(Boruto was merely a butterfly that stumbled into that web by mistake.)

When Boruto woke up, his mind was still muddled. He felt like he was still very sleepy, and judging from the pitch black sky and the still burning bonfires around him, he probably hadn't slept for long.

However, in the next second, he knew why he had woken up. He bolted up abruptly from Chitose's embrace, and his hands shot straight up to his head, then he grabbed a furry little thing - a puppy.

He and this little thing that had been relentlessly pulling his hair just now stared at each other.

It was truly a particularly petite creature that Boruto could hold up with just half his palm. Its whole body was snow white without a single blemish, its head looking disproportionately big for its too tiny body, making its facial features other than its eyes look especially delicate. Its two tiny ears stood erect on its head, and its pitch black, wet eyes were very big and round, but its eyelids were half-drooping, giving off an oddly mature air that was completely at odds with its petite physique...

And most importantly...

Boruto looked at the vertical scar over the puppy's left eye, and an unbelievable guess flashed through his mind, only to be immediately denied by himself.

No no no, Boruto, calm down. Even though you've encountered quite a lot of supernatural events recently, this is still totally impossible...

Thinking so, he looked towards Chitose who was leaning against a tree nearby, yawning, "Where's Uncle Kakashi?"

They had left him behind and escaped just then... How was he now?

Chitose lowered his hand. Because of the tears from the physiological yawn, his large eyes looked especially bright. He glanced at the little white dog in Boruto's hand, inexplicably sensing a "life is hopeless" kind of mood from its expression.

He couldn't help chuckling softly. He reached out and gently ruffled the furry little thing's head, the feeling of messing with those pointy little ears bringing him exceptional delight, so he gave in to his mood and raised the corners of his lips a little higher as he straightened up and ruffled it a few more times.

The little thing in his hand gave a couple whimpers as it glanced at the boy with bright, sparkling eyes and upturned lips with a completely helpless look in its pitch black eyes.

—A completely helpless look? Why did I see such a bizarre thing?

Boruto was dumbstruck as he watched Chitose show no signs of stopping at all. He simply turned around with the little white dog in hand to escape Chitose's clutches, "Hey, I'm asking you, where's Uncle Kakashi?"

Chitose put his hand down, the corners of his lips curving up instead of down as his deep, dark eyes that were rarely not cold were filled with smiles that could overflow.

"Look at the scar over that little animal's eye. Do you think that's a coincidence?"

Boruto was stunned for quite a while. Then he turned around in disbelief to raise the puppy in his hand right in front of his eyes, meeting its half-drooped eyes brimming with helplessness straight on.

"...You gotta be kidding me?!"

"After Teacher Kakashi extinguished the bonfire back then, for an instant I suddenly couldn't sense his chakra anymore. Considering Teacher's abilities, a technique that could make someone's chakra vanish so abruptly meant danger, plus we might become the next target given the situation, so I pulled you along to escape."

Chitose's cold voice rang out. Boruto put the little thing down - no, it should be "him" now - and watched as he lazily walked over to a spot just out of both their reaches before curling up into a ball on the ground, training his lifeless eyes on Chitose.

Upon hearing Chitose say "escape", Kakashi blinked his eyes as if in agreement with Chitose's course of action. And Boruto, who had originally wanted to retort, suddenly recalled something and closed his mouth.

—Chitose had pulled him along to escape.

—It was to protect him, Boruto, who was afraid of ghosts, that Chitose had fled.

Although he didn't actually say that, that was what Boruto believed.

"We were safe afterwards, so we waited here for you, Teacher Kakashi. Based on my analysis, that ghost has no attack capabilities whatsoever. The proof is that previously when she caught up to you, Boruto, all she did was pat your shoulder."

Boruto shuddered from head to toe as he instinctively reached up to grasp his left shoulder, warily looking left and right with lingering fear apparent on his ashen face and in his azure eyes.

"Plus I believe nothing that could pose a threat to Teacher Kakashi's life exists, so my decision was to light bonfires and wait for you to return. But the result was that you did come back, just..."

His and the listless-eyed Kakashi's gazes met.

Silence.

"...Cough."

