Boruto slowed his steps, slipped his hands into his pockets, and wandered aimlessly along the street with his head lowered.
The scenes from the train and the classroom that morning replayed in his mind over and over.
"What exactly was that dark shadow?" Boruto muttered, kicking a pebble by his feet. "Is something really wrong with my mind? Am I hallucinating things only I can see?"
"Or is this revenge from that Jashinist Cult last time? Or could the Class Representative be right? Could all those mixed-up bloodlines in me have awakened some special ability that lets me see things other people can't?"
He had no idea how long he had walked. When he raised his head, he realized with a start that he had unwittingly reached a quiet, traditional neighborhood.
Before him stood an imposing, solemn residence, the Hyuga crest hanging above its entrance clearly visible in the sunlight.
Boruto stood before the familiar black-lacquered gate and hesitated for a moment.
In the end, his desperate desire for answers overpowered his other feelings. He took a deep breath, raised his hand, and knocked with the door knocker.
"Coming! Who is it?" A clear, pleasant female voice, lively and energetic, came from inside.
Soon, the door opened a crack, revealing a young, beautiful face that bore a strong resemblance to Hinata's, but looked more vivacious and playful.
"Oh! It's Boruto!" Hanabi's eyes lit up, and she cried out in delighted surprise, immediately opening the door all the way. She turned and called into the house, raising her voice. "Father! Come see who's here! It's Boruto!"
Slightly hurried yet steady footsteps approached from farther inside.
Soon, Hyuga Hiashi's imposing figure appeared in the doorway.
At the sight of his grandson standing outside with a somewhat awkward expression, Hiashi's stern face instantly