The Core Reclaims the Consciousness

Naruto stood in front of Boruto, not giving an inch. His posture was relaxed, but Boruto knew that kind of relaxation too well—it was the calm before the storm. "And then what? What are you going to extract through the connection you established with Boruto?"

"Seventh Hokage." Yamada turned around. Something gathered in his Byakugan. He was perfectly calm, but that calm itself felt like a warning. "You're more cautious than I expected."

"Live long enough, and you learn a few things."

"I'm not taking the core," Yamada said. "I only want to activate it."

"And after that?"

"The fragments of God's consciousness will disperse into the surrounding area and merge with individuals who possess the bloodline." Yamada paused, as though choosing his words. "Including me."

"So that's the truth." Boruto walked around Naruto and stood in front of Yamada. He was half a head shorter, but he didn't back down. "You want God's consciousness, not the cure. The cure is bait."

Yamada didn't deny it, but neither did he seem to feel guilty. His expression remained calm, and that very calmness made Boruto uneasy in a way he couldn't put into words. It was like facing a pool of still water: he knew something was lurking underneath, but he couldn't see it. "The cure is real," he said. "Once the core is activated, God's consciousness will provide a way to heal any corruption based on Otsutsuki power. That's good for you."

"Good for us," Boruto repeated. "Even better for you."

"Our interests align. What's the problem?" Yamada's voice was as flat as a scalpel's edge. "Cooperation has never meant one side must make all the sacrifices. You get the cure, I get to evolve. It's a win-win."

Before Boruto could decide how to respond, Shiki spoke first. He projected