BORUTO. ALTER
BORUTO ate ravenously, quietly finishing the breakfast Mom prepared. Beside him Himawari sat, slurping ramen with messy abandon.
Hinata watched the both of them eat-
For the first time in a long time, Mom looked happy.
Though there was an air of concern around her-
Today was the commencement of the Chunin Exams.
Hinata had sat with them both the previous night, warning of the dangers they could face.
"No matter what, protect each other." Hinata's voice, unusually stern, echoed within Boruto's mind.
Two days ago, Boruto and Himawari had received something- a box containing an electric wristband with a blank circular panel, and a piece of cloth with the character "8" drawn on it in thick ink.
There were instructions as well-
They were to wear the wristband on their left, and the cloth on their right. Further, the two of them were directed to the Forty Fourth Training Grounds..
Otherwise known as the Forest of Death. Boruto's instructions ordered him to go to gate Taishi. Himawari's instructed that she report to gate Suihe.
I wonder what the difference means.
Boruto placed down his eating utensils, resting them across a now empty bowl.
"Thanks, Mom. This was the best meal I've had in months." Boruto gave Hinata a smile.
Himawari concurred, drinking the remnants of soup and then crashing her bowl against a wooden table.
"I can tell you made it special for us. So sentimental.." She said with an annoyed grin that matched Boruto's.
"Of course. This is a special occasion.. for the both of you." Hinata looked at Boruto for a moment-
It seemed she wanted to say something.
Hinata gazed downwards at her own unfinished meal.
"I want you both to stay safe. The Chunin exams aren't as dangerous as they were for your father and I.. still, you need to be vigilant of everyone and everything." Hinata cautioned.
"It's not too late, Hima." Hinata added, giving a pleading look to her daughter.
Himawari laughed cynically.
"I told you already mom, I feel great- more than great, actually. My chakra.. its-" Himawari tensed.
Boruto gave his sister a shadowed, worried glance.
It feels more like dad's.
"I.. just want you to be careful, Hima. Don't get caught up in the exam.. if you feel anything strange, please ensure you're taken care of. Even if it means dropping out." Hinata's smile slowly turned into a frown.
"You as well, Boruto." She added.
"There's no chance I'm dropping out. I've wanted this for three years." Himawari's sharp eyes narrowed.
"I almost died. There's no way.." Himawari's eyes grew harsh-
almost as if she felt the pain of what she suffered again.
"No matter what, I'm staying in until I can't fight anymore." She whispered.
Hinata laughed quietly, gracing both of her children with a face that silently whispered of loss.
"That's what I'm afraid of." Hinata rose then, taking the bowls from Boruto and Hima.
"What do you think is going to happen? All those names.. I didn't think there'd be so many genin.." Himawari turned to Boruto, blue eyes widening in excitement.
Boruto nodded, taking Hinata's bowl and placing it by her at the sink while answering his sister.
"Shikadai said this is the first time incomplete teams are competing too. Even some Konoha genin entered alone." Boruto returned to his seat, chair squeaking in slight protest.
A ledger of names were included along with their wristbands. Boruto had first looked for Mitsuki's name, wondering if Mitsuki had dropped out of the exams-
I looked everywhere for him when I came back three days ago.
Boruto closed blue-silver eyes, regret painting over them.
Mitsuki's name was on the list. Boruto was hoping to speak to Mitsuki privately before the Exams begun-
Though now it seems that he lost that opportunity.
He hoped at the very least Mitsuki would be at the same gate Boruto was assigned to. He had also noticed Sumire was taking the exams as well-
Sarada and Himawari visited Sumire two days previously. They both said she was doing better and seemed far more normal..
A knock politely sounded at the door three times.
Himawari leapt from her seat, flashing to the door in the seconds between the first knock.
Boruto and Hinata both turned to see who it was-
"Sarada, Shikadai." Himawari greeted, opening the door fully for the pair.
Himawari smiled, moving aside as the two genin strode into Boruto's home.
"Lady Uzumaki," Shikadai bowed, Sarada doing the same.
Shikadai turned back around to face Hima.
"Himawari- it's great to see you doing better. I'm sure I don't have to tell ya what you looked like when I first got back.." Shikadai scratched the back of his head, earrings dangling.
Himawari waved her hand in dismissal, leading Shikadai and Sarada fully into the kitchen.
