replied with a forced smile. ¡ª And her son is my best friend.


    ¡ª Hey! I¡¯m her son, idiot! ¡ª Boruto exclaimed angrily, but his voice lost strength when he realized he couldn¡¯t meet Shin¡¯s eyes, who was lost in his own thoughts.


    ¡ª Oh, right¡­ ¡ª Shin said, almost emotionlessly.


    ¡ª We need to find Shika! ¡ª Hanami said excitedly. ¡ª I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll know what to do!


    ¡ª You¡¯re right. ¡ª Boruto, surprising the others, spoke without his usual sarcasm. ¡ª At the very least, he¡¯ll know where to start.


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    ¡ª What about dinner? ¡ª Hanami pouted, rubbing her belly. ¡ª I¡¯m hungry.


    ¡ª We¡¯ll have dinner with Dad, with Naruto¡­ I don¡¯t even know what to call him¡­ And then we¡¯ll find Shikadai. ¡ª Shin said firmly.


    They went back downstairs and tried to act normal at the table, in front of the adults and Himawari. The food was delicious, and Hanami, without hesitation, went for seconds, licking her lips. Shin, however, had no appetite.


    He chewed with difficulty, his eyes following Naruto¡¯s every movement, the sadness consuming his chest. It was impossible to believe that the man before him didn¡¯t recognize him, but with each passing second, it became more evident.


    He watched Naruto be affectionate with Himawari and exchange knowing glances with Hinata. He laughed internally, seeing how he treated Boruto like a child. He felt a little calmer watching Hanami interact cheerfully, but the pain didn¡¯t fade. After some protests from the girl, they decided to skip dessert and head straight to the forest.


    It was 9 PM when Shikadai arrived, right on time. The presence of all three children of the Hokage signaled that thing hadn¡¯t gone as planned.


    ¡ª He didn¡¯t recognize you, did he? ¡ª Shikadai asked with a serious expression.


    ¡ª How do you know that? ¡ª Boruto asked, surprised.


    ¡ª I suspected as much ¡ª Shikadai replied, resting a hand on his cheek as he paced while the others watched in silence.


    ¡ª What does this mean, Shikadai? ¡ª Shin asked, suspicious. ¡ª You already know what¡¯s going on, don¡¯t you?


    ¡ª Let¡¯s sit down ¡ª Shikadai said cryptically but was followed by the three. ¡ª You mentioned being in the middle of a battle when you got here, Shin. Tell me about it.


    Shin looked at the others and, hesitating, lowered his gaze.


    ¡ª I can¡¯t talk about it¡­ it¡¯s a classified mission.


    ¡ª If you don¡¯t tell me, the world as you know it, including everyone you love, might be destroyed ¡ª Shikadai said with a seriousness that made the atmosphere even heavier. ¡ª I think you¡¯d better start talking. If I¡¯m right, things are way more complicated than we thought.


    The others remained silent, watching Shin, who, left with no options, began to speak.


    ¡ª Well¡­ There¡¯s an enemy called The Fox. At least, that¡¯s what he calls himself. We were fighting against him. Or rather, against one of his vessels. Me, Hayato, and Uncle Sasuke.


    Shikadai and Boruto exchanged quick glances, and Boruto was the first to ask:


    ¡ª Is he an Otsutsuki?


    ¡ª What¡¯s that? An animal? ¡ª Shin asked, confused.


    ¡ª No, it¡¯s a clan! Kaguya¡¯s clan! ¡ª Boruto replied, visibly irritated, then turned to Hanami with a pleading look. ¡ª From the war. The one who was sealed away.


    ¡ª The Fourth Shinobi War? ¡ª Shin asked, confused.


    ¡ª Yes, of course! ¡ª Boruto answered, even more irritated.


    ¡ª The Fourth War was against the Akatsuki ¡ª Shin commented, shrugging, still not understanding. ¡ª Was Otsutsuki some kind of soldier clan?


    ¡ª Dude¡­ ¡ª Boruto scratched his head, incredulous.


    ¡ª This is problematic ¡ª Shikadai remarked, now even more concerned about the situation. ¡ª Keep going, Shin.


    ¡ª Wait ¡ª Shin said, suddenly standing up and making a hand seal. ¡ª My theory is that I¡¯m trapped in an incredibly powerful Genjutsu. I know how to break free from normal Genjutsu, and if I were in one, I would¡¯ve escaped by now. And now you¡¯re questioning me about my classified mission¡­ How do I know this isn¡¯t the enemy disguised as my friend, trying to extract information from me?


    ¡ª Holy crap¡­ ¡ª Shikadai smacked his forehead, frustrated. ¡ª I¡¯m me, Shin!


    ¡ª Sorry, Shikadai. I have to consider all possibilities ¡ª Shin replied as black markings began spreading across his body, covering his arms and face. The others were startled.


    ¡ª What the hell is that, dude? ¡ª Shikadai asked, standing up and stepping back, visibly uneasy.


    ¡ª Unfortunately, my hypothesis is that Uncle Sasuke turned against us and put me in one of the Uchiha¡¯s powerful Genjutsu during the fight. Hanami¡­ ¡ª He turned to his sister, his eyes now gravely serious. ¡ª Hurt me.


    ¡ª Shin! The Byakugou?! ¡ª Hanami exclaimed, clearly alarmed by the intensity of the situation.

 Chapter 6 - Chaos Theories [1]

    The little girl looked at them, and then at Boruto, visibly confused.


    - Where do you know them from, Boruto? Don''t they study at...?


    Before Boruto could answer, Hinata appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a tea towel, and smiled warmly.


    - Hello, children. - She greeted them softly. - Make yourselves at home. You''re in luck, Naruto will be home today and I''ve decided to make him a palm heart pie, which he loves. Then we''ll have a special dinner.


    The three of them exchanged apprehensive glances, holding their breath. Shikadai had done it. Their father was really coming. The tension increased.


    - Where do you know each other from, love? - Hinata asked, turning to Boruto, who seemed to hesitate as he tried to answer.


    - ¨¦... from...


    - ...Shogi, Hinata. - Shikadai intervened, saying the first thing that came to mind.


