Time rewound to the moment Momoshiki hid his shadow clone. The clone concealed itself within the shadows of the trees using the Shadow Style: Shadow Stealth technique, only emerging after everyone else had left.
"I've studied Shadow Clone Technique for so long, and it's finally paying off. Next, I need to solve the energy supply for this clone," said Boruto's shadow clone.
After awakening, Momoshiki began researching how to develop his Ōtsutsuki talents. He wasn't in a hurry to master the standard Five Nature Transformations. Instead, he focused on abilities that could hide his presence and supply energy. Considering the difference in time flow in the spiritual world, modern concepts, and the Ōtsutsuki clan's profound understanding of chakra, he quickly developed the Shadow Style: Shadow Stealth Technique and the Yang Style: Chakra Connection Technique.
"Yang Style: Chakra Connection Technique!" the shadow clone Momoshiki shouted, clapping his hands.
A barely visible fine line connected the tree to the clone, though the connection was unstable and soon broke.
"It seems the energy in plants is natural energy and life force, not chakra," the shadow clone Momoshiki muttered as he examined his slightly petrified hand. "But the natural energy absorbed from this plant isn't very strong. Otherwise, my hand would have fully petrified, not just a little."
To acquire more chakra, the shadow clone Momoshiki left the training grounds to find a suitable energy source. He naturally used Transformation Technique to disguise himself. In Konoha, people rarely maintained full sensory awareness all day, so as long as he caused no trouble, using transformation would be safe.
Walking through the streets of Konoha, the shadow clone Momoshiki pondered where he could find an "energy supply station." With the Nine-Tails sealed in Naruto and no summonable creatures nearby and Boruto not yet contracted with any he needed to find the right ninja to form a contract. Who would be best suited?
As he walked, he encountered the new generation of Ino-Shika-Cho: Inojin Yamanaka, Shikadai Nara, and Chocho Akimichi. Seeing the disguised Momoshiki as Boruto, they came forward to greet him.
"Hey, Boruto, is your class on break too?" Inojin asked first.
Only then did Momoshiki notice the three of them. He felt a little troubled; he hadn't expected to bump into Boruto's friends during his walk. But he quickly adjusted, slipping into Boruto's persona. Most children enjoy role-playing, and Momoshiki was no exception. He remembered playing "house" with a little girl when he was young, imitating parental interactions, and accidentally making her cry. His mother then asked him to act it out again, commenting, "I must admit, your acting is just like your irresponsible father's, but don't use him as a model with girls." That was when he realized he had a talent for performance even if he never became an actor as an adult.
"Oh, Inojin, Shikadai, Chocho. Did Sensei Moegi also go on a mission?" Momoshiki said, imitating Boruto.
"Yes. It seems Sensei Konohamaru went on a mission too. But what are you up to? You look deep in thought," Shikadai said, approaching Momoshiki.
"Huh? Boruto, you seem a little different," Chocho Akimichi said abruptly.
"Ah? Different how?" Momoshiki was surprised but hid it well.
"I just feel your temperament has changed. Girls can be sensitive to these things about boys," Chocho said confidently.
"Oh, I see," Momoshiki realized. Activating the second stage of Karma influenced his demeanor, making him act more like the cold, proud Ōtsutsuki.
"So, what were you thinking about just now? Maybe we can help if you tell us," Inojin asked, following Shikadai's lead.
"Oh, I was thinking about something that could provide a stable source of chakra," Momoshiki said, seeing no reason to hide it. He told the Ino-Shika-Cho trio directly.
"Boruto, are you trying to supplement your chakra externally because you feel your own isn't enough?" Shikadai asked.
"Uh… something like that," Momoshiki answered.
"Then I think you should visit the Seventh Hokage your father. I've heard he has trained in the legendary Sage Techniques, which greatly enhance combat ability, including chakra. You could ask him to teach you," Shikadai suggested.
"Alright, I'll go see him. See you later," Momoshiki said, preparing to leave quietly.
"Yeah, see you," the three waved goodbye before dispersing.