"Boruto… where are you? Why can't I find you…"
By the cliffside, Hikari gazed into the distance at the rolling mountains, her expression clouded with confusion.
This was the place where Boruto had disappeared.
She came here often, standing in the same spot, looking toward the same horizon — always hoping that maybe, just maybe, his figure would appear beside her again.
A gentle breeze swept past, stirring her silky black hair.
Under Moon's care, the once pale and fragile Hikari had regained some color in her cheeks, and her eyes once again carried a spark of life.
Yet she still wore the tattered robe she had worn in the dungeon. Though old and frayed, it held too many memories — her pain, her resilience, and her bond with Boruto.
Moon had tried many times to persuade her to change into something new, but Hikari always refused with a gentle shake of her head.
"Hikari, don't push yourself so hard," Moon said softly, her eyes following the endless line of mountains.
Hikari didn't turn to face her.
"I can't give up," she murmured. "He's the only reason I'm still alive. Without him, I'd still be in that cold, sunless dungeon."
Moon fell silent for a long moment, sighing quietly. She had her own guesses about Boruto's identity and whereabouts, but even she found them difficult to believe.
"Hikari, I have to go…"
Her words hit like a stone tossed into a still lake, sending ripples through Hikari's heart.
During this time, Moon had taken care of her meticulously.
The thought of her leaving filled Hikari with quiet sorrow, but she didn't protest. Moon had her own duties — Hikari had no right to make her stay.
Seeing Hikari's forlorn look, Moon lowered her gaze. Her eyes softened with something like regret.
"I have my own matters to attend to," she said quietly. "I can't stay with you forever."
"Mm…" Hikari responded softly.
"Oh, before I go, I have something for you."
From within her robe, Moon took out a folded garment — a beautiful piece of clothing, shimmering faintly even in the dim light.
"I…" Hikari hesitated, startled.
"Try it on. See if it fits," Moon said with a warm smile, pressing it into her hands.
It was a new ice-blue robe, the fabric smooth as silk and luminous like jade. It contrasted sharply with the worn, tattered robe she was wearing.
Too moved to refuse, Hikari turned her back, slowly slipping out of the old robe and putting on the new one.
When she fastened the silver belt around her waist, the robe fit perfectly — almost as if it had been made for her.
Moon's eyes grew wet as she looked at the girl before her. For a moment, the image of a red-haired child overlapped with Hikari's figure.
Covering her mouth to stifle a sob, Moon trembled with emotion.
"Moon, what's wrong? Don't you like it?" Hikari asked softly, puzzled.
Moon quickly shook her head, forcing a smile. "No, it looks wonderful on you. It suits you perfectly. It's just… you remind me of someone I once knew."
Hikari didn't press further, waiting quietly as Moon gathered herself.
After a long silence, Moon spoke again. "Hikari… do you know why I've been so kind to you?"
Hikari tilted her head slightly.
Moon's gaze drifted toward the darkening sky. "A long time ago, there was a little girl. She was gentle, kind — pure, like an angel. Everyone loved her dearly. But one day, her kindness cost her life."
Her tone grew heavy. "Her death broke her mother's heart. That mother's name was Saara. But before the girl died, she left a wish — that this world would one day have less sorrow, and more warmth and light."
As she spoke, her voice trembled with grief.
Hikari's eyes softened as she whispered, "That little girl… was your daughter, wasn't she?"
Moon nodded, her eyes glistening. "Yes. She looked a lot like you."
Hikari said nothing. She didn't know what words could comfort a pain that deep.
Then, after a moment, Moon spoke again, her voice low and hesitant. "Hikari… could you call me Mom?"
The word froze on Hikari's tongue. "Mom…" She hadn't said that word in so long.
Looking into Moon's tearful, expectant eyes, she whispered, "Mom."
The sound shattered Moon's composure. Her eyes overflowed. She fell to her knees and hugged Hikari tightly, her shoulders shaking.
"I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I should've been there for you. You wouldn't have suffered like that if I'd stayed by your side."
Tears streamed down her face, soaking Hikari's shoulder as she held the girl close.
Hikari stayed still, feeling the warmth and sincerity of that embrace. For the first time in a long while, she felt something close to peace — the comfort of being loved like a daughter.
After a moment, she whispered again, "Mom…"
Moon looked up, eyes shining with tears. "Thank you, Hikari. From now on, take good care of yourself."
With that, she turned and walked away. Her figure slowly disappeared into the dense forest.
"Alone again…"
Hikari watched the crimson sunset fading behind the mountains. A deep loneliness crept into her chest.
"Boruto… where are you?" she whispered.
Days passed. Hikari didn't go searching anymore — she chose instead to stay there, waiting for him to return.
She built a small, simple hut near the cliff, surrounded by wildflowers and the sound of the wind.
Her days slowly became peaceful. Every morning, she washed by the nearby lake, her long hair gleaming like silk in the light.
But most of the time, she sat by the cliff, staring across the valley — her heart filled with endless longing and quiet hope.
Yet, peace never lasts forever.
One afternoon, as Hikari sat as usual by the edge of the cliff, the bright sky suddenly dimmed. Thick clouds gathered overhead, and the air grew heavy with the scent of rain.
She didn't move to take shelter. She simply sat there, the wind brushing her hair, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Then — the sound of footsteps. Many of them.
Hikari turned and saw a group of shinobi emerging from the trees, clad in the armor of various clans.
Her eyes narrowed. She recognized some faces — members of the Senju Clan and the Sarutobi Clan, those who had fled from her before.
Now, they weren't alone. Dozens more had joined them — a full coalition of shinobi, gathered for one purpose.
To hunt the "Uchiha weapon."
Lightning flashed across the dark sky, and rain began to fall in torrents.
Hikari exhaled softly and stood.
Her crimson eyes opened wide, glowing like twin embers through the rain.
In that hazy storm, the light of her Mangekyō Sharingan pulsed — sharp, beautiful, and terrifying.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Boruto: Growing Up as Naruto's Son is now on Patreon!
🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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