Meanwhile, in Tobirama Senju's Laboratory in Konoha.
Adult Sasuke, with Boruto beside him, was saying goodbye to Naruto.
"You've still decided to go back?"
After returning from the moon and getting Toneri and the others settled, Naruto had been about to resume tracking down the other tailed beasts at Nine-Tails' urging, only for Adult Sasuke and Boruto to come to him first to say goodbye.
"Yes. It took a long time, but..." Adult Sasuke pulled a pink turtle out from behind him. "Yesterday, it finally told us its energy was fully replenished."
"What about you, Boruto?"
"I'm going back!" Boruto's eyes blazed. "Don't worry, Dad. I've learned so much from you. This time, I definitely won't make Himawari worry so much. God of Ōtsutsuki or whatever, Mr. Sasuke and I will definitely change the past!"
When Boruto said they would change the past, a flicker of hesitation crossed Sasuke's eyes. In truth, that was precisely what worried him.
When he learned that this was the future rather than the past, Sasuke had initially thought that he and Boruto would never be able to return. Now that they knew so much, if they went back to the past, they would inevitably change it, and the future would change as well...
"Then have a safe trip!"
Yet Naruto seemed to have seen through Sasuke's thoughts and suddenly patted his shoulder.
At thirteen, Naruto had developed much earlier than the boy in Sasuke's memories. He was taller and bigger than that last-place student had been at the same age, with broader shoulders and eyes full of resolve and confidence.
"Don't overthink it. Whether it's the past or the future, I want you both to be safe. You spent days and nights discussing this with Dad and the others. They also said there's probably