Orochimaru

That evening, the two Shadow Clones exchanged a glance before forming hand seals.

With a pop, Shadow Clone No. 2 dispersed, leaving a pile of sealing scrolls behind.

After receiving the clone's information, Boruto, who was also a Shadow Clone, could not help but break into a cold sweat. Sooner or later, today's affair would be discovered. To be safe, he had to stay up tonight and learn all of it.

He created another clone to return home, while the others went to relatively safe places, such as small woods or unmonitored alleyways, to secretly practice sealing techniques.

Dusk fell. A man in loose robes stood atop a utility pole, his blue-white hair stirring gently in the evening breeze. His amber vertical pupils were filled with confusion.

In his sight, the pitch-black alley was packed with his suns. Recalling how effortlessly Boruto had handled him, he wondered what Boruto's purpose in wanting to see his father really was...

At that moment, one of the Shadow Clones spotted Mitsuki. It used the Body Flicker Technique to appear before him and said awkwardly, "I'm not very talented, so I can only use this clumsy method to practice ninjutsu. There's strength in numbers."

Mitsuki asked innocently, "You study ninjutsu this hard every night? No wonder you're so strong."

"No, I'm just cramming at the last minute," Boruto denied.

"Hm?"

"I believe I'll need the new ninjutsu I learned tomorrow." Boruto did not elaborate, leaving an air of anticipation.

Mitsuki did not ask further. He merely silently observed Naruto, whose bewilderment was practically written all over his face.

Seeing this, Boruto suddenly asked, "You can contact Orochimaru, right?"

"My father and I usually communicate through summoned beasts," Mitsuki answered honestly.

"Good." Boruto was excited inside, but his expression remained calm. "Help me ask him something. About his research on Hashirama Cells, and I want to master Wood Release as soon as possible."

Mitsuki said nothing and quietly did as asked.

Mitsuki gave a few simple instructions to the summoned little snake, which then dispersed. "Done."

Boruto asked curiously, "Aren't you going to ask why?"

Mitsuki said, "You look like you have everything planned out, so you should have your own plans. I usually help my friends. We're friends, right?"

It was a very straightforward reason, yet a convincing one. In truth, Boruto had trusted Mitsuki completely from the beginning, so he nodded decisively. "We're friends!"

After all, someone who would expose himself in a crisis and enter Sage Mode just to help me—how could I possibly doubt him?

Seeing Boruto's confident smile, Mitsuki did not understand its meaning, but he smiled along with him.

Before long, the summoned little snake swiftly returned and quietly appeared within Mitsuki's wide sleeve.

Mitsuki released the white snake. After landing, it turned into smoke and dispersed. Then, the figure from the screen stepped out from the smoke once more.

"How interesting. Even our young prince is interested in Wood Release?"

The slightly hoarse voice entered his ears. It was still familiar, but it lacked some of its eerie, spine-chilling quality. He was also the powerful figure fans jokingly called the only one still living in the Shippuden era.

"I'm honored as well, to have Lord Orochimaru appear in person." Boruto returned the courtesy with equal gentility.

Orochimaru studied Boruto for a moment, then noticed the alley was filled with Borutos. Slightly surprised, he asked, "Shadow Clones?"

"My original body is training in Senjutsu at Mount Myōboku. The clones are temporarily keeping the parents' eyes occupied." Boruto did not hide it and answered honestly.

"Mm..." Even Orochimaru was left speechless by that.

"As a meeting gift, then, I'll show you something interesting. Something I mentioned before."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.

Boruto activated his Tenseigan. His left eye was immediately replaced by a watery blue radiance, with a snowflake-like pattern etched into the magnificent eyeball, displaying its mystical nature.

After revealing the Tenseigan, Boruto continued, "Master every ninjutsu and hold fast to your dreams. That is your ninja way, right?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. Facing this twelve-year-old child, all he felt was profound shock.

Seeing Orochimaru fall into thought, Boruto pressed while the iron was hot. "I want to join you in bringing everything into our grasp, then witness the so-called truth of this world."

"Hehehe... Is it with your resolve? Or have you been stirred by some wonderful imagination? I don't know what happened to you, but if this is who you truly are, then the Hidden Leaf Village is truly overflowing with talent!"

