The Rules of the Main Family

"Boruto—" Naruto couldn't help calling out.

"Let me finish." Boruto raised a hand to stop him. "Shikamaru will oversee the village's defenses. The intelligence system will be upgraded to 'Hawk Eye Level Three.' Daily reports must not be delayed."

"Sasuke will guide Kota's training. I hope he'll become a ninja even stronger than me one day."

He paused, his voice trembling slightly:

"And... please take care of her."

Everyone understood—he meant Kiyomi.

The meeting room fell silent.

Everyone looked at him as if he were a hero about to meet his death.

"Have you really made up your mind?" Naruto asked slowly, tears welling in his eyes.

Boruto nodded.

The next second, Naruto stepped forward and punched him hard in the shoulder.

"Did that hurt?"

"It did."

"Then it means you're still alive." Naruto smiled, tears sliding down the corners of his eyes. "So go."

He put both hands on his son's shoulders. His voice was choked with emotion, yet firm:

"But remember—you have to come back alive."

That evening, Boruto returned home.

Kiyomi was standing by the door, as if she had been waiting for him.

"You're back?" she asked softly.

"You must be hungry." She went into the kitchen. "It'll be ready soon."

Boruto wrapped his arms around her from behind and buried his face in her hair, holding her for a long time without moving.

"Boruto?" She sensed something was wrong.

"Let me hold you for a while," he whispered.

Kiyomi's body stiffened instantly.

She could sense the unprecedented turbulence inside him—his Chakra was in disarray, and his heartbeat was heavy, as if he were suppressing some immense decision.

"What happened?" she asked, her voice as light as the breeze.

"I have to go on a long journey," he finally said. "Somewhere very far away...I might not