    - Yes, Shin is from Shikadai''s shogi club and we''ve become friends. - Boruto continued, trying to sound convincing. - And Hanami... well, she¡¯s, his sister.


    Hinata stooped a little so that she was level with them and, looking at Hanami, smiled gently.


    - You''re so beautiful, dear. Your face is no stranger to me.


    - Actually, Aunt Hinata, I... - Hanami stammered, her eyes watering. It was so strange to be recognized by someone with so many memories and feelings.


    - Yes, Mom, of course, you''ve seen each other... you''ve seen me with them, yes. - Boruto tried to explain quickly, stammering as he hurried to take off his shoes, anxious to get out of that uncomfortable situation.


    - Funny you should have that pink hair, dear. I''ve only ever seen something like that...


    - I won''t be able to stay for dinner, Mrs. Hinata. Sorry, my mother''s waiting for me. - Shikadai interrupted, quickly descending the outside stairs and entering the house with a firm step, trying to divert Hinata''s attention to him while Boruto pulled Hanami into the house.


    - Oh, dear, what a shame. Send my regards to Temari, will you? - Hinata replied, with a sweet expression but a touch of sadness.


    - Yes, thank you. - Shikadai waved quickly from the doorway, his fleeting, complicit gaze turning to Boruto. - Yeah... bye, Boruto! Bye, guys! See you later!


    - Make yourselves at home, kids. - Hinata said, closing the door behind them. - The pie has smelled; it should be ready soon. Hima, let your brother play whatever he wants with his friends, okay? Naruto should be here soon. Do you know him?


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    - Yes!¡± Hima replied excitedly.


    - ¡°No. - Boruto shook his head, still trying to stay calm as the door closed.


    The siblings gave opposite answers, not knowing exactly how to react. Hinata stood up, a little uncomfortable:


    - I see. - She smiled softly, trying to lighten the mood. - Dinner will be out soon. Excuse me.


    - Come on, Shin! I''ll show you, my Shinobi Striker. - Boruto picked up the video game and settled down on the sofa. Hanami sat next to him, while Shin stood, watching the game from above. Himawari sat on the floor, watching the teenagers.


    - This doll here is me. I control it the way I want to, see? Here you have life, Jutsus and weapons. And here I...


    - I played this when I was about eight. - Shin said, shrugging, relaxed. - Today we''re playing Shinobi Three. Do you know it?


    - I don''t think we have 3D technology here, brother. - Boruto joked, not really caring.


    - Hey, wait a minute! - Boruto tried to be indignant, but was cut off by Himawari.


    - I call my brother ¡°bro¡±... it''s... Hanami?


    - That''s right. - Hanami smiled.


    - Do you want to see my new drawings? - Himawari asked enthusiastically.


    - Yes, Hima. - Hanami replied with a warm smile.


    The four of them continued to play and chat in the living room, the atmosphere more relaxed. Shin, however, glanced at Hinata from time to time, watching her through the kitchen counter. His eyes followed her movements with a certain melancholy. Boruto noticed and was annoyed.


    - Stop fucking looking at my mother! - Boruto whispered, annoyed. - Are you comparing her to yours, you idiot? She''ll understand.


    - Actually... I''m comparing her to herself. - Shin replied, his gaze filled with a sadness that Boruto hadn''t expected.


    - Huh? What are you talking about? - Boruto asked, confused.


    - We''d better get back to playing, man. - Shin looked away, as if to escape the conversation. - Let it go.


    - Honey, I''m home! - Naruto''s deep voice echoed through the small house, causing everyone to instantly stop what they were doing. Eyes widened, and a momentary silence spread through the room. If Naruto had intended to go unnoticed, he certainly hadn''t succeeded.


    Himawari was the only one not to hesitate: she ran with her arms open, eager to be welcomed into her father''s lap. The other youngsters, on the other hand, stood motionless, wide-eyed, trembling and visibly moved in different ways, as they watched Naruto, the exhausted blond, remove his shoes at the entrance.


    - Welcome, dear. I was surprised when the clone told me you were coming to dinner. - Hinata commented softly, heading for the door with a serene smile, welcoming her husband with a polite curtsy.


    - You can''t imagine how I felt when Shikamaru asked me to stay and sign papers today... - Naruto finished taking off his shoes and pulled Himawari into a hug, still talking to Hinata. - He said I look awful tired. Do I look that ugly, dear?


    - Oh, never, of course not! - Hinata replied quickly, laughing softly. - Dinner will be out soon. Hima, set the table, please, dear.


    - Yes, Mom! - Himawari smiled and rushed off to do the task.


    As he took a step inside, Naruto noticed the three teenagers standing there, perplexed, with their gazes fixed on him.


    - Are you having visitors, son? How nice! Aren''t you going to introduce me? - he said, smiling.


    - Introduce you? - Shin was startled, the surprise evident in his tone.


    Hanami stepped forward, standing right in front of Naruto. He bent down to her height, gently smoothing her hair.


    - Hello. My name is Naruto. And yours? - he asked, smiling.


    But when he looked into the girl''s eyes, he saw that they were welling up with tears, and that scared him a little.


    - What is it, little girl? Can I help you? - he asked, the concern evident in his voice.


    Hanami could barely hold back her tears. She just shook her head in denial before turning away. Naruto, although used to the effect his presence had on children and young people - many of whom saw him as the famous Nanadaime and overreacted when they approached him - couldn''t help but feel that this reaction was a bit much.

 Chapter 8 - Chaos Theories [3]

    - Byakugou... - Boruto exclaimed in amazement, jumping to his feet.


    - Wasn''t that the power the Godaime used in the war, Shikadai? - He spoke as if he was going to remember his history lessons, but Shikadai''s jaw was too slack to answer.


    - Come on, Hanami! Hurt me! Or I''ll ask these two! - Shin shouted, finishing covering his entire body with the Jutsu. Hanami then began to cry:


    - I won''t hurt you at this level, brother! I can''t do it!


    - Shika! Shika, please! If you really are who you say you are, stick a shadow on my leg! - Shin begged, desperate.


