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Chapter Text

I finally get home after several meetings at the Hokage's office. The Fifth Ninja War against the Shinju has really destroyed things. I sigh, put the key in the door and open it. It's dark. I go in, take off my shoes, and turn on the light. I see boxes that haven't been emptied, dishes in the sink. I put down my cape and hat, feeling loneliness and fatigue take over. I head to the bathroom and decide to take a nice hot shower, which relaxes me. Then, when I step out in a towel, I notice a note on the table that could only come from one person. I take it and read the very beautiful, even if masculine, handwriting.

“To my Hokage,

I'm gone for a few days, for the mission I was entrusted with in Suna. Don't worry, everything will be fine. Sorry about the dishes I left behind, but I was in a hurry. I'll be back in a few days, or I don't know when you'll read this, since you must have been busy in your role as my Ninth Hokage. Sarada, don't frown like that, it's not a criticism. All this to warn you, I'll stop by the office on my way home, and if you're not there, I'll come home, be near you.

Your shadow, Hokage Boruto.

I smile softly. What an idiot. I miss him, it's true that I've been quite busy lately. I'm only 22 and have been Hokage for two years, and despite the help of Shikamaru, Naruto, and the others, I feel helpless. Fortunately, all that is behind us, but the past leaves... Traces, but the main thing is to be alive. I wonder when he wrote that... I wasn't there when he was. He's my support in the shadows and also my companion, for seven years now... If someone had told me I'd go out and be engaged to him, I would never have believed it. I go to our room and steal a shirt from him, and I go to wash the dishes and make myself something quick to eat. I go to our couch and read some papers for a new meeting with the other countries. I'm so focused that I don't hear the front door open or my man looking at me, smiling.

"So I see anyone can come in here, and there's no reaction, it's not worthy of the Hokage."

I freeze at that voice I know by heart. I look up and see Boruto, dressed in his trusty cape, headband on his forehead, only one eye open, looking at me. He smiles at me in a teasing and mischievous way. “Well, then you're not saying anything? Have you lost your tongue?”

I stand up, not caring if everything falls apart, I throw myself into his arms. He catches me and hugs me, laughing.

“I love this welcome; it brings back good memories despite what it caused.”
I laugh against his chest.

“You're silly… You…”

“I'm home, Sarada… Dattebasa.”

He whispers this in my ear. I lean back from him, and he smiles softly, stroking my hair and cheek.

“Welcome, Baka-Boruto…”

He laughs and kisses my nose and forehead.

“It's better than nothing, despite the nickname.”

I look at him, and he does the same.

“I'm glad you're home.”

He smiles as I hug him back, and he strokes my back and hair.

“You took one of my pajama shirts again…”

“Yes, they're comfortable.”

He taps my forehead.

“That's normal, because they're my shirts, you see? But otherwise, are you okay? You seem exhausted?”

Boruto is still worried about me, even though between us, he must be the most tired of running around and traveling with his dimensions.

“I'm okay, and you? The mission then, because I didn't even know about your mission even though I'm the Hokage…”

Boruto looks at me as we move to our couch and he picks up my papers but puts down his cloak first.

“It's okay, the mission was planned, but we didn't have a date. Shikamaru warned me an hour before I left about the meeting tomorrow.”

I pout and he gets up.

“I'm going to take a shower, I'll be right back. I'm covered in sand.” I stand up under his gaze, I don't look at him, I hear him laugh as he says,

"Come with me..."

I blush and take the hand he offers me, and he leads me into our bathroom. He undresses and gets in the shower. I take off my shirt and panties and join him in the shower. The water falls on his body, marked by the past, his hair falls on his head, and his smile is ever-present. He says nothing, pulls me closer and gently hugs me.

"I missed you... Sorry I wasn't there so long..."

"Don't apologize for anything, you don't have to, and I missed you too, but we were never apart because our spirits are linked."

"Um..."

"Sarada, look at me."

I lift my head and look at him, but the water gets all over my face, which makes him laugh. They turn us around and shield me from the spray. I look at him, and my gaze falls on his eye and the scar on his chest, along with the other smaller ones.

"Sarada, I know I'm handsome, but it's my face that needs to be looked at."

I blush

As he laughs, my gaze finds his, and he gently places his mouth on mine, and I feel my heart shiver and warm. I respond, putting my hands around his neck, putting myself on tiptoe. I stroke the nape of his neck, and I feel him shiver beneath my fingers. I kiss him with love and passion. His lips are dry, but I don't care because it's him. We pull back due to the lack of air, and he rests his forehead against mine and smiles at me. I take the shampoo and put some in my hand. He understands, turns off the shower, and leans his head toward me. –You're really a dick..

"Ahaha no, you're just small.."

I pull his hair as he winces and wash it, massaging his scalp and neck. I feel the pressure of his muscles gently release. He lifts his head and I turn the jet back on. To rinse my hands, I grab the shower gel. I wash him under his gentle gaze. It's our ritual, that way I make sure he doesn't have any injuries. I wash him all over without expecting anything other than to take care of him. I turn the jet back on and he rinses himself and looks at me. He knows I've already washed but that I want to be with him. We go out and he gently wipes my head and body before drying himself. I get dressed and take the towel from around his waist, and we go to our bedroom, the only finished room in our apartment. I climb into bed while he puts on a pair of boxers and joins me. He's barely in bed when I press my head against his chest.

"I'm fine, Sarada…"

"I know…but…"

"No buts, I'm here, and I'm not leaving. Wait, I want us to get married…"

I laugh and look at him as he lies down. He looks at me and strokes my cheek. I approach him.

"Me too…I want to see you take my name…"

He smiles and his eye shines. He slowly opens the second one, completely blind and powerless.

"I want to take it too…I want to be bound to you, forever."

I kiss him softly, he responds and taps my forehead and whispers softly that I read on his lips. "I love you" I smile and whisper the same thing to him, I am happy with him. With my Boruto, my everything, my best friend, my confidant, I hope we will be happy.

Chapter Text

I'm distantly hearing Sarada talking with Ryu, Shinki's shinju, and the fact that she's trying to sympathize with him bothers me. She calmed things down after the attack, but I can't help but worry about her... Especially when I know what could happen to her... I feel my irritation and a distant laugh. Koji looks at me.

