["Thank you."]
[Uchiha Hikari said softly. This was the first time along the way that she took the initiative to express gratitude, aside from simple responses.]
["Hehe, what are you being polite for!" Boruto grinned, very naturally reaching out to help her brush away a grain of rice stuck to the corner of her mouth.]
[This overly intimate and natural action made Uchiha Hikari stiffen slightly, her earlobes turning a bit red again, though she did not dodge.]
[Shinki, who was walking ahead to scout the path, occasionally looked back. Seeing this scene, the face that usually had no expression seemed to soften for a fleeting moment.]
[Only Shikadai never truly relaxed his brows. He kept observing the surrounding terrain, comparing it with the map, and his fingers rubbed repeatedly along the edge of a spot marked "Historically Obscure Area".]
[Urging, Shikadai could not help warning, "Boruto, don't let your guard down too much. The more peaceful it is, the more likely..."]
["Relax, relax, Shikadai, you just overthink things!" Boruto waved a hand, then handed a water pouch to Uchiha Hikari. "Look, we're almost there!"]
["Didn't Shinki say that once we cross the mountain ahead, it's the Land of Wind? Victory is in sight!"]
[Uchiha Hikari took the water pouch and took a small sip. Clear droplets slid down her slightly pale chin.]
[She looked at Boruto's energetic profile, then at the low mountain ahead whose outline was slightly distorted in the heat waves, a trace of complexity flashing in her eyes.]
[Finally, they began to climb the last small hill. Their steps grew brisk with hope, and even Uchiha Hikari refused Boruto's offer to carry her on his back again, letting Boruto firmly grasp her wrist as they supported each other upward.]
[When the last rock was stepped underfoot,