Chapter 56: Strengthening the Allies

Hiashi's hand gently patted Boruto's shoulder, a proud smile gracing his lips. "You have grown so much," he remarked, his touch conveying both affection and admiration. His hand then moved to Boruto's arms, giving them a reassuring pat. "You are incredibly strong for your age," he added, his voice filled with pride.

Boruto couldn't help but beam with confidence. "Well, I am very strong," he replied, his tone brimming with self-assurance.

Hiashi's smile widened, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. He knew the challenges and battles that Boruto had faced, and he couldn't help but feel immense pride in his growth and resilience.

Hanabi, always mischievous, couldn't resist teasing her younger brother. With a playful smile, she asked, "Are you really that strong?"

Boruto smirked, fully aware of what was coming. "Yes," he replied confidently, ready to prove himself.

A mischievous glint danced in Hanabi's eyes as she proposed a challenge. "Let's spar then. I want to see the progress of my cute little brother," she declared, her voice filled with anticipation.

Hinata, standing nearby, couldn't help but mutter under her breath, "She's going to regret it."

Hiashi simply smiled, his gaze shifting between his daughters. He knew the strength and determination that resided within Boruto, and he had no doubt that Hanabi would soon witness it firsthand.

The tension between Boruto and Hanabi filled the air as they locked eyes, their expressions contrasting greatly. While Hanabi exuded determination and readiness, Boruto appeared unenthusiastic, seemingly unimpressed by the impending spar.

On the sidelines, Hiashi, Hinata, and Himawari watched attentively, their eyes fixed on the unfolding duel.

"Are you ready, Hanabi-nee?" Boruto asked, his voice lacking enthusiasm.

A small smirk played on Hanabi's lips as she responded, she activate her Byakugan. Her tone filled with confidence, "You're going to regret not taking this seriously."

Seconds turned into a prolonged stare-down, neither of them making a move. Growing impatient, Hanabi decided to take the initiative.

With lightning speed, she rushed towards Boruto, aiming a palm strike at his head. However, at the last moment, she feinted the strike and swiftly aimed a punch towards his face.

To her surprise, Boruto effortlessly caught her fist, his expression unchanging. "Is that all?" he taunted, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Determined not to be underestimated, Hanabi tried to pull her hand back, but Boruto's grip remained firm. Gritting her teeth, she growled, "Don't underestimate me."

Before she could launch a counterattack, Boruto swiftly pulled her towards him, their faces now mere inches apart. A confident smile danced across Boruto's lips, further fueling Hanabi's frustration.

Feeling humiliated, Hanabi decided to regain control of the situation. With a quick backflip, she anticipated Boruto's position to change. However, she underestimated his agility and strength.

In a surprising twist, Boruto flawlessly executed a backflip alongside her, now standing behind her with her hand in his grasp.

With lightning speed and precision, Boruto pinned her to the ground, his grip securing her hand behind her back, effectively immobilizing her. The tables had turned, leaving Hanabi in a vulnerable position, her pride momentarily shattered.

Boruto's voice resonated with a sense of urgency as he asked, "Are you giving up?" It was clear that he wanted this encounter to end swiftly.

Hanabi, determined not to back down, attempted to stand up. However, her efforts were in vain as Boruto's weight kept her pinned to the ground.

"I apologize if I've hurt your feelings, but I am simply demonstrating my strength. I don't wish to cause you any harm," Boruto stated, his voice tinged with a hint of sincerity.

"Is that so? Then get off me," Hanabi retorted, her frustration evident in her tone.

With a smile, Boruto obliged and stood up, releasing his hold on her. Hanabi glanced at him, her mind racing with thoughts of launching an ambush attack. But before she could execute her plan, Boruto swiftly caught her wrist, effortlessly lifting her up with his sheer strength.

The sight left Hanabi astonished. She couldn't believe that Boruto possessed such power.

"You're quite heavy," Boruto remarked, his tone filled with a mix of surprise and amusement.

Annoyed by his comment, Hanabi retaliated by delivering a forceful liver punch to Boruto's tenketsu point. However, to her dismay, it seemed to have no effect on him. Boruto didn't show any signs of pain or discomfort.

"I apologize for insulting your weight," Boruto said, his voice laced with a hint of playfulness.

Hanabi's dissatisfaction grew as Boruto remained unfazed by her attack. She couldn't help but feel perplexed as her strike seemed to have been blocked, preventing any impact on the supposed tenketsu point. However, to her surprise, the tenketsu point seemed to open itself back up.

