The girl who hides her feelings under a mask.

Current location: Ryutan Forest.

The sun had long gone below the horizon, and the forest was filled with darkness. The boy with wheat-colored hair looked at his companion, waiting for her answer.

***

-Were they just dreams?.. She touched her cheek and there was a cut there. -However, no. It wasn't a dream, my battle with that swordsman, the trip to Ryutan... [She hugged her knees, pulling them to her chest.] -Everything was reality except Boruto-kun’s proposal. She closed her eyes and began to remember how she almost finished killing that guy and how Boruto “called” her, well, he called her, she imagined it under stress, apparently some kind of defense mechanism worked, because she had never killed people before. -Am I afraid to kill? -This is strange, I decided to destroy Konoha a long time ago, and when this happens my hands will be covered in blood. -Boruto-kun, as if he wanted to talk me out of this, as if he said “you won’t be lonely anymore, just don’t do this!” -Oh, this Boruto-kun, even in his fantasies he tries to help me... -Why..? -And these dreams... These visions, are they really side effects of this power? -At first I dreamed that I was in some dilapidated temple, where light seeped through holes in the ceiling. -Even stranger, this is a man who was hiding in the semi-darkness and wanted to tell me something, but I didn’t hear his voice. -And then... I saw my father and mother. At this moment, Sumire began to cry. -They say in dreams the soul can leave the body and see the ghosts of the dead, but this has not been proven.. -My father praised me for the work I had done, he told me to continue. He no longer seemed crazy, he was warm towards me. -And mama... -Mom was in the semi-darkness and was trying to tell me something, something important... -I don’t remember.. I don’t remember what exactly she said, but her voice.. I forgot her voice.. -Forgive me, I will take revenge for you as well. -Mom.. Dad.. I want to be with you.. The girl got out of bed and changed into casual clothes, putting on hairpins and thereby dividing her hair into two braids. Sumire took out the food she bought from the refrigerator, she finally went to the store and bought food, mostly bread and vegetables, also noodles in cups. After preparing the vegetable salad and noodles and eating, she left for the station. Walking down the street, she watched the bustle of life. Children were running around, workers were working, old people were wandering somewhere, just so as not to sit at home. Sumire began to smile while watching this, then a child bumped into her. -Oh sorry.. The girl said, after which her mother ran up to her and took her hand, after apologizing to Sumire. At first this made Sumire smile, but then she became sad, she even bit her lip. Should I destroy Konoha?.. Kill all these people? This flashed through Sumire's head. -But I can’t let my father down... She remembered the dream with him. Sumire did not notice how dark chakra came out of her body. -I will do it. [Her eyes became empty and she boarded the train to the academy.] So she walked all the way to the academies until they called her. -Hello, class rep! [She seemed to come to her senses.] -A?! [It was Boruto who came closer to her and started walking next to her.] -Good morning, do you sleep while walking?! [Sumire shook her head in response.] -Good morning.. She remembered the very vision that she saw, Boruto’s face, his proposal, she felt very embarrassed. -Why are you so quiet? [Boruto put his hands behind the back of his head] -I didn’t get enough sleep, hehehehe.. -I heard you were in Ryutan, and how was it there?! Her voice dropped. -N.. Normal, nothing special.. -Tell me, Boruto-kun... -If you had feelings for someone, would you be able to say it straight to their face?! [Damn, what did I just say?!] -Ahhhh?! Boruto turned red and began to stutter. -W..What are you saying, class rep?! At that moment, Boruto began to give a whole lecture consisting of his mother's words, about awkwardness, about delicacy, this made Sumire smile. Still, Boruto is a timid guy, but at the same time he is a very strong, kind and good guy. He always comes to the rescue of his friends, always tries so hard to be recognized.. He and I are completely different.. I live in the shade, and he lives in the sun. -Hey, are you listening to me?! [Sumire was so lost in thought that she listened to almost everything.] -Huh? [Sumire asked in surprise.] -Hey!!, I told you the whole lecture about relationships that my mother gave me! -Sorry, I was thinking a lot. [Sumire smiled sweetly.] -And about what?! [Sumire seemed to forget and said directly:] -About what a kind, sincere and caring person you are, about the fact that you always come to the aid of your friends, and your smile is as bright and warm as the sun, it makes me want to smile too and it makes my soul feel warm. -That's all you are, Boruto-kun. -I don’t understand why they called you the son of the Hokage, what stupidity.. This is not true at all! -I respect your merits and actions! [Sumire said all this sincerely and honestly.] [When Sumire finished speaking, there was an awkward silence as she looked at the guy.] Boruto blushed very much at such a confession from Sumire, and he himself began to stutter, making it clear his reaction to Sumire’s words, and only now did she understand what she had said to him. -Hawawawawa!! [There was nowhere to go, she nervously waved her hands.] -That is.. -This.. Boruto was also surprised, for the first time he heard recognition that he was a person and not the son of the Hokage. His eyes even got wet. Sumire was tense. -Did I say something wrong?! [Boruto just rubbed his eyes] -Thank you, Class rep! -I’m trying so hard to prove this to everyone!.. -It's hard to live in someone's shadow... in the shadow of the Hokage's father... [Sumire suddenly stopped] -My parents.. [After a couple of seconds, Sumire answered while exhaling] -They died. [Boruto’s eyes widened, then he thought about the fact that, unlike Sumire, he has parents, even if his father is always at work, it doesn’t matter, at least they are alive.] -Sorry, Class rep, I’m a fool! [She shook her head again.] -Never mind, just know... -I wish I could at least see my mom and dad... [Boruto gulped.] She... Really doesn't have anyone... And I'm acting stupid. He thought about answering the headman, but only got confused and lost his words. -Sorry, I probably burdened you, it’s none of your business. -Do not say that! [Boruto began to protest.] -I just don’t know how to help you, Headman! She just smiled in response. -I feel better that you listened to all this. -Thank you. Boruto awkwardly scratched the back of his head and they entered the academy.

