The Eighth Hokage

After the meeting, Boruto returned home.

The setting sun slanted into the room, stretching the furniture's shadows long across the floor. Kiyomi had already started preparing his gear: a lightweight but highly protective custom-made shinobi cloak, chakra pills, an emergency medical kit, and a small bottle of "Calming Incense" she'd mixed herself. Supposedly, it would help him stay clearheaded in battle.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked softly as she folded his clothes.

Boruto stood in front of the wardrobe, holding the old forehead protector that had once belonged to Naruto. He was silent for a moment before answering, "I don't know. Maybe a week, maybe longer... If the God Tree really is planning to harvest the entire planet, as it said, this battle might go on for years."

Kiyomi's hands paused, then she continued packing, her voice calm but firm. "Then you have to come back. Kota's still waiting for you to teach him the final step of the Rasengan."

Boruto looked up at her. Even though she was blind, Kiyomi's gaze was still gentle and strong, as if it could pierce through every fog and reach the deepest part of a person's heart.

Just then, the wooden door was shoved open.

"Is Dad leaving?" Kota rushed in, his little face full of worry. He was clutching the half-finished "Hokage Family Flag" he'd drawn.

"Yeah." Boruto crouched down and gently wiped the sweat from his son's forehead. "I have a mission. I have to go."

"When will you be back?" Kota clutched his arm, his voice trembling slightly.

"Soon." Boruto forced a smile and ruffled his hair. "You have to listen to Mom, practice your sensory skills every day, and don't sneak off to jump around on Hokage Rock, okay?"

"But I want to be a ninja!"