Damian listened without answering right away.
In the darkness, his breathing seemed to slow.
After a long while, he whispered so softly Boruto could barely hear him, "You've still got it pretty good."
"Ever since I entered the Ninja Academy, Father hasn't spent a single birthday with me at home."
The words were matter-of-fact, yet they sent a small, distinct ripple through the quiet night.
Boruto froze. He hadn't expected that answer.
His own father had "messed up" his birthday. Damian's father, it seemed, had simply been absent.
A strange mix of sympathy and indignation rose in Boruto's chest.
"And you just put up with it?" Boruto pushed himself up a little, his voice rising. "You're the Raikage's son! Can't you... can't you make some trouble so he'll notice you? Like I do..."
He launched into an account of his many "glorious achievements."
Damian turned his head and gave Boruto a look that said he was an idiot. "Idiot. Kumogakure's rules are much stricter than you think."
"Everyone in the village knows their place, and discipline is harsh. If I went around causing trouble like you do..."
He paused, his voice carrying a weight beyond his years. "Even if the elders and the Military Police Force held back from punishing me severely because of who I am..."
"Father would still have to run around smoothing things over, explaining himself to everyone, apologizing, maybe even making concessions and paying compensation, just to settle things and uphold the rules."
He looked back at the ceiling. His voice was so soft he seemed to be talking to himself. "Father's tired enough already. Every day, he faces pressure and disputes inside and outside the village, not to mention all the forces waiting for a chance to strike..."
"I don't want my childish selfishness to