In the dim movie theater, the latest Kamen Rider film played across the screen. Dazzling effects and the sounds of fierce combat filled the auditorium.
Boruto and Shikadai were squeezed into a loveseat, sharing a huge bucket of popcorn.
Boruto watched with shining eyes, silently mouthing the hero's transformation lines. Every so often, he mimicked a Rider Kick and nearly knocked over the popcorn bucket in Shikadai's lap.
"Hey, Boruto, keep it down!" Shikadai complained under his breath. He deftly leaned away from yet another Invisible Hand, then stuffed a fistful of popcorn into his mouth. "Anyway, what's taking Mitsuki so long in the bathroom? The movie's almost over."
As if in answer, a slender, quiet figure slipped back into the empty seat beside them.
"Mitsuki! What took you so long? You missed the best part, when all the villains transformed together!" Boruto leaned over at once, a piece of popcorn still pinched between his fingers.
A faint, helpless smile crossed Mitsuki's pale face. "Sorry, Boruto. Father called me out of nowhere."
"Oh, Uncle Orochimaru." Boruto nodded without giving it much thought. His attention soon returned to the big screen, where the climactic battle was about to begin.
He nudged Shikadai's arm, his eyes fixed on the hero, who stood firm despite being surrounded by countless grunts. His hushed voice brimmed with excitement.
"Hey, Shikadai, look! He's coming back from the brink and awakening his power! What if I'm like him? What if there's some power sleeping inside me that even I don't know about, and I'm destined to save the world?"
Shikadai was about to toss a piece of popcorn into his mouth when he froze. Then he rolled his eyes so hard that even his usually languid expression gave way to utter despair.
"Boruto, please get a grip.