The Captured Yamada

"I'm not sure," Boruto replied in an equally low voice, though the corner of his mouth pulled into a strained smile. "But I have to do it."

Naruto took a step back, and the golden light around him receded, easing the pressure around the platform. He walked toward the exit and stopped at the threshold without looking back.

"Seventy minutes," he said, his voice steady as a mountain. "Boruto, I'll be counting outside. Not a second more."

With that, he disappeared into the darkness beyond the door.

Only the three of them remained in the room. The light from the container grew brighter and more dazzling, its counterclockwise rotation bringing with it a nauseating dizziness. Boruto felt an invisible pressure spreading from the center of the container, compressing every inch of space.

Sarada came to stand beside him, her voice very low. "Boruto, have you made up your mind?"

"Not yet." Boruto closed his eyes. "Give me three minutes."

"Fine. I'll keep a close eye on Yamada. You go say goodbye to Shiki."

Boruto walked to the very edge of the platform, turning his back on the other two. He cut off all awareness of the outside world and sank his entire consciousness into that sea of awareness.

"Shiki," he said inwardly, "there isn't much time. Tell me straight—are you willing?"

Shiki fell silent deep within his consciousness for a moment. It wasn't hesitation so much as an attempt to put his life's memories in order.

"I'm willing," Shiki replied. "But I have one condition."

Boruto hadn't expected a condition. "What is it?"

"Once this is over, no matter what form I take, no matter what traces remain in the core, don't go looking for it. It won't be me anymore. Promise me, Boruto."

Boruto felt something catch in his