Chapter 738: Kushina: Must Be Muyue's Son!

"It hurts."

Boruto fell from midair, and before he could adjust his posture, he landed face-first on the grass.

"Where is this, and where are Mr. Sasuke and that bastard Ōtsutsuki Urashiki?"

Boruto touched his slightly reddened face from the fall, looked around, and found that both his teacher and the enemy were gone.

Only the small turtle he had desperately snatched was still in his hand.

Boruto carefully examined the surroundings, thinking it must be a park.

"What, so I'm still in Konoha? I thought I'd ended up in some weird place."

After leaving the park, Boruto saw a Konoha ninja wearing a Konoha forehead protector and instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

Since he was still in Konoha, the next step was simple: return the item, and Sasuke would handle the rest.

"How strange, which district is this? I have no recollection of it."

Boruto stuffed the motionless small turtle into his bag and prepared to return to the Cultural Artifacts Research Institute, but found that he didn't recognize the roads here at all.

"Excuse me, do you know how to get to the Cultural Artifacts Research Institute?"

Just then, Boruto happened to see a red-haired female ninja and walked right up to ask.

"Cultural Artifacts Research Institute?"

Kushina scratched her head. She vaguely remembered hearing a similar term before, but had forgotten where.

"Yeah."

Boruto nodded with certainty.

"I think it's in that direction."

Kushina pointed north, sounding unsure.

"Thanks. Goodbye."

Boruto thanked her politely and headed north.

But after a few steps, he couldn't help turning back to look at Kushina.

"Why do I feel like I've seen that red-haired aunt somewhere before? I just can't place it."

Boruto muttered to himself.

For some reason, he felt he had definitely seen the red-haired aunt somewhere, but when he tried to think hard, he couldn't recall where.

"Forget it, maybe I just passed her on the street."

Boruto didn't dwell on it and walked in the direction Kushina had pointed.

"Why does that kid feel strangely familiar to me?"

After walking a few steps, Kushina stopped, turned back to look at Boruto's retreating figure, thought of Naruto Uzumaki whom she had just parted from, and couldn't help wearing a thoughtful expression.

"Blond hair, blue eyes, his face looks kind of similar too... Could it be..."

Kushina's eyes widened, a keen interest appearing on her face, and she followed after him.

"This isn't right. There's no way there are so many places in Konoha that I've never been to."

After walking for a while, Boruto was astonished to find that the surroundings still felt unfamiliar.

Occasionally, some spots seemed faintly familiar, but they didn't match his memories.

Sensing something was off, Boruto stealthily slipped into a dark alley, coated his soles with chakra, flashed up to a rooftop, and surveyed the surroundings from above.

"Where's Dad's Hokage face? And Uncle Kakashi's and Granny Tsunade's are missing too."

Seeing only four Hokage faces on the cliff, Boruto was dumbfounded.

"Warning, warning."

Just then, the small turtle in Boruto's bag suddenly made a sound.

Boruto quickly took the turtle out and asked:

"Is this your doing? Where did Sasuke and Urashiki Ōtsutsuki go?"

"The space-time transfer was interfered with by an unknown space-time force, causing a huge deviation in the transfer location. This is an unknown time-space. Please be extremely careful."

The little turtle did not answer Boruto's question, but reported the situation mechanically like a machine.

"What does that mean? Is this the Konoha of the past?"

Boruto asked.

"There is no information on this time-space in my database, so I cannot answer your question."

The little turtle replied.

"Because the transfer was carried out under interference, I don't know the specific situation of Sasuke and Lord Urashiki either. According to the information in the database, they will also land in this time-space, with a time deviation of no more than twenty years at most."

Boruto:...

That deviation was way too terrifying.

"According to calculations, this deviation should be within half a month."

"Say it all in one breath! You scared me to death."

Boruto couldn't help tapping the little turtle's shell.

Having to stay alone in this unfamiliar place for twenty years would be so painful.

"Next are the precautions for space-time transfer and encountering accidents. Please listen carefully and strictly follow them."

"By the way, what exactly are you? An accomplice of Urashiki Ōtsutsuki?"

Boruto carefully examined the little turtle but didn't find anything special about it.

"I am the space-time movement treasure tool, Li. I do not have the concept of 'accomplice' that you mentioned."

The little turtle replied.

"Since we arrived in an unknown time-space due to an accident, for safety's sake, please do not interact with any living beings unless necessary, and absolutely do not reveal your identity."

Boruto was speechless. Was this asking him to go live in the mountains like a savage?

"The following are the precautions for space-time transfer."

"One: Do not reveal future matters.

Two: Do not..."

"Why are there so many rules? Can you take us back?"

Boruto asked after listening.

"After waiting for the chakra to fully replenish, we can return. Finally, please act cautiously and stay safe."

The little turtle gave one last reply and then fell silent, shrinking into its shell.

