Chapter 21:
-« We should wash at the public bath, so we won't catch something else. » Says Sarada, remembering what her mother would in that situation.
-« We're already boiling... » whines the prince. He takes a look at her with a smirk and he continues « and you look worst than I do. »
-« Thank you...» sarcastic. « I have no idea how I will be able to even get there. » in a sigh. « ok, just gives me a few minutes. »
Boruto takes a moment to put himself in the right mind before pulling his energy together to stands up.
-« We do what we have to do. Let's go. »
He rolls on his side and stands up difficultly. Boruto gives his hand to the princess. She moans but accepts it and raises up. They redo their yukata to look more put together.
-« Take my hand. » Says Boruto, seeing the princess holding on the wall.
Sarada grabs his hand and his arm then leans on him. They exit the room and go in the corridor trying to look normal to the people they meet. Boruto leaves Sarada, at the women's side and enters the men's side. He hopes she will be ok.
Boruto was careful when he undressed in front of other people. Plus, knowing there the Kara makes him mo more cautious. The scar on his face already tells people a lot about who he is, but the scars on his body just reveal too much for his taste. He prewashes then he goes to the public bath. He keeps his body covered as long as he could and undresses just before entering the water. He's so hot that he has trouble breathing properly. How fever doesn't go away already?
...
-« I'm feeling better, today. »
-« You're kidding, right? I still feel like dying. »
-« Uzumakis have the reputation to heal quickly. I'm gonna get us something to eat. I'm coming back soon. »
Boruto was feeling the fever but it was nothing compared to what he had suffered during the previous days. He visits the reception and asks the lady who works there:
-« I would like some food for 2. You know, we need fuel. » He winks with a smile at her.
The lady says nothing but he could tell she was shocked. Sorry, Mama gonna wash my mouth another day, he though. But he had to explain why they didn't leave the room but to eat and go to the bathroom for 4 days. They give him a platter and he goes back to the Uchiwa. Sarada has a light sleep, she feels so hot that she pushed the sheets away. She was wearing the lightest and shortest thing she has, Boruto takes a moment to stare at her naked legs.
-« Don't stare! »
He smiles, then he sits next to Sarada.
-« It reminds me of when we first met... you know what I'm talking about... with the red dress. »
-« Why you're remembering that... » She pulls lightly, a bit embarrassed.
-« I was a bold back there. I taunted you a lot. »
-« Remember me to make you pay for that... another time. »
-« It was pretty thrilling... with you tied up to the bed. »
-« It really turns you on? »
She sits and covers her legs. Sarada starts picking on the plate. She wipes out her forehead when she notices that Boruto is still looking that her. She looks back.
-« I know that look, you stay away from me. You deviant. »
Boruto has a laugh before picking from the plate and letting him fall on the bed, under her eye half-amused.
...
Sarada slowly opens her eyes. She was sitten on a horse both legs on the same side. Her back was resting against Boruto who held the bridle. The second horse was attached to them and was following behind.
Sarada reaches Boruto's forearm in front of her and raises her head to look at the prince's face. Boruto looks at her as her forehead was resting on his cheek. A bit tired, Boruto gives her a soft smile and asks with a soft voice:
-« How are you feeling? »
She responds with a sound.
-« Do you need anything? »
-« A bit thirsty but it's ok... Where are we going? »
-« You're going home. Your mama will take care of you. »
-«You're not leaving me? »
-« No I won't. I'm staying with you. »
She closes her eyes as he cups her head in his hand and kisses her forehead. Sarada sighs and cuddles against him then say:
-« I don't know what I would have done if you weren't with me. Thanks god. »
-« Try to sleep. If you need something, just tell me, princess. »
-« And you, you can continue? You feel better, Prince Uzumaki? »
-« I look forward to getting there. I can use some sleep but don't worry about me. »
In the middle of the night, the princess and the prince arrive at the Uchiwa castle. Guards reconsign them and take their horses before they get inside. Sarada was holding the Prince's arm to keep her balance.