***

School Academy time 14.00

-Class, before I send you home, listen to the announcement! After these words, Hokage Naruto came into the classroom, and... Uchiha Sasuke. The whole class was delighted to see the cool Uchiha, especially Boruto. -So that’s what Uchiha Sasuke is like! How cool! Boruto was delighted, his eyes sparkling. Naruto interrupted the class's emotions with his loud Ahem. -Guys, an important announcement! -The village council decided to hold competitions among students in 1v1 fights. -We want to see what you have achieved during your studies at the academies. -Fights are also part of the chunin exam, only in them you will face genin from other villages. So it's a competition?.. I don't want to show off my strength to everyone... Maybe you shouldn't have acted so timidly? It flashed through the young girl’s thoughts when suddenly she turned her gaze to Uchiha Sarada, she smiled at her and pointed at her watch. "Tick tock, it's time for Kakei Sumire!" Sarada, weren’t you the one who advised the Hokage to do this? Do you want to challenge me? Okay, I won't play with you! -That's all, everyone is free! But Sumire was in no hurry to leave; she went up to the roof to get some air and think about everything. The cool wind ruffled her hair, she watched the students leaving, she saw Namida hugging her parents, a tear involuntarily fell and rolled down her cheek. But she was torn out of her thoughts by footsteps behind her, she sharply turned around and saw Magire, he was clearly not himself and was smiling madly. -Oh Miss Sumire, why are you crying? -You are so pretty.. [Sumire noticed that Magire had become completely obsessed.] He came closer to her. -Why did you reject me? [Sumire just exhaled] -Stupid question, it’s obvious that you’re not the one I want to be with. [The girl said honestly.] -Well.. There is no choice.. [Magire sighed and made hand seals.] -Secret technique: "Ai no Ichizoku no jutsu!" Suddenly, a totem pole with a big heart appeared from the ground, ropes flew out of it, grabbed Sumire by the hands and lifted her in the air, her legs were also tied.