    - Huh?! Shin! My shadows don''t have that kind of damaging power yet! I can''t pierce someone''s leg with them. I-I... You can''t be serious! - Shikadai stammered, perplexed.


    - You''re going on too long! - Boruto, impatient, pulled out a Kunai and advanced on Shin. He would have rammed it into the boy''s chest if it hadn''t been for the speed with which Shin had prepared for the fight. The Kunai ended up cutting his arm.


    - Urgh! - The boy groaned, feeling the pain.


    - Shin! - Hanami shouted, her eyes full of rage, advancing towards Boruto. But Shikadai quickly got in front of her, holding her firmly. - Come on, you!


    - Hanami! Shin asked! - Shikadai tried to calm her down.


    Boruto, cynical, smiled at her, and Hanami realized that the aggression wasn''t just coming from her brother''s request. But even so, she stopped struggling in Shikadai''s arms and pulled away, going to try to help Shin.


    Shin, with difficulty, pulled the Kunai from his arm, groaning in pain. He grimaced, seeing the blood pouring from his wound, and almost fainted from the numbness. Before he fell to his knees, Hanami held him up and helped him sit on the ground. The blood was still flowing, but soon the black traces of Byakugou began to spread across Shin''s body, slowly closing the cut.


    The other two boys watched in amazement as the wound disappeared completely, as if it had never existed.


    - Right... - Shin took a shaky breath, trying to catch his breath.


    - Let''s get to the facts. Boruto''s theory is wrong. Dad doesn''t have two families, or at least he doesn''t know he does. Mine isn''t true either; I''m definitely not in a Genjutsu. Now I need to hear yours, Shikadai. For God''s sake, speak up. This needs some explaining!


    Shikadai bent down, feeling the emotional weight of the situation. He saw Shin''s state of nerves and, with a heavy sigh, put his hand on his knee before answering:


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    - You were very brave, Shin. Let me help you. Trust me. I''m not that friend of yours, Shikadai, and I''m sorry for that. But you must be a good friend. - The two boys exchanged a sincere smile. The others sat down around him.


    - Tell me everything you can, please. I''ve already managed to put a few pieces of this puzzle together, but there are still many more to go. The more information I have, the better I can analyze it and the easier it will be to find a solution.


    Shin took a deep breath and began to speak:


    - I''m part of sensei Rock Lee''s Team 7. - The boys looked at each other in surprise, but didn''t interrupt.


    - We received a special mission from the Nanadaime to investigate some clues about the Fox. At one point, we split up: Hayato Uchiha and I followed with the Nanadaime''s advisor, Sasuke Uchiha, while Rika Hayate and our sensei left for the neighboring town.


    Everyone listened attentively, trying to process the many pieces of information, about people they knew and others not so much.


    - The three of us were looking for a boy who, from the marks on his body, seemed to be one of the Fox''s receptacles. We finally found him. Uncle Sasuke


    - that is, Sasuke Uchiha - stayed behind and let Hayato and me fight the boy. Well, at least his body was that of a boy about our age. And then we started fighting. At some point, Hayato got hit and I got... furious. So I did a huge Rasengan and...


    - A Rasengan?! - Boruto couldn''t help himself. - The Yondaime Hokage''s Jutsu?!


    - Yes, Boruto. That''s the one.


    - But how is it possible...?!


    - Let him finish telling us, Boruto! - Shikadai complained, interrupting his friend, realizing that anxiety was taking over everyone.


    Shin let out a deep sigh, clearly uncomfortable. These were not good memories for him.


    - ...so I did that huge Rasengan. Sasuke also went towards Hayato at the same time. He realized that the receptacle would attack us in a devastating way. He was only a boy, but he had absurd strength. It all happened very quickly. I was doing the Giant Rasengan, I saw a portal open up behind the receptacle and I felt intense heat on my side - I think Hayato let off a fireball, even though he was injured, but I''m not sure. I can''t remember anything else. - He lowered his head, emotion taking over his face.


    - There was an explosion, I think I fainted... I don''t know. I just remember suddenly seeing a blonde head and... there I was, falling on top of Boruto.


    - Yeah, we remember that part well. - Boruto crossed his arms, clearly annoyed.


    - What about you, Hanami? - Shikadai asked, curious. - Were you fighting too?


    Shin grimaced angrily, crossing his arms in the same way as Boruto. He gave his sister a firm look and asked in a challenging tone:


    - Excellent question, Shikadai. How on earth did you end up here, Hanami Uzumaki?


    Hanami clasped her fingers together, visibly shy, and stammered before answering:


    - I-I... I couldn''t let you fight the Fox''s vessel alone, Shin!


    - So you didn''t want to miss out on the adventure, did you, Hanami? - Shin replied, a little more irritated.


    - I-I... - Hanami began, not knowing how to defend herself.


    - I''m going to tell Mom all about this, and I swear I''m going to beat you up this time, Uzumaki! - Shin exclaimed, his voice full of anger.


    - Shin, no! - Hanami shouted, trying to interrupt.


    - Wait, Shin. Let her finish. This is important. - Shikadai held the boy''s knee again and asked: - Tell us, Hanami.


    - I... I ran in the same direction as Shin and bit my finger to summon Gamakichi, the toad I have a contract with.


    - A toad?! - Boruto exclaimed in surprise.


    - Yes, but he didn''t appear. When I put my hand on the ground and saw the summoning seal, the explosion happened... I saw it too. - Hanami took a deep breath, looking at Shin with a somber expression.

 Chapter 9 - Chaos Theories [4]

    - Yes, Shin, Hayato made that gigantic Fireball, even when he was down, because he realized that the receptacle was...


    - Even though he was injured, Hayato still tried to save me... - Shin''s eyes filled with tears and he bowed his head, the sadness evident on his face. Hanami continued her story, her voice lower:


    - Afterwards, I just remember falling next to... - She looked at Shikadai, her voice breaking a little. - Of... - She lowered her eyes, and he, with a gentle gesture, smoothed her knee, trying to convey comfort without words.


    Shikadai stood up slowly, running his hand over his chin as he watched his friends.


