12 Chapter 12: Grappling with Life

Boruto's class was in the midst of their practical tests to assess their abilities. Having completed his own test, Boruto now observed Sumire as she took her turn.

"She's definitely holding back," Boruto thought to himself. "I suppose I should put an end to this big problem before it gets any worse."

After all the tests were completed, the results were announced:

1. Uzumaki Boruto

2. Metal Lee

3. Yuino Iwabe

4. Nara Shikadai

5. Uchiha Sarada

6. ...

The list continued, but Boruto already knew he would be at the top.

"Alright, that's all for today. You guys can take a break," Shino announced, organizing the results to be sent to the Hokage.

After delivering his message, Boruto walked up to Sumire, who appeared shy and slightly frightened. He leaned in close and whispered into her ear, "Meet me alone on the rooftop after school ends, Shigaraki Sumire."

With that, Boruto left Sumire standing there and rejoined Shikadai and Metal Lee.

Sumire's face displayed a mix of shock and worry. 'How does he know about my real name?' she wondered anxiously. 'If things get worse, I might have to resort to extreme measures...'

Sumire glanced over at Boruto, who was smiling and engaged in conversation with his friends. Just then, Chocho approached Sumire and asked, "Are you okay, Inchou (class rep)?"

"I'm fine," Sumire replied, forcing a smile.

Curiosity gleamed in Chocho's eyes as she inquired, "What did Boruto say to you?"

Sumire hesitated for a moment before responding, "Nothing important."

"If you say so, then okay," Chocho said, accepting Sumire's answer with a mischievous smile.

After that, during class, Sumire found herself unable to resist stealing glances at Boruto. It wasn't long before Sarada noticed her actions and decided to inquire about it.

"Why do you keep looking at Boruto?" Sarada asked, her curiosity piqued.

Thinking quickly, Sumire came up with a response. "I'm just wondering what he said to me during the practical test," she replied, hoping to divert their attention.

"What did he say?" Chocho chimed in, joining the conversation.

"It's not something that important for you guys to know," Sumire replied, trying to brush off the question.

"Did Boruto confess to you or something?" Chocho continued, her playful nature shining through.

Sumire's forced smile grew more strained as she denied the assumption. "It's not that," she insisted.

"Hmm, can I trust you with that answer?" Chocho teased, her tone filled with intrigue.

"Chocho, let's not keep bothering Inchou. She's clearly struggling to answer," Sarada intervened, coming to Sumire's defense.

Sumire silently thanked Sarada in her mind for the support.

"Alright, I won't bother you about it anymore," Chocho relented.

As the final bell of the school day rings, Sumire makes a conscious effort to linger behind, taking her time to pack her belongings and leave the classroom. She wants to ensure that no prying eyes follow her, that no one discovers her secret destination. After a calculated delay of approximately 20 minutes, she finally makes her way to the secluded rooftop.

Upon reaching the rooftop, she is greeted by the sight of Boruto, leaning casually against the railing, his gaze lost in the sprawling scenery that stretches out before him. His arm rests lazily on the railing, a picture of nonchalance.

As he senses her presence, he turns around, a playful smirk playing on his lips. "You are finally here, Inchou. No, Shigaraki Sumire," he corrects himself, his tone teasing.

In Sumire's eyes, quickly replaced by a murderous intent. With a swift movement, she pulls out a kunai from her right pocket, her grip firm and determined. Without a moment's hesitation, she charges at Boruto, her every move radiating lethal intent.

However, her attack misses its mark. Boruto, with his superior agility, appears behind her, leaning his head back onto her shoulder in a casual manner. "Too slow," he taunts, his smirk widening at her surprised expression.

Sumire whirls around, launching a swift slashing motion with her kunai, but Boruto is already one step ahead. He reappears behind her, his body pressing lightly against hers in a teasing manner. "Calm down, girl," he advises, his tone light and mocking.

Sumire lowers her kunai, her murderous intent simmering beneath the surface. She turns around once more, attempting an upward slash, but Boruto is already behind her again. He rests his chin on her shoulder, his proximity making her heart race.

"Alright, what's your game?" Sumire demands, her voice steady despite the tension in the air.

"My goal is to prevent you from turning into a human bomb. I'm aware of your plan to self-destruct and obliterate Konoha in a misguided attempt to avenge the Root," Boruto reveals, his tone serious.

"And what if I am?" Sumire retorts, her gaze unwavering.

"I'm intervening for your own good. I'm certain the other Shinobi wouldn't hesitate to kill you. And even though you're as strong as an Elite Jonin, which is commendable, you're still not a match for the others in Konoha," Boruto explains, his words stinging with harsh truth.

