Marching Towards a New Realm

"The awakening of the Ōtsutsuki bloodline usually takes several years." Tsukihime stood at the edge of the Training Ground, her voice low as the night wind. "But you did it in just a few days."

Boruto leaned against a broken wall, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve. His fingertips came away dark red. He was panting heavily, his right arm trembling—the sparring match had nearly drained all his Chakra.

"Maybe I was forced into it." He spoke quietly, but his gaze was sharp as a blade. "If I don't get stronger, I'll die. So... I can only get stronger."

Tsukihime watched him, then fell silent. She thought of her brother.

Back then, he had been the same—thrown into a trial ground of blood and fire, fighting day after day just to live until tomorrow. He had been extraordinarily talented, but his heart was too soft. In the end, that softness became his epitaph.

"Take the day off." She spoke abruptly, in a tone that brooked no argument. "Hikaru's giving you a break."

Boruto was taken aback. "Why?"

"Because tomorrow's opponent is special." Tsukihime turned away, moonlight falling across her pale profile. "His name is Oni."

"Ninety-nine consecutive wins." She continued, her voice carrying a barely perceptible tremor. "He's just one win away from challenging Hikaru."

"But he's been waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"Waiting for an opponent worthy of his full strength." She paused, her gaze icy. "Or, rather... waiting for someone who can kill him."

Boruto frowned. "Why would he wait?"

"Because he wants to die." Tsukihime's voice was as soft as a sigh. "Oni is Hikaru's biological older brother, and the former heir to the Ōtsutsuki Clan."

Boruto's pupils contracted.

"According to clan rules, the loser must die." She continued. "But Hikaru didn't