Boruto tapped it but got no response, so he had to put the little turtle in his pocket and went back into the alley.

"First, find Sasuke. I wonder if he's arrived yet."

Boruto walked out onto the street and began to wander around.

Theoretically, Sasuke might not be in this time-space yet, but Boruto had nothing else to do except look for Sasuke.

"So this really is the Konoha of the past, isn't it?"

Boruto looked at the surrounding buildings, which were unfamiliar yet faintly familiar, and couldn't help complaining to himself.

Although the little turtle said this was an unknown time-space, those four Hokage faces and the same architectural style—what else could it be if not the Konoha of the past?

"Is Ichiraku Ramen's shopfront this small now?"

Boruto complained in his mind as he walked.

He was all too familiar with that shop.

It wasn't that he liked it, but his dad did—his dad was a fanatical fan of Ichiraku Ramen.

"Sasuke, you had better get here before Urashiki Ōtsutsuki."

After wandering around the main city area for nearly two hours without even a glimpse of Sasuke, Boruto started to panic a little.

If Ōtsutsuki Urashiki arrived first and they ran into each other, he would be doomed.

Him fighting Ōtsutsuki Urashiki alone? No way.

Then Boruto searched for another hour or so, still no sign of Sasuke, but his own stomach started growling.

"I haven't seen a single Raiburger along the way—does this era just not have Raiburger? Damn it."

Boruto crouched by the roadside, kicking small pebbles beside his foot in irritation.

If there were a Raiburger shop, he could buy two Raiburgers and eat while searching for the guy.

"Did I point you in the wrong direction?"

Boruto suddenly heard a female voice. He looked up and saw the red-haired kunoichi he had asked for directions earlier.

"No, I just didn't want to go there anymore."

Boruto replied.

They weren't even in the same time and space, so of course he couldn't hand over the little turtle.

"You're not actually from this time, are you?"

Kushina suddenly asked.

"How did you…"

Boruto was about to say "how did you know" when he recalled the little turtle's words and immediately changed his reply.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I don't understand."

"Is that so? Then how do you explain 'this era doesn't have Raiburger'?"

Kushina looked at Boruto with a sly smile.

At first she was only suspicious because of some of Boruto's features, but after tailing him for a while, she became convinced that Boruto was a time traveler similar to Naruto.

However, Kushina wasn't sure if Boruto was a ninja from another world or a genuine future ninja.

Boruto instantly broke out in a cold sweat but forced calmness as he said:

"Auntie, you must have misheard—I meant why doesn't this place sell Raiburger."

"Auntie?!"

Kushina's gaze turned ferocious. Her vibrant red hair began to float under the influence of her powerful chakra, making her look like a demon in Boruto's eyes.

"Big sister! Big sister!"

Boruto sat down on the ground and scooted backward, quickly correcting himself.

"That's more like it."

Kushina nodded in satisfaction and withdrew her chakra.

Boruto sighed in relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead—that was terrifying.

"No need to pretend in front of me. At most you look twelve or thirteen, so you must have graduated recently. I can just have someone check the list of ninja who graduated in the last few years."

Kushina said with her hands on her hips.

Boruto thought about it and realized she was right. He couldn't help but regret not taking off his forehead protector.

"What's your name? When did you come from?"

Kushina asked curiously.

That bright blond hair and blue eyes—they looked just like Minato's or Muzuki's descendants.

"I'm Mitsuki. I can't say anything else."

Boruto made a surrendering gesture and sighed.

The little turtle said he absolutely must not reveal his identity, so Boruto didn't give his real name.

"Then get up. Come with me."

Kushina reached out her hand to Boruto and said.

Boruto hesitated for a moment, but still took Kushina's hand and let her pull him up.

Then Kushina walked ahead, and Boruto followed behind.

"Underestimating me like this? Perfect."

Seeing that Kushina was so unconcerned about him, Boruto was inwardly pleased. As they passed a corner, he burst out chakra and dodged away, ready to flee.

Whoosh!

An iron chain shot out from Kushina's body, binding Boruto and pulling him back.

"I got found out... and what kind of ninjutsu is this? So strong."

Boruto burst out chakra trying to break free from the iron chain, but found it didn't budge at all.

"Really, am I that scary? Why are you running away?"

Kushina glared at Boruto and asked.

Boruto:...

No self-awareness at all, that damn red-haired aunt.

"Why is it here?"

Boruto looked at the sign that read "Ichiraku Ramen" in large letters, stunned.

He thought he would be taken to an interrogation room, but instead Kushina brought him to Ichiraku Ramen.

"Your question is really strange, kid. Of course you eat ramen when you come to a ramen shop. What else would it be? One bowl of pork bone miso chashu ramen, large."

As she answered Boruto, Kushina spoke skillfully to Teuchi.

"Or are you saying you're not hungry after walking so long? Let me warn you, Konoha doesn't sell any Lightning Burgers."

