"Child Emperor." Gaara's voice broke the silence in the corridor. "You, Boruto, and Shikadai are to go to Sasori of the Red Sands' base at once."
"He should know what happened last night."
"Yes, Lord Kazekage." Child Emperor stepped out of the corner, a lollipop still in his mouth. His young face showed little expression, but his eyes were sharp.
Soon, Boruto, Shikadai, and Child Emperor were heading deep into the desert.
Once they had left the oppressive atmosphere of the hospital behind, Boruto could no longer hold back his questions. He turned to Child Emperor.
"Child Emperor, there's something I've never understood." Boruto scratched his head. "You and Sasori seemed certain from the start that only I could 'clear' the Warring States Illusion."
"Why? Shikadai's smarter than me, Shinki's strong, and Yeto's power is downright terrifying..."
Child Emperor licked his orange lollipop with a faint click. He glanced at Boruto, a flicker of understanding passing through his unnervingly calm eyes.
"When I first received my master's instructions, I didn't entirely understand them either."
"But after last night, and after Shikadai told me some of what happened to you afterward, I think I've worked out why."
"Boruto, tell me: at the end of the illusion, when you faced Miss Uchiha Hikari, did you fight her? I mean a fight to the death."
Boruto paused. He remembered the standoff at the heart of the oasis, then the long conversation and the choice that followed.
He shook his head, his expression earnest. "No. I don't think Hikari really wanted to destroy everything. She was just in too much pain, too alone, trapped by hatred and despair."
"I thought it mattered more to try to understand her pain and find a way for everyone to be saved without hurting each other than to