School Trip (Part 2)

The sky gradually darkened, the colors of dusk reflecting on the surface of the swimming pool, and the students, who had been soaking in the water all day, were physically and mentally exhausted.

They lay on the edge of the pool, watching the twilight, witnessing the sunset, and staring at the falling sunlight on the coastline.

At the top of the Ferris wheel, above the observation deck, Boruto and Mitsuki quietly started a bonfire, grilling the fruits of their afternoon's labor.

They sat on the ground, their eyes focused on the grilled fish on the observation deck (flat surface), the Wood Release barbecue rack perfectly supporting the fish.

As an aside, the size of the grilled fish was about as long as Boruto's body, and Mitsuki's was about the same.

"Does Boruto like fish that much?" Mitsuki couldn't help but ask, because as soon as they got on the ship, he dragged him into the sea, and the only purpose was to catch fish.

"Not particularly," Boruto said, skillfully sprinkling seasoning and turning the fish over to grill, making sure every part was cooked.

"Then why... did we spend half the day in the sea?" Mitsuki was clearly puzzled by this.

"To catch fish, and to practice my swimming skills," Boruto replied.

Seeing this, Mitsuki didn't ask any more questions, but instead formed hand seals, extending sharp pieces of wood to place his own grilled fish on the barbecue rack. The Chakra-covered Wood Release could withstand ordinary flames.

Thick smoke billowed, easily attracting the attention of others.

They were completely stunned by the antics of these two, staring wide-eyed as the smoke rose and the aroma of grilled fish wafted over, tantalizing everyone's taste buds.

"Hey, Boruto! We want grilled fish too!" Iwabee shouted, waving his hand at Boruto.

"That's right, members of the school trip committee, we're hungry too!" Chōchō couldn't help but shout, smelling the aroma.

The voices reached the two's ears, and Boruto clicked his tongue, staring at the figures approaching on the deck. After thinking for a moment, he decided it didn't matter.

"Well, Mitsuki, if you don't mind, we can share your fish. We can share mine between the three of us," Boruto suggested.

"I don't mind. Who's the other person?" Mitsuki's expression remained calm. For him, it didn't matter what he ate.

Boruto sighed. This guy was either not picky at all... or completely detached from worldly concerns.

The observation deck soon welcomed a third guest, her long purple hair swaying in the wind, tiny droplets of water slowly dripping down her strands.

"Sumire Kakei...?"

Mitsuki was a little surprised. In his mind, the class representative was undoubtedly the same as the other students, at most a classmate.

"Yeah, she'll probably be one of our companions," Boruto said, nodding to Sumire to signal her to sit down.

Mitsuki curiously took a few more glances at her. Sumire was a little embarrassed and sat stiffly next to Boruto.

A group of people on the deck silently held plates, savoring the deliciousness of the grilled fish, while secretly and curiously gossiping, watching the three people on the observation deck, or rather, Boruto and Sumire, who were sitting close to each other.

"Boruto...?" Sumire called out softly.

Boruto used a fork to pick up a large piece of fish, the sizzling hot oil crackling, and the thick smoke filled with fragrance. He put it on a plate and handed it to Sumire.

"Let's all get to know each other first," Boruto said to Mitsuki.

"Okay," Mitsuki nodded.

They were all somewhat familiar with each other. Sumire had almost caused a disturbance in Konoha, which Boruto had told Mitsuki about. And Mitsuki, as a guest from Otogakure, naturally aroused curiosity.

Plus, he was very close to Boruto, so Sumire had learned about him in private.

The two smiled at each other, and Boruto also cut a piece of grilled fish for Mitsuki, the piece on Sumire's plate being slightly larger.

"Mitsuki's father is Orochimaru, so he'll have a better way to enhance Nue," Boruto said. He also cut himself a plate of grilled fish.

Soon, the soft sound of chewing echoed in the top deck. The scenery by the sea was exceptionally beautiful, the golden afterglow dyeing the coast red, and the red glow of the afterglow painting her fair cheeks.