Kakashi's eyes were filled with strong skepticism and accusation.

You were definitely about to laugh just now, weren't you! Don't look away! I saw you secretly using a cough to conceal that grin! Hey!

Might Guy's eternal rival, Lady Killer Kakashi, the once one meter eighty handsome hunk, now quadruped pint-sized cutie Kakashi Hatake was currently seriously considering the grave problem of his crumbling teacher image.

Boruto had been quietly watching the interaction between the two(?) the entire time. The firelight's glow made his azure eyes seem somewhat dim.

Chitose lowered the fist he had used to pretend to cough into earlier. He glanced at Boruto whose hair even seemed to droop dejectedly.

For a time, the only sound audible in the air was the crackling of the bonfire.

"Ah."

The clear cold voice of the black-haired boy suddenly rang out abruptly then. Boruto gave a start, raising his head to look at the boy who had suddenly spoken.

He had his knees bent with his back to the tree. Both hands were resting on his knees as he gazed up slightly at the moon. His exquisite side profile wavered under the dancing firelight, possessing a vague beauty.

His eyes held a fleeting maturity far unsuited for a ten year old boy at that moment, profound as two bottomless wells, with no visible end.

"It's past midnight."

He whispered softly, as if unwilling to disturb the tranquility of this moment. Then he turned to meet Boruto's unwavering gaze on him, and when his eyes met those clear azure orbs, he faintly curved his eyes as his thin lips parted lightly.

"Happy birthday, Boruto."

At that instant, a breeze blew through the woods, gently ruffling Boruto's bangs and revealing his slowly widening eyes, and the quivering pupils within.

At a spot Chitose couldn't see, someone's heart seemed to miss a beat at this moment.

It felt as if a long time had passed. The blonde boy suddenly lowered his head violently, lips trembling before he found his voice awhile later, "Um... Since you put it that way... Thanks... Thank you..."

The last few syllables were practically drowned out by the well-meaning laughter of the few shinobi.

Yet no one really noticed the flush on the blonde boy's cheeks and the corners of his lips unconsciously curving high.

This little interlude during their journey could have just ended like this. At least that was what the black-haired boy thought.

However...

"When's your birthday, Chitose?" Boruto suddenly seemed to recall something and looked up at the boy with exceptional seriousness.

The curled up Kakashi keenly noticed Chitose's hands that had been casually pillowing his knees instantly tense up before swiftly relaxing as if nothing had happened.

He's nervous. Why? Kakashi quirked a brow(?) as he observed Chitose even more closely.

Boruto patiently waited for a while. Seeing that he gave no response, he continued, "Speaking of which, you're Sarada's brother. Her birthday is... what month was it again?" He tilted his head as he racked his brains, though his peripheral vision was sneakily peeking at Chitose.

"She's older than me." At long last Chitose glanced at him, though his eyes were full of "if you wanna compare who's older childishly then you've already lost".

Yet for some reason, Boruto, who would usually explode at this kind of attitude from Chitose, showed not a hint of jumping up this time. He merely clenched his fist before staring at those tranquil dark eyes even more earnestly than before.

"I want to know. You haven't said ever since you introduced yourself that day, it's just a birthday, what's there to hide about it?"

Chitose quietly gazed at Boruto's spirited eyes, while the latter fearlessly held his stare, determination written all over his face.

Finally, Chitose's lips slowly curved up, "Then I'll tell you."

He sat up straight and leaned towards Boruto's direction. Boruto was startled for a moment before quickly bringing his ear over. He listened intently and closely, utterly engrossed.

Kakashi who had trotted over curiously earlier unfortunately didn't get to hear anything. By the time he reached them, Boruto and Chitose had already separated.

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He stared dullingly at Chitose, only to receive an impassive glance in response. Then he turned to look at Boruto, but the boy seemed to be deep in thought as he looked at Chitose.

Finding it all rather boring, Kakashi returned to his spot which had been warmed and curled up into a ball again.

The corners of Chitose's eyes lifted as he laid down, "Boruto, it's safe now so keep watch. I'm counting on you." Saying so, he closed his eyes without waiting for Boruto's reply and his breathing swiftly grew steady.