"I found out Shikadai and I were both assigned to gate Taishi. It would be a good idea for us to go together." Sarada said.
So they're at Taishi too, huh? Does this mean we're on the same team?
Himawari sighed.
"You guys too? Hijikata is going to Taishi. Iwabe and I are Suihe."
Himawari laughed.
"If it's Taishi against Suihe.. you all better watch out. I won't be holding back." Himawari gave an evil, violent grin.
"I wouldn't want you to. I've always wanted to fight you for real, Hima." Shikadai eyes flashed to Boruto.
"You too, Boruto. We're friends..Like Himawari said though.. There's no holding back."
"Save that friendly bravado for when the Exams actually start. We're already a little late. We should get going." Sarada said brusquely.
Shikadai laughed.
"I'm fine being late. I'm nervous." He admitted with a shrug.
"We all are. Even Hima, though she won't admit it." Boruto nudged his sister, the both of them leaving the kitchen. Sarada was already at the door, Shikadai close behind.
"Bye, Lady Uzumaki. Wish us luck." Sarada waved. Shikadai nodded, bowing again.
"Bye Mom, love you." Himawari gave Hinata a hug, then rushed to meet Shikadai and Sarada outside.
Boruto watched Hima until the door closed behind her.
"I'll keep an eye on Hima, if I can. I kno-"
"Boruto." Hinata's expression changed.
"Wait there. I have something for you."
Boruto stood in the hallway.
Hinata returned with a strange arm brace-
It was black, and tied with white buckles from the forearm to above the wrist.
"Naruto..sent this. He doesn't want you using the Rasengan, and neither do I. If, for whatever reason.. you're forced to use it.. this will help absorb the shock." Hinata said, handing the sleeve over to Boruto.
Boruto took it- anger slowly brimming underneath his curious glance at the sleeve.
"Where is he right now?" Boruto's voice softly rasped.
Hinata.. looked away.
"He's meeting with the Shu Boeigun. He wanted to be here with you both. You know that." Hinata answered.
State Shinobi? They're still here?
Their appearance had caused somewhat of an uproar in the village, despite the fact Boruto hadn't seen either agent yet.
Boruto knew that one of them was Naruto's only genin pupil.. a man named Tangura.
"I understand." Boruto said quietly. He gave a cynical smirk, raising the sleeve slightly above blonde hair.
"I'll accept this as his proxy."
Hinata laughed. Then, she gave Boruto a hug.
"Stay safe, Boruto. For the both of us. And Hima too."
"What is it, Mom? You're shaking." Boruto noticed then Hinata was crying.
Hinata separated from Boruto.
"I.. I haven't wanted to talk about this, Boruto. I still haven't told your Father."
Hinata met Boruto's eyes, a terrified but controlled sternness returning to her voice.
"When you were on the roof.. when you fainted.." Hinata started.
Boruto's mind felt as if it froze.
Ninurta.. Amakushiki.
Cursed eye..
Boruto's skin went cold.
Before Hinata could continue, the sound of their front door slamming open filled the house.
Himawari's voice hissed behind Boruto's ears.
"Come on! We're officially running late." Hima tsk'd, dragging Boruto out the door by his collar.
"Bye again mom-" Himawari said, pushing Boruto out into Konoha.
Boruto felt almost as if he had just been shaken awake.
I can't.. I can't deal with this right now.
Boruto's thoughts were focused on Hinata's words, the fear that was nearly palpable within white, featureless eyes.
The young Uzumaki swallowed harshly, forcing himself again to bury the questions that had no answer.
Boruto shook, sighing.
The group began walking through Konoha. It was getting colder, but a warm breeze still wafted through tall, wooden buildings. Shikadai asked about the sleeve Boruto was carrying-
Boruto explained its purpose, to which Shikadai gave him a wry grin.
"Seems like using it would still be a bad idea though. From what you're saying.. It's a technique that has risks that far outweigh any benefits, at least for now." After this, the youths traveled in comparative silence, each of them ruminating on the trials that lay ahead.
Finally, it was Himawari who broke that somber crypt.
"I guess this is where I leave you guys." Hima said.
Boruto nodded. The gates were at polar opposites of the training grounds, meaning now it would be faster for Hima to go another direction
To reach Suihe.