—Calm down, Boruto, you mustn't interfere. What's wrong with you?

—Nothing at all.

I know Eida is listening to us, and I don't want to talk about it. Then Eida speaks again.

—Oh, there's a change. Ryu seems to be falling under Sarada's spell, who would have believed it after the argument she had with Kakei.

—What argument?

“Oh, about you, when Sarada hugged you, Kakei didn't like it, and he confronted her about not understanding you and not taking your feelings, hers, or Kakei's into account.”

I freeze and frown, and Koji looks at me and I say in a cold voice, “And what did Sarada say?”

“Sarada said they had to help you and find you, to help you, that you need help. While Kakei wants to let you do it and that it's their fault that you were hurt and in trouble.”

“That's stupid. That would have happened because I came back for Sarada, and nothing is her fault.”

Eida looks at me and says, “You only talk about Sarada, but what about Kakei?”

“Class rep? She's an old classmate, but I never would have believed her to be so vicious. I don't trust her.”

“Are you in love with Sarada? I've suspected it for years, but without proof.”

I don't answer. To deny it would be to lie, and telling the truth can be dangerous. Silence, my friend, is stressing me out knowing she's there.

“Something's happening! Konohamaru is in trouble, and Ryu is about to attack Sarada. Mitsuki is blocked by steel!”

I don't think twice and teleport before Koji can react. I see Sarada fighting Ryu. She's putting up an incredible fight, but I see Shinki's attack from the exam again. I pull out my sword. Just as she was about to receive the blow, I counter it. To everyone's surprise, Mitsuki is released.

“Boruto…”

“Boruto Otsutsuki…” You've come out of hiding… This girl is your weak point.”

I make the signs and send him lightning, which makes him back away.

“Boruto, what are you doing here?”

I look at Sarada, who's wearing her mother's headband, and she seems surprised. Seeing me, I didn't think twice about what I was doing. I hear Koji telling me I'm an idiot.

—I...

I don't say anything because Shinki attacks again, and I defend myself. I see Mitsuki approach and look at me, and I look at Sarada. I take my headband and place it on my forehead, and Sarada understands.

—We're listening, Captain!

Mitsuki smiles, and Sarada gives us instructions, and we fight three at a time. While Ryu is dominated, I feel Jura arrive and push Misuki and Sarada away. He lands in front of me, accompanied by Hidari.

Ryu says, hurt, but healing thanks to the claw mark.

—The girl made him come, she's his weak point.

—Is this love? Coming despite the danger?

Jura looks at us as I stand in front of my friends.

“Boruto, do you love this person so much that you'd die for her?”

I feel Sarada's gaze on my back as I hold my katana.

“Yes, but not only because she's precious to me, but because I promised her that I would be her right-hand man, that I would watch over her, and I promised that to my master!”

I see Hidari's gaze waver for a moment at my words. I have to do something… But what? I'm facing three Shinju, but I'm not alone. Mitsuki could defeat Ryu or slow him down, and Sarada could take care of Hidari, and I'll take Jura, even if I risk dying.

“Sarada, Mitsuki, listen to me. You'll take Ryu and Hidari. I'll take care of Jura, but I won't intervene at any time, even if I die.”

“What are you saying, Baka? Boruto!”

I don't look at her and say,

"It's my destiny, Sarada. Every time he kills me... The only time is when we're both dead... I never want to go through that again."

"Boruto... What are you saying..."

"Mitsuki, I don't know if you believe me, but you have to live for yourself, my friend."

Jura looks at us and says,

"Let's leave. This is interesting, and I want to know more. Let's go find Matsuri before she does something stupid."

They leave like that, leaving us gaping. I turn around and get hit in the face by Sarada. I clutch my cheek.

"What's happening to you?"

“You…are you an idiot? Why did you come if it was dangerous? Why take that risk?”

“Because, Sarada, I can't lose you, I can't. Losing you means the end of the world.”

Sarada looks at me, surprised and shocked by my words. Mitsuki has moved away a little to leave us.

“But losing you is also a sign of what you're saying?”

“Listen, we'll talk about this later. I just want you to know: thank you for wanting to help me, thank you for supporting me for the past three years. Know that I only came back for you, and that… I promise you I'll keep my promises.”

Sarada approaches me and looks into my eyes, well, into my eye. She raises her hand and places it on my cheek, where the scar is, gently touching it.

“That's the day we die, isn't it? If you hadn't had this, we would have died?”

“No, not really… Well, it's complicated, but I'm proud of this scar; it helped protect you.”

“Your eyes, well, your eye… are still blue, and I…”

I take her in my arms, which surprises her and whispers, “I came because I didn't want you to get close to Ryu, and for fear of losing you, even though you're the strongest, I can't help myself… you're the most precious to me…”

“But Sumi…”

“I don't care what she thinks or says, and neither do you. Okay, follow your heart, and your eyes are destiny, my sun.”

I slap her forehead and teleport near Koji, who scolds me, but I don't care; I followed my heart myself.

Chapter Text

Today is March 27th. I'm 16, but for the past three years, it's become just another date. I sigh and look up at the sky and hear a noise. I hide my chakra but see Sarada approaching the edge of the cliff where I'm standing.

"I had trouble finding you, Baka-Boruto."

I glance at her with my own eye, grimace, and look ahead.

"Koji-san told me where to find you. I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Am I listening? Is it about the singularities? Our training?"

She doesn't say anything and sits down next to me. I'm glad she's by my side. It's Koji's idea, to stop me being reckless, and for other things, but I don't know what, that's why I'm wary.

“No, it's not that important.”

I turn my head at the sound of her voice, which is so soft, and quietly, I look at her and she shivers. She doesn't have her jacket on. I take mine off and put it on her shoulders, and she blushes a little. It's nothing new, but it makes me blush too. I turn my head and say mockingly to hide my embarrassment.

“Are you going to catch a cold, Sarada? Don't you have your beautiful jacket that looks just like mine?”

I don't hear any reaction, so I look back at her and see her looking at me.

“Have you noticed?”

I laugh softly.

