Anomaly at the Core

"You have time," Boruto said as he stood. "But not unlimited time. Once it's daylight, we're returning to the Leaf. You can choose to come with us, or stay here and face further questioning from the Anbu. I won't force you."

He turned toward the door, one hand already on the doorknob.

"Boruto," Yamada called suddenly.

Boruto stopped but didn't turn around.

"In the mark that Shiki left behind," Yamada said from behind him, "was there anything about 'Resonance'?"

"What resonance?"

"A deep connection between a God's consciousness and its host. Not ordinary Chakra sharing, but something deeper... a entanglement on the level of the soul."

Boruto turned to look at Yamada. His expression was serious. He wasn't testing Boruto; he was trying to confirm something.

"There was," Boruto said. "A vague description said that, in extreme circumstances, a God's consciousness and its host might undergo an irreversible fusion. Even if the 'Karma' were removed, traces of that fusion would remain."

"What kind of traces?"

"It wasn't clear." Boruto frowned. "Why are you asking?"

Yamada's expression grew complicated. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he only shook his head. "Nothing. Just... confirming some assumptions."

Boruto watched him for a few seconds but didn't press him. He opened the door and went out. Sarada was leaning against the wall, waiting for him.

"Done talking?"

"Done," Boruto said. "Come on, let's get ready to leave."

They made their way up the narrow passage. Morning light spilled through the opening overhead, casting dappled spots of light across the steps.

"What did he say?" Sarada asked.

"Nothing important," Boruto said. "Just... confirming a few things."

Sarada glanced at him but didn't press. She knew Boruto sometimes needed space to keep things to himself. That was his right,