"Good luck. Don't embarrass me," Boruto raised his fist to Hima.
Hima scoffed.
"I was gonna say the same thing," she said, bumping her fist against Boruto's while forming jutsu signs with her free hand.
Then, Himawari vanished in a wisp of smoke.
"MIZABËSHIKI…" URASHIKI cackled.
"An idiotic name." Urashiki sneered.
Momoshiki sighed- its eyes had been closed- grinning in the caress of Mundane's wind.
Momoshiki found it an exhilarating sensation, one worth pausing and cherishing-
Much to the annoyance of Momoshiki's drole servants.
Momoshiki sat underneath the embrace of two dying trees, themselves within a forest nestled amongst lonely mountains. Momoshiki gleaned from the nighttime stars that Mundane seemed to go through seasons, the environment itself changing to reflect the will of power that would soon..
Be mine.
Momoshiki nodded a pale face forward, white eyes tracing the faraway rivers that cut through a forest of orange and red.
"You've grown rather bold since arriving here, Urashiki." Momoshiki hissed.
Urashiki's laughter ceased.
Momoshiki turned its head sideways towards Urashiki, silver hair falling beside high cheekbones.
"Though I'm sure you're the same as I. The sensations here.. despite your lower creation, it makes you drunk with joy, doesn't it? Even Kinshiki.. bore that one is.."
Momoshiki's attentions turned back to the autumn heavens below them.
"I will allow you this grace, Urashiki. Though do not forget your place."
Momoshiki paused for a moment, closing its eyes.
Then, it laughed.
"Mizabëshiki is a horrid name. It is a name of weakness. One of failure. It is the perfect moniker for a leader of beasts."
Urashiki's footsteps gingerly approached closer.
"Ah.. I see. So there's another Mizabëshiki. A first one." Urashiki intoned coyly.
The Successor's eyes opened.
"Yes. Kaguya's forebear. It's because of Mizabëshiki that Usurper.. Isshiki, stole fate itself." Momoshiki's eyes watered- out of sadness and silent rage.
"Kaguya's forebear? That would make Mizabëshiki your-"
The Successor's eyes widened in instant fury. It spun to a snarling turn, pointing a long nailed finger at Urashiki's bewildered expression.
"You have spoken far too freely, Warad Sin!" Momoshiki bellowed, using Urashiki's true name.
Urashiki instantly fell to the ground- clawing at an invisible fire that ate away at white skin.
"Stop Master! Please!" Urashiki pleaded between gibbering sobs.
Momoshiki stepped over the writhing creature, trees curling away from the alien chakra.
"Mizbëshiki's purpose is to redeem my legacy. To reclaim a name is everything to our kind. As tantamount as the Tree itself. A name..contains creation." Momoshiki said, striding away from Urashiki.
"Wait!" Urashiki screamed desperately.
Momoshiki paused. It turned, giving Urashiki a disgusted, bored glare.
"The burning- I'm begging.. make it stop!" Urashiki cried. Tears were visibly falling down both of its cheeks.
Momoshiki chuckled.
"Perhaps on the morrow, Urashiki."
"No! Please Master! Please! Momoshiki!"
It truly is an animal. Pitiful creature.
The Successor left the mountainwood to Urashiki's sobs.
BORUTO AND THE OTHERS walked upon a dirt road that cut between farmland interposed with random trees. Boruto noticed run down homes amongst them, realizing that they belonged to Konoha's unseen lower middle class-
People who lived outside the relative safety of Konoha's walls and chakra barrier. With that said, these lands were still well regulated, and not prone to bandit attacks like more remote villages within the land of Fire.
As they came closer, the trail led to a large, grassy field. In the far distance, gigantic trees with thick trunks and sprawling branches rose above a steel gate. The forest was almost like a city itself, and seemed to span dozens of kilometers in each direction.
Below the trees however, Boruto saw a group of small figures in the distance. There were dozens of them. As they moved, Boruto saw their headbands shine under the light of the early afternoon sun.
"Well," Shikadai walked ahead of Boruto and Sarada.
"I guess for now, we wait with them." He said with a shrug.
Boruto narrowed his eyes- from this distance, he couldn't tell if Mitsuki was here or not.
"Let's get closer." Boruto said softly.
Sarada nodded in silent agreement.