“Of course, it was my favorite clothing brand before…all this…But why?”

She bit her lip and said softly, hugging my jacket to her.

"When...you left, I felt lost and empty...I...I needed to make your existence a reality for me, I needed an anchor, what you've always represented, so on a whim, I went to that store and bought this jacket, which was the same as yours in an adult version. I customized it and wore it every day... It allowed me to pretend you were there... But it also reminded me of the nightmare you were living..."

I listen to her and my heart pounds in my chest. She's suffered so much more than I have...Momoshiki was right; those who know suffer the most, and she did everything to defend me. I abandoned her...I couldn't protect her from the pain of my disappearance...I want so much at that moment to console her. I move a little closer and I see that she's holding back from breaking down. She's taken so much on herself, without a word I place my hand on hers, she looks at me and with a glance I give her the chance to break down. She squeezes my hand and I see her holding back, then as soon as I look away to let her cry without feeling weak, I feel tears on my hand but I just stroke her palm with my thumb, I hear her breathing quicken, I stay strong, she gives a little start… She's been holding it back for three years, she keeps it all inside.

"I…I-I didn't mean…to break down…Not today…I…It's…a special day…"

My heart is bursting, she hasn't forgotten... Of course she remembers... I look at her with tears in her eyes. When she meets mine, I see her eyes red with that power she gained because of me, and that's also the reason for Koji's interest in her... She wants to look away, but I squeeze her hand. I clear my throat, but she still seems broken when I answer.

"Sarada... break down if you need to, don't keep it all to yourself, you need to think about yourself for once. I could never thank you enough, nor apologize, you've suffered so much because of..."

"Finish your sentence, I'll put you under genjutsu..."

I let out a nervous laugh and shake my head, she says, crossing her fingers with mine.

"You didn’t ask for anything..Neither to have your life stolen from you, nor anything like that, you are a victim and knowing you, revenge is not in your plans nor even taking back your life, because you still think you are a monster, but it’s false, you have the right to be angry, to hate Eida who was manipulated by Kawaki and even if you see him as a brother, which I can’t understand but I admire in you…You are not the cause of all this, you didn’t ask to have the kama or even an alien in you, and don’t even think about killing yourself or dying after that. We will find a solution together, but you deserve to live. You deserve to be happy... Never hear, never want to say goodbye to you forever... I couldn't bear it..."

She squeezes my hand and looks into my eyes, the red against the blue of my eyes, my hope against my cursed destiny, that's what she represents, she is my hope, but if I were to hurt her, I would rather die a thousand times from the worst pain than be the cause of her suffering.

"Sarada, Momoshiki is still here... He hates you for sending Sasuke to me, you're in danger with me... look, Code? If Jura finds out... or even the others find out..."

I don't finish my sentence, but she seems to have understood.

"I'm your weakness?"

I say quickly and tremblingly.

"NO! Well, not the way you seem to understand it! What I mean is that for you, I'd put myself in danger, wherever you are, I'd protect you, even though I know you're the strongest, that you know how to defend yourself. You're not the one we need to save, but the one who saves. But I don't want to take any risks, Sarada... I've already lost you once... Even several times, I don't want that... If you disappear, the world is doomed, you're the key, and I'm the lock, Sasuke trained me for this!!! I..."

She listens to me, looks at me, and says softly.

"Is that what you wanted to tell me...?"

"Yes, among other things, and also, sorry, but since if I apologize, you're going to hit me, I'm not taking any risks. You're not 12 anymore, and you're much stronger."

She laughs, and I'm happy to finally see a smile on her lips. She slaps the back of my neck a little hard, and I let out a little "ouch."

“Well, you're not so stupid. I'm proud of you, Baka-Boruto. Being 16 makes you mature.”

“Wha... What?”

She looks at me, blushing, and searches for something in her back bag, handing me a box. I frown and look at her. “Open it, it's... not much, but... Happy birthday, Boruto Uzumaki…”

My heart skips a beat when she says my full name, and I open the box and widen my eyes to see a magnificent kunai engraved with “Boruto Uzumaki the Shadow Ninja” and a beautiful necklace with the Uzumaki logo, like the one I have, but when I touch it, it opens, revealing a small photo of my family, and on the other side, Team 7. I tremble, and Sarada takes it and places it around my neck. When she's finished, I hug her. She jumps and responds softly. I place my head on her neck, where I smell her reassuring scent. She strokes my back and neck and says, “This time, it's you who jumped into my arms.”

I laugh and back away slowly, staying close to her. She's so beautiful, she's changed so much, but she's still my Sarada despite everything. I stroke her cheek, but I feel like I'm getting it dirty. She looks at me and seems reserved. She has two feelings at play within her, and I know the reason, and it annoys me, so I say, "Thank you for following your heart. You alone know me better than anyone else. Never doubt that. You're the one who saved me, and the one who understands me."

She opens her eyes wide and they go black again and I put my forehead against hers and look at her, my only eye telling her everything I can't say and she answers me in the same way, and naturally it happens, my mouth lands on hers and it's an explosion of feelings. She steps back and we look at each other without saying anything because nothing will surpass what just happened, and I had the best birthday in recent years and I'm no longer afraid of the future, because I'm not alone, she's there as she always was my Hokage and I'll be there to support her in the shadows when the time comes for the moment we have to fight for this future.

Chapter Text

Boruto quietly enters Sarada's room, which is dark. He feels his heart sink when he sees the bandages covering her limbs and body. She's so gentle, he should have been there. He tells himself he should never have listened to Koji and come to help them. They escape with injuries and no deaths because fortunately, Jura called them back. But that doesn't change the fact that Sarada was injured and he wasn't there. He sighs and sits discreetly on the bed, observing her gently and seeing how she's changed and grown. She's beautiful. To him, she always has been, but as she grows older, it's more obvious.

"You know, it's creepy to watch someone sleep..."

Boruto jumps and sees that she's awake. He purses his lips and looks at her.

"I wasn't watching you sleep!" I...

"Shh... I really have a headache, Baka... what are you doing... It's not safe... with Kawaki..."

" I wanted to... see how you were, I knew you were hurt... so... and I hid my chakra..."