-« Where your room? » asks Boruto.
The Uchiwa guides him to her bedroom. It was a pretty small room, only containing a drawer, a bookshelf, the bed and, next to it, a bedside. Everything was clean and at its place. The only particularities are the Sharingan crest painting on the wall over the bed and the large windows that lead to a balcony.
-« I'm going to the bathroom, I'm coming back. » says Sarada letting the Uzumaki alone.
He removes his boots and let himself fall on the bed before falling asleep.
In the morning, the queen, Sakura Uchiwa, enters in her daughter's room in a hurry.
-« Darling?! » she asks before seeing that her little girl was not alone in the bed. « Oh! I'm sorry »
In shock, the queen closes the door. She covers her mouth with her hand to contain a laugh of embarrassment, before hearing her daughter calling for her.
-« Mama... I need you. »
Sakura opens the door again and meet Sarada's eyes. She approaches them and notices that both of them were fully clothed, not even under the sheets.
-« The guards told me you're not feeling good. What happened? »
Boruto rolls on the other side, too tired to speak. Sarada answers:
-« We've been poisoned. It's been a couple of days we're like that. I'm not sure what it was but I have notes in my bag. »
-« Can you stand up? Do you need someone? I'm gonna take you to the nursery we will run some tests... oh my, I don't like seeing you like that. »
...
The queen gets back to Sarada in the nursery.
-« Are you feeling better, sweety? »
-« I feel better. Do you know what it was? »
-« I think you were right that's a fungus. It's miniatures and lives on special plants. The fungus attaches to your lungs and multiplies from there. So, in the first hours, you probably were ok, you know before it spreads. But when it's fully installed it won't go away by itself... I have seen the same phenomena before, but never ever with symptoms like that. It was really strong. You would not have died from it. Therefore since it don't get away by itself and because the cure is not obvious, it's concerning... Glad it worked, I'm gonna give the same thing to Prince Uzumaki. I will be right back. »
-« Thanks mama. Can't imagine what we would have do without you. »
-« It's nothing, Darling. You did such an amazing job, I'm so proud you could use what I teach you... »
-« And I understand why you insisted too. I'm glad you did... didn't expect to be that useful. »
-« Let's take care of the Prince... And I will have to thank him, it seems he takes good care of you. »
-« Mama... » Giving her a death glare. « Mama, I know you. Don't go there... »
...
Later, Sarada enters her room meeting Boruto who wakes up for her.
-« Hey! »
-« Hey! You're ok? »
-« Feeling better, you seem well too. »
-« I'm getting there... Are you well enough to dine with me and my mom? »
-« Of course, I'm mostly tired, so that won't be a problem. Can't wait to eat like a prince again... I'm happy you are recovering, I was worried. »
He reaches to get her hand but she quickly removes it.
-« Hey, we have to be careful. Mama saw us sleeping in the same bed. She's already imagining things. »
-« Ok, I see. She really has a fertile imagination. » He answers sarcastically.
-« I'm not joking. She always does that, always looking for romance for me. And I think she likes you so... »
-« Of course, she likes me. Any mothers would like me. » Jokes Boruto « I get it, we will be careful. »
-« Thank you. I'm sorry in advance if it gets uncomfortable. »
...
-« Again, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to. I guess, I just fell asleep. Don't really realize what was happening. »
-« Don't be too harsh on yourself. You were not in your right state, I was just surprised... Well, not that it would be surprising that something between you happens. With all that time you spent only the two of you. »
-« Mama! »
-« What, Sweety? »
-« Don't say things like that... There's nothing. We're just working together. »
-« No, of course, I know. I just saying that I would understand if it happened or if it happens in the future. You two are beautiful young people... »
-« Mama, can you stop right here? » with the urge to cover her face.
