Boruto Light Novel 4

Part 2 (Buntan)

"W-We're so high up!!" Wasabi cheered, gazing at the view below her.

Next on the students' list of places to visit was The Mist's observatory tower. The deck they were standing on was said to be the highest point in Hidden Mist Village. Nicknamed "ameshirazu," it stretched above the rain clouds and into the sunshine. The superb view earned it a spot in the "top 100 must-see places in the ninja world."

"How incredible..." Sarada was once again at a loss for words in front of the beautiful scenery. They were up so high that she thought she could see beyond the expanse of the village. And to Sarada, that felt incredibly empowering.

No matter how rough the road ahead, people always tended to make a way to carve out their own futures. As someone who wanted to become the hokage, not only was this building awe inspiring, but it also gave her courage.

Chojuro and the people around him succeeded in changing the village for the better. This tower was proof of the fruits of their efforts. It served as a reminder that they could cut through the past and build a better future. Something that would give the citizens hope instead of cutting them down.

"Excuse me, did you drop this?"

The students were drawn away from the view to the sudden voice. Sarada turned around to find a tall, slender girl. She seemed to be about five years older than her, well-mannered, strong willed, and easy on the eyes.

In the woman's hands was Namida's handkerchief.

"Ah! Yes, that's mine."

She smiled, bending down to hand it over to Namida. "Be careful not to lose it."

"Thank you very much!"

It was such a simple action. But Sarada could feel the brilliance radiating from the girl. She noticed her characteristics to be that of another ninja, at least chunin level, if not higher.

"Miss," said Sarada, turning towards her, "do you happen to be a ninja as well?"

"Yes, that is correct. Are you perhaps the children who came here from Konoha?"

Sarada nodded.

As was the case with Hachiya at the memorial park, this person also knew that they were students from Konoha on a field trip. Part of Sarada wondered if word was spread around to create a more welcoming mood for them. The other part of her wondered if it was to make sure the other villagers kept a watch out for people that still carried animosity towards Konoha for the past.

"My name is Uchiha Sarada."

"Uchiha... I see." As she spoke, the girl's face darkened ever so slightly.

I wonder why she reacted to my name?

It wasn't like she was suddenly acting hostile, or that she completely changed. It was a brief moment. So brief that Sarada decided not to worry about it.

The Uchiha name was famous. It was fair to say that it was known throughout the entire ninja world. But for Sarada, the past of the Uchiha clan didn't seem like something that belonged to her. Aside from her and her father, the clan had practically died out. And even then, her father hadn't come home from his travels until just recently. She could hardly say she was acquainted with him, or their clan in general.

"My name is Buntan Kurosuki. Enjoy your time in Hidden Mist Village." At this, Buntan turned on her heel and left. Even in that motion, Sarada couldn't help but notice the warrior-like atmosphere about her.

"That person was so cool..."

As the words slipped out of Namida's mouth, Sumire nodded her head in agreement.

Sarada also had no objections to voice in response. But some part of her was still hung up on the expression that Buntan made when she learned that Sarada was an Uchiha. 

"Hey~ Let's go!" Cho-Cho called them over. The others were already moving towards the exit.

"Ah! Sorry!"

With that, Sarada began jogging towards her former spot next to her best friend.

.  .  .