School Trip (Part 1)

"Whoosh--"

The long, drawn-out sound mixed with the crash of waves against the hull as the students enjoyed various recreational activities on deck.

A massive cruise ship sailed across the sea, its hull cutting through the water, creating a wake that spread out on either side.

The sky was as blue as the ocean, its reflection shimmering on the surface. Seabirds swooped down to snatch fish, while Boruto, disregarding all sense of fair play, ran across the water.

His eyes were sharp, his movements precise. He aimed a kunai at a fish swimming in the sea, a large one that looked like it would make a good meal. It was undoubtedly his target.

Splash—

The moment Boruto threw the kunai, it hit its mark. The kid had wrapped the kunai in Lightning Release, increasing its speed and giving the fish no chance to escape.

Another splash, and Mitsuki emerged from the sea, holding a large fish. His hands stretched like rubber, tightly entwining the fish, preventing it from breaking free.

"Not bad, Mitsuki. Your fishing skills are almost as good as mine." Boruto lifted his own fish and jumped onto the deck.

Mitsuki followed close behind.

On the deck, in a specially made swimming pool, another Boruto was chatting with Sumire Kakei, watching the students splashing and playing in the water.

"...This is nice," Sumire said, leaning slightly closer to Boruto, a genuine sense of contentment in her voice.

The setting sun cast its rays on the shimmering water, and the students cheered and splashed, even holding impromptu contests to see who could hold their breath the longest.

"Maybe, but I don't think we're just here for fun," Boruto said softly.

He gazed thoughtfully at the ripples on the water, each one rising and falling, only to bloom again.

The droplets of water reflected the sunlight, appearing crystal clear. Sumire saw peace and tranquility in them, but Boruto saw something different... perhaps a sense of responsibility.

"Something is bound to happen in the Land of Water," Boruto said suddenly, turning to Sumire. "If we're lucky, we might see the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist assemble... and fall."

"Hmm?" Sumire tilted her head in confusion. They were standing so close that their reflections in the water seemed to embrace, intertwined.

Their eyes met, and Sumire's cheeks flushed slightly. She nervously looked away, but some unknown courage made her boldly meet Boruto's gaze again.

The sun was shining, and the sea breeze was gentle and cool, carrying a faint salty scent.

Waves lapped against them, the cool water extinguishing the nervousness and anticipation in Sumire's heart. She nodded slightly, looking expectant.

"Will it be dangerous?" she asked suddenly.

"No," Boruto said, shaking his head. "I have other things to take care of, so I'm leaving this to you."

Sumire paused, as if realizing something, then immediately lowered her head. "The Seven Ninja Swordsmen represent the overall strength of the Land of Water. I'm afraid I won't be of much help."

Boruto didn't reply. He quietly cupped his hands, scooping up some water, and tossed it into the air before it could slip through his fingers.

Sumire stared blankly at the scene. Boruto didn't speak, so she didn't interrupt, simply watching.

The sunlight shone on the water droplets once more. Suddenly, the water transformed into bubbles, slowly floating into the air.

The surrounding students were having fun, and their attention was drawn to the bubbles. They turned to see Boruto and Sumire standing close together by the pool.

Boruto smiled, took Sumire's hand, and said softly, "You still have its power, after all."

The bubbles floated in the air, then popped, turning back into droplets that rained down, soaking everyone present.

"Yosh! Payback time! Hehe!" Boruto laughed gleefully as he watched the entire class get drenched.

"Huh?" Sumire was stunned. Rain was falling all over the pool, but she and Boruto were untouched, as if sheltered by an invisible umbrella.

"Pfft... I didn't know you were so vindictive," Sumire said, breaking into a smile, not noticing that he had raised her hand high in the air.

"This was all the class rep's doing! Go get your revenge on her!!" Boruto shouted before running off.

"Boruto?!"

Sumire was dumbfounded, staring at the unfriendly looks from her classmates. She stood there, frozen, as waves of water crashed over her.

She ignored the waves washing over her, her gaze fixed on her arm. A pattern had appeared there, a white mark—the Other Shore Mark!

Across the ocean, the White-Robed Man tightened his grip on a piece of paper, humming a carefree tune. Behind him, a figure followed cautiously, like a shadow.

On the road, Sarada asked curiously, "Why are we rushing to the Land of Water? Isn't the Five-Tails, Kokuō, closer?"

"Who knows? The mission is to capture Son Gokū, the Four-Tails. It's hiding on an island not far from the Land of Water, and it's named the place Water Curtain Cave."

The White-Robed Man chuckled at this. The Four-Tails was hardly worthy of such a name.

Sarada was silent. The sun beat down, and she trailed behind, panting, unable to keep up with the White-Robed Man's pace.

It seemed intentional.

The White-Robed Man acted as if he hadn't noticed, continuing to walk forward until the trees completely hid him, his figure shrinking into a 'dot' in the distance.

Watching the White-Robed Man get further and further away, Sarada saw her chance. She had secretly 'bought' a map when they passed through another village earlier.

Now, she thought, was the time. There was another small village not far away, with a large population, perhaps tens of thousands.

If she could blend in, even with the Mangekyō's keen perception, it would be impossible to find her!

She ran excitedly, in the opposite direction from the White-Robed Man. Even if he realized it, there wouldn't be enough time to catch her.

"Finally... I shook him off!!" Sarada thought excitedly.

Not daring to linger, she hurried back towards the village, her steps swift as the wind. Perhaps even she hadn't realized her speed had increased so much.

Not only that, but her Chakra reserves were on a completely different level than before.

The village's commercial district was bustling. The map roughly indicated that it was located in the Land of Birds, bordering the Land of Earth and the Land of Wind, and the village itself was prosperous.

She quickly settled down, finding a random inn to stay at. (The White-Robed Man had given her money, spending money.)

The fatigue from the journey, coupled with the emotional turmoil, the excitement and tension constantly clashing within her, left her feeling exhausted. She couldn't even bother to wash up, collapsing onto the made bed and falling asleep.

It seemed... normally, when she took a bath, the White-Robed Man would impatiently unleash a barrage of Water Release and Wind Release, quick and easy!

Clothes and body, bam, instantly clean!

She fell into a deep sleep. In her dream, a mist began to rise, and a faint light shone from her lower abdomen beneath the red qipao, as wisps of Chakra invaded her.

Seven-Tails Chōmei squeezed into Sarada's dream.