    - My theory seems to be the most plausible so far. - He sighed, visibly tired. - Somehow, which I still don''t understand, this explosion caused you to go through some kind of dimensional portal.


    - Does that mean we''re in another dimension? - Shin asked, confusion evident in his voice.


    - I''d say we''re in the same dimension, but in another reality. - Shikadai replied, trying to organize his thoughts.


    - What do you mean? - Boruto frowned, trying to understand.


    - You''ve ended up in an alternative reality to your own. One in which different decisions have been made. That''s why some things are the same, but others are completely different.


    - Like a time tunnel? - Hanami asked, puzzled.


    - Not exactly. We''re in the same time period, but... - Shikadai hesitated, looking at the ground. Talking about this wasn''t easy. - In a reality where the Nanadaime married Sakura.


    - Yes, she''s our mother. What about that? - Hanami answered bluntly.


    - Sakura? Sarada''s mother? Married to my father? - Boruto abruptly pulled away, tugging at his hair. - So... in their reality, Sarada... is my sister?!


    - We don''t know any Sarada,¡± Hanami commented, looking at Shikadai. - Is this... something serious?


    Boruto, without another word, ran off. Shikadai shouted for his friend, frustrated:


    - Wait, Boruto! Don''t do anything stupid! - He huffed, annoyed. - Shit...


    - For Kami... what now? - Shin was in shock, still sitting and trying to piece together what Shikadai had said. The fear in his eyes was evident, but he couldn''t find a solution.


    - Shin... - Shikadai bent down to him, more seriously. - If my guess is right... your lack of dreams could be a sign of something very serious.


    - More serious than anything you''ve said so far? ¡°Putz!¡± Shin exclaimed, his apprehension growing.


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    - ¡°Yes... maybe your unconscious mind isn''t ¡®working¡¯ here in this dimension. That''s why you''re not dreaming - Shikadai paused, taking a deep breath. - You''re not forming memories. Which is good, because if you go back, you probably won''t remember anything. But it also means...


    - ...that I''m ceasing to exist in my real dimension! - Shin exclaimed, putting his hands on his head, realization suddenly hitting him.


    - That''s it. - Shikadai lowered his gaze, saddened.


    Shin stood up suddenly, a panicked expression overtaking him:


    - Shika, we need to leave. My God, we have to go quickly!


    - Let''s go find Uncle Sasuke, Shin. - Hanami suggested, trying to stay calm. - He can help us with his Rinnegan.


    - Good idea, Han... - Shikadai interrupted with a tired sigh. - Sasuke Uchiha no longer has the Rinnegan in this reality.


    - Huh?! - The two brothers exclaimed in unison, completely stunned.


    - And he''s the hardest ninja in the world to find. He''s never in the village. - Shikadai concluded, his frustration evident.


    - But who then can help us? - Hanami asked, perplexed.


    - My father is the Hokage''s advisor here. - Shikadai said, his voice heavy.


    - Sensei Nara? Advisor? - Hanami asked, startled.


    - My father... is he your sensei? - Shikadai asked, surprised.


    - He will be. When I enter the Academy. - Hanami replied with a smile, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.


    - You haven''t entered the Academy yet? - Shikadai asked, surprised.


    - Stop it, you two! - Shin shouted, visibly frustrated.


    - We need to find a way out of here, not dwell on the differences between our realities! And then there''s Boruto, that crazy guy - he pointed to the horizon - running around doing who knows what!


    - We need help from an adult, Shin! - Hanami whimpered, the desperation clear in her voice. - This is too serious! We can''t deal with this alone!


    - Didn''t you hear what Shikadai said, Hanami? It''s impossible to find Sasuke Uchiha. And he doesn''t even have the Rinnegan anymore! What do you want me to do? Find my father and say, ¡°Hi, I''m your son from another reality, I''ve gone through a strange portal and now help me get back before I and everything I know disappear from the universe¡±? Dove! What can he do?


    - Yare, yare... - The voice emerged from the shadows, making them position themselves to fight. - Amazing the stories we hear on a night with a waning moon, all because we''re out reading a book.


    - Rokudaime-sama? - Shikadai exclaimed in surprise, quickly undoing his fighting stance. The others followed suit. They saw the gray-haired man approaching calmly, both hands in his pockets. When he got close, he stooped slightly, looking at them with a discreet smile beneath his mask.


    - So you''re Naruto and Sakura''s kids? - He asked, with a smile on his face. - I knew that, in some reality, these two had to have been together.


    Shin watched the former Hokage, dressed in moose-print pyjamas, cross-legged on the sofa. He wondered if Kakashi was sleeping in that mask, when he was interrupted by the ninja''s voice.


    - ...can it be?


    - Huh? Sorry, Rokudaime, I didn''t...


    - Stones. - Kakashi stood up with a sigh. - Can you tell me everything again, but using stones?


    At that moment, Hanami appeared, yawning as he stretched inside a gigantic shirt that barely covered his knees.


    - Good morning, gentlemen! - She looked down at the table and her eyes sparkled with gluttony. - Hummm, Dad told me you were a good cook, Rokudaime.


    - Make yourself at home, Hanami. - Kakashi replied, smiling slightly.


    He then got up and left the room, still in his pajamas, leaving the two brothers alone. Shin was staring at the wall with a faraway look in his eyes, apparently lost in thought, while Hanami was enthusiastically munching on jam and bread.


    - Rokudaime was very kind to let us stay at his house, wasn''t he, brother? - Hanami commented, his mouth full, without noticing Shin''s distracted tone.


    Waking from his reverie, Shin made a disapproving face, assuming his role as older brother.


    - Yes, it was. So, do yourself a favor and live up to the education Mom gave you and help out around the house, Hanami. And make sure you don''t eat it all in one go.


    - Ah, you''re very annoying, Shin. - Hanami grumbled, making a face.

 Chapter 10 - Time 7 [1]

    Shin got up and went to the bathroom. He was wearing borrowed pajamas, a bit large but comfortable. When he returned, he found Kakashi sitting on the living room floor while Hanami took the dishes to the sink, still making faces at his brother.


