Hidden in the heart | Borusara

Chapter 6: Unanswered Questions

The return journey to Konoha was quiet, the trio leading the rescued villagers through the dense forest. The sun had fully set, casting the world into twilight, and the path back seemed darker and more ominous than before. Boruto walked at the front, keeping an eye out for any lingering dangers, while Sarada and Mitsuki stayed close to the villagers, ensuring their safety.

Despite the victory, there was a heaviness in the air-a feeling that the mission wasn't as straightforward as it appeared.

As they neared the village, the villagers began to regain more of their strength, some whispering words of thanks to the team, their faces still pale from the ordeal. Boruto offered them a reassuring smile, but Sarada noticed that his usual brightness seemed dimmed, his mind clearly occupied with other thoughts.

When they finally arrived at the village gates, they were met by several shinobi who had been dispatched to help with the return. The villagers were quickly taken into care, and Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki were left alone to head back to the Hokage's office to report.

As they walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, Sarada found herself deep in thought. The mission had been successful, but something still didn't add up. The creature they had faced was unlike anything she'd encountered before, and its existence raised more questions than it answered. Why was it there? Who or what had summoned it? And why had it been targeting those specific villagers?

Mitsuki, sensing her unease, glanced over at her. "You're still thinking about the mission."

Sarada nodded, her brow furrowed. "It just doesn't make sense. That creature... it wasn't acting on its own. There had to be some kind of control or influence behind it."

Boruto, who had been silent for most of the walk, finally spoke up. "I was thinking the same thing. There's no way something like that just appears out of nowhere. Someone or something was behind it."

They fell into a contemplative silence, each of them turning over the events of the mission in their minds.

When they reached the Hokage's office, Naruto was waiting for them. His expression was serious, and as they began to recount the details of the mission, Sarada noticed the way his eyes narrowed at certain points, as if piecing together a puzzle in his mind.

"So, the creature was some kind of guardian," Naruto repeated, his voice thoughtful. "And it was connected to an underground network of tunnels. This isn't the first time we've encountered something like this."

Boruto raised an eyebrow. "You've seen this before, Dad?"

Naruto nodded slowly. "There have been similar reports in other regions, though none as close to the village as this one. It's possible that whatever is behind this is growing bolder, testing our defenses."

Sarada felt a chill run down her spine at his words. If this was only the beginning, then they were facing a much larger threat than they had realized.

"Do you think it's connected to something bigger?" Sarada asked, her voice tinged with concern.

Naruto didn't answer right away, his gaze distant as he considered the possibilities. "It's too early to say for sure, but we can't rule out the possibility. I'll need to discuss this with the other Kage and see if they've encountered anything similar."

Boruto crossed his arms, a determined look on his face. "Whatever it is, we'll be ready for it."

Naruto smiled at his son's confidence, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes. "I know you will be. But until we know more, I want all of you to stay alert. This might just be the beginning."

......

After the mission debriefing with Naruto, the night had settled over Konoha, casting long shadows over the quiet streets. Mitsuki had already taken his leave, heading back to his own home, leaving Boruto and Sarada to walk the path to their houses alone.