"Are you worried about me? Don't worry, I'm strong, it's nothing... Who told you? Eida?"

Boruto looks away and Sarada observes him and sees that he seems exhausted too. His blond hair is still standing on end, but his blank expression seems to be crumbling like their lives.

"Yeah... Koji and I were in our hideout and we were "observing," but he didn't want me to intervene so as not to cause problems... I'm sorry..."

" Why didn't you do this to me? Boruto... Why didn't you tell me the real reason for your visit?"

Boruto laughs softly; she knows him too well. He sees her slowly straighten up and look at him.

"I... had to talk to you... I promised you. First, forgive me for Sasuke... And for leaving... And most of all, thank you..."

Sarada looks at him, frowning, not understanding why he's apologizing for her father, and why he's thanking her.

"Why are you apologizing? Boruto, I'm sure none of this is your fault, and thank me for what?" Boruto, you had to leave, you had no choice...

"Yes, but I took your father from you... He sacrificed himself to protect me, and thank you for believing in me... Sarada, when all this is over, I want you to know that I'm thinking about suicide, all Otsutsuki must die."

Sarada's eyes widen when she sees him so serious in his words. She feels anger towards him and slaps him, which makes Boruto freeze, holding his cheek and looking at her, seeing his Sharingan active, and says, shocked...

"WHAT'S UP WITH YOUR MIND, WHAT'S GOTTEN WITH YOU?!!!!

"IT CAN'T BE SEEN, IDIOT! I'LL PUT YOUR THINGS BACK IN PLACE!"

Sarada was about to start again, but Boruto stops her hand and feels her anger, and he says, "Sarada, stop!

"No, I have to get your suicidal thoughts out of your stupid little brain!"

Sarada unties Boruto's wrist and looks him straight in the eyes, while he stares at her, completely lost.

"Sarada…"

"NO, shut up and listen to me, okay?! I'd never let you kill yourself!!! I'd get stronger, I'd catch you, okay!!! Stop trying to do everything alone!! I'm here! I trained so I could help and support you, so you could count on me!!! I want to be Boruto! You're not alone! You don't have to do everything alone or sacrifice yourself! I'll save you, I'll give you your life! As a ninja aiming for the role of Hokage, I'm counting on you to support me!! For that, you must live! Boruto, you and I are forever, rely on me, trust me… I'll always be on your side even if the world hates you. So I beg you, don't talk about killing yourself when this is all over! Fight! Fight, Boruto Uzumaki, son of Naruto and Hinata! Brother of Himawari and member of Team 7, and above all, my best friend and Sasuke Uchiha's only student!! Don't give up on your dreams!!! Surpass my father! Keep your promises, follow your nindo."

Boruto feels his heart pound in his chest at Sarada's words, which transport him to another world, which warm him. He doesn't know how to express what he feels, having repressed them for so long. Boruto looks at Sarada, who looks at him seriously and straight in the eyes. Her eyes have turned black again, and her gaze expresses so much that he is disturbed. She has always known how to speak straight to his heart, without ever going too far. Boruto bites his lip and wants to look away, but Sarada forces him to look at her and answer.

“I...would fight by your side and, uh...I wouldn't give up...I would keep my promises and...I would live...”

Sarada smiles now that she's a little calmer, looks at him, and pats his forehead.

“That's the Boruto I know.”

Boruto smiles and looks around and sees that his room has changed; it's more mature, and he especially notices a box with frames and clothes, and most importantly, sees a photo of them on his desk.

“Want to help him take a quick look around my room? You know the place, I'll call you back.”

“Sarada, I recognize this jacket. It's mine from when I was a child.”

He gets up and approaches the box as the full moon illuminates the room. She sees him pull the box out and sees his surprised expression.

“It's… It's…”

“Your things… What I was able to salvage… A few clothes, some photos… Your old game console…”

“Why?”

He touches the things from his past and she sees his mask shatter before the photos. She feels her heart break too, seeing that this is all that remains as proof of his old life, of his existence. “I was afraid Kawaki would destroy everything, so… I got everything from your place… the photos and everything you cared about…”

Boruto looks at a photo of the two of them with Hima when he was younger and smiles. Then he takes out his jacket, which looks worn, and looks at Sarada’s chair where her jacket is. When he looks at her again, she has looked away. Boruto puts the jacket back and the photos. He moves closer to the bed where Sarada is looking outside at her bandaged body. Boruto gently places his hand on her shoulder and feels the warmth it gives off, and says softly, “Thank you again… for preserving our memories…”

“You’re welcome… By the way, how did you come here? My window is closed?”

“I…”

Sarada looks at him as he sits at her feet, and Boruto blushes a little and says, “Is that okay?” “I teleported with a mark… The Konoha logo on your jacket… which, by the way, looks a lot like the one I wore before.”

Sarada purses her lips and looks away under Boruto's smile and gentle gaze, who understands that she chose this jacket to remember him.

“I needed to know you were close to me… even though you were far away… I missed you… it was hard being away from you… When you disappeared, I went to buy this jacket…”

Boruto is touched and smiles, which she notices, and they remain in silence under the moon, watching over them like an old friend. Sarada looks at him, and he does the same, and with a gesture, she pats the spot next to her to look at the moon. He takes off his shoes and comes over to her, his cape lying on her bed. Together, he looks at her, and Sarada gently rests her head against his arm. Boruto lowers his head toward her, and she looks at him and stares at his scar. Without realizing it, she raises her hand and caresses it. Boruto shudders a little but lets her do it; he sees pain in her eyes.

“Does it hurt?”

“No… Not anymore…”

“It’s my fault… If I hadn’t…”

“If you hadn’t come, I would have died… and… you too…”

Boruto’s voice is soft, and he senses that she wants you, without knowing that for him it’s a source of pride to have her, because it means he’s protecting her and that she’s still breathing and alive.

“What?”

Boruto looks at her and touches the hand on her cheek, placing it flat on it. Sarada feels the swelling of the damaged skin, and it’s soft despite the obvious lack of care.