    - Come on, Shin. Use the stones and talk to me again. - Kakashi smiled softly.


    - But this is the fourth time, Uncle Kakashi! - Shin complained impatiently.


    The ninja smiled patiently, touched by the unknown boy''s sincerity. It was strange to think that, elsewhere, they already knew each other and shared an affectionate relationship. With a sigh, Kakashi explained once more.


    - It''s important, Shin. Please, Shin. There are things about this fight that are still unclear. Shikadai was very perceptive, but we lack information. Maybe I can understand it better. Or, who knows, find someone who does.


    - Are you thinking of talking to someone?


    - Don''t worry about it now. Just explain again.


    - I''ll do the dishes, see, Shin? - Hanami shouted from the kitchen, stretching her neck to cross eyes with her brother. He nodded, approving of his sister''s gesture, before turning to Kakashi. Patiently, he arranged the stones in a position that seemed to represent the fight that had brought them there:


    - Here was the receptacle. Here I am, and here''s Hayato. Uncle Sasuke was behind me, you see. So Hayato advanced like this, took a blow from him and fell here. I set up my Rasengan and went diagonally. Uncle Sasuke must have opened a dimensional portal, because I saw something here, but I''m not sure. It could have been the receptacle too; we don''t know exactly what powers it has. And Hayato probably released the Fireball here, from below, since he was lying down.


    Kakashi scratched his chin, observing the ¡°scene¡± drawn by the stones. What else was there to understand?


    - It doesn''t make sense for you to have gone through the dimensional portal that Sasuke opened, considering how far away you were. And I don''t think he had the power to take us to another reality, only to other dimensions of that same reality. How did that happen?


    - Well... maybe the explosion pushed us there?


    - But if that were the case, you would have collided with the receptacle, and it would have been taken here too.


    Shin''s eyes widened.


    - Oh my God! What if it really did come?


    - But... didn''t you fall on Boruto and Shikadai together? You and Hanami? The receptacle would have fallen too.


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    Shin kept his eyes wide open, still in shock.


    - I don''t know. Wouldn''t he have the power to teleport to another location?


    - Wow! - Kakashi ran his hands over his face in exasperation. - So many possibilities and no answers, why is that? What''s left to understand? - He looked at the stones, now more nervous. - What was that explosion?


    - I don''t know, Uncle Kakashi. I think I fainted as soon as it happened.


    - The Uchiha''s Fireball Jutsu doesn''t explode. That doesn''t make sense. - Kakashi scratched his chin thoughtfully. - Did that boy throw something on the fire?


    - No, not that. I remember his position until the explosion. He was coming towards me, saw that it was me who was going to attack him, and positioned the weapon in my direction.


    - Maybe the Rasengan and the fire?


    - No, no. My Rasengan would have had to curve to reach the fire. And I didn''t even throw it, I just formed it in the palm of my hand.


    - Tsk, what''s missing here? Think, Kakashi, think...


    - I''m missing! - Hanami shouted, jumping from the kitchen into the living room. - Where''s my stone? Don''t ignore me, I''m here too! - She put her hand on her waist, swaying her body from side to side. She looked at the drawing of the battle made with the stones, trying to understand her position.


    - That''s right, Hanami - Kakashi smiled, amused. - Stand here in our battle drawing, please.


    Hanami sat down on the floor next to Shin and picked up an unused stone.


    - I was here, hiding behind the trees.


    - I''m going to kill you, Hanami! - Shin shouted, his fists close to her face.


    - How can you come after me on a mission like this? You''re not even a student at the Academy yet! Do you understand how dangerous that was, damn it? You could have died, you...


    - Calm down, Shin - Kakashi intervened, trying to defuse the situation. - Take a deep breath, now things have happened and you''re here. Come on, Hanami. Help us think. Please, Hanami.


    - So... I was here. I saw when Hayato launched the Jutsu. I was biting my finger and running while he made the seals. Then I hit the ground just as the fire came out.


    - You were going to summon the toad from Mount Myoboku, weren''t you?


    - Yes, I was.


    - Where were you when you hit the ground?


    - Right here.


    - Tsk - Kakashi exhaled, clearly irritated. - I don''t understand...


    - Ah, there''s one important thing, Uncle Kakashi, and that''s that our world is a little different from yours. The boys are younger than me and have already passed the Chuunin Exams. I still have a year left at the Academy.


    - Your Jutsu control isn''t perfect yet, then.


    - That''s right. Neither is Hayato''s.


    - And you''ve fought together before?


    - Yes, we''re on the same team and we often do. But never against such a powerful enemy.


    - I see.


    - Maybe you need to tell him about the fight, Shin - Hanami said, with a more serious tone, a little fearful.


    - Shut up, Hanami. What does that have to do with anything?


    - A fight? - Kakashi asked, noticing Shin''s embarrassment. He smiled softly. - Shin... this is an extremely delicate situation. Any detail you can give me could make all the difference. Don''t leave me in the dark, I won''t judge you.


    Shin looked from Hanami to Kakashi, sighed and, with a slight regret in his voice, explained:


    - Hayato and I... well, we were fighting when we left for this mission. We didn''t speak to each other. Maybe that affected our attunement during the battle.


    - It certainly did. - Kakashi confirmed, his voice serious. - But I don''t think it did...


    - But when he was hurt... I don''t know, I... I went crazy. - Boruto''s voice faltered for a moment before he continued, his eyes downcast.


    - Uncle Kakashi, I did such a big Rasengan, the biggest I''ve ever done in my life. Our mission was just to trap the vessel, but at that moment, I prepared my Rasengan to... really kill the boy. - He was silent, clearly shaken.


    - I''ve never felt so much hatred in my life. I... I''m not proud of it, uncle. I''m sorry.

 Chapter 11 - Time 7 [2]

    Kakashi put his hand on Shin''s shoulder and said firmly:


    - It''s okay, Shin. Caring about your comrades is the most important thing for a ninja. Don''t feel ashamed. Be proud.


    Shin sighed, still uneasy.


    - I didn''t really see his Fireball, but I imagine he felt something similar. It''s hard to believe that he still had enough chakra to launch such a strong Jutsu after the blow he took.


