Walking home under the streetlamps, Boruto’s shoulder brushed against Naruto’s cloak. The scroll in his pocket—the unopened one—didn’t sting anymore.
“Where’s Dad?” Boruto asked, already knowing the answer.
“Just tired,” Boruto lied.
Naruto’s hand rested on Boruto’s head, rough but gentle.
For a moment, Boruto wanted to yell. To say it’s too late . Instead, he just threw his father a practice kunai.