“If you hadn’t intervened, we would have died at Kawaki’s hands… You saved me, once again. This scar is a source of pride for me. Yes, it was painful, but the pain I felt is minimal compared to what I would have felt if I had lost you that day. Sarada, you don’t realize how precious you are to me.” You are my sun, in this night of infinite nightmare, you are the one who holds me, the one who guides my destiny, you have always known everything about me, in front of you I wanted to be cool, and strong, you are my rival, my best friend, my whirlwind, I prefer to die than to live in a world where you are not there, I could never thank you for everything you have done. You know, I think I have considered you more than anything in this world since I was 12 years old I know that you are not like the others for me. I feel jealous of others, I do not want to be weak in front of you, nor to be worthless. I want you to look at me and me alone... I want to see you happy and fulfill your dream because you'll be the best Hokage and... I...

Sarada has tears in her eyes seeing him say all this, her heart beats fast, she trembles, and her black eyes turn red and a sun appears in them and something changes, there's black around them as if the moon and the sun had merged. Boruto looks at her with his eyes wide open, his right eye with the eye of hope, she looks at him and caresses his cheek and says:

"Your eyes are still so... Beautiful... I don't know what to tell you... that I too want to be in front of you, that you are my rival, but my everything? That without you, my life is dull? I... But..."

Boruto looks at her.

"What? Tell me?"

"Sumire..."

"Class rep? What? Did she hurt you?"

Sarada can't betray her friend... Boruto seems to have understood, and he heard the entire conversation anyway.

"Sarada, look at me with those incredible eyes of yours."

Sarada looks at him.

"I don't care about the Class Rep. I don't trust her, she'll potentially betray us, but that's not the point. What do you feel?"

"I... don't want to lose you... I want to be with you, but... We have so much to think about before all that..."

Boruto smiles softly and strokes her cheek and her short hair, looking at her with a newfound tenderness.

"I know, Sarada... But I'd like to know just in case..."

Sarada looks at him and strokes his hand, looks at him, and leans closer, and he does the same, and they kiss in response under the moonlight, binding their souls forever.

Chapter Text

The village of Konoha is completely destroyed, annihilated by the Shinju and Boruto and Kawaki's fight. There were far too many deaths. Sarada is one of the survivors. She walks through the rubble looking for life, covered in blood. She looks around, completely devastated by what she sees, holding her arm. She wants to scream, but her throat is tight.

Sarada's POV

Everything is destroyed: the houses, Mount Hokage, nothing remains... I'm in pain everywhere, but I don't care. I walk in search of life. We won against the Shinju and the Otsutsuki, but the village is finished. I see no trace of life. Boruto and I got the residents out, but no trace of our friends... Boruto! Where is he? I look at Hokage Mountain and my heart sinks. What if... no... Impossible, I have no more chakra for my Sharingan. I walk towards Hokage Mountain and on my way I see the horror of the dead shinobi, I meet old comrades, and I pull myself together.

I'm exhausted and almost fall when someone catches me. I raise my head and see Hima, she's fine, she's injured but she's fine.

“Sarada, my god… You're hurt, come on, I'll heal you.”

“No… others will probably need it more.”

“No, you need to be healed, let me do it…”

“I have to find Boruto…”

I see Himawari's expression change and she's trembling a little. Omnipotence has been countered… Everyone remembers Boruto and everything that happened… Hima is devastated to have forgotten her brother, and to admire someone who stole her life… She believed in both, but given the events that have lasted for two years… She puts her hands on my arm and heals me with her Kurama mode.

“Thank you… Hima…”

“Thank you, Sarada. Healing you is nothing compared to what you did… Thank you for saving us, and for protecting my brother for five years… I…

I look at her and place my hands on her shoulders as I see a little girl in her… Well, no, a completely destroyed 14-year-old girl… I tap her forehead and she looks at me.

“Always, and I'll always be there for you too, Hima… Go join the others, we don't know if it's completely over, go find shelter…
“I have to find Inojin… Shikadai and Chocho… Dad, Mom…”

“I'll take care of it… I promise, join the rest of the villagers and wait for us…”

She nods and leaves. I run through the rubble and run into Chocho… She's… my heart bleeds… I walk towards her and lower my head and close her eyes… Further away, I see Shikadai… He's… in… two? I'm starting to feel like I can't breathe anymore...I can't see Inojin...I don't recognize anything...I activate the sharingan but it doesn't work...I want to scream but you never know, I don't come across any survivors...Anyway...I don't have to look for mom or dad...They died a year ago...I keep moving forward and suddenly I see someone in front of me and my heart stops when I recognize the person, he's alive...He's not dead...I want to scream his name, but my heart and my mind say no I feel myself falling but I try to stay standing and walk, I hold out my hand and he seems panicked, I whisper.

"Boruto…"

And as if he heard me, he sees me… He's covered in blood, his clothes are completely torn… He runs towards me and when I see his face, my body gives way and he catches me, and we both fall, he's injured…

"Sarada, you're okay… You're here…"

"I…You…are alive…"

"Of course, I promised you… It's over… It's all over… We… won… Well, if you can say that… I… I saw the bodies of Mitsuki… my parents… I killed Kawaki… Amado… Code…"

He's destroyed and traumatized… the 7th, Hinata… Mitsuki… I burst into tears… and say…

"I found… Chocho… Shikadai dead… Denki and the others… Shikamaru… Villagers, but Boruto, Hima is fine!!! She's joined the villagers !!"

I see his eyes blur when I say Hima is fine, and he hugs me, and I return it and whisper.

"Thank you... By all the gods... She's fine... And you're fine... I haven't lost everything..."

My heart breaks, he's been through so much... Lost so much... We stay like this for a while before I gently push him away.

"We have to look for survivors... We have to find Inojin, and other people..."

"Inojin is alive... I sent him to the remaining villagers... All I have to find is you... We have to reach them too..."

"But the bodies?"

“We'll take care of it… But we have to go back to the villagers and tell them everything…”

“You saved us…”

“No, you saved us. Without your Mangekyo Sharingan, we would never have changed destiny… It's the best future we could have hoped for… I…”

I look at him and say, “Let's go join our people…”

“But if they hate me for failing… I couldn't save them…”

“Well, it'll be you and me facing the world. I'll never abandon you…”

He looks at me and I see his dull blue eye. He touches my forehead where the byakugo is. I had it, but it's not like my mother. It's linked to Boruto's kama. That's how we were able to eject Momoshiki from Boruto's body. He stands up while I'm still on his knees.