-« I don't want to embarrass you, my princess. It's just that with Kawaki's story, I would understand that you need to move on. »
-« Mama! What do you understand in 'stop'? »
-« Ok, I got it. » answers her mother amused. « I won't be bringing the subject again. I just don't want to feel embarrassed. »
-« ... Anyway, you can have my room, Prince Uzumaki. I already settled in another room. »
-« No, no that's ok. I don't want to impose... »
-« Really, I'm not sleeping there ever again so, it's all yours. »
-« You're ok, sweety? »
-« I'm fine. »
-« ... Maybe, you want to visit Kawaki... »
-« Why would I want to do that? »
-« You have to take time to grieve... »
-« It's ok I'm done. »
It was really getting heavy, so Boruto jumps in.
-« I didn't take the time to thank you for the cure, Queen Uchiwa. I'm sure the Princess Uchiwa explains to you that it was part of Kara experimentation. What do you think we should do with that weapon? »
-« Good question. For what I understand, the fungus is a parasite, it can't live only by itself. So, I don't think the lab is infected, therefore it might still usable. You probably want to get rid of it, to stop them... »
-« It explains why they were experimenting in the mountain. To keep it under control. »
-« Exactly, the fungus doesn't like the cold. You stole important research papers, it may delay the research. »
-« It's decided. We have a lab to explode. »
-« You really are enthusiast by that. Well, it's settle: you're in charge of blowing up things. » Jokes Sarada
-« Can't wait. » miming an explosion with his hands.
...
The next morning, Sarada in the diner room for breakfast. There was already Sakura and Boruto at the end on the table. They stop their conversation and greet the princess warmly. It's good being home.
It was less weird than she had expected but she was still a bit anxious that a backlash will be coming. Her mother told her that rumors were spreading and people were appreciative and take her in esteem for the risk she's taking for them. Therefore, she can easily assume that rumor about Kawaki spread too. Where she stands she's not quite sure, but the less she talks about it, the better she is.
The Uchiwa princess sits next to the prince. Of habit, Boruto takes the teapot and serves the princess some black tea, what she usually has in the morning. She starts serving herself from the different options on the table.
-« Did you try that? It looks like nothing but you will like that. » she asks the prince.
-« What is it? »
-« Just friedrices with eggs. »
Sarada passes him the plate when she freezes. Surprised, Boruto notices that Sarada met the look of her mother that was looking at them with a smirk. Oh snap. Sarada just finishes passing the plate, Boruto thanks her quickly and they get in their own plate.
-« You seem better today? So what are you gonna do next? »
-« Well we have to take care of the lab, but after that, I don't know. We are a bit stuck. » answers the Uzumaki.
-« True... »
-« I see. You may want to go back to Shikamaru. He keeps me informed about what's going on with the Kara and other empires. He can definitely help you. »
-« You are in contact with the Byakugan empire? » asks Sarada.
-« I guess we are good allies, now... But, what I also wanted to say is that you should be careful because it seems the Kara knows about you and they will be waiting for you. It looks like the calm before the storm. »
-« It's about time, they do something to stop us. » jokes Sarada. « We should pay a visit to your family. But, what do you learn exactly?»
...
The Queen Uchiwa follows them, taking the opportunity to visit her husband with them. The Queen wait the moment to talk with her daughter alone when the Uzumaki were wandering around.
-« You changed Sara? »
-« What? I did not change. »
-« I mean you evolved. You wouldn't put yourself in danger like that before and partly because your father was really protective. But even if I'm scared to hell what can happen to you, I know we prepared you well... »
Sarada was always uncomfortable with compliments, so now she doesn't know what to say, where to look. She just crosses her arms, mumbling:
-« It's just the right thing to do... »
-« You're sure, you're father's daughter. » She laughs. « Wish we could do something more since your birthday is coming. »
-« I don't need anything more. That's a good idea to visit, Papa. »
-« You don't want to stay a little more. »
-« It's just a date. »
-« It's an importante day for me, but as you wish...Never hesitated if I can help you with something, Darling, just tell me. »
...
