Innovation and Reform (3)

"So what should we do now? Mobilize the entire Shinobi World and search globally for information about Moon?" the Mizukage asked.

Boruto said, "That's basically where we stand now. The enemy is in the dark while we're in the open. We're at a complete disadvantage, and we may not even be a match for them in terms of strength."

Naruto said, "A new war has already begun. From here on, I hope all of you Kage will strengthen the training of ninjas in your respective villages. I have a feeling that the Fifth Shinobi World War may not be mere fantasy."

"Should we shoulder the burden of protecting the world again? It's just that the new era's development has made ninjas forget pain. Rekindling their fighting spirit won't be easy," the Mizukage said worriedly.

"The current situation is already urgent. In truth, we don't have that much time to train ninjas. Rather than that, we should improve their mastery of sealing techniques."

"Facts have proven that when facing an enemy we cannot defeat, sealing techniques are the most effective solution. Kaguya is an example," Naruto said.

Kaguya: You're amazing. You're so high and mighty. You even betrayed your master and ancestors!!

"This really is a solution that barely counts as one." The Kage all sighed. When one had nowhere left to turn, any solution one could think of was hope.

"Also... according to the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, Boruto will be this generation's Child of Destiny. Sage Fukasaku personally relayed this."

"...So that's how it is?"

If not for Boruto's battle with the Raikage, the Kage would have scoffed at that claim. But now, everyone had seen the talent and strength Boruto had displayed.

They also understood the father and son's painstaking intentions. Hadn't they spent most of their time at the beginning proving that Boruto possessed sufficient potential and could bear the title of savior?

"Now the burden of the Shinobi World is basically all on his shoulders. No wonder he was publicly introduced. He deserves that treatment!!"

"Exactly. Enough small talk. So, in order to protect Boruto and further increase his strength, I've decided to split off half of the Nine-Tails so he'll have the ability to protect himself if he encounters danger."

Boruto: ...

The Kage all thought: The Nine-Tails is yours. Do whatever you want with it.

In truth, all of Boruto's preparations had merely been meant to heighten the vigilance of the major hidden villages and use the investigation into "Moon" as a pretext to search for Kara as well.

It all depended on who exposed themselves first. Boruto had already begun considering where to establish Moon's headquarters. They couldn't stay in Orochimaru's laboratory forever, could they?

With that, this Five Kage Summit came to an end. The Kage had arrived full of high spirits, but left with hearts as heavy as stone.

On the Hidden Leaf Village's side, the handover ceremony for half of the Nine-Tails proceeded smoothly. But to be safe, they still placed a sealing technique on Boruto.

After all, the Nine-Tails was still the Nine-Tails. Although Kurama himself was very cooperative, that wild, violent Chakra nature bordering on darkness had not changed.

Until Boruto could open his heart to Kurama and bring their convictions into alignment, this seal was absolutely not to be opened.

However, that afternoon after the ceremony, Boruto routinely used a Shadow Clone to attend school in his place. The original plan remained unchanged. Tomorrow would still be the Ninja Academy's field trip, and the destination was still the Land of Water.

At the time, the other four Kage had assumed Boruto would refuse. After all, his foremost task now was to become stronger and adapt to the Nine-Tails' power. Yet Naruto protectively said that the burden of war could not be borne entirely by a child. At an age meant for play, he should not be constrained by responsibility.

Everyone knew Naruto's childhood had been rather tragic. He did not want Boruto to follow in his footsteps. The other Kage understood, and they classified the matter as the Five Kage's highest secret.

At this moment, within the sealing space, unlike Naruto's, Boruto's inner world was tranquil and elegant. Sunlight covered everything, illuminating a lush green meadow. A gentle breeze drifted across the grass and floated into the distance.

At the far end of the lawn stood a red cage. Inside, behind its rows of bars, a fox lay lazily on the ground. Only when Boruto entered did it sluggishly open its eyes.

The Nine-Tails had long since lost its former hatred. It was as docile as a truly tamed pet fox. It merely lay there, watching Boruto approach.

"Kurama... right?" Boruto murmured.

"Kid, even though you've shown great strength and you're Naruto's son, don't think you can just take Chakra from me that easily. Go back," Kurama said proudly.

Boruto did not care about what he said at all. He merely asked, "A tug-of-war... or should I just let you out?"

