A small collection of Naruto and boruto oneshots.

by Jessicawayne_2

Summary:

Or my take on Boruto and Naruto headcanons.

They’re dynamic is underated so I chose to acknowledge it, I hope you guys like these little oneshots.

Chapter 1: Acorn necklace

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm orange glow over the Hidden Leaf Village. It was one of those peaceful evenings, the kind Naruto treasured more than most. With the weight of the village always pressing on his shoulders, these brief moments of calm were like a breath of fresh air.

Boruto, barely more than four or five, scampered ahead of his father, his small legs struggling to keep pace with the longer strides of Naruto. The boy was always so energetic, even when it came to the simplest of tasks, like gathering acorns. Today, Boruto had insisted on going on a "hunting mission" to find the perfect one for his special project.

Naruto chuckled under his breath. "You sure you're not planning to turn that into a snack, huh, kid?" He teased, walking with hands in his pockets.

Boruto shot him a glance over his shoulder. "It's for you, Tou-chan! You're always working, so I thought I'd make you something."

Naruto's heart softened. Boruto had been more than a handful lately, but those rare moments when the boy wanted to do something for him always caught him off guard. It was one of those things that made being a father so surreal—like he didn’t quite deserve it but he was blessed anyway.

After a few moments of searching, Boruto found the perfect acorn. It was a bright, glossy brown, with just the right amount of texture. He grinned proudly, holding it up to Naruto, who gave him a thumbs up.

"That’s a good one, Boruto. What are you gonna do with it?"

With a sense of determination, Boruto pulled out a piece of string from his pocket, a simple bit of twine he had found lying around. "I’m gonna make you a necklace! You always wear that fancy one from Tsunade-baachan, but I wanted to give you one too!" His words were innocent, but there was a hint of pride in his tone.

Naruto had to hold back the emotion rising in his chest. It was true. He did wear Tsunade’s necklace all the time—a gift from the older woman, representing his bond with his mentors and the village. But this... this was something different. This was his son, the boy he swore to protect, who wanted to give him something with his own hands. It was all the more special for it.

"That’s really thoughtful of you, Boruto," Naruto said, kneeling down to his son’s level. "I can’t wait to wear it."

Boruto beamed and got to work, carefully threading the string through the acorn and tying it into a knot. His little hands were steady, though the task was a bit tricky. Every so often, he’d look up to make sure Naruto was watching. The look on his face was pure concentration.

Naruto admired the boy’s diligence. In those early years, it was easy to forget how much Boruto cared about the little things. The constant movement, the loud voice, the endless questions—it all sometimes overshadowed how sensitive and thoughtful his son could be.

Finally, after a few moments of silence, Boruto handed the completed necklace to Naruto, holding it out with a grin.

"Here, Tou-chan. Now you’ll always have a piece of me with you!"

Naruto took the necklace, unable to hide the smile spreading across his face. He looked at the acorn, simple but meaningful, and then back at his son. The acorn itself wasn’t special, but the gesture—Boruto’s thoughtfulness—meant more to him than any grand treasure.

"You sure you want me to wear it? It’s not gonna be as shiny as Tsunade’s necklace."

Boruto rolled his eyes. "You’re the Hokage, Tou-chan. Who cares about shiny stuff when you’ve got something that’s made just for you?"

Naruto’s chest swelled. His heart clenched with an emotion he could never quite put into words. He didn’t know how he’d ever been blessed with such an amazing son, but somehow, he was.

Without a word, he slipped the necklace over his head, feeling the weight of it settle comfortably against his skin. "Thanks, Boruto. I’ll wear this every day," Naruto said, voice thick with gratitude.

Boruto’s grin stretched across his face. "Good! Now we’re matching, huh?"

Naruto couldn’t help but laugh. "Yeah, I guess we are."

As they made their way back to the village, Boruto chattered about something else, his hands flailing about with excitement as he spoke. But Naruto’s mind lingered on that simple acorn necklace. In a few years, his son would probably be too old to make him necklaces, too busy with his own life to spend time with him in such a way. But for now, Naruto would wear this piece of his son’s heart close to his own.