Sarada and Boruto get to the Byukugan castle after the greeting comes the reality check. Shikamaru felt so relieved that both of them had come back, because things were getting serious. Things were not all pretty: After the attack on the lab, Kara comes back and attacks Iwaga.
-« We need to help them, we should send troops to help them » Boruto said without an answer from Shikamaru, then he turns to his best friend. « Shikadai? »
It was clear that the 2 of them didn't want to send any help and they seem almost bothered that the Prince asked.
-« Prince Uzumaki... don't forget who you're talking to. » says Shikamaru.
-« Sorry, not used to it yet... But, we need to prove to them that we can work together. »
-« The prince is right, they are your ally, you should already have sent troops. »
-« With all respect, it's not yours to say how we manage things here, Princess Uchiwa... Listen, I understand what you're saying, but Queen Kurotsuchi never was a great ally and her empire is crumbling. There's not much we can do for them. » Answers Shikadai.
-« You know that we just met them personally and they are probably living the consequences of my and the prince's actions... »
-« If you feel guilty that's not our problem... »
-« Oh but I swear you're the one who will be guilty if you do nothing... You are really shameless, saying that to my face. We are putting our lives on the line for you and, you know what, the people of Iwaga are being more helpful to me than you ever were... »
-« Princess, it's ok. We will figure it out. » tries Boruto.
-« Princess Uchiwa, watch your mouth before the king Nara. » jumps Shikamaru.
-« What she wants to say is...» Boruto tries again.
-« And why would I? » Starts the princess. « Why should I watch my mouth? King Nara is in charge of you, not of me. »
-« Exactly you have a big mouth for someone who shouldn't even be part of this conversation. » Says Shikadai, standing up of his chair.
-« You grew a big mouth too for someone who's just warming up a sit... You poor scaredy-cat. Just watch the Uchiwa, doing it by herself. If you can't be pursuit King Naruto Uzumaki's legacy, I'm gonna do it. You really have no pride. » storming her way out of the room.
-« Princess, you should learn to know your place. » almost shouts the young Nara.
Sarada turns to him, pointing at him.
-« No, you should learn your place. »
She turns around and claps the door after her. Shikadai takes back his sit, Boruto never saw him so angry, he comes to sit next to him and puts his hand on his shoulder.
-« I'm really sorry about that. If I had known that it would have turned like... I should have intervened... »
-« You really don't have to be sorry, you tried to talk to her, but she just went crazy. »
-« Don't mind about her. I think you're doing great. »
-« She's short-tempered. She will have to grow up. » Says Shikamaru crossing his arms. « Well, so what are we doing? »
-« Well, maybe you can tell me more about what you know. »
...
The 3 men come in the tea room, where Sarada was with Hinata and Himawari. The room was a bit tense, with a low voice Boruto asks Sarada if he can talk to her in private. He brings her to the office, then starts laughing.
-« What? What happened? »
-« I'm so afraid of you, right now. »
-« It worked? »
-« It worked you said? Troops are leaving in a few hours and they will take care of the lab too. »
-« I knew you could do it. »
-« Can't believed I tricked the strategists. » Says Boruto excited. « You're really amazing and I'm afraid of everything you will say now. »
She laughs.
-« They didn't expect that from you, that's why it works. Anyway, that's yours, we just wanted to make sure it works... That's nice, you may gain an ally after that, guess we are getting closer and closer. »
Boruto positions his hands on her back and pulls her on him to kiss her, in his adrenaline rush. She places her hands on his biceps, before continuing:
-« Do you think it will be enough, maybe I can still ask my mother to send more? »
-« It will be enough, we will keep your troops in stand by. »
-« Well, I guess I will have to apologize. They should really hate me. »
-« As you want, I don't think they will be resentful. My father could have a temper too. So, Shikamaru is kinda used to it. »