Orochimaru sighed softly, displaying intense interest and a long-lost thirst. When it came to truth, he would always have endless things to explore.

"After the Fourth Shinobi World War, the mystery of immortality was revealed. Eat the God Tree Fruit, and one can gain eternal life. Perhaps you could research another method, no?" Boruto smiled as well, his face still bearing that strange confidence.

"You understand me well. Was it Naruto?" Orochimaru thought. After all, Boruto had just said his original body was at Mount Myōboku.

"Of course not. That comes from another secret of mine. Before you discover the truth, let that serve as the bargaining chip for our transaction." Boruto smiled, his eyes brimming with confidence, as though he had Orochimaru completely figured out.

"Using the truth as a bargaining chip... Only you could think of that." Orochimaru continued to praise him, as though he had been drawn into Boruto's rhythm.

"The Starry Sky, immortality, the God Tree Fruit, beyond the Six Paths, hell on earth. We will have endless topics to discuss."

"Your words are quite appealing. Is there anything you need me to do for you?" Orochimaru was clearly moved.

Boruto fell into thought. There was much preparation to be done at this stage; this was only the beginning of his venture. After pondering for a moment, Boruto stated his current needs. "Complete Hashirama Cells, a Sharingan, and the establishment of an organization."

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow again, his gaze full of appreciation. "I have backup genes for Hashirama Cells and the Sharingan. As for the organization you mentioned, do you have any ideas, Boruto-kun?"

Without realizing it, Orochimaru's way of addressing Boruto had changed. It seemed he had accepted Boruto's invitation.

"When moonlight fills the air, I will become a shadow lurking in the darkness. While bringing fear to the Shinobi World, I will also protect it."

Listening to Boruto's slowly spoken, impassioned words, Orochimaru quickly saw another person's shadow in his mind. "Itachi Uchiha...?"

"Yes. The new organization will be called Moon. My purpose is clear: to slightly awaken the long-cooled fighting spirit of shinobi, and to extend a helping hand when disaster strikes."

"Oh?" Orochimaru was slightly stunned.

"Well, it's normal that you don't know. My original body once heard the Great Toad Sage's prophecy. In the future, visitors from beyond the heavens will come to the Shinobi World. Their strength will all be at the level of the Six Paths."

"The Great Toad Sage, a senior as famous as the White Snake Sage of Ryūchi Cave." Orochimaru murmured softly, already more than half convinced.

"With your current strength, it will take some time for this wind to stir up waves."

"No problem. Let's talk somewhere a little more private." Boruto glanced around. He could not fully cut loose in the village.

Outside the village, in a lush forest.

Boruto did not waste words. Using the power of his left eye, he activated Tenseigan Chakra Mode with one eye.

In an instant, fluorescent blue Chakra burned wildly, even overflowing from his body to form a special cloak. Boruto's voice rang out. "This is my first time using it too. I don't know how much power this Shadow Clone body can bring out."

Orochimaru watched Boruto show off with great interest.

Mitsuki stood quietly beside Orochimaru without saying a word, though he too was amazed by Boruto's ability.

Several pitch-black Truth-Seeking Orbs rapidly formed. Boruto casually gathered one before him, then activated it with one hand, making it spin.

Silver Wheel Reincarnation Explosion!

Even the storm unleashed by a single Truth-Seeking Orb was not to be underestimated. It easily uprooted and scattered the trees and stones atop a small hill.

Then Boruto picked up another Truth-Seeking Orb and gathered it in his hand. Golden radiance shone incomparably brightly, like the rising sun.

Golden Wheel Reincarnation Explosion!

A golden longsword condensed in Boruto's hand, then extended outward. Boruto swung the enormous golden blade, cleaving through the small hill before him and splitting it in two!

Orochimaru clapped softly. "As expected of Boruto-kun. Even with the power of a clone, you can unleash such might."

Boruto quickly shed his Chakra cloak. His posture was a little exaggerated, but he stood steadily, revealing a somewhat forced smile.

Orochimaru then said, "I can begin preparing what you mentioned once I return. When it is complete, I will have Mitsuki notify you."

"Alright. I'll look after Mitsuki." Boruto replied, slightly out of breath.