Chapter 2: Boruto’s first trainning session.

It was a bright, clear afternoon, the village basking in the full warmth of the sun. Naruto had promised Boruto that today would be special—it was the day he would get his first taste of training. Not the intense, high-stakes missions he’d been used to, but simple training: father and son, learning the basics together.

Boruto had been impatient to start, bouncing on the balls of his feet as Naruto led him to the training grounds. His small hands gripped a wooden kunai, far too big for him, but he wore it with the determination of a seasoned ninja.

“Okay, Boruto. You’re gonna learn the basics today, alright?” Naruto said, crouching down to Boruto’s level.

“Got it, Tou-chan!” Boruto grinned widely, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’m gonna be the best ninja ever!”

Naruto chuckled, ruffling his son’s messy blonde hair. "You’ve got the spirit, but first, let’s get the basics down. You need to learn how to hold your kunai properly, or you'll end up with a whole lot of splinters.”

Boruto pouted a little, but he listened intently as Naruto demonstrated the proper grip. It was a simple movement—just the right way to hold the weapon to ensure control and stability—but to Boruto, it was the beginning of something big.

“Like this?” Boruto asked, gripping the kunai just as Naruto had shown him. He made a few awkward stabs at the air, clearly trying to mimic his father’s movements, but his motions were a bit off.

Naruto watched with amusement. “Not bad, but you’re a little stiff. Loosen up. Move with your body, not just your arms.” He adjusted Boruto’s stance, guiding his small arms into a more fluid position. “Think of it like this. You want to be in control of the weapon, not the other way around. Stay relaxed, and your body will move like water.”

Boruto nodded seriously, focusing hard on his father’s words. For a moment, there was a look of quiet concentration on his face, his bright eyes narrowing in determination. Naruto felt a swell of pride in his chest.

“That’s it, kid,” Naruto said, watching as Boruto finally seemed to relax into the stance, his movements becoming smoother. “You’re getting it.”

Boruto beamed up at his father, his face flushed with excitement. “I’m gonna be the best ninja ever, Tou-chan!”

Naruto’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he saw a flash of his younger self in his son. A boy who dreamed of being the strongest, someone who wanted to protect everyone. But this time, it wasn’t just Naruto’s dream anymore—it was Boruto’s, too.

“You will be,” Naruto said softly, his voice filled with emotion. “You already are.”

Chapter 3: The drawing

The sun had already begun its descent, casting a warm, amber hue across the Hidden Leaf Village. The streets were quieter than usual, the hustle and bustle of the day beginning to slow down. Naruto had just finished his day of work—though that was never truly over—and found himself heading toward home, more eager than ever to see his family.

When he stepped into their cozy home, the familiar scent of Hinata’s cooking filled the air, and the soft murmur of her voice floated from the kitchen. He grinned to himself, the weight of the village’s issues momentarily lifted by the sound of her warmth.

But it wasn’t her voice that made him stop at the door.

Boruto was sitting in the middle of the living room floor, his legs crossed, hunched over a small piece of paper. His face was scrunched in concentration, and he muttered softly to himself as he worked. Naruto’s heart swelled at the sight. Boruto was always so full of energy—loud, adventurous, stubborn. But when he focused, he had the same intensity as his mother. It was one of the things that made him proud of his son.

Naruto walked over, kneeling beside him. "What’s this, Boruto?"

Boruto didn’t look up at first, too absorbed in his work. But when Naruto’s shadow fell over him, he glanced up, a grin lighting up his face. "I’m making a picture for you, Tou-chan!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow, surprised. "A picture for me? What’s it of?"

With a small laugh, Boruto held up the piece of paper. The drawing was simple—two figures, one much bigger than the other, standing side by side. There was a big sun above them, drawn with bold strokes, and some clouds that looked like they were floating playfully.

"That’s us," Boruto said, his grin widening. "See? You’re bigger, and I’m smaller." He pointed at the two figures. "And the sun is shining because we’re happy."