“Put me down, I can walk… Baka-Boruto…”

“I know, but you always seem to fall at my feet, so I prefer to hold you.”

I blush and slap his arm. He smiles, but it's just to lighten the mood. He puts me down, and we go to where the survivors are, where the statues of Hashirama and Madara used to be. We walk in silence. I sense he's nervous. I grab his hand, but he doesn't say anything; he squeezes it. We arrive and see a few dozen people. I see Inojin with Himawari in his arms. I see some locals. There weren't any people there before… When we all arrive, looking at each other, I see Himawari looking at her brother and running towards us in his arms.

“BORUTO!!!!!!”

He grabs her and squeezes her. Inojin comes towards me and looks at me, and I shake my head in denial. He understands. The villagers look at us and come over. Only a few families and relatives remain. I speak.

"Everything is over, the enemies have been defeated, the village is destroyed, and part of the world is destroyed. I don't know how it is in other countries, but for now, we have to stick together."

They don't say anything, and I say softly as Boruto stands beside me, his sister against him.

"We've been through the worst ninja war, we've lost so many people, we..."

"Where is the 7th and the others?"

Boruto freezes and speaks. He shows no emotion and says,

"The...7th and..."

Boruto doesn't dare mention his father and mother. Hima looks at him and says, “Oni-chan, we remember everything… Speak, we're listening…”

“Our father and mother unfortunately fell to the enemy, as did all the former ninjas. Only we remain from Konoha… I'm sorry I didn't protect them from having… failed my mission.”

They look at him, and Inojin says softly.

“Boruto, you did your best. The enemy was far too great. You couldn't do everything. No one blames you. We all know what you... saved us.”

“No, I wasn't alone. Without Sarada, I would never have succeeded. She's the hero. Without her tactics, without her power, without her, the village was doomed to perish…”

“You are the heroes, like all those who gave their lives. You are the definition of heroism. You, Sarada Uchiha, descendant of this clan of the strongest ninja to date, Sasuke Uchiha, and you, Boruto Uzumaki, son of our Hokage.”

“And your mothers, but where are we going to go…”

I look at Boruto, and we understand each other. I look at him and say in a confident voice.

“In Konoha, we're going to rebuild the village, not forget, but be reborn.”

The villagers all look at me, surprised and a little worried. Rebuilding the village will take time, healing too, but we will succeed if we stick together.

“Yes, she's right, Konoha is our home.”

I look at Boruto, smiling, but he seems a little perplexed and lost in thought. He's silent. Hima looks at him while she's near Inojin. The villagers don't seem opposed and speak.

“Yes, but we need a new Hokage, and a guardian!”

Hima says in a loud, cheerful voice.

“Sarada as Hokage and Boruto as guardian. They are the descendants of Konoha's founders and are the ones who saved us.”

I'm surprised by what Himawari suggests and look at Boruto, who is like me, while the rest of the villagers agree.

“What?”

"Miss Sarada, Lord Boruto is counting on you to take the reins of the village, do you accept ?"

I look at Boruto and he smiles at me gently, but it's fake, I can see it. He's afraid, he doesn't trust me, but I can't reassure him... I... Me becoming Hokage is reforming the village? I... I'll never succeed... I feel someone approaching me and feel Boruto behind me placing his hand on my shoulder. I understand that I have his support, he will be there.

"Fine, we accept, but things will change, to avoid new mistakes..."

"Long live Sarada, our Hokage!!"

Omniscient POV.

After deciding that, Sarada, Boruto, and the village buried their dead and combed everything. It took almost a year to remove everything that had been destroyed. Sarada and Boruto reconnected with villages in other countries, which had also faced their losses. Shinki, after being freed, was able to take Gaara's place after he died in battle. For Kiri, this resulted in a new discussion with the new Mizukage. Iwa didn't move, nor did they suffer many losses, and helped the other countries. Komo still hasn't heard from them. Boruto and Sarada didn't stop helping Inojin and Himawari; they did everything they could to rebuild the village with new security. The economy was complicated. Each villager and their family all have a roof over their heads. Boruto and Sarada live together in the old Uchiha compound, and Himawari and Inojin live in the heart of the village.

Boruto is outside looking at the sky. Sarada joins him with a cup of tea and gives it to him. He takes it and looks at it. Himawari has healed her eye and is now seeing again.

“What are you doing outside, Baka-Boruto…?”

“Nothing… I wanted to look at the sky…”
Sarada looks at the sky and smiles softly, sitting down next to him. She rests her head on his shoulder. The two of them are close, but in everyone's eyes they're just friends, but in reality, there's more.

“You're thinking about them…”

“Yeah… I hope they're proud, and I hope it'll be okay because even if I no longer have Momoshiki's spirit, I'm still an Otsutsuki… nothing will change my DNA…”

“I know… but even if the Otsutsuki are dangerous and should all be wiped out, you're not like that…”

Boruto looks at her and smiles softly, caressing her cheek, and Sarada tilts her head to rest against his hand. “That doesn't change anything about who I am…”

“You're Boruto Uzumaki, my right-hand man, and you're my co-founder of the new Konoha in the Land of Fire…”

“I'm that all to you?”

Sarada rolls her eyes and slaps her thigh, shaking her head.

“No, and you know it very well, you're not just that…”

Boruto doesn't answer. He doesn't need to, and neither does she, because they know what the other is thinking and feeling. She goes to get up, but she's held back by Boruto, who places a kiss on her lips, making her smile gently appear. Boruto looks at her and rolls his eyes when he sees Sarada's winning smile.

"What?"

"Nothing... I didn't say anything, but you can see who's more addicted to the other, isn't he the one who doesn't want to say anything?" “You know why…”

“Yes, and it's stupid. I'm not ashamed of you, nor of what I feel. Boruto, you've been on my mind for years. I was just too closed off... too afraid to take the plunge... But I don't care about your data, Otsutsuki, people will say. You're loved by the village, no one wants to kill you, you're a hero, you're my shadow, and above all, you're the boy I'll always believe in, the man I'd turn the world against me for, and that will never change.” –I don't deserve you.

