Momoshiki reluctantly accepted the mission. At least it wasn't difficult, and with Boruto and Hinata currently heading to the Hyuga Clan territory, it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
"All right, I'll take this mission. If there's nothing else, I'll be going," Momoshiki said.
"Wait, Boruto, weren't you going to ask about Sage Techniques?" Naruto hurriedly asked.
"It's not urgent right now. Besides, I've heard that one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, is also proficient in Sage Techniques. Since he is Mitsuki's guardian, going there shouldn't be dangerous," Boruto answered calmly.
"Okay… then fine," Naruto said, slightly deflated.
Seeing Naruto like that, Momoshiki was reminded of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. Naruto's frustrated expression mirrored Hashirama's in similar moments; truly, he was the reincarnation of Ashura.
After reviewing the documents that had been delivered, Shikamaru found Naruto's state a little comical. Lately, Naruto had been constantly overwhelmed by his son's antics. Although Shikamaru's own son was not always easy to manage, he wouldn't do anything too reckless. Naruto's son had clearly inherited his father's temperament talkative and kind-hearted but was still young and inexperienced. Still, there was no doubt he would grow into an exceptional ninja.
These thoughts flashed briefly through Shikamaru's mind. Knowing he should act as the mediator and soothe Naruto's mood, he addressed Boruto:
"Boruto, it's not worth the trouble. After the Seventh Hokage finishes work today, you can just ask him about Sage Techniques at home. You don't need to go all the way to Orochimaru."
Hearing Shikamaru's words, Naruto's sullen face immediately brightened, like sunlight glinting off ice. He quickly said:
"Exactly… that's right, Boruto! I can teach you the essentials of Sage Techniques after work today, so there's no need to go see Orochimaru." He subtly gave Shikamaru a thumbs-up in thanks.
"Oh? So everyone opposes me meeting Orochimaru. Is he really that dangerous? Even Dad is worried," Momoshiki thought, looking for a legitimate reason to enter Orochimaru's base, planning that it might help him eventually remove the Karma seal from Boruto. Later, he could perhaps indirectly leverage Orochimaru's power to accomplish the separation.
"Hmm…" Naruto wanted to remind Boruto of Orochimaru's past evil deeds, but then he reconsidered. Because Orochimaru had chosen to reform, Yamato had been assigned to monitor him instead of eliminate him. Naruto had no reason to dwell on Orochimaru's history. He opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Momoshiki asked, curious as he saw Naruto pause mid-sentence.
"I… I just want to say, don't touch anything in Orochimaru's place. There will be ninja to protect you. And don't let Orochimaru manipulate your mind." In the end, Naruto decided to give Boruto a brief warning, which counted as agreeing to let him go.
"All right, thanks, Dad," Momoshiki said, expressing gratitude and setting off to carry out the mission.
After Boruto left, Shikamaru asked Naruto:
"Aren't you worried that kid will cause trouble for you?"
"I can't stop him. I can't prevent him from going to Orochimaru," Naruto said wearily.
"Oh? The one who used to chase after Sasuke, trying to stop him from going to Orochimaru, and now you're letting your own son go there?" Shikamaru teased.
"At that time, Orochimaru was dangerous! I was worried Sasuke might never come back. Now Orochimaru is under our supervision; he's no longer a threat. Besides, Boruto is Sasuke's student; nothing will happen to him," Naruto hurriedly defended himself.
"Yeah, yeah, I've always noticed you can't control yourself around Sasuke," Shikamaru continued to tease.
"Shikamaru!" Naruto snapped, slightly annoyed.
"All right, all right, I'm just joking. You were tense; you need to relax a bit," Shikamaru said calmly.
"I can't. There's too much going on in the village, and the ninja world is still turbulent. This isn't a time to idle," Naruto sighed.
"Yeah, once the next generation grows up, we can retire," Shikamaru added.
"I still remember how bored you always were as a kid, Shikamaru," Naruto said with a small smile.
"I still enjoy it… just that…" Shikamaru glanced at Naruto.
"What is it?" Naruto asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Shikamaru replied.
"My good friend, you truly are the Hokage," Shikamaru thought to himself, keeping the words in his heart.