Surprisingly, Boruto didn't retort for once. He obediently sat down and started keeping watch. After some time, he looked at Chitose's face which seemed less icy when he was asleep.

The past few days it had been him and Uncle Kakashi taking turns on night watch. He must be completely exhausted.

Boruto clenched his fist and took another look at Kakashi who had also closed his eyes. Determination firmed up in those azure orbs.

Alright, it's my turn to protect Chitose now!

***

His surroundings were pure darkness. He gazed around in confusion. Where was this place? A spot of light suddenly appeared in the distance. He hesitated briefly before striding towards it unhesitatingly.

He didn't know how much time had passed. The darkness receded and he was blinded by the abrupt radiance, unable to open his eyes. Not panicking over his temporary loss of sight, he swiftly attuned all his senses and already had a weapon in hand with his whole body on alert almost simultaneously when the light flared on.

Then he immediately discovered someone and shot a kunai out with lightning speed. Then he heard a man chuckling lightly.

"Who's there?"

His eyes had adapted to the glare now. The very first second after his vision focused, he saw the man not far away standing opposite him. Then in the next instant, his eyes flew wide in incredulous shock as his hands fiercely trembled once.

This person!

The man seemed extremely delighted by his astonishment. His originally frigid face seemed to have a human touch from that upturned corner of his lips while the tenderness in those depthless dark eyes warmed one straight to the heart.

Now the reason for his immense shock could be explained.

—Their features were practically identical aside from the difference in size, from one big to one small.

Wordlessly gazing at the man, he slowly lowered his weapon-wielding hands. His lips quivered as he opened and shut his mouth, but no words emerged.

Seeing this, the gentleness in the man's eyes seemed to grow thicker as hints of remorse and helplessness that the boy didn't understand flashed through. He walked towards him but immediately halted when the boy's entire body gave a violent shudder. He hesitated before giving an abashed smile.

"If you don't mind... could you tell me your name?"

The boy's grip on his weapon spasmed intensely before gradually loosening. He took a deep breath and put away the kunai as he closely scrutinized the man gently gazing at him.

Two pairs of similar pitch black eyes met.

"Chitose. My name is Uchiha Chitose." The boy's cool voice echoed in the vast whiteness.

The man's eyes faintly widened before lowering as he smiled. His eyes seemed to glimmer with a reminiscing light the boy couldn't comprehend, "Chitose... Ah. What a fine name indeed."

The boy opposite didn't respond. His intense stare practically bored holes into the man, not missing the tiniest change in his expressions. An attentiveness far beyond his years and hints of curiosity, yet even more so, the yearning and grief deeply embedded within.

The man naturally couldn't have missed all that. Yet what could he do? He was merely one of the departed after all.

After a long period of silence, the man gently sighed and turned around, "Let's go. I'll lead you out."

He glanced back at the boy who resembled himself by ninety percent, the smile on the corners of his lips not big yet warm and helpless with indulgence.

"Your friend is still waiting for your return, Chitose."

***

Chitose dazedly stared up at the treetops overhead for a good while before finally blinking. He pushed up on his hands behind him in a sitting position.

The first sight that met his eyes was the blonde boy curled up to one side with his head drooped, asleep. And next to his own feet laid the little white dog, eyes half-closed.

He slowly released his breath as he brushed back his forelocks. Then he got to his feet and gave the blonde boy's foot a kick, "Time to set off, Boruto."

***

Kakashi laid on Boruto's head as he watched Chitose leading the way up front, dull eyes somewhat thoughtful. His understanding towards this boy had started from the sole basis that he was Itachi Uchiha's son.

Yet the many dubious points made him rather incredulous towards the child at first. During their first meeting - that is, the mock attack in disguise - he had secretly observed the boy beforehand. That icy cold gaze had almost made him believe this was a second Sasuke.

However, later when Boruto fell into danger, the boy had disregarded exposing his hidden strength in order to protect him. This had allowed Kakashi to put his mind at ease regarding the boy by a substantial amount.

This child, clearly one with a personality that compelled him to keep everything firmly within his grasp before he could feel secure, was nevertheless willing to expose himself for a friend's sake.