Boruto couldn't figure out the situation for a moment.

He had been found out as such an incredible anomaly, yet instead of being taken to a research institute, he was being treated to ramen.

Since Boruto remained silent, Kushina had Teuchi serve him the exact same ramen as hers.

Slurp slurp!

When the ramen was brought up, Kushina didn't say anything more and began eating the ramen heartily.

For some reason, Boruto inexplicably saw a trace of his father in Kushina.

"Am I hallucinating from hunger?"

Boruto tapped his head, feeling he should go to the hospital to get his eyes checked.

She was just a red-haired aunt you could see anywhere on the street. How could she resemble his father, the Seventh Hokage?

"Better just eat the noodles first."

Looking at the steaming ramen in front of him, Boruto also imitated Kushina and ate the noodles heartily.

After searching for Sasuke for so long, he was indeed hungry.

Perhaps for that reason, Boruto found this ramen especially delicious.

After finishing the ramen, Kushina took Boruto to a nearly empty park.

"Who is your father?"

Kushina opened her mouth to ask.

Boruto shook his head. From now on, he would keep the information tight and not let Kushina learn any more.

"Don't know or don't want to say?"

"Can't say."

"I see..."

Kushina stroked her chin, showing a thoughtful expression.

Originally, she thought that since this blond-haired boy didn't even know her, it was more likely that he was a ninja from another world.

But would a parallel-world ninja need this level of secrecy?

"What about your mother? You don't have to tell me who she is, but is she from the Uzumaki clan?"

Kushina continued asking.

Boruto shook his head.

"So he's Mitsuki's child… but I still can't confirm whether he's a future ninja or a parallel-world ninja."

Kushina made a further inference in her mind.

If it were the latter, that would be fine; if it were the former, that would be quite bad.

First of all, traveling through time must have involved something extraordinary, and on top of that, Mitsuki didn't recognize her—that was really a chilling thought.

"You've asked me so many questions, but I still don't know who you are."

Boruto realized that although Kushina looked fierce, she actually meant him no harm, so he spoke up.

"Me? I am Konoha's master of sealing techniques, the sealing technique teacher of the ninja world's leader—Uzumaki Kushina!"

Kushina said proudly, arms crossed.

"So the only thing you can really show off is sealing techniques."

Boruto retorted.

"Hm?"

Kushina's hair slowly began to rise.

"Amazing, Sister Kushina, you're so strong."

As Boruto said this, a sudden flash of insight struck his mind.

Uzumaki Kushina, Kushina—isn't she his grandmother?!

Boruto had been wondering why this red-haired aunt looked familiar; he had seen photos of Kushina when he was little.

"If I call my grandmother 'big sister,' then Dad would have to call me 'uncle.'"

A strange thought popped into Boruto's head.

"Grandma probably recognized me from the start, that's why she took me to eat ramen."

Boruto instantly relaxed, marveling at his grandmother's cleverness.

At this time, he didn't even know whether his father had been born, yet she could guess his identity.

"It looks to me like you're searching for someone. Do you have companions who came with you?"

Kushina asked.

At first, she followed him with her real body, then went home for a while, but she also had a shadow clone watching him, so Kushina knew everything Boruto had done that morning.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if he's in Konoha right now."

Boruto nodded in reply.

Although he now knew Kushina's identity, Boruto still followed the little turtle's precautions and did not reveal any information about Sasuke.

In fact, after learning Kushina's identity, Boruto followed them even more strictly.

The little turtle had made it very clear: one must be especially careful with relatives.

Because if something went wrong with a relative, whether he and Sasuke could still exist, and whether his father could still exist, were all unknown.

"I'll have Minato investigate for you. He's the Hokage and can issue missions to find people—it'll be much faster than you wandering around on your own."

Kushina said.

"Just as I thought—it's still Grandpa's Fourth Hokage era."

Boruto nodded inwardly and thanked Kushina.

Although Minato Namikaze mobilized quite a few ninja, it still took a considerable amount of time to find Sasuke.

Because at first no one thought that Sasuke would be detained by the Police Department, and it was Minato Namikaze who thought of this and had someone notify the Police Department, thus finding Sasuke.

"Sasuke-san, you were too careless. How did you end up getting locked up?"

Boruto complained.

"Just bad luck. There was a slight mistake."

Sasuke explained calmly.

The place he traveled to was a forest, so he had no way to judge whether he had traveled at all, and that's how he revealed a flaw to Itachi Uchiha.

Otherwise, even a genius like his brother couldn't have found his flaw.

"But it doesn't matter. Even if you hadn't come, Boruto, I would have left soon and gone to find you."

Gurgle~

Suddenly, a low growl sounded in the visitation room.

Boruto subconsciously looked at Sasuke—there were only the two of them in the room.

"Sasuke-san, it seems it does have some effect. I'll take you to eat."

Boruto tried hard to suppress his laughter.

Sasuke remained expressionless.