"How is this possible?" Hanabi wondered, her mind filled with confusion and curiosity.

"What is it that you find possible?" Boruto asked, a playful smile adorning his face.

Curiosity piqued, Hanabi inquired, "How are you able to open the tenketsu point on your own?"

With a mischievous glint in his eyes, Boruto replied, "That's my secret," playfully booping Hanabi's nose. He then turned his attention to his mother, Hinata, and said, "Kaa-san, I'm off for my training. Goodbye."

Boruto began to walk away, his steps carrying him further from the scene.

"Make sure you don't return too late and come back home. We'll be having dinner here," Hinata reminded him.

Boruto gave a thumbs-up gesture without looking back and continued on his path.

As Boruto arrived at his usual training spot, he spotted Shikadai, Sarada, and Metal already present. Metal was seated in the middle on a sturdy log, while Shikadai found comfort on a branch to the right of a nearby tree. Sarada leaned against the trunk of a tree on the left side, exuding an air of calmness.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Boruto approached them and asked, "What brings you guys here?"

Metal, with a determined look on his face, replied, "We've been waiting for you."

Shikadai leaped down from his perch, and Sarada straightened her posture, ready to engage in conversation. Metal also stood up, displaying his eagerness.

Boruto, slightly intrigued, inquired, "What is it that you guys want?"

Shikadai wasted no time in responding, "We want you to train us."

Boruto, ever willing to help his friends, simply nodded and said, "Sure."

Just as they were about to begin, a voice emerged from behind, surprising them all. "Can I join as well?"

Shikadai couldn't hide his astonishment at the unexpected presence. "Mitsuki?" he exclaimed.

Boruto, always open to including others, replied with a welcoming tone, "Sure, Mitsuki. You can join us. Just follow me."

As they ventured deeper into the training area, their surroundings transformed into an open field marked by numerous craters.

Boruto couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. "I've missed this place," he remarked, a hint of sentimentality in his voice.

Reaching the center of the largest crater, Boruto turned around to face his friends. With a determined expression, he declared, "Alright, everyone, give it your best shot against me." The challenge was set, and the training session was about to commence.

....

After a grueling half-hour of intense training, Boruto's clones were busy healing Shikadai, Sarada, Mitsuki, and Metal. Their faces were etched with exhaustion, but determination still shone in their eyes.

Boruto decided to address them, his tone serious. "I want to make something clear. I don't have any formal teaching experience. The only thing I can offer you is battle experience. I will push you to your limits, make you feel like you're on the verge of death every single day," he stated, his words echoing in the silent field.

Shikadai sighed, already anticipating the grueling training ahead. "We know," he responded, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.

Boruto, his eyes closed in a smile, teased, "Ready for another round, Shikadai?"

Shikadai shook his head, "No," his voice barely above a whisper.

Boruto nodded, his smile never wavering. "Good, you understand. But I promise you this, you all will become the best of the best," he declared, his tone filled with conviction.

Metal, reenergized and ready for more, stood up. "Forget about your little speech and let's start again," he challenged, his voice brimming with determination.

Boruto's smile widened as he summoned Samehada into his hand. "Get ready, Metal. Your father and Guy-sensei have defeated the previous wielder of this sword. Now, I want to see you do it," Boruto challenged, his voice filled with anticipation.

Metal, his eyes gleaming with excitement, responded with a fist pump. "Bring it on," he declared, ready to face whatever challenge Boruto had in store for him.

...

Metal slumped to the ground, completely exhausted. His body trembled as his Eight Gates deactivated on its own, unable to withstand any more strain.

Gasping for breath, Metal mustered the strength to ask, "What kind of training have you been through in the past year?" The sheer power Boruto possessed was overwhelming, and Metal couldn't fathom how he had achieved such strength.

Boruto's eyes gleamed with determination as he replied, "I underwent hardcore training, pushing myself to the limits without worrying about destroying my body. And now, I will pass on that training regimen to all of you."

Sarada and Mitsuki, inspired by Boruto's unwavering resolve, were the next to rise. Sarada declared, "I'm ready to go again," her voice filled with determination and a hunger for improvement.

Meanwhile, Shikadai, understanding the intensity of the hardcore training Boruto was subjecting them to, continued to push himself, performing push-ups with unwavering focus.

These four friends would become a force to be reckoned with.