The Nine-Tails' vertical pupils widened in astonishment. Boruto's figure was reflected within them. In the Nine-Tails' eyes, Boruto suddenly seemed imposing, carrying the aura—and power—it had once sensed from the Sage of Six Paths!

"Let's go with the tug-of-war. I know you value my strength and character. This is the Tailed Beasts' test for a Jinchuriki. Let's just follow the procedure."

Boruto spoke very seriously.

"Kid, you're very different. Different from every host I've encountered, different from every person I've ever seen. I've lived for thousands of years, yet you alone... I cannot see through," Kurama said frankly.

"Oh?"

"For example, this space formed by your heart. I can sense that this is merely an image you deliberately created. The reason is probably that I'm connected in consciousness to the other half inside Naruto," Kurama muttered to himself.

"Mm. You guessed most of it." Boruto nodded in admission. "There are some things Father cannot know. Actually, I don't need your power right now either."

"...?" The Nine-Tails had not expected Boruto to be so blunt. It was one of the strongest Tailed Beasts, all right? In the past, countless people had wanted to borrow its power. Why did it suddenly seem so unwanted with this kid?

"Ahem." The Nine-Tails realized its train of thought had gone astray. The important point was not its power, but Boruto saying there were things Naruto should not know.

Noticing the confusion in the Nine-Tails' vertical pupils, Boruto did not want to explain too much. "Hey, Kurama. We'll be partners from now on, right?"

The Nine-Tails said, "Isn't the way you talk a little too calm? Are you sure you're asking a question rather than casually bringing it up?"

"More or less. I already see you as a partner. The way friends ask questions has always been simple. Say it directly, then ask for the other person's opinion," Boruto said.

"Besides, just like you, the only reason I trust you is that you're Dad's companion!"

Boruto said inwardly with great enthusiasm, Yeah right. Who doesn't know that the famous Kurama is a tsundere?

The Nine-Tails thought, Damn it, the way he controls the pace... without even noticing it, I've been led around by the nose. It's even more ridiculous than Naruto's Talk no Jutsu!

"Then, Boruto, if I understand you correctly, you don't really want to borrow my power, but you still rushed in here to have a heart-to-heart with me. Are you really planning to make me keep quiet and help you conceal some secrets?"

Boruto nodded. "Yes. With you inside me, it's like being watched. There are many things I can't personally do anymore, and that will greatly affect my original plans."

The Nine-Tails' ears twitched slightly, standing upright like two antennae. If Boruto had guessed right... Tailed Beasts liked gossip too?

At that moment, a ball of flame suddenly appeared before Boruto in his inner world. Once the flames dispersed, a slip of paper covered in writing came into view.

"Seven-Tails Chomei capture plan... successfully completed."

At the same time, the Nine-Tails vaguely sensed that something bad had happened. Then, in an instant, intense fury flashed in its eyes. Just now, the Seven-Tails Chomei... had lost contact!!

Boruto saw it all, and an expression of just as expected appeared on his face. He did not want to explain anything. He merely wrote a new note in his hand and sent it out by the same method.

Flying Thunder God Technique: Information Transmission!

On the other side of the ocean, in a valley where the terrain had been severely damaged, the surrounding trees had been snapped cleanly at their roots, as though they had been overturned. There were even signs of scorching and collapse.

The ruined terrain showed that a battle had once taken place here.

The smoke had not yet fully dispersed. The air was filled with rage and chaotic Chakra currents. There were visible traces of a Tailed Beast Ball having run rampant.

Yet, looking at the two figures standing quietly on the ground, one could not help but guess that the victors appeared to be the humans before them.

The White-Robed Man silently formed a Four Violet Flames Formation with sealing barriers, trapping the barely breathing Seven-Tails Chomei inside. Sarada covered her left eye and panted heavily. Blood streaked her youthful face.

"For your first use of the Mangekyō's ability, ten seconds seems to be the limit of what you can currently endure," the White-Robed Man said as he worked on the barrier.

"Come on, the opponent was a Tailed Beast! A war weapon recorded in books! Being able to withstand ten seconds of its full-force attacks, I'd say I already have the bearing of a Hokage!"

Sarada panted heavily, but she did not forget to defend herself. Even though she had truly reached her limit, refusing to faint was her final stubbornness.