"Boruto, we've already talked about the concept of merit. I'm by your side, you're by mine, period. Come on, let's go home tomorrow. The villagers say they have a surprise for us. I don't like seeing you like this, it's not you..."

Sarada can see it. He's often like this since the end of the war, which left so many visible scars on his face, his arms, his chest, but even more so inside himself. Sarada knows it, which is why she touches his cheek and makes him look at her.

"Boruto… listen to me, you…"

She drowns in his blue eyes shining under the full moon that evening. She can't continue as he speaks to her through her eyes, telling her and showing her all his suffering, his fear, his regret, his despair, his desire to give up everything… He's seen so much and done so much. She touches his scar and tilts her head slightly, and she tells him what she'll probably never be able to say in person. She tells him how much he means to her, how much she cares for him, and that she's proud of him for the way he's getting back on his feet. She tells him she'll always be there for him… She shares his longing, his fear of not being up to it, of making bad decisions, of disappointing everyone, of not knowing how to express herself. Boruto moves closer and rests his forehead against hers, looking at her and closing his eyes for a moment, and Sarada understands. She smiles softly and lets her tears flow down her cheeks, seeing Boruto's tears follow her despite her closed eyes. She is so grateful that he lets her see her moment of weakness. They stay like that for a while, and Sarada and he return to their house and go to sleep in each other's arms, in their intimacy.

The next day, they get up early and don't talk about the day before because what happened yesterday is in the past. They eat and get dressed. Sarada places her white cloak on her back, as does Sarada, but she is white. They head towards the center of the village where the villagers come towards them, smiling.

"Lady Sarada and Lord Boruto."

"We've already told you to call us by our first names."

"Yes, but we like to call you that."

Boruto says nothing and sees his sister with Inojin, and I know he's happy about it, or rather, he tolerates it because she's fine. Hima smiles when she sees her brother a little behind Sarada.

"Come on, we have a surprise for you, follow us."

"Good."

"Let us blindfold you."

Himawari does so, and they guide them without knowing where they're going. Then at one point, they stop. Boruto and Sarada have no idea what's going on. Their blindfolds are removed, and in front of them, two statues representing them holding hands face them: Boruto with his scar and his closed eye, blindfold on his forehead, katana in hand, and Sarada with short hair, shuriken in hand.

“Wow… It’s…”

“We did this in your honor, you, the new founders of Konoha, who are for peace. Despite your young age, you’re doing everything to rebuild the village, to make life better. We still have work to do, but we finally have a home.”

Sarada and Boruto are speechless at this sight. Where Madara and Hashirama were, their status is now evolving through love, not hate.

“Thank you, it’s incredible, but we don’t do this for that… It’s a priceless gift… But…”

“No buts, Sarada, you and Oni-san have done so much, and you work tirelessly to provide stability for everyone. You and Boruto are the symbol of love that transcends all obstacles. Your love is infinite, whether for us, the village, or each other…”

Sarada and Boruto freeze and look at Himawari, who is in front of them. She smiles and says,

"Don't be surprised. It's obvious there's always been something there, but it's up to you to say we'll be there."

Sarada and Boruto bow, and everyone else does the same. These two statues also represent the moon and the sun, perfect balance, eternal love.

Boruto says in a low, symbolic voice.

"Nothing except being able to start a family with you and for me to carry on your name."

Sarada looks at him in surprise and her heart skips a beat. She opens her mouth and says, trembling.

"What? What do you want?"

Boruto looks into her eyes and says.

"I want to carry on your name, I want to start a family with you, I want to stay by your side forever."

Sarada doesn't know what to say; she simply kisses him tenderly in response, and Boruto needs nothing else as an answer. Their statues are witnesses to their love, and this one will be a symbol for centuries to come, and no one will forget Boruto and Sarada Uzumaki-Uchiha.

Chapter Text

I woke up this morning in a bad mood, plus it's my birthday and I don't want anyone to wish me a happy birthday... Especially not when this idiot is on a mission for the Hokage, well for me anyway... I'm the official 8th Hokage, I took Naruto's place, or rather the 7th, after the whole Shinju story ended... with a lot of damage but today it's been 4 years since things went back to normal... well except for Boruto's condition which is still being the adopted son of the 7th. Omnipotence persists but Boruto doesn't care... He rarely comes back... I've only seen him twice in 4 years. He helps everywhere and is always looking for information, we were able to get rid of Momoshiki's threat... But there's still Otsutsuki which I don't like. Everyone except him has been wiped out. I sigh and go to the shower and let the water run over my body. I don't hear the bathroom door, but I hear the shower door. I turn around and almost scream, but a hand stops me and I see the one I was thinking about.

I open my eyes wide when I see him, his hair longer, one eye still blue, and that scar he had for me. He smiles at me discreetly and says softly.

"Hello, my Hokage."

I see him approaching me as the water falls on me, and I quickly pull him in to kiss him. Yes, he and I have been together for six years now, we got together during the war against the Otsutsuki… When I stopped lying to myself. He kisses me back and holds me close. I missed him so much…

“You'll never change, always jumping into my arms…”

“Baka…you're home…”

I can't see him, but I feel a kiss on my bare, wet shoulder.

“Yes, I'm home.”

I look at him and stroke his long hair, not understanding why. He hasn't shown any sign of life in almost six months… I see him purse his lips, which makes me frown.

“You're not a clone, reassure me?”

He looks at me and laughs softly, runs his hand down my cheek, and pushes back my hair, which has grown back as well.

“Never…This spectacle is mine…having to kill my clones would be annoying…”

“What are you doing here? You don't give any news, and now you come back like this?! I'm the Hokage, and I'm nothing! In four years, we've seen each other two or three times at most!”

I'm angry, but not necessarily with him, but with the situation. I knew this would happen, but falling for him wasn't planned. I turn my back on him and feel the tears flow, without knowing why. He presses himself against me and covers me with his body as I clench my fists against the wall.

