"Enemies?"
Sarada blinked, her brows furrowing slightly. "Boruto, are you saying we'll run into trouble during our trip to the Land of Water?"
Boruto shook his head lightly, his finger pointing out toward the boundless blue sea.
Above, seagulls soared gracefully. The salty sea breeze brushed through his blond hair, ruffling it slightly.
Sarada followed his gaze, breathing in deeply as the cool ocean air filled her lungs.
"Beyond the sea… there's freedom," she murmured softly.
Her eyes lingered on Boruto's side profile — the determined look in his eyes, the way the sunlight shimmered on his hair.
Before she realized it, Sarada leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Boruto blinked, momentarily surprised, then smirked. "Sarada, you're getting bolder and bolder."
Sarada's face flushed, but she didn't back away. "Well, isn't this what a couple in love is supposed to do?"
On the other side of the deck, Chōchō watched the two, munching on her chocolate with a bittersweet expression.
"This is what true love looks like, huh?" she muttered to herself. "You feel full even without chocolate — stuffed just from their 'dog food.'"
Her gaze drifted to Sumire, who stood nearby, staring quietly in Boruto's direction, seemingly lost in thought.
"Class rep?" Chōchō called softly.
No response.
"Class rep!" she called again, louder this time.
"Huh? What is it, Chōchō?" Sumire finally snapped out of her thoughts, fidgeting with her hands, a little flustered.
"Class rep, you've been acting weird lately," Chōchō said suspiciously.
"W-Weird? What's weird about me?" Sumire stammered.
Chōchō raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me… you like Boruto too?"
Sumire's face turned crimson instantly. "W-What are you talking about, Chōchō! I-I just admire him, that's all!"
"Admire him?" Chōchō repeated, unconvinced.
Sumire looked away, desperately trying to change the subject. "L-Let's stop talking about that! Let's talk about the food in the Land of Water instead!"
"Food?" Chōchō's eyes lit up immediately. "Oh, you don't even know! The Land of Water is a paradise for seafood lovers!"
She grabbed Sumire's hands excitedly. "They've got grilled seafood, sashimi, seafood soup — everything is amazing! Especially the sushi! It's just… irresistible!"
"My mouth's watering already," she said, almost drooling at the thought.
Sumire smiled faintly, watching her friend's enthusiasm as the ship continued forward.
Gradually, the sky darkened, and a heavy mist rolled across the surface of the sea, cloaking everything in an eerie fog.
Because of the reduced visibility, the students were instructed to leave the deck and stay inside the cabin.
Inside, some were reading, others playing games to pass the time — only Iwabe sat alone in a corner, frowning deeply, lost in thought.
By the next morning, as the massive ship neared the port of the Hidden Mist Village, the thick fog finally began to lift.
The breathtaking view of the Village Hidden in the Mist came into sight — tall buildings, sleek architecture, and a distinctly modern feel.
"I heard this place used to be a backwater village," Metal Lee said in awe. "Didn't expect it to be this advanced!"
Boruto nodded, equally impressed. So this is the Hidden Mist Village… I really underestimated them.
"Class, line up for roll call! Don't wander off," Shino called out. "The guide from Kirigakure will be here any moment."
Just as he finished speaking, a young man in green attire approached.
He wore a Kirigakure forehead protector, had violet eyes, a purple marking beneath his left eye, and carried a sword at his waist.
"Welcome to the Hidden Mist Village," he said politely. "I am Kagura Karatachi. I'll be your guide during your stay."
Boruto raised an eyebrow. Karatachi… that's the same surname as the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura. Could he be a descendant?
The girls in class immediately started whispering.
"So handsome…"
"He looks like someone straight out of a drama!"
After exchanging greetings with Shino, Kagura approached Boruto.
"I am honored to welcome the son of the Seventh Hokage, Uzumaki Naruto-sama, along with your classmates," he said, bowing respectfully.
Boruto grinned. "You're too polite. Is this the kind of respect that comes with being the Hokage's kid?"
"Please, just call me Boruto," he added casually.
Kagura nodded. "Alright then, Boruto. I look forward to working with you."
Under Kagura's guidance, the group crossed a long bridge over clear water and stepped into the bustling streets of the Hidden Mist Village.
Crowds of villagers moved busily through the streets, shops lined both sides, and stalls overflowed with goods and delicious aromas.
The students couldn't help but marvel at how vibrant and modern the city was.
Boruto casually took Sarada's hand as they walked side by side through the lively streets.
"By the way, Boruto," Sarada asked suddenly, "where's Krab?"
Boruto blinked, then slapped his forehead. "Oh, right! I forgot to wake him up! He's still sleeping in the ship's cabin. I'll go grab him later."
Just then, a loud argument erupted in a nearby alley — Iwabe's voice was unmistakable.
"You bumped into me first! Don't blame me for getting pissed!"
A rough-looking local in gray glared back. "So what? You Konoha brats shouldn't be wandering around our territory!"
Sarada frowned. "Looks like Iwabe's picked a fight with some Hidden Mist villagers."
Boruto smirked. "Heh. Looks like someone needs to learn what pain really means."
In the next instant, white smoke puffed around him — and Boruto transformed into the appearance of Tendo Pain.