POV Shinobi Academy

Mitsuki has been in the shadows for too long and finally decided to come into the light. -Boruto, can I see you for a minute? -Huh? Are you Mitsuki? -Exactly. I want to talk to you. -And about what? [Boruto looked at this guy carefully.] -Shikadai said that you saw strange chakra on Metal Lee when you fought him, is that true? [Boruto gulped.] -Yes, that is right. [Mitsuki paused and then continued.] -Some kind of devilry is happening to the residents, Boruto. -Someone steals their chakra, I counted dozens of such cases. -And when I heard this from Shikadai, I realized that there is someone in Konoha who is stealing chakra. [Boruto was sweating and nervous, remembering that incident with Metal, which means it wasn't his imagination at all.] -Be careful, okay? And if you notice anything, tell me, okay? -OK.. [Boruto said carefully] And further. -This will sound strange, but I have suspicions that... [Mitsuki stopped his sentence mid-sentence and shook his head, he wanted to say that he has a suspect, but there is not enough evidence for this.] -No, it doesn’t matter. See you. -Uh.. Bye. [Mitsuki headed out and was already out of Boruto's sight, when suddenly..] -Haaaaaa!! It was the voice of the elder's cry. Boruto immediately blew himself up and ran to the source of the noise, it was the roof of the academies.

***

Magire smiled contentedly, he walked up to Sumire and grabbed her chin with his palm. -Oh, don’t worry it won’t hurt, soon we will both be happy! -I will pump you full of love, my dear class rep, Miss Sumire. Magire took out a kunai and cut his palm until it bled and then touched the totem, marking it with his blood. The heart immediately caught fire and began to fill with energy, accumulating percentages. It's rubbish! And why does this happen to me and not to the same Uchiha Sarada? Is everyone so afraid of her Demi-God Daddy? Oh exactly..

***

Sumire was walking up the stairs when she suddenly heard voices. It was Naruto and Sasuke. -Sasuke, are you sure? I don’t really want the students of my village to fight against each other, as I remember the fight between Hinata and Neji, for example.. -I'm sure, I think everything will be fine. [Assured by the elder Uchiha.] -Besides, Sarada asked me that she wanted to check the results of the training, so I thought of offering you these fights, of course the rules will be more relaxed. -Okay, you convinced me. [Answered by the elder Uzumaki]

***

Unfortunately, I don’t have a half-God daddy who I can ask to solve all my problems, I will solve my problems myself, I’m strong! I won't cry and call for help! Now we need to figure out how to get out of this situation... i need... Boruto's scream was pulled out of Sumire's thoughts. -What are you doing **** rtd?! Magire turned around and smiled contentedly. -Oh, Boruto, how do you like my technique?! Do you know how many days I spent searching and studying technology?! -I don't care about that! Let the class rep go! [The young Uzumaki was angry, this turned Magire on.] -Oh, of course I will let her go when the ritual is completed! Magire answered sarcastically. -Scoundrel! Boruto shouted and rushed with his fists at Magire, who began to deftly dodge and cut the Uzumaki's cheek with his kunai. When Boruto accelerated and was able to hit the guy in the face, he got angry and used the acceleration technique, it seemed to Boruto that there were more of him, he was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. -You're slow! Boruto cried out in pain as Magire stabbed him in the shoulder with a kunai, which he pulled out and took into his hand. At that moment, Mitsuki and Chocho, who had appeared from somewhere, stood behind the doors leading to the roof, they silently watched the battle. Mitsuki's thoughts: Very interesting, what will you do Boruto? Chocho's thoughts: Wow! He challenged him for prefect! -There is no choice.. We’ll have to open up before the competition! The young Uzumaki threw a smoke bomb, which created an unsightly curtain, Magire waited with surprise and excitement for what would happen next, he didn’t have to wait long, as Boruto flew head-on, but Magire parried him, and then grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and roughly hit him on the floor of the roof . But imagine his surprise when Boruto, whom he roughly threw, turned out to be a shadow clone. -What the f..?.. Before Magire had time to understand what happened the moment Boruto disappeared, his other clone sharply kicked him into the air, and immediately there was a 3rd clone who sent him back to the ground with his foot, but Magire was not taken aback and used the substitution technique, turning into a tree. -That hurt Boruto! -You are so cruel.. Meanwhile, the heart of the totem was filled by 70%, which Boruto himself noticed. -Time is short, we need to dest.. Gha! [Boruto was cut off mid-sentence as Magire moved towards him at breakneck speed and with an uppercut like Metal Lee threw him into the air, Boruto roughly fell to the ground, right on his stomach, blood flowing out of him] His shadow clones immediately disappeared. -Boruto-kun, No! No! No! Sumire screamed, her eyes became empty, and black chakra began to leak from her body, she tried to break free, but it was useless, the ropes did not allow her to do this. Magire walked up to her and smiled. -Oh, what beautiful empty eyes, but soon they will be filled with love. Sumire was angry, and then very surprised when she saw that Boruto stood up, drops of blood dripping from him. -I will not let it.. He growled. Magire smiled contentedly, and again flew at full speed towards Uzumaki, kicking him in the head, but what a surprise he was that when he was falling, he sharply deviated course and hit him in the jaw with his fist, and then when he fell on his back, he jumped on him from above and began punching him in the face, leaving bruises on the guy’s face. -Scoundrel! How can you do this! -Forcible love?! Compulsion?! -Make someone fall in love with technology?! -Would you like something like this?! -And if a person is attracted to you, attached to you, and was forced by technology to think about another person? Forced him to focus on something else because of technology! -It's horrible! But he was distracted by the fact that he remembered the totem, which showed 95% loading. -Oh no! Magire smiled, blood came from his lip -Time is over! Boruto rushed towards the totem but fell halfway, noticing 99% -Nooo! Boruto screamed when suddenly -Enlarged hand technique! It was Chocho, she grabbed the totem and tore it out of the ground and then destroyed it with her large hand. The ropes fell to the ground and freed Sumire, who immediately ran up to Boruto. -Boruto-kun! She took out a first aid kit and began to treat the young Uzumaki's wounds. At this moment, Magire screamed furiously. -What have you done Chocho Akimichi!! The ritual is almost over!! -So are you going to make friends and relationships? Kakuremino Magire.. -Do you know that this is vile? -So you will never get anyone! -But I.. [The guy began to back away and then fell to his knees.] Chocho walked up to him and handed him a chip. -Try to change, become better, and then everything will work out for you! -And then.. -Maybe you will even win my heart! He took a chip and ate it -Tasty.. -Sorry.. Forgive me!.. He started apologizing and crying, and Chocho patted him on the shoulder.