    - It was huge, brother. - Hanami confirmed without hesitation. - I saw it, and I know it was.


    Kakashi exhaled slowly, his eyes fixed on the stones scattered on the ground. Then he looked up at his brothers.


    - Now I need you to trust me.


    Shin and Hanami looked at each other, the same doubt hanging over them: was this Kakashi really like the one in their reality? Was he worthy of the same trust?


    - I''ll leave a key for you. Make yourselves at home here. - Kakashi smiled as he looked at Hanami. - You can eat whatever you want.


    She arched an eyebrow, not knowing whether to be grateful or offended.


    - But I''m going to find a way to help you and... for that, I''m going to need to talk to some people. Do you trust me?


    The two exchanged another look before lowering their heads and nodding at the same time.


    - Right, right... - Kakashi stood up and started walking to his room.


    - As for you... the fewer people who know about this story, the better. The chances are slim, but there is a possibility that this vessel came with you. I don''t think so, but it''s better not to risk it.


    - Do you want us to be locked in here? - Hanami grimaced.


    Kakashi laughed out loud, putting his hands on his waist.


    - I''d like to, Hanami, but I know it would be pointless. Besides, I won''t even be here to keep an eye on you. Maybe I need to travel.


    - Travel? - Shin asked, frowning.


    - Yes. I''m going to look for answers about this situation. But don''t worry about it. In the meantime, Boruto and Shikadai seem to be good company for you.


    They both crossed their arms at the same time, turning their faces to opposite sides.


    - This Boruto is very annoying. - Shin grumbled.


    - And Shika doesn''t remember me. That annoys me. - Hanami snorted.


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    Kakashi laughed. Your criteria for defining good company were definitely different from theirs.


    - They''ve kept you alive, fed and clean. What''s more, they''re being discreet and trying, each in their own way, to resolve this situation. I think that should be taken into account, don''t you?


    They both swallowed. Seen from that angle... he was right. As annoying as they were, Boruto and Shikadai were helping.


    - If you can, stay with them. I''m going to get ready and leave. The key''s over there, Shin. Excuse me.


    And with that, Kakashi disappeared down the corridor.


    The brothers looked at each other once more. In the silence between them, they already knew that they agreed on what they would do next.


    Shortly afterwards, Kakashi handed Shin some money. The boy hesitated, uncomfortable knowing that he wouldn''t be able to give it back. But in the end, he accepted - there was no other option.


    In the morning, they went shopping and returned home with bundles of new clothes, finally fitting their size.


    Around lunchtime, they hid near the Academy. Boruto and Shikadai were saying goodbye to their classmates when a toad jumped on Shikadai''s foot.


    - Argh! - Boruto shouted, startled.


    - Come on, Boruto. - Shikadai pulled his friend by the hand, while raising his other arm in a quick wave. - See you, Inojin. Bye, Mitsuki!


    Without letting go of Boruto, he followed the frog to a group of bushes behind a building. It was then that they spotted the two brothers coming out from behind the leaves.


    - That always works for us, Shika! - Hanami smiled excitedly and waved at him. - I''m glad you understood!


    Without hesitation, she ran up and hugged him. Shikadai, unaccustomed to this kind of closeness, stiffened for a moment. He always felt uncomfortable with Hanami''s hugs, but apparently that was how she treated Shikadai from the other reality. This time, however, he reciprocated the gesture. It wasn''t so bad. Maybe he could get used to having a friend.


    Boruto, on the other hand, had his arms crossed behind his head and a bored expression:


    - All right, all right, that''s enough. It''s not like you haven''t seen each other for weeks or anything.


    Shin rolled his eyes, impatient. This kid really knew how to be annoying.


    - Hey, you guys changed clothes.


    - Yes!¡± Hanami pulled away from Shikadai and spun around. - We went shopping.


    - The Rokudaime is really amazing,¡± Shikadai commented, immediately understanding the help Kakashi had given them. - I don''t think we could have spoken to a better adult. My father always speaks highly of him.


    - Has he found a solution? - Boruto asked.


    Shin raised an eyebrow, cynical:


    - Are you bothered by our presence in your world, Boruto?


    - Come on, I''m worried about you, you idiot! - Boruto retorted, closing his hand and bringing his fist close to Shin''s face.


    - Are you two going to fight every time you meet? What a pain! - Shikadai stepped between the two to separate them.


    - Uncle Kakashi said he''d find a solution for us. - Hanami replied, ignoring the tension between the two. - He also told us to stay with you. Can we?


    - Did he say that? - Shikadai frowned.


    - Actually, he said you''d been good friends. - Shin put his hand on Shikadai''s shoulder. - And he also asked us not to get into trouble or talk too much about... our situation, you know.


    - Well... Konohamaru-sensei summoned us to a meeting about a mission. - Boruto scratched his head. - I don''t know if I can take you.


    - I''m going to spend the day practicing the Ino-Shika-Cho Combined Jutsus. I also don''t know if I can take you without explaining where you came from.


    - Maybe we could make up a story and tell everyone the same version. - Hanami suggested.


    - Yeah... maybe that''s the best thing to do. - Shikadai agreed.


    Shin crossed his arms, skeptical:


    - With us looking the same, I don''t know what kind of lie we can come up with.


    - We could say we''re cousins! - Hanami perked up.


    Shikadai let out a sigh.


    - Right... and I''m going to say that you''re whose children? Aunt Hanabi''s? She''s not even married here.


    Hanami was discouraged. It really wasn''t a good idea.

 Chapter 12 - Time 7 [3]

    - ¡°We could say that you''re exchange students,¡± Shikadai suggested, scratching his chin.


    - And the school wouldn''t know? - Boruto asked, crossing his arms.


    - It''s... problematic,¡± Shikadai admitted.


    - Let''s keep the history of the Shogi Club,¡± Shin decided. - That way, we don''t have to explain too much.


    - And why on earth would we take civilians on our training sessions or missions? - Shikadai retorted, already seeing the plan fall apart.


