Facing Reality

"I won," Tsukihime said. "Oni admitted defeat in front of everyone. According to the clan rules, the challenger wins, and the defender steps down."

"That's enough." Boruto closed his eyes and let out a long breath.

Tsukihime stared at him, her expression inscrutable.

"Are you crazy?" she suddenly asked, her voice trembling slightly. "You were willing to throw your life away just to win? You were even willing to lose an arm?"

Boruto smiled.

It was a faint smile. The corners of his mouth tugged at his wounds, making him frown slightly, yet something about it made Tsukihime's heart tighten inexplicably.

"I never planned on coming back alive," he said softly. "As long as I won and got the qualification, what did it matter if I lost an arm? Winning was all that mattered."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Tsukihime slammed the medicine bowl onto the table, splashing out a few drops. "You promised me you'd stay alive! You said you would!"

"I am alive." Boruto opened his eyes, his gaze clear. "I may have lost an arm and become disabled, but I'm still alive, aren't I?"

Tsukihime clenched her teeth, wanting to argue, but found herself unable to speak.

She knew Boruto was telling the truth.

He was alive.

But this kind of life... This kind of life, where he was willing to dismember himself for victory—could it really be called "living"?

"Drink your medicine." She picked up the bowl, her tone stiff. "Then get some proper sleep. There's a lot to do tomorrow."

Boruto took the bowl and tipped it back. The medicine was bitter enough to twist his whole face, but he didn't even furrow his brow.

"By the way," he suddenly said, setting down the bowl. "Where's Hikaru? Did he see that fight?"

Tsukihime nodded. "He did. He