"So, this is Naruto's son, huh?"
Mei Terumi looked at the transformed Tendo Pain and chuckled softly behind her hand.
"It's really impressive that Naruto's son can imitate someone so well—I was almost fooled."
Boruto smirked, dismissing the transformation with a puff of smoke. "Haha, just kidding."
Mei Terumi composed herself and said with a faint smile, "What an interesting child… Alright, back to business."
"Chojuro heard that the children of Konoha were visiting, so he specially arranged an exchange and training session. He hopes this will help deepen the friendship between our two villages."
"Please, follow me."
Mei Terumi led them deeper into the Mizukage Building, her heels echoing softly along the polished floor.
The Mizukage's Office
Soon, they entered a spacious office decorated in a clean, elegant style.
Waiting for them was Chojuro, the Sixth Mizukage of the Hidden Mist Village.
"Nice to meet you all," he said, rising from his seat with a warm smile. "I'm Chojuro, the current Mizukage. Thank you for traveling all the way from Konoha. Welcome to the Hidden Mist Village."
Ordinary people, I'd just… Boruto chuckled inwardly, choosing not to finish the thought.
Chojuro began his welcoming speech—a long and formal one that soon had Chocho fighting to keep her eyes open.
"In short," Chojuro concluded, "I hope everyone can live in harmony with the Hidden Mist Village, have fun, and enjoy themselves to the fullest."
At the Hotel Lounge
Later, in the lounge of a bustling hotel in the Hidden Mist Village, Kagura addressed the group.
"I'll go check you all in. Please wait here a moment. Afterward, I'll personally take you to visit some of the village's scenic spots."
As Kagura walked off, Chocho sighed dreamily, munching on potato chips. "Kagura's perfect—attentive, considerate, and strong. Only a man like him deserves me."
"Mitsuki," Denki said, turning to him, "you seem to know a lot about him."
Mitsuki smiled faintly. "I heard some things back when I was in the Sound Village. Kagura Karatachi became a Chūnin two years ago. He's close to the Sixth Mizukage and was chosen as the successor of the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen, as well as the next master of the Twin Blades: Hiramekarei."
"The Seven Ninja Swordsmen? The legendary ones?" Shikadai asked, wide-eyed.
Mitsuki nodded. "Yes. The Hidden Mist Village has seven demon blades, each choosing its own wielder. Those chosen become the Seven Ninja Swordsmen—elite shinobi powerful enough that, together, they could destroy an entire nation."
"Destroy a whole country? That's insane!" Chocho gasped, her jaw nearly hitting the floor.
Boruto smirked. "Yeah, but remember—when the seven of them first got together, they were kicked into the 'Lucky Three Treasures' by Might Dai."
"The… Lucky Three Treasures?" Shikadai blinked in confusion.
Boruto burst out laughing. "Four of them got taken out in one go by Might Guy's dad! The remaining three only survived because they ran faster than rabbits."
Denki gawked. "Are you serious? Who even is Might Dai? I've never heard of such a powerful guy!"
"It's true," Mitsuki said calmly. "During one mission involving the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, four were defeated by a ninja named Genin Dai. He must be the Might Dai Boruto mentioned."
Inojin added thoughtfully, "If I remember correctly, Might Dai is the father of Metal's father's master."
Everyone turned to look at Metal Lee, sitting stiffly in his chair.
"Metal's father's master's father? That's a tongue twister," Iwabe joked, laughing.
Boruto explained simply, "He's Might Guy's father."
"So that means he was Kakashi-sensei father's best friend and Guy-sensei's dad. No wonder he was that strong," Chocho nodded in understanding.
Just then, Kagura returned, drawing everyone's attention back.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said politely. "Now, allow me to show you around the Kirigakure Ninja Academy."
The Training Grounds
At one of the Mist Village's water training grounds, dozens of students were sparring with wooden swords.
They moved gracefully across the water's surface, each clash of wood echoing with sharp, rhythmic precision. Splashes rose and fell in time with their strikes.
Kagura led Boruto and the others to the viewing platform.
"The swordsmanship of the Hidden Mist is truly something else," Denki remarked, impressed.
Shikadai nodded. "Yeah, to fight so smoothly on turbulent water without sinking—these guys have a solid foundation."
At that moment, Mizukage Chojuro appeared again among the spectators. He smiled as his eyes fell on Boruto.
"Boruto," Chojuro said, "how about a friendly spar? You could experience the swordsmanship of the Hidden Mist firsthand."
"Sparring?" Boruto grinned, noticing the eager crowd. "With this many people watching? Sure, why not."
Chojuro turned to Kagura. "Kagura, you'll be his opponent."
"Yes, Lord Mizukage," Kagura replied automatically, though a flicker of hesitation passed over his face.
Chojuro placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're both young ninjas. The best way to understand one another is through strength."
"…Understood," Kagura nodded.
Boruto and Kagura each took a wooden sword and stepped onto the water's surface, facing one another.
With a puff of smoke, Boruto transformed once again—into Tendo Pain.
He wore the familiar black Akatsuki cloak adorned with red clouds, a conical hat casting a shadow over his face, exuding calm, mysterious power.
"How many floors does it take to carry a bag of rice?" he intoned ominously.
Kagura blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Boruto's theatrics before regaining his composure.
Boruto laughed. "Don't mind it—it's just a habit."
Around them, the students of Kirigakure cheered loudly.
"Go, Kagura! Don't lose to the Konoha kids!"
Meanwhile, Boruto's classmates smiled confidently, certain of his victory.
"Well then," Chojuro said, raising a hand, "let the match begin."
Kagura gripped his wooden sword tightly, water rippling beneath his feet as if in rhythm with his breathing.
Boruto, meanwhile, held his sword in one hand, his posture relaxed—almost lazy.
He stood like a wandering warrior, eyes locked calmly on Kagura.
What's with this stance? Kagura thought. He's full of openings, but… why do I feel like if I move first, I'll walk straight into a trap?
He knew better than to underestimate the Hokage's son.
Boruto gave the wooden sword a lazy wave. "What's wrong? Still not making a move? Then I guess I'll start…"
He grinned. "A bag of rice—to carry to the second floor!"