    - Oh, for heaven''s sake... - Shin slapped his forehead impatiently. - Hanami, it''s not possible! Where''s your talent for lying? Now''s the time, sister!


    - We''re from the Grass Country Shogi Club and we''re on ninja exchange. Okay, that''s it! - Hanami decreed, crossing her arms.


    - I''ve never heard such a bad lie in my entire life... - Boruto lamented, massaging his temples.


    - ¡°Good to know there are Shogi Clubs all over the world, Shin,¡± Mitsuki commented, smiling at him. - Nice to meet you.


    Before they could reply, Sarada came running up, panting:


    - Sorry I took so long, guys! I had to help my mom with the bags that... - She stopped in mid-sentence when she noticed a young blond stranger approaching her.


    - Anzu?! - Shin''s eyes widened in surprise. - Anzu, you...


    Hanami grabbed her brother''s arm, squeezing hard.


    - Shin! No.


    - Han... hi? - Sarada frowned, taking a step back. - My name is Sarada. Who are you?


    - Friends from Shikadai''s Shogi Club - Boruto replied, visibly annoyed by the lie. - You''ve come for an exchange.


    - Shogi? - Sarada adjusted her glasses, suspicious.


    Boruto let out a heavy sigh. He knew that deceiving Mitsuki was one thing, but lying to Sarada... that was another story.


    - Actually...


    - Hello, everyone! - Konohamaru arrived, greeting his team with a smile. - Um, and you''re...?


    - Friends. Can you go on the mission with us? - Boruto asked quickly, trying to sound natural.


    - Huh? Of course not, Boruto. The mission is only for the team, you know that.


    - We''re on exchange, Sensei-Konohamaru! - Hanami said, her eyes shining with excitement as she stared at the well-known young man.


    - Wait... what did you call me?


    The silence was heavy for a moment. The three of them looked at each other, frozen. How the hell were they going to explain this now?


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    - You see, Boruto, what happens when you call me inappropriately? Now the girl thinks that''s my name.


    All three sighed with relief at the same time. Better to be scolded than to have to explain yourself.


    - They''re on exchange with me, Konohamaru-sensei. Please - Boruto put his hands together in supplication, his pleading look catching Konohamaru off guard.


    - Hmm... I''ll have to explain the situation to the Hokage - Konohamaru pondered, putting his hand to his waist. - But maybe I''ll consider lying to him... if you tell me the whole truth first.


    The three of them looked at each other, pressing their lips together.


    Yeah... keeping up this lie wasn''t going to be that easy.


    Mitsuki and Hanami were sitting in the center of the clearing while Konohamaru was talking to the Hokage. The pale boy was showing off his snake hands, amusing himself by scaring the girl, who was screaming with fear and excitement. When a frog jumped near them, Mitsuki made one of his snakes swallow it, which startled Hanami, who immediately burst into laughter. They laughed together, comparing the summoning animals and their contracts.


    A little further away, under the shade of a tree, Sarada, Boruto and Shin were sitting quietly. Sarada watched them with keen curiosity, while Boruto kept his arms crossed and Shin seemed oblivious to everything.


    - So, in this other reality, none of the three of us exist? - She asked, without facing him directly, her gaze lost in the sky.


    - ¡°I guess not...¡± Shin replied awkwardly.


    - But Shikadai is there.


    - Yes, he is.


    - Which means that Temari and Mr. Nara...


    - ...would somehow always end up together. - Shin murmured, distracted, his eyes fixed on her face.


    - And you said my father has six children?!


    - Yes.


    - Wow... that''s a different world. I can''t even imagine it.


    Boruto frowned, irritated by the way Shin was looking at Sarada.


    - What are you looking at her for, you idiot? - He grumbled, loud enough to break the mood.


    Sarada turned to Shin and realized that Boruto was right. The boy seemed paralyzed, just watching her. She blushed and looked away, uncomfortable.


    Without answering, Shin leaned forward slightly and held out his hand.


    - May I?


    - Huh? - Sarada blinked, confused, but before she could react, he had already taken off his glasses.


    She felt vulnerable without them, but, in a strange way, it didn''t bother her as much as she''d imagined. She squeezed her eyes shut, adjusting her vision without the lenses, while Boruto looked from one to the other, completely lost.


    - What are you doing? Sarada!


    Without listening, Shin turned towards the clearing and called out:


    - Hanami!


    The girl stopped playing with Mitsuki and ran over to them, puzzled. Shin, still absorbed, turned his attention to Sarada, his expression almost reverent.


    - Let me touch your hair.


    Before she could answer, he began to straighten it, pulling a few strands to one side, as if he were tidying it up.


    - But what...


    - Take your hands off her, Shin! - Boruto ordered, but his voice had no effect. Neither Shin interrupted his movements, nor Sarada protested. It was as if they were both stuck in a trance, unable to look away from each other.


    Hanami stopped behind her brother and, as soon as she saw Sarada up close, she put her hands to her mouth in surprise.


    - My God... - she whispered, shocked.


    Sarada ran a hand through her hair, trying to understand what was happening.


    - What''s going on? Tell me.


    Shin, with tears in his eyes, replied:


    - I don''t know what this means, Sarada, but...


    - ...you''re identical to a good friend of ours.


    - Anzu. - Shin stammered, dumbfounded. - Anzu Uchiha.


    - She... - Hanami added, still in disbelief.


    - ...she''s beautiful.


    - But she''s my age.


    Sarada''s eyes widened, she pulled her glasses from Shin''s hand and stood up abruptly.


    - That''s impossible! I''m me here and everywhere! For her to be identical to me, I''d have to...


    - ...be someone else''s daughter. - Boruto added, his voice lower, almost reluctant.


    - No! Again? You''re not going to do this to me! What the hell!


    She spun on her heels and ran off.


    - Wait, Sarada! - Shin immediately got up and chased after her.


    Hanami clenched her fists.


    - Shit... I told him not to say anything!


    - I don''t think you should swear, Hanami. - Mitsuki commented, her expression unchanged.


    Hanami gave him an impatient look.


    Konohamaru sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck.


    - All right. Let''s all go to Waterfall Country.