Then it naturally followed for him to become his, Kakashi's, student and teach him, while atoning for his past failures to properly fulfill his duties as a teacher.

It was obvious the boy had cared a great deal about his motives in the beginning - though his pretense was extremely skilled, far beyond what a child his age should be capable of. During lulls in training he would ask probing questions, beating about the bush as he tried to uncover his purpose.

Of course Kakashi could tell. Yet he was only too happy to feign ignorance and mess around with him. The smarter the child, the harder they were to tease, but when successful it was also endlessly entertaining.

—Well, truthfully the times he succeeded could be counted on one hand.

This boy always managed to promptly realize when he was putting on an act, fooling around and making wisecracks before shutting his mouth and refusing to speak further. Rarely, not once had he displayed the slightest hint of displeasure or disfavor over this. He would always remain composed, cool-headed as he quietly observed him from angles Kakashi couldn't see with those profound eyes whenever he let his guard down, gauging him, assessing him and evaluating him.

Just like a seasoned hunter carefully evaluating his prey before striking for a guaranteed kill, never losing a shred of composure.

—Hmm, it really could be quite terrifying when he thought about it sometimes. Was this how Itachi Uchiha's son was like? Though Itachi had still been rather fun to tease when he was in his squad.

At least when he was still in his squad.

—The previously bullied by his ex-subordinates Kakashi indicates he didn’t wish to recall dark history.

No one knew how long it took before the boy finally seemed to give up finding out his motives. Or maybe he had found a reason that could convince himself? Kakashi didn't know. In any case, one could clearly see the child was gradually convinced by his abilities and intellect, sincerely taking him as his teacher.

Of course, initially calling him Teacher was undoubtedly because Naruto had requested him to guide the boy.

Yet being with him longer, on top of lamenting his genius time and time again, the mysteries surrounding this boy also grew in number.

In terms of strength, perhaps it was still within expectations and completely reasonable. But his personality...

Kakashi took another look at Chitose before glancing down at Boruto staggering after him, taking one small step for every big stride.

Morbid obsession with control, observing nearly everything in reality with scarcely any emotion before scheming every aspect related to himself and the people around him with that bone-chilling rationality.

Take for example the friendship between him and Boruto. Word was, right before they had set off, the little rascals were still at a dispute. Well, it seemed to be because Boruto unilaterally didn't want to hinder Chitose’s progress and said something wrong.

And Chitose undoubtedly didn't want to let this friendship of his go to waste. No, perhaps he was guiding Boruto, step by step, into the web he had woven. There might be some deviations, but overall, everything was under Chitose’s control.

Kakashi's black eyes flashed with a hint of sharpness, fleeting.

Early graduation, setting off for the Hunter Exam – these were all parts of his daily routine, the grand plan, the backbone of Chitose’s web. And Boruto, who suddenly barged in, didn't disrupt anything for Chitose; instead, he adjusted a few things on the big web and solved Boruto's issues along the way.

Chitose had seen through Boruto's mistaken belief that he lacked empathy for human life. Using the mountain bandit incident to make this point erupt and then, in the inn, as the third person unintentionally, he clarified the reasons for the killing to Boruto, resolving the misunderstanding.

Later, in the haunted incident, he obediently protected Boruto, creating an unshakeable trust in him, eliminating any suspicion and misunderstanding Boruto might have had.

His protection of Boruto was an action that didn't require contemplation. He knew it clearly. What truly amazed Kakashi was that Chitose simultaneously utilized his emphasis on friendship to make everything develop as he foresaw – a profound bond between Boruto and him.

Boruto, this little butterfly, inadvertently entered the web woven by Chitose, only to be effortlessly dealt with and all potential future troubles eliminated.

Well, it seemed that Boruto's misunderstanding had saddened Chitose a bit. He went to great lengths, using his brains to ensure that Boruto wouldn't doubt him again. Boruto was indeed special in Chitose heart.

Kakashi tilted his head, laid his body down, preparing to rest.

No, wait. Perhaps, for Chitose, resolving Boruto's issues was just a simple task. Boruto coincidentally entered this team and Chitose smoothly arranged everything. If Boruto hadn't come, the final result would probably remain unchanged when Chitose returned.

