The Kara Organization's Plans

"I'm fine."

Kawaki looked at her.

"Are you practicing a new technique?"

"Yes," Kiyomi said. "Chidori Stream."

"Chidori Stream..." Kawaki repeated.

"Right," Kiyomi said. "It's an advanced version of Chidori."

"Sounds impressive," Kawaki said.

"But it's difficult, too," Kiyomi said. "I practiced all day just to maintain it for thirty seconds."

Kawaki fell silent for a moment.

"Kiyomi," he said.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you," Kawaki said. "For saving me yesterday."

"Thank you again," Kiyomi said. "Didn't I tell you? Friends don't need to thank each other."

Kawaki smiled.

"Right. Friends."

They sat beneath a tree.

"Kawaki," Kiyomi said.

"Hmm?"

"Your Karma..." Kiyomi said. "Could it go out of control again?"

Kawaki fell silent.

"I don't know," he said. "But I'll do my best to control it."

"I believe in you," Kiyomi said.

Kawaki looked at her.

"Kiyomi, aren't you afraid of me?"

"Afraid of what?" Kiyomi said.

"Afraid I'll turn into a monster," Kawaki said. "Like that old man said."

"You won't," Kiyomi said. "You won't become a monster."

"How do you know?"

"Because you're Kawaki," Kiyomi said. "You've always worked so hard to control your Karma."

Kawaki lowered his head.

"But I still let it go out of control."

"That wasn't your fault," Kiyomi said. "That old man forced it to activate."

Kawaki clenched his fists.

"I hate how powerless I am," he said. "If only I could control my Karma better..."

"Don't think like that," Kiyomi interrupted. "You're already doing great."

Kawaki looked at her.

"Kiyomi..."

"What is it?"

"I'll get stronger," Kawaki said. "Strong enough to control my Karma."

"I'll get stronger, too," Kiyomi said. "Strong enough to protect you."

Kawaki smiled.

"Then let's get stronger together."

"Okay," Kiyomi said.

They slapped their hands together.

"Let's get stronger together."

Just then, Boruto walked over.

"What are you doing?"