Sumire feels a pang of insult at his words. She steps back, putting some distance between them, and turns to face him. "Are you planning to inform Nanadaime about this?"

"No, he doesn't need to be involved. I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate being under constant surveillance, Sumire-chan," Boruto replies, his tone lightening slightly.

"Don't use my first name so casually, as if we're close," Sumire snaps back.

"But I do know you, Sumire. I remember you as the daughter of a Root soldier, trained by your father to be a ruthless killing machine, all to avenge Danzo's death. It's absurd. Uchiha Sasuke was the one who killed Danzo, so your family's vendetta is misguided," Boruto retorts, his words cutting deep.

"Excuse me?!" Sumire's anger flares up, and she charges at him, kunai in hand. "Take that back!"

In her rage, she lunges at him with a thrust strike, but Boruto easily blocks her attack. "It seems like–" He sidesteps to the left, catching her arm and disarming her in one swift motion, "–you still have your emotions."

"Let me go!" Sumire struggles against his grip, launching a kick towards Boruto's head. But he's faster, sweeping her left leg from under her and causing her to fall to the ground. In an instant, he's on top of her, pinning her down.

"Get off me!" Sumire demands, attempting to land a punch on Boruto. But he's quicker, catching both her wrists and pinning her down.

Their faces are mere inches apart, and Boruto grins at her, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "No can do. I know you're trained by the Root ninja, and I won't let my guard down until I'm certain you won't attack."

Sumire struggles beneath him, her body twisting and turning in an attempt to escape. But Boruto's weight is surprisingly heavy, and she finds herself unable to move enough to break free from his hold.

"Abandon this stupid plan and live a normal life," Boruto advises, his tone serious.

"No, my father's plan will live on through me. I was born to avenge him, to be a tool–" Sumire's words are cut off as Boruto slaps her across the face.

"No one is a tool. What are you even saying? Your life is your own, not your father's or anyone else's. Don't be foolish. I don't want to see a cute girl like you turn into a human bomb. Think about it, would your mother want this for you? Didn't she want you to live a normal life?" Boruto implores, his words filled with sincerity.

In a swift movement, Sumire manages to break free from Boruto's hold. She leaps up, landing gracefully on the railing.

Boruto stands up, his gaze fixed on her. "Your father was a brainwashed man. Danzo is the worst person you could ever fight for. He sent countless Root members to kidnap children, to kill anyone who stood in his way. Your father did all that, following Danzo's orders. Don't be stupid. This is why the Root was abolished, and why the sole Uchiha survivor at that time killed Danzo. Danzo is the root of all suffering."

"Enough! I don't want to hear it!" Sumire retorts, her voice filled with defiance. With that, she leaps away from the building.

"No, you're not getting away that easily," Boruto declares, swiftly following her.

"Don't follow me!" Sumire protests while jumping away.

"I can't do that," Boruto responds, reaching out to grab her mid-air. He wraps his arms around her, pulling her close to his body. Their momentum carries them into a nearby building rooftop, with Boruto taking the brunt of the impact to protect her.

"Listen to me, Sumire. Your father was manipulated by the worst kind of dictator," Boruto pleads, his voice filled with urgency. "Think about your own life, your own future."

Sumire struggles against his hold, trying to break free. "I don't have a future, let me go!"

"No," Boruto insists, his grip on her tightening. "Please, just think about it." His voice is soft, pleading, filled with a desperate hope that she would reconsider her path.

"You do have a future, Sumire. Don't say things like that. Please, don't be ridiculous and think about yourself," Boruto implores, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"Let go of me!" Sumire's chakra surges, a powerful burst that surprises Boruto for a moment. However, the strength of her chakra alone is not enough to shake him off. He holds on firmly, refusing to release her.

"How are you this strong?" Sumire asks, her voice tinged with frustration.

"Please, just reconsider," Boruto continues, his tone pleading "If you won't reconsider, I will kill you right here"

"Sumire, you've yet to take a life. You're not capable of such an act," she stated, her voice echoing in the stillness.

"Don't push your luck, Sumire," Boruto retorted, his voice laced with a chilling warning. He released his grip on her, standing tall as he turned to face her. Sumire was left on the cold ground, her hands instinctively moving to soothe her aching neck.

"I'm sparing you this time," Boruto continued, his gaze piercing into hers, "But if I catch you persisting with your mission, I won't hesitate to end your life myself."

With that, Boruto turned on his heel and left, leaving Sumire alone with her thoughts. The gravity of his words hung in the air, forcing her to contemplate the consequences of her future actions.