Shikadai led the way for them, silent buzzing of conversation was now heard.
They approached the outside ring of waiting genin-
Some turned, but none gave them any attention. Boruto recognized some genin from the village- not by name, but mostly by appearance. Others, he had no idea who they were. They bore headbands from the various hidden villages.
"Sarada, Boruto." Shikadai whispered.
He came between them, nodding his head forward.
"That's Shinki." He said, pointing. Boruto followed Shikadai's finger.
Shinki was short, though his thinness made him seem taller than he was. His head was completely shaven- while his skin was lightly tanned by Suna's sun.
He stood slightly away from the other genin, staring into the darkness of the forest beyond.
Shinki wore a simple black tunic, fishnet undermesh stretching past his tunic's shoulder length sleeves. On his chest a strange metal mask of some sort seemed to be tied. It was large, nearly covering his entire torso up to the edge of his exposed clavicles.
"What's he carrying?" Sarada asked in a hushed tone.
"That.. is his jutsu. Iron Sand. The mask.. it melts away, and covers him in Iron Sand from head to toe." Shikadai's voice wavered.
"Don't forget what I said Boruto. His jutsu is a costly one. If you cross him, you'd be better off running."
The easygoing confidence in Shikadai's speech returned.
"If you can't run, you need to do all you can to exhaust him. We know the Chunin exams will be broken into two stages. Shinki might not want to go all out here. I imagine no one will."
Boruto remained silent. Shinki turned his attention from the forest-
Noticing for the first time the three watching him. If he cared, he didn't show it.
"Let's hope we don't cross him." Sarada said.
I haven't seen Mitsuki yet-
Boruto stood on his tiptoes, scanning the genin-
"I'm going to look around for Mitsuki." Boruto announced.
Shikadai sighed.
"Judging by the amount of people here, he's probably at the second gate. I won't stop ya though." Shikadai replied, giving Boruto a smile.
"Don't get lost. Find me if you catch him." Sarada spoke as Boruto nodded to them both, then ventured deeper into the sea of genin on his own.
He analyzed the different groups-
Before his eyes fell upon a fully cloaked genin that was seated in meditation. It wore the dressings of a warrior monk. A Suna headband was tied to its upper arm, while an angelic mask that bore two faces obscured its true visage. It was strange though- the monk seemed to be female due to her body but..
Boruto found himself staring at the monk's chest.
"It's weird, right?" A voice quipped beside Boruto.
Boruto jumped, blushing as he turned to regard a boy somehow shorter than he was.
The boy had long brown hair, and wore a blue mask over his lower mouth. He covered one eye with his headband in the same fashion as Kakashi sensei's.
"What is?" Boruto frowned.
"Her boobs. They look weird. Like, they're not boobs at all." The boy replied thoughtfully.
Boruto sighed.
Leaving this conversation-
Boruto turned on his heels, continuing his search for Mitsuki.
"Wait!" The boy scampered after Boruto.
"I know you. You're Boruto Uzumaki!" The masked boy said excitedly.
Boruto stopped, annoyed that his polite nature urged him to do so.
"My name is Hōki. Hōki Taketori!" Hōki grinned underneath a blue mask.
"Nice to meet you, Hōki." Boruto said flatly.
Might as well take advantage of the situation.
"Hey, have you seen a genin named Mitsuki? He's super pale, has slit pupils like mine, curly white-blue hair.." Boruto scanned the genin around him as he spoke.
Hōki looked away from Boruto in thought.
"No, I don't think so. And I was one of the first ones to arrive here."
Boruto frowned.
Damn it. So he is at Himawari's gate.
"It's fine though, I-" Hōki began just as a loud siren blared from within the forest.
The genin turned their attention to popping plumes of smoke, jonin attendants rising from within them.
At the forefront of them was a woman dressed in a fishnet tunic covered by a black jacket. She stood some meters away from Boruto, bearing a cruel, cynical grin that reminded Boruto of Himawari.
"Welcome, future Shinobi!" The woman's voice was louder than Boruto expected- as she spoke, he realized she was magnifying her voice with chakra.
"I'll make this quick. We're running behind schedule since so many of you were late." The woman said.
Boruto's wristband suddenly beeped.
The once blank panel lit up, though the color of it was entirely black. Other genin looked at their wristbands too-
Beeps surrounded Boruto.
