It's Not Really A Date, but is sort of kinda (Boruto x Sarada)

Part 7

Mitsuki turned to the approaching Uzumaki family. Young Himawari with one hand clutching her mother's and the other determinedly clutching a shaved-ice cone and an enormous Shukaku Plushie at the same time. The 7th Hokage beside her jovially waving at the group of boys. And to Lord 7th's other side, the source of Mitsuki's confliction. And yet something seemed off.

He wore the same clothes. The same spiky, messy blonde hair. And the same relaxed, friendly smile as he approached his comrades. But the Boruto Uzumaki beside the blonde, blue-eyed man definitely didn't seem like himself. Almost like.....

"So, you boys enjoying the Festival? That's great! And taking in your fair share of the stalls. Good to see you all putting your skills to good use." 7th Hokage Naruto Uzumaki said casually to the group, looking over their collecting winnings. Denki stood up straight looking particularly formal and stiff. "Um, yes Lord 7th. We have engaged with the various stalls and events open and are keeping our skills sharp. But we have also been on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Nothing to report as yet, but we will remain vigilant! Sir!"

Naruto actually chuckled softly at the bespectacled youth's formal address. "There's no need to be quite so formal Denki. Tonight is about celebrating unity between the 5 Great Nations and respective lands, and having fun! And goodness knows you and your team in particular have earned your respite after your last mission."

With the sudden reminder of that mission, involving the conflict that arose between the Hidden Mist and the Funato Clan, a distinctly sombre mood abruptly fell in the air around the group. "...Respectfully Lord 7th..." Metal began with a cautious, solemn tone. "...It is a hard thing to set one's heart and mind truly at ease after such a conflict, especially one that has claimed so many lives. Namely ones we were close to..."

Denki looked like he meant to caution Metal against arguing with the 7th Hokage, but none could deny how deeply Kagura's death had affected them all. And some were quite aware of Metal's particular growing attachment to Hebiichigo.

Mitsuki maintained his composure well he thought considering his own trauma following Kagura's demise. And for a moment he considered Sarada's own trauma after their ordeal with the Funato, especially after Boruto's near-death experience; he half-wondered if all that was the primary motivation for her increased solo training of late in a bid to overcome trauma, or a burning resolve to prevent the source of such trauma happening again?

But Boruto it seemed was almost too composed about the whole affair.

As it happened the blonde man seemed to understand, with a newly-solemn frown becoming a patient smile and a certain gleam in his eye. "I do understand Metal. It can be hard being the one that lives on after experiencing the loss of loved ones. But the way I see it, the best way to honour their memory is to simply live the lives they granted us through their sacrifice to the fullest. With thanksgiving and learning from the lessons they taught. To continually strive for unity and understanding between all people."

"I wish Kawaki would've come out with us tonight to celebrate unity and understanding. He must be so lonely being all broody and grumpy and by himself all the time." Himawari added sadly looking up at her father. "Uh, yeah well, can't make him come out if he doesn't wanna. Who needs him around being a scowly emo jerk anyway?", "Boruto!" Mrs. Hinata Uzumaki scolded her son sternly making him shrink back. Iwabee looked off to the side like he was trying not to look in agreement with Boruto. All present knew he didn't exactly get along well with his fellow Ninja Teen, but he didn't dare insult him outright in front of his idol in Lord 7th.

Or in front of Hinata who could honestly at times be even scarier than Araumi!

And yet Mitsuki didn't fail to notice Boruto being slower to insult Kawaki than usual. Almost like he was distracted by something.