At the entrance to the Mizukage Building, Kagura spotted Chojuro while scanning the area anxiously. He hurried over, his face full of worry. "Lord Mizukage! Boruto! Jade! Are you all right?"
Hearing the commotion, the people resting or talking quietly in the lobby streamed outside.
Damian, whose defiant expression could not hide his concern; Mikoto Misaka, her short chestnut hair slightly disheveled; and Anya, clutching her Chimera plush with wide, blinking eyes, all gathered around.
Sarada and Mitsuki from Konoha rushed straight to Boruto.
"Boruto!" Sarada adjusted her glasses and looked him over carefully. She tried to keep her voice calm, but the concern in her eyes was unmistakable. "Are you hurt? That last fight must've been intense."
Mitsuki's golden snake eyes rested on Boruto too. He nodded slightly. "Boruto, your Chakra is a little unstable. You need to rest."
His friends' genuine concern warmed Boruto's heart. He rubbed the back of his head out of habit and flashed his trademark sunny grin.
"Heh, don't worry, Sarada, Mitsuki! I'm Boruto Uzumaki. A little thing like that was no problem!"
He thumped his chest. The motion tugged at his aching muscles, but he paid it no mind.
To his surprise, Sarada did not tease him for showing off or argue with him as she usually did.
She lowered her head slightly and pushed up her glasses. A faint blush seemed to color her cheeks behind the lenses, and her voice was softer than usual.
"Thank you, Boruto. You saved me when it mattered most."
Boruto blinked, then waved a hand, a little embarrassed. His grin widened. "Come on, you don't have to thank me! But..."
He glanced around, leaned closer, and lowered his voice with a chuckle. "If you really want to thank me, help me talk Uncle Sasuke into taking