Kakashi-sensei's words echoed in my head as I stood on the training ground, sweat still dripping from my forehead.
"This ends your training with me."
Not gonna lie, hearing that stung a bit. I mean, I'd spent two whole years under this guy's weirdly lazy but crazy genius-level guidance. From chakra control to basic and advanced taijutsu forms, trap tactics, and even some war-time strategy lectures disguised as "casual walks"—he'd drilled it all into me like I was some kind of anbu-in-the-making.
But I couldn't deny it. The bell test victory made it real. I wasn't some brat swinging sticks anymore.
I was a shinobi in the making.
"Thanks, Kakashi-jii-san," I said, brushing off the dirt and standing tall. "I'll take it from here."
He gave me one of his classic eye-smiles. "Tch… don't thank me yet. I'm throwing you to the wolves now. Time to let your old man deal with your nonsense."
"Oi, I don't cause that much nonsense," I huffed.
"You do," he replied instantly.
Fair.
—
When I got home that evening, the sun was setting behind the Hokage Monument. Himawari ran to the door like always, tackling me with that bright smile that could make even the coldest Akatsuki member say "aww."
"Onii-channn! You're late today!"
"Yah, sorry Hima, Kakashi-jii made me run through the forest like a wild deer for his 'final test'."
"You passed?"
"Of course. Who do you think I am?"
"The future Hokage?" she said with sparkly eyes.
I grinned and ruffled her hair. "Yah, Let's Stop There."
Inside, Mom had dinner ready—ramen, fish, and some steamed vegetables. We sat down like a proper family for once. No, Naruto wasn't home yet. Again. But this time… I didn't feel bitter.
"Training's over," I said casually, slurping my noodles.
Hinata blinked. "Already?"
"Kakashi-sensei said I'm ready. Said he has nothing left to teach me."
There was a quiet pride in her eyes, like she was holding back tears. I pretended not to notice and kept eating. Because if I did acknowledge it, I might tear up too—and we don't cry over noodles, that's against the shinobi code.
That night, I sat on the rooftop, watching the village below.
It looked so different now.
People no longer whispered behind my back or saw me as "that spoiled Hokage's kid." The old ladies who ran the vegetable stand would wave and call me "Little Lord Boruto," but with affection instead of sarcasm. Kids in the neighborhood looked up to me. Literally and metaphorically.
Hell, even the Academy teachers now referred to me as a prodigy. Which was crazy, considering just two years ago I couldn't even throw a proper shuriken.
But all that effort… all the sleepless nights, the bruises, the failures—they were paying off.
I was getting stronger.
—
Next day, I found myself at the Hokage Office.
Naruto looked up from his mountain of paperwork and blinked at me like I was a ghost. "Boruto? What brings you here?"
"Yo, Dad. Kakashi said he's done training me and you should toss me a mission or two."
Naruto leaned back in his chair, hands behind his head. "Wow… so he finally gave up on you, huh?"
I deadpanned. "Very funny. You're hilarious."
He chuckled. "Alright, I'll set something up for you. Nothing too crazy—you're not a full-fledged genin yet."
"Sure, just don't stick me with some old lady's cat."
"No promises."
We both laughed. That moment… it felt natural. No awkward tension. Just father and son. For once.
"By the way," he added, "Kakashi dropped by earlier. He said… he's proud of how far you've come."
I blinked. "He… said that?"
"Yup. And I agree."
That hit harder than a Rasengan to the gut.
"…Thanks," I muttered, turning away before he saw my ears turning red.
"Also, you might want to drop by the Academy tomorrow. Word's spreading about your performance. Might inspire the other kids."
"Pffft. Inspire them? Or intimidate them?"
Naruto grinned. "Bit of both."
—
Next day at the Academy was weird.
I wasn't even a full-time student anymore, but when I walked through those gates, it was like I had rockstar status. Whispers followed me.
"Is that him?"
"He's the one who trained with Kakashi-sama?"
"I heard he beat the bell test!"
Even Sarada stared at me like I was some kind of newly evolved Pokémon.
"…You're taller," she muttered.
"You're shorter," I replied.
She punched my shoulder, blushing slightly. "Shut up."
Some things never change.
—
Later that afternoon, I met up with Shikadai on the training ground. He'd been one of the few people who knew what I was doing all this time. He said while fiddling with his shogi board. "You sure you're not possessed or something?"
"Maybe I am. By the spirit of hard work."
"Troublesome spirit."
I laughed. "Wanna train with me?"
"Nah, I like my bones unbroken."
Valid.
—
That evening, I stood once again at the training grounds—alone now. No sensei beside me. Just the wind, the fading sunlight, and the sound of leaves rustling.
This… was the beginning of something new.
I was still young.
But I was growing up.
And the world would notice.
---
A/N: This Finishes Our Wholesome Boruto Fanfic... From Next Chapter Onwards let's make it more burtal, cold and make our mc test little bit taste of blood