***

-Ay yay yay, Damn it hurts! -Sorry, I'm trying to be gentle! Sumire treated his body with ointments and bandaged him, his head and torso were in bandages, there were plasters on his nose and hands, and there were bruises somewhere. -Don’t make me worry so much, Boruto-kun! -Ehehehehe.. Boruto awkwardly scratched the back of his head and smiled at her, then they heard Chocho's voice... -Magire, what’s wrong with you?! Magire fell to the ground and was breathing heavily.

***

Mitsuki, who was watching from behind the doors leading to the roof, was pleased with the fight, when suddenly he noticed how Sumire leaned on the roof railings, he was shocked that she was smiling contentedly, she was happy, and trembling?.. And then to Mitsuki it came to pass, the same thing happened with Metal. So that means I wasn’t mistaken? After Metal came into contact with the headman, he went crazy.. and Magire too, and that smile of hers.. She became so happy exactly at the moment when Magire fell. Mitsuki stepped out of the shadows and pretended he didn't see anything. -What happened here?! Boruto, who stood up with the help of Sumire, waved his hand in front of his face and tried to joke that everything was fine, but he himself was trembling because he collided again with monstrous chakra. Mitsuki approached Magire and touched his neck There could be no mistake, his chakra reserve was at a critically low level, he could not use it all up, even after summoning the totem, I felt that he still had a lot of chakra. Chocho carefully took the guy in her enlarged hand and carried him to the first aid station. At this moment, Boruto thought about something: Again this chakra, and again when it disappeared, the one whom it enveloped falls to the ground in convulsions. Mitsuki said that someone is stealing chakra, so is it true? So it didn’t seem to me then with Metal?.. So.. Boruto was pulled out of her thoughts by Sumire's address. -Boruto-kun? -Boruto-kun! -Huh? -Is something wrong, Boruto-kun? [Sumire smiled and was very gentle with the guy.] -Everything is fine, class rep, lets go back? -Yes! [The class rep answered, still smiling] They headed towards the exit where Mitsuki was standing. He looked at Sumire with a frown and suspicion.