    Boruto smiled, but his expression soon hardened. Something told him that this trip would bring more questions than answers.

 Chapter 13 - Our Hearts [1]

    - That''s the least of my problems now, Mitsuki. - She rolled her eyes, but then smiled. - But thank you.


    Without further ado, she held out her hand to him.


    - Let''s see who''s faster this time? I bet my frog wins.


    Boruto watched them return to the center of the clearing and crossed his arms, annoyed.


    - Aren''t you going after them?


    Hanami raised an eyebrow, as if she thought the question was absurd.


    - Who, me? They''re quite big, Boruto. Let them sort themselves out.


    She laughed and shook her head.


    - Besides, if Sarada is anything like Anzu... - A mysterious smile appeared on her face. - You can bet they''ll be fine.


    Boruto didn''t like her tone, but he knew his teammate well enough to know that arguing would be pointless. He huffed and sat down on the grass, sulking. It seemed that everyone was having a good time with the newcomers... except him.


    It was because he was alone that he was the first to see Konohamaru approaching.


    He jumped to his feet and ran up to him, anxious.


    - Well?


    Mitsuki and Hanami were sitting in the center of the clearing while Konohamaru was talking to the Hokage. The pale boy was showing off his snake hands, amusing himself by scaring the girl, who was screaming with fear and excitement. When a frog jumped near them, Mitsuki made one of his snakes swallow it, which startled Hanami, who immediately burst into laughter. They laughed together, comparing the summoning animals and their contracts.


    A little further away, under the shade of a tree, Sarada, Boruto and Shin were sitting quietly. Sarada watched them with keen curiosity, while Boruto kept his arms crossed and Shin seemed oblivious to everything.


    - So, in this other reality, none of the three of us exist? - She asked, without facing him directly, her gaze lost in the sky.


    - ¡°I guess not...¡± Shin replied awkwardly.


    - But Shikadai is there.


    - Yes, he is.


    - Which means that Temari and Mr. Nara...


    - ...would somehow always end up together. - Shin murmured, distracted, his eyes fixed on her face.


    - And you said my father has six children?!


    - Yes.


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    - Wow... that''s a different world. I can''t even imagine it.


    Boruto frowned, irritated by the way Shin was looking at Sarada.


    - What are you looking at her for, you idiot? - He grumbled, loud enough to break the mood.


    Sarada turned to Shin and realized that Boruto was right. The boy seemed paralyzed, just watching her. She blushed and looked away, uncomfortable.


    Without answering, Shin leaned forward slightly and held out his hand.


    - May I?


    - Huh? - Sarada blinked, confused, but before she could react, he had already taken off his glasses.


    She felt vulnerable without them, but, in a strange way, it didn''t bother her as much as she''d imagined. She squeezed her eyes shut, adjusting her vision without the lenses, while Boruto looked from one to the other, completely lost.


    - What are you doing? Sarada!


    Without listening, Shin turned in the direction of the clearing and called out:


    - Hanami!


    The girl stopped playing with Mitsuki and ran over to them, puzzled. Shin, still absorbed, turned his attention to Sarada, his expression almost reverent.


    - Let me touch your hair.


    Before she could answer, he began to straighten it, pulling a few strands to one side, as if he were tidying it up.


    - But what...


    - Take your hands off her, Shin! - Boruto ordered, but his voice had no effect. Neither Shin interrupted his movements, nor Sarada protested. It was as if they were both stuck in a trance, unable to look away from each other.


    Hanami stopped behind her brother and, as soon as she saw Sarada up close, she put her hands to her mouth in surprise.


    - My God... - she whispered, shocked.


    Sarada ran a hand through her hair, trying to understand what was happening.


    - What''s going on? Tell me.


    Shin, with tears in his eyes, replied:


    - I don''t know what this means, Sarada, but...


    - ...you''re identical to a good friend of ours.


    - Anzu. - Shin stammered, dumbfounded. - Anzu Uchiha.


    - She... - Hanami added, still in disbelief.


    - ...she''s beautiful.


    - But she''s my age.


    Sarada''s eyes widened, she pulled her glasses from Shin''s hand and stood up abruptly.


    - That''s impossible! I''m me here and everywhere! For her to be identical to me, I''d have to...


    - ...be someone else''s daughter. - Boruto added, his voice lower, almost reluctant.


    - No! Again? You''re not going to do this to me! What the hell!


    She spun on her heels and ran off.


    - Wait, Sarada! - Shin immediately got up and chased after her.


    Hanami clenched her fists.


    - Shit... I told him not to say anything!


    - I don''t think you should swear, Hanami. - Mitsuki commented, her expression unchanged.


    Hanami gave him an impatient look.


    - That''s the least of my problems now, Mitsuki. - She rolled her eyes, but then smiled. - But thank you.


    Without further ado, she held out her hand to him.


    - Let''s see who''s faster this time? I bet my frog wins.


    Boruto watched them return to the center of the clearing and crossed his arms, annoyed.


    - Aren''t you going after them?


    Hanami raised an eyebrow, as if she thought the question was absurd.


    - Who, me? They''re quite big, Boruto. Let them sort themselves out.


    She laughed and shook her head.


    - Besides, if Sarada is anything like Anzu... - A mysterious smile appeared on her face. - You can bet they''ll be fine.


    Boruto didn''t like her tone, but he knew his teammate well enough to know that arguing would be pointless. He huffed and sat down on the grass, sulking. It seemed that everyone was having a good time with the newcomers... except him.


    It was because he was alone that he was the first to see Konohamaru approaching.


    He jumped to his feet and ran up to him, anxious.


    - Well?


    Konohamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    - That''s all right. Let''s all go to Waterfall Country.


    Boruto smiled, but his expression soon hardened. Something told him that this trip would bring more questions than answers.


    - What''s up, man? - Shin approached and greeted little Nara with a high five. - Are you going too?


    - Actually... I just came to say goodbye - Shikadai replied, giving Hanami a smile. - Boruto told me you were going away for about five days. I thought it would be good to come.


    Shin nodded, understanding.


    - Shin... would you mind if I talked to Hanami for a while? Alone?