"Let me see yours," Boruto asked Hōki.
Hōki raised his wristband to Boruto's narrowed eyes.
It wasn't a color- it was an image of a swan.
The woman's voice yelled over the sound of murmuring genin.
"On your left wristbands, you will find either a color, or an animal. On your right, you see a denotation of.. eight."
The woman gave the assembled genin a violent smile.
"Your teams for this Exam will be designated by your wristband color or animal. Each genin will have seven days to accrue 70 points. Obtaining the colored wristband will give you five points. The cloth wristband, obviously, will give you eight."
The woman stepped forward.
"However, the color wristband will change states at random. And those with the same color or animal cannot attack each other… after the second day. The cloth wristbands can be taken anytime there's an opportunity to. If you lose both wristbands or you're unable to fight further, you're disqualified."
Hōki and Boruto gave each other knowing looks.
So.. he gets it too.
Boruto narrowed his eyes in thought.
They're encouraging betrayal within teams during this first day. There's no rules, other than getting the wristbands. It will be up to each individual team member if they want to keep their squad, or simply get more points early on.
The woman's instruction continued.
"Once your teams are announced, you are to go to the jonin holding your corresponding flag. They will lead you to the starting area. Once you're there, you'll wait until you hear that same siren- that is when the Exams begin."
"Well, good luck, Boruto!" Hōki offered cheerfully.
Boruto ignored him, focusing instead on the lead proctor.
"First up.. is Black team!" She declared.
"Boruto Uzumaki.. Eu-Mi Lee.. and Akadou Xuezhi!"
Eu-Mi?! That's right! Shikadai said to watch out for her!
Boruto stepped forward, watching for his new team as their jonin waved a black flag.
He saw Eu-Mi first.
She was tall, wearing a cropped striped shirt that exposed her muscled stomach. Her legs were adorned in military slacks that were stuffed into two-toed anbu-style boots.
Around Eu-Mi's neck a bandolier of small scrolls curled, acting like a makeshift scarf. Her hair was black, tightly braided in four long tails that fell from each corner of her head.
She walked past Boruto with a smirk, looking down at him.
Boruto then saw another figure shift through the crowd. He wore standard shinobi attire, a Kusagakure headband tied around his forehead.
The genin carried one visible weapon-
A simple wooden staff that bore no decorations nor inscription.
The Kusagakure genin's head was shaved on one side, while curly blonde locks fell down the other. He had sharply slanted eyes that were almost closed, and as he strode closer, Boruto noticed the boy's pupil's were red.
And this must be Akadou.
Boruto stood between his newly adopted team, none of them offering any conversation.
The flag carrying jonin nodded at each of them.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
Eu-Mi answered instantly.
"Of course."
"Follow me," The jonin ordered.
As they were led into the forest, Boruto heard the proctor's boisterous voice.
"Next.. is team Green! Sarada Uchiha.. Shikadai Nara.. and Usen Yotsuki!"
Boruto gave an annoyed sigh.
Of course Sarada and Shikadai are on the same team. And Usen Yotsuki.. is he from the same clan as Iwabe?
Boruto's thoughts vanished as the gate separating him from the forest was slowly pulled open by their jonin guide.
The darkness of the forest seemed to be in almost violent reprisal of the sun, shadows bold underneath the protection of undying green leaves.
"Your starting point isn't far from here." The jonin said, taking the lead ahead of the trio.
"As you heard, you are to wait there until you hear the starting siren. Remember the rules, and do your best. The future of your villages depends on your success." The jonin said somberly.
Boruto looked up at Eu-Mi, then turned to give Akadou a glance.
I can't really get a read on either of them. What are they going to do once the exam starts? Should I just run away?
Boruto curled his fingers into a tight fist.
The exams were already growing more complicated than he anticipated..
But there was no going back, not now. The only option Boruto had.. was to go forward.
"I WANT TO KILL THEM NOW! NOW!" Tomaniputra squealed. It banged its hands on stony ground, shaking its head as foam flew from a snarling mouth.
Clouds covered the land here, while wayward strikes of lightning seemed to slash at the fog in random intervals, lightning up sections of their surroundings with violent seconds of visibility before the fog once again curled over.
Garuneshka found it interesting that such a powerful force could be quelled by something as benign as fog. There was something else too- despite bearing the Byakugan in one of its hands, Garuneshka couldn't see through the fog.
