Well... hello again dear readers XD

Today is the day we start a new story for our Boruto. Some of you guys might (hopefully) remember me from the previous story, Boruto: Sacrifices, which is re-written and resides in the Naruto tag. For my new readers as well as the old (because stuff has changed), I'd advise you guys to emplease/em go and read it first, otherwise you are likely to get confused by the turn of events here.

Me and my friend Daniela would like to wish you a pleasant read x3

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and any of the canon information from these series. The original characters you will encounter are shared by me and my two friends.

...

Suffice it to say that every new day was a challenge in the hideout of the legendary snake sannin.

Anyone who was looking from the outside would find it peculiar that the blue haired boy was crouching behind an armchair and speaking to... well, seemingly nothing but a puddle on the ground. Anyone who, at least, wasn't aware of this particular kekkei genkai of the Mist's Hozuki clan, which had manifested itself in this handful little one-and-a-half year old.

"Miu-chan... you know your parents are worried sick by now." Mitsuki tried to reason while he felt a sweatdrop down his cheek, but honestly found the situation a little amusing.

He hadn't stepped foot into the hideout for five minutes before he heard a loud wail and then Suigetsu's panicked cry. This had been a constant dynamic in the father and daughter's relationship for as long as Miu turned a year old - they've been constantly bickering with each other, over everything. Karin's affection, the last candy on the table, the Hozuki's huge sword (which was now put away safely after Karin freaked out one too many times about the idea of her daughter near the blade)... And today it was because the little girl wanted to play with onii-chan when he had only come for a quick check-up and had to head back to Konoha soon thereafter.

"I don't wanna." came the stubborn, childish voice as two bright red eyes stared out of the puddle.

The result? Having successfully inherited the liquefaction technique of the Hozuki clan, Miu had cried herself into this small puddle - quite literally. And she has refused to turn back.

"I'm sorry I'm not able to play with you," Mitsuki said seriously, knowing full well from experience how to talk to children who are upset. "But that won't be for too long, okay? I will just see Orochimaru-sama and then come back to you."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

"Okay..." It took the toddler longer than it normally would, but soon enough in the place of the puddle stood a white haired girl. She waddled towards Mitsuki, not quite steady on her chubby legs yet, and the boy held out his arms to hold her, a knowing smile on his face. "You want to escort me?"

In response, Miu only held more firmly on his hand.

...

Indeed, it was mesmerizing for the young boy as they walked down the long corridors just how many changes the hideout went through. And his father by extension.

The redhead in the lab turned at the sound of the door opening, her face lighting up with a beam upon seeing him. "I see that you're doing good, Mitsuki."

"Izumi-san," the boy replied politely.

His father didn't give any acknowledgement to the small interaction between them. Instead of the cold anger he had always resorted towards her in her presence, he had opted for indifference. Mitsuki didn't know how he felt about this - because it was partly his fault that Orochimaru had to force himself to adjust to this new situation. It was due to his constant invitations that the Kiri kunoichi got to spend more and more time here lately.

"If you're ready we should begin." The sannin said without turning to them, his voice emotionless - just the professional tone of the scientist he is. Mitsuki didn't make any more comments as he obeyed his father and hopped onto the gurney.

It was a routine check, by now all three of them had gotten used to it. It provided only a little discomfort for him as Mitsuki's heart problem was still consistent, but it was getting more and more adaptable in the past year.

Part of the discomfort also stemmed from the fact that... the results of today's test were going to determine a very important milestone in the boy's life. The Chuunin exams were fast approaching... and while he already had his name jotted down by the approval of both Konohamaru-sensei and Sakura-sensei, his father had expressed that he was not willing to give the clear for Mitsuki unless he did all the necessary controls himself.

So the more Orochimaru kept his silence, ignoring the redhead kunoichi who was gazing over his shoulder at the results, the more uneasy the boy became. Surely... surely if there really was a problem, Sakura-san would've noticed it too? He came too far since that incident, now an A-rank mission in his book, for his hopes to get crushed now.

Finally, finally the sannin raised his head to look at him too. "It would seem I have no reason to doubt your sensei's judgement."

His father usually wasn't one to succumb to mind games, but even though the meaning was quite clear, Mitsuki's mind still went blank for a moment. "So... you mean-"

"You are good to participate in the exams!" Izumi clarified cheerfully. "Way to go Mitsuki, I can't wait to watch you!"

The boy couldn't help it. Orochimaru was still highly cautious in tolerating shows of affection, especially in front of strangers. So Mitsuki leapt forward and embraced the young woman in his unstoppable joy.

Still, momentarily as it was… he saw the sannin's eyes move to the kunoichi, an unfathomable emotion flickering briefly in them. If Mitsuki didn't know better, he would've almost thought...

The boy shook his head as he broke the hug apart. No, he did know better.

...

He was still thinking about that look as Mitsuki made his way out of the hideout to meet Log, many hours later seeing that Miu had absolutely refused to let him go until she was so exhausted that she herself fell asleep in her onii-chan's arms.

All until now Mitsuki was rather excited to share the news with his brother... but seeing his face again only served to trigger the feeling of unease and curiosity. It had been a year and things still did not patch up between his father and Log, with neither party budging or trying to contact the other. Mitsuki knew better than to intervene - he had learned that much in the passing time. But they were both important parts of his life and it pained the young boy to see the lengths of which they go to ignore each other.

"Good job, Mitsuki," Log said with a genuine smile, clasping a hand on his shoulder. Time spent with his best friends (after Boruto and Sarada got over the initial shock) had started to affect the young man - the small changes in his behavior was noticeable. And in spite of himself, the teenager couldn't help but think that it was for his brother's better interest. "I knew you could do it."

"Thanks," Mitsuki replied with a grin. "Any news from Konoha?"

"Nope." Log flicked his phone towards the younger boy. Mitsuki had made it a point to leave it with Log whenever they visited the hideout... otherwise there would be no relief from Boruto's endless calls and messages. "The blondie called once and left a few messages but I didn't read them."

The genin rolled his eyes and had just flipped the phone open when it started to ring. He answered the call with a barely suppressed sigh. "Yeah Boruto, I'm still fine, nothing bad happe-"

Boruto's panicked, high-pitched voice cut into his words then. "Mitsuki... p-please, you need to come quick... It's mom, w-we're in the hospital."

...

I'd love to hear your thoughts about the chapter - your reviews are air and water to us! Stay safe people x3