"Okay," Sumire said, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead, blaming the blush on her face on the sunset.

As the sea fish on the grill was continuously cut, the size of the fish decreased sharply, and the increasing appetite and atmosphere gradually opened the conversation.

With the aroma of fish and the sea glow, she suddenly asked, "How much does Mitsuki know about Boruto's abilities?"

Boruto imperceptibly took a bite of fish, not interrupting, listening to Mitsuki slowly say, "Boruto is very good at various powerful ninjutsu, including Kekkei Genkai and Wood Release."

Sumire raised her eyebrows slightly, intrigued. "Anything else?"

"Anything else..." Mitsuki looked at Boruto, and seeing that he didn't seem to mind him revealing a few secrets, he added, "Powerful dōjutsu, I heard it's the ultimate evolution of the Byakugan, with the power of destruction and creation."

"Tenseigan," Boruto added.

"Oh, oh." Sumire was stunned, the expression on her face changing slightly, and the sparkling light in her eyes dimming.

A gap, an unbridgeable gap. She sighed in her heart.

"There will be a special event tonight. Please help the class representative take care of the students, or rather, provide cover," Boruto said mysteriously.

"Okay, sure," Sumire said, startled for a moment before hurriedly answering.

"Don't be nervous. Mitsuki and I are going to play in the sea. Maybe we can find some nice treasures in this sea."

"Ah? What could there be in the sea, a shipwreck?" Sumire asked curiously.

"Actually, the seabed is still very mysterious. Maybe there will be flying fish, but this time we want to find a turtle with three tails."

Boruto said with a smile, squinting his eyes.

Hmm... Mitsuki probably knew that the purpose of this trip was to capture Tailed Beasts, which meant that the Three-Tails Isobu might be swimming in this sea area.

"Actually, it's not a big deal, just fishing, hoping someone will take the bait," Boruto said with a grin, continuing to tear at the fish in his plate.

A fragrant aroma bloomed, and the moonlight quietly descended. A few people on deck stared at the viewing pavilion, where Sumire Kakei was enjoying the moon with Boruto.

The moonlight was bright and clear, its pale light shining on the two of them, casting a hazy glow and adding a touch of mystery.

"Do you think...they're...dating?" Chōchō Akimichi asked softly, munching on potato chips.

"I think...probably," a girl replied.

The seawater gently lapped against the hull, the surface calm. The students on deck quietly returned to their cabins, leaving the beautiful moment to the two on the platform.

All the students gathered in the lounge. The journey was long, and they were tired from the half-day's activities. Only the boys had the energy to continue playing games.

Several close friends huddled together, holding exquisite cards in their hands, competing with each other.

Shikadai, Iwabee, Denki, Metal Lee...and others were playing games. Boruto stayed outside to enjoy the moon, and they naturally knew not to disturb him. Mitsuki, however, sat quietly by the window.

"Do you think Mitsuki will resent Sumire Kakei for stealing Boruto away? He's the closest to Boruto among us."

Iwabee threw out a weaker card, grinning as he said this.

"Uh..." The others were slightly taken aback.

They turned to look at Mitsuki sitting by the window, his hands hanging down as if he were gazing at the moon in solitude. His light blue robe looked somewhat thin, even...lonely.

"Looks like it's highly possible!" Denki gave a definite answer.

"Can only say it's Boruto, huh? Flirting with girls behind our backs!" Metal Lee joined in the conversation.

They chatted teasingly, playing card games and laughing. Mitsuki at the window naturally heard their conversation, but he just chuckled and didn't react.

He understood that everyone was worried about him, so they intentionally or unintentionally brought up this topic to test his reaction.

However, Mitsuki chuckled, turned his head, the moonlight behind him, and said softly, "It doesn't matter who he's with, we'll always be friends."

"..." The others nodded, seemingly understanding.

"Well, whatever, just don't make it too troublesome," Shikadai said with a shake of his head, helpless.

Mitsuki continued to turn back, staring at the undulating sea surface rippling with waves. Maybe there would be a storm later, who knows.