ARCHER

✶ chapter eleven

𝙵𝙾𝚁𝚃⠀⠀⠀⠀✶⠀⠀⠀⠀──͏⠀⠀⠀⠀𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧.

ooxi: I bet on losing dogs!
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Boruto had never felt fear like this before. The air had shifted-thick, heavy, and cold. The once bustling arena fell into a deadly silence as the unknown men appeared, suspended in the sky like gods descending upon mortals. Everyone's eyes were glued to the figures above, but Boruto's attention was fixed on something else.

Vela's breath hitched sharply, his body tensing as he protectively shoved Boruto behind him. The sudden shift in Vela's demeanor-from calm to rigid with fear-was enough to unsettle Boruto. His hand instinctively gripped tightly onto Vela's arm, seeking some semblance of security. But that's when Boruto noticed it-Vela was shaking.

"I've found you," one of the men said, his voice dripping with satisfaction and mockery. The words were like a jagged blade, slicing through the tense air. A chill ran down Boruto's spine, colder than any he had ever felt before.

He tightened his grip on Vela's arm, feeling the panic rise within him. The weight of the situation-of the power and malice emanating from these men-was unlike anything Boruto had ever experienced. This was different. This wasn't just a fight; this felt like something much darker, much more dangerous.

The man in the sky, the one who had spoken, let his gaze drift lazily over the crowd before it settled squarely on Vela. The smirk on his lips widened, as if savoring the fear emanating from his prey. His eyes-cold, calculating-pierced through the air like an executioner's blade. "Momoshiki," Vela spat that led the two men to ascend from the sky, slowly yet menacingly made their way to cold ground of the arena, Momoshiki hasn't taken his eyes off Vela just yet.

Naruto stood protectively beside Vela, hiding Boruto away from the piercing eyes of the Otsutsuki. With his actions, the kage expectating the scene also starts to stood from their seats, all jounin, genin - civilians that are present stare alarmingly. Mitsuki recognizes almost immediately by their appearance "No... It couldn't be," His eyes widen.

Momoshiki's pale gaze shifted as a surge of power began to course through his veins. With a chilling smile, veins around on each side of his eyes bulging in anticipation. 'Those eyes. Byakugan?' Boruto stares at them in shock as he was able to see a glimpse of the stranger's eyes.

"You are from the same clan as Otsutsuki Kaguya," Naruto said, his voice steady as he glanced briefly at Vela. The weight of the situation hung heavily between them. "These are the men that you were warning me about..."

Vela nodded once, his eyes narrowing in acknowledgment, but his heart raced with growing dread. It was all the confirmation Naruto needed. His gaze shifted back to the two figures hovering in the air-Momoshiki and Kinshiki Otsutsuki.

Momoshiki, with his aloof arrogance, barely acknowledged Naruto's presence, his attention fixated on something far more sinister. His expression was a mixture of disdain and amusement as he glanced at Kinshiki. "There are so many lower-class creatures in our way," he muttered, a note of distaste lacing his voice.

Kinshiki, towering behind him, rumbled in agreement. "Should I do a bit of spring cleaning before we begin?" he suggested, his voice booming, causing the tension to spike across the arena.

Momoshiki turned his gaze back to Vela, a cruel smile curling at the edges of his lips. "Perhaps," he replied, his eyes gleaming with dark intent.

Katasuke, standing near them, clearly did not appreciate being interrupted. Eager to boast about his scientific ninja tools, he stepped forward, oblivious to the impending danger. "Wait! You're interrupting me!" he complained, pushing between Vela and the Otsutsuki duo.