No, it would change... If Boruto didn't come, Chitose’s future interactions with him would be much less – after all, one was already a Genin, and the other was still a student.

So, in the end, was it because Boruto unconsciously had a stroke of luck?

Besides, there was another point... Even though Boruto now had a deep trust in Chitose, Chitose kept everything about himself tightly sealed. Their knowledge of Chitose’s past remained a blank slate.

Chitose, oh Chitose, are you really concerned about Boruto? What are you thinking?

Kakashi rolled his eyes, closed his eyes, and stopped thinking.

But, Kakashi, how can you guarantee that you are not just a small butterfly in that web?

***

"Why should I go back? Why can't Uncle Kakashi come with you?"

On the vast and endless plain, a boy shouted in defiance, his angry roar deafening.

Facing the fiery gaze, the black-haired boy carrying a small dog on his shoulder remained as calm as ever. "I've already told you, you can't go in. The Kara Mountain has disappeared again, and I bear full responsibility for Master Kakashi turning into this. So, I'm taking him to find a solution."

Boruto gritted his teeth, then suddenly thought of something, looking at Chitose urgently. "I can use Transformation Jutsu too—"

"No. The world of hunters is extremely dangerous, and you're too weak. I don't have time to protect you." Chitose immediately interrupted Boruto, his tone flat, leaving Boruto blushing and speechless.

He knew that what Chitose said was true.

Seeing that Boruto finally admitted it, Chitose turned away, facing the group of people quietly watching them.

The leader was a bald ninja, not too old, around 20. Behind him stood several people of similar age, all wearing the forehead protector of the Hidden Cloud Village.

"So, please take the Seventh Hokage's son back to Konoha safely."

He gazed at them silently, the deep and cold eyes inexplicably pressuring them. He deliberately emphasized the Seventh Hokage, and as a result, expressions of admiration appeared more or less on their faces before finally easing.

The leading young man smiled casually. "Rest assured, leave Boruto-kun to us, Chitose! You're willing to share one of the unique four-time entry opportunities of a Two-Star Hunter's license with our big brother, it's such a great favor! I don't know how to repay you!"

Boruto's eyes widened at the words. But before he could say anything, the young man turned to the other ninjas behind him. "Hey, you guys! Be sure to safely escort Boruto-sama back to Konoha! If there's any mishap—"

His friendly gaze from a moment ago instantly sharpened into a downward triangle, exuding a compelling force. "I'll ask you when I return to the village! Got it?"

"Yes, big brother! You can rest assured!" The ninjas behind him quickly straightened their postures, loudly assuring.

The guy named Chitose behind them nodded. "Alright, Hanzo, let's go."

This young man named Hanzo, if he wasn't too good at acting, it wasn't hard to see that he had a pure heart. And now, as the strongest of the Five Great Ninja Villages, with the Seventh Hokage sitting in Konoha, it seemed that their relationship with the Hidden Cloud Village was pretty good.

Moreover, as Hanzo said, Chitose had given a significant favor to the Hidden Cloud Village, which was looking for new resources in the Hunter world.

Even if they were bold and daring, daring to attack the son of the Seventh Hokage...

Chitose’s eyes darkened for a moment.

The screw hanging around Boruto's neck suddenly flickered.

—He had also left something enough to protect Boruto.

Seeing Chitose walking away, Boruto bathed in the rising sun, as if there were golden edges on his body. He didn't look back, just like when he gestured to Sarada back then. However, this ordinary figure and action made Boruto's azure eyes instantly light up, clear and bright like a vast, clear sea.

The several ninjas behind him looked at his reddened face, exchanging glances.

"This young man, that black-haired kid seems to care a lot about you. To let go of such a precious opportunity for your safety and his big brother... Your relationship seems quite good. Look how reluctant you are."

"Who, who has a good relationship with him! Who can't bear him! That, that bastard... Where did he care about me... Just a misunderstanding..."

The last few words were drowned in the well-intentioned laughter of the ninjas, almost inaudible.

But then, the golden-haired boy's flushed cheeks and the subtly lifted corners of his mouth went unnoticed by anyone.