Surely our quarry doesn't have the ability to circumvent our Lord's power?
Tomaniputra rose to a kneeling position, rocking itself back and forth while sucking on its fingers.
Garuneshka smiled almost lovingly at Tomaniputra.
Garuneshka felt compelled to protect Tomaniputra, even though the being bore an intellectual disability that made it little more than a child.
Though all of us are flawed.. us of the False Three.
Garuneshka gazed into the fog once more, wondering when Mizabëshiki would give them the signal to strike.
KOĪE looked into the fog. Lightning crashed all around-
Though Killer Bee slept peacefully. It was Koīe's duty to protect Bee. Yes, it was the very reason for Koīe's existence, and that of the Tenno Ban'nin.
However, something felt wrong. Koīe looked back at Bee. The man still slept soundly.
With a crash of lighting Koīe rose, exiting their shared tent as Sharingan glowed underneath flowing blonde hair.
Koīe walked forward-
He drew his katana with honed efficiency and speed, deflecting a strike that was aimed for Koīe's neck-
The strength of the blow sent Koīe sliding backwards.
An enemy?! I can't sense them!
Koīe's Sharingan bounced within their sockets until-
A tall, lithe figure marched from the murky clouds.
It wore a strange peacock mask around its mouth, while long black hair bordered pale, featureless eyes.
Byakugan..?
It was dressed simply, wearing an onyx hakama and a purple half cape around slender shoulders.
The figure wielded a strange sword-
The hilt of it was like a katana, but the actual blade was curved, not unlike a crescent moon.
"I was trying to kill you." The figure called.
Its voice was deep-
"Who ar-"
With speed that not even Koīe's Sharingan could trace, the figure erupted beside him. Koīe turned, slashing his katana downwards in a defensive arc.
The figure pounced backwards…
As blood trailed from Koïe's right hand, which now.. was missing three fingers.
Koïe winced, ignoring the pain.
Better not reveal my abilities now. Whatever this thing is.. it's strong.
And the fact that it was able to find us means only one thing..
Chakra welled up within Koïe. Slight reverberations shook the fog.
"If you abandon what you defend, I will let you live." The attacker offered.
Koïe gave a smile, remaining silent.
The attacker nodded.
"Very well."
The figure threw its sword into the air-
the sword twirled midair of its own accord, before rigidly pointing downwards. Koïe stepped forward-
Only for his body to collapse onto the stone below, an invisible force holding Koïe's body in place.
I can't..!
The figure burst into existence above Koïe, sword slashing for Koïe's exposed neck.
The sound of cold steels meeting in lethal embrace met Koïe instead of his death.
"Killer.. Bee!" Koïe stammered.
Killer Bee grunted, two of his swords holding the Figure's death blow only a gasp away.
"Who in the hell.." Killer Bee flourished his swords into a spin. The figure disengaged, landing some meters away.
The pressure upon Koïe's body ceased.
"..is this fool?" Killer Bee asked, swords crossed defensively. Koïe coughed, rising to his feet.
"I have no idea. But he's after you." Koïe answered.
I almost died there. What sort of power is behind this guy's jutsu?
The attacker threw his sword into the air-
"Watch out, Bee! This is how he activates his Ju-"
Koïe coughed- blood sputtering free between clenched teeth as the figure's full weight bore into him- no, it was more than that. It was almost as if..
Is he controlling gravity..?
The figure was drawn backwards, pulling its sword free from Koïe's stomach as it dodged two slashes from Killer Bee.
Koïe steadied himself, breathing haggardly.
Lighting struck behind their mysterious attacker.
"You're the one who needs to watch out. You okay kid?" Killer Bee asked.
Koïe smiled.
"I guess I should've gone all out from the start." Koïe formed a jutsu sign with both hands, dropping his weapon.
"Sorry if you get caught up in this.. Bee." Koie's Sharingan flexed-
Before evolving into an entirely new design.
"Mangekyo.. Sharingan!" Koïe shouted, his voice now louder than the lightning beyond.
The figure laughed softly, lifting his sword as Koïe's chakra shook the very stone they all stood upon-
Stone that soon may become their shared and final battlefield.
NEXT TIME: AN AUDIENCE WITH JIGEN..!
