The Final Night

"I'll protect the village," Boruto said quietly. His voice was firm, but a hint of trembling betrayed him.

"How?" Tsukihime sneered. Her white robes fluttered in the wind, and her silver eyes pierced his soul like cold stars. "What if the main family sends ten people? Twenty? Can you stop them?"

Boruto fell silent.

He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Tsukihime was right. The last time, just three warriors from the main family had descended, and he had nearly died on the spot. If she hadn't saved him, the Leaf would already have been reduced to ruins.

"I know what you're thinking." Tsukihime walked slowly toward him, her tone softening. "You're thinking about your family, your village, your responsibilities... You want to be the perfect Hokage, a good father."

She paused. Her voice turned sharp as a blade.

"But have you ever thought about this—if you die, who will protect them? What will happen to Kiyomi? Who will teach Kota the Rasengan? And how many more times will Naruto have to endure the pain of a white-haired elder mourning the young?"

Boruto looked up sharply, anger and pain flashing in his eyes.

"So you want me to go and get myself killed?"

"Not get yourself killed." Tsukihime shook her head. "Strike first."

She raised a hand toward the stars. "The main family is still assessing this planet's strength. They don't know you've mastered Fuinjutsu, and they don't know I'm on your side. This is our only chance."

The wind howled across the sand. The three stood at the edge of the pit, like the last Watchers left in the world.

Gaara finally spoke. "Boruto."

"Yeah?"

"I think Tsukihime has a point." His gaze was calm. "Passive defense won't work. My father was too conservative back then. He