"Sarada... I'm sorry... I couldn't come back... Not only because I'm not necessarily welcome, but also because my mission didn't allow it, and I know you understand, but you were just afraid for me... But I'm here, I'm fine..."

I don't answer, and I feel someone put shampoo on my head, and he starts to massage it. I relax and breathe out. They don't say anything, I don't know what to say... I have so many emotions overwhelming me. I want to talk to him, to ask him why he's back, and I realize he didn't say anything about my birthday... He must have forgotten... I didn't even wish him happy birthday either... I feel his breath near my ear, making me shiver.

"Stop thinking... Talk to me, Sarada..."

"I... don't know what to say... Too many thoughts are coming to me..."

He takes the shower head and rinses my head, placing his hand over my eyes, gently turning me, tilting my head, and smiling softly at me as he finishes rinsing my hair. He lifts my chin as I look at him and see the black mark on his chest and various scars, both old and new. I catch his gaze again, and he leans down and rests his head on my shoulder, wetting his blond hair even more. I take his shampoo and pour some on his head, which makes him jump. I massage his scalp in turn, and I feel him relax. I massage the back of his neck, and I feel his body shiver. I smile softly and realize he's there.

“You're staying too long.”

“No…”

I tighten the pressure on his head, which makes him groan. I feel disappointed… How long will he be gone… 3, 4 more years without a visit…

“Sarada, I'm not leaving for that long. Yes, I'm not staying long. I'm leaving in a few days for at least 5 months, but I promise you I won't come back.”

He murmurs against me, and I say, “You don't like it… Coming back… You feel more at ease… It's my fault if…”

“No.”

He lifts his head and looks at me, his hair full of foam. He puts his hands on my shoulders.

"I love the village, and especially I love coming back to you. It's just hard... But I'm not forcing myself to come back, I..."

He's lying... If he could, he would never come back. So I push him away and get out of the shower, grab a towel, and go to our room, where he's only slept once. I lock the door and collapse on the floor. I hear knocking behind the door a short time later.

"Sarada, open me..."

I can't hold back my sobs.

"Oh Sarada... No, don't cry... open me, love..."

Hearing my nickname, which he only says when I need it, I freeze and whisper.

"No... I... am horrible..."

“Less than me with my foam on my head, come on, open it…”

I open the door and see him with just a towel around his waist, his hair unrinsed, and when he sees me, I see his gaze break, he squats down… and lifts my head and I see the pain in his eyes.

“Oh… my Sarada… No, don't cry, let me explain… I'm just going to rinse off and I'll be right there, okay? Don't move, love, but get dressed, okay… I'll be right there…”

I nod and he leaves. I do as he says and get dressed. I take one of his tops that's too big for me, some underwear, and sit on our bed. He comes back a short time later, rinsed and in his underwear, and comes towards me while my head is down. He gets down on one knee and looks at me. He takes my hands and intertwines our fingers.

"Sarada…"

"You don't like coming back to the village… You're forcing yourself… You didn't want to be my shadow… You wanted freedom… I'm holding you back because of a stupid promise…"

"Never say that!"

He shouts and I look at him, he looks at me with determination.

"Sarada, never say our promise is stupid. It's one of the most important things to me. Yes, I don't feel like I belong anymore because it hurts me that people still think I'm a traitor, but I never, ever force myself to come back or I deliberately make sure I don't come back often because I don't like Konoha. Konoha is where I live, but my real home is you, so if you're happy here, I am too. I'm sorry I haven't been back much during these four years... I couldn't, I've been going from dimension to dimension, and time moves differently. I promise I'll come back more... I'll be there for us, and our lives more... I know that being Hokage stresses you out a lot, and I'm proud of you. I'm proud to be your shadow, to be your right-hand man. You know that being your shadow is a source of pride, Madam First Uchiha Hokage, Sarada... I... Well, you mean more than anything to me, and..."

"Boruto..."

I cry because what he says touches me so much, my nerves are frayed, and it's always in front of him, who doesn't judge me, who supports me, who has seen the worst of me... I let myself fall into his arms, and he hugs me and strokes my back gently. I wrap my legs around him. He lifts me up and gets into our bed, and I hug him.

“I missed you… I miss you every day… I'm really too weak… like Hokage, look at me…”

“You're tired and your nerves are failing you, that's all, but I know you're strong, that you can handle it, and Sarada looks at me.”

I look at him and he smiles at me, strokes my cheek, and kisses me.

“Happy 23rd birthday… I love you…”

I look at him and open my mouth. He hasn't forgotten, is that why he came back? He smiles at me and moves away. I don't understand, and he goes to look for something in his jacket and comes back near the bed. I look at him, not understanding. I sit up and see him get down on one knee and look at me.

“Sarada, you and I have known each other forever; our destinies have been linked since that day.” You saved my terrible fate with your eyes. Our souls are connected, and I'm convinced of it. My feelings for you have always been there, but I didn't want to admit it. Above all, I couldn't see myself alive... But you changed everything, and I was finally able to have you by my side the way I secretly dream of. I asked your father for permission... Well, how can I put this? He wasn't surprised, but a little angry.

He laughs, while I'm shocked by what's happening.

"All that to say, I'm terrible at expressing myself, but Sarada Uchiha, marry me for better or for worse. I promise to make you happy..."

“You want to…marry me?”

Boruto laughs nervously.

“Uh, yes, that's why I'm down on one knee in front of you, so you want to be my wife? Even if it won't be easy with our…”

I cut him off and jump on his neck to kiss him, and we fall backwards, and I tell him…

“YES! Yes, I do… Yes, I want you to become an Uchiha, to be recognized as my husband…”

Boruto looks at me tenderly. I know he lost his name despite the 7th’s insistence. He smiles at me and slips the ring on my finger, and I see a moonstone as blue as his eyes with a sun motif, and I feel his chakra in it…

“I'll always be with you like this…”

“I love you, Boruto, so much…”

He smiles, and we spend a wonderful night full of love. Boruto keeps his promises and returns as soon as he can despite the missions. I assume my role better and better and am as I wanted, someone who helps my friends and my village with my values ​​and I have a surprise to announce to Boruto on his return, I hope he will be happy, as I am because we fought destiny, and we live our lives in a way that suits us.