Naruto’s chest tightened at the gesture, and he smiled, a genuine warmth filling him from the inside. His boy, still so young, still so innocent. "You’re gonna be an artist one day, huh?" he teased, gently ruffling his son’s blonde hair.

Boruto giggled, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "Maybe! But I think I’m better at making gadgets than pictures. This is just something special for you."

Naruto chuckled softly, reaching out to take the drawing in his hands. "This is great, Boruto. I’ll keep it with me, okay?" He made a mental note to get a frame for it, though the idea of Boruto’s drawing sitting on his desk would probably embarrass him once he got older. Still, for now, it was one of those small moments that made everything worth it.

Boruto’s grin grew even wider at his father’s words. "Really? You’ll keep it?"

"Of course," Naruto replied, pulling Boruto into a gentle hug. "You’re my son, after all. You make my day better."

Boruto hugged him back, his little arms tight around his father’s neck. "I love you, Tou-chan."

Naruto’s heart nearly stopped. He’d heard those words from Boruto countless times, but they always hit him in a way he couldn’t describe. He never got tired of hearing them, even when Boruto was being bratty or rebellious.

"I love you too, Boruto," Naruto whispered, pulling back just enough to look his son in the eyes. "You and Himawari mean everything to me."

Chapter 4: A day at the park.

It was one of those rare weekends when Naruto wasn’t tied up with a shinobi and missions. He and Hinata had promised Boruto they’d spend the day together.

"Can we go to the park, Tou-chan?" Boruto asked, his face lit up with excitement as he tugged on his father’s sleeve.

"Of course, kiddo," Naruto grinned, brushing his hair out of his eyes. "Lead the way!"

They walked to the park, Hinata carrying Himawari in her arms while Boruto ran ahead, eager to explore. The village was peaceful today, and Naruto couldn’t help but enjoy the simplicity of the moment. In these early years, it wasn’t about missions, or the village, or the Hokage office. It was just about family.

When they arrived, Boruto immediately ran toward the swings, shouting something about "the highest swing ever!" Naruto followed behind, more slowly this time. He didn’t want to rush, not today. His son was growing up so fast, and he needed to cherish every second of moments like this.

"Be careful!" Naruto called, but Boruto was already pushing himself higher, the wind in his hair and a wide grin on his face.

Hinata smiled at the sight of her son’s joy. "He’s really something, isn’t he?"

Naruto laughed softly. "Yeah. He sure is."

Boruto swung higher and higher, his small body swaying with the momentum. After a moment, he called out to his dad, "Tou-chan! Watch this!" He released the swing mid-air and launched himself forward, landing clumsily but successfully on the grass.

Naruto’s heart stopped for a moment, his protective instincts kicking in. He rushed forward, his eyes wide. "Boruto, what the heck are you—"

Boruto jumped up from the ground, brushing himself off with a grin. "I’m fine, Tou-chan! You should’ve seen it! I’m like a ninja!"

Naruto blinked. The way Boruto said it was so casual, so sure of himself, that Naruto almost couldn’t believe it. But there was his son, his little ninja in the making, standing there as if he hadn’t just done something reckless.

Naruto shook his head, trying to hide the grin that threatened to form. "You’re gonna be the death of me, Boruto," he said, though his voice was soft with affection.

Boruto, not one to back down from a challenge, grabbed his father’s hand. "Come on, Tou-chan! Let’s race!"

Naruto laughed. "You think you can beat me? I’ve been running around this village for years."

Boruto just gave him an exaggerated look, as if saying, "We’ll see about that."

And just like that, Naruto was pulled into another small adventure with his son—running, laughing, and living for the present. Even before he became Hokage, before the weight of the village and his responsibilities weighed heavily on his shoulders, moments like these were what kept him going.

When the sun began to set and they were all tired from their little race, Naruto sat with Boruto and Hinata under a tree, watching the sky shift colors. It was one of those rare, perfect moments, the kind that felt like time had slowed down just for them.

Boruto, still wide-eyed and full of energy, leaned against his father. "Tou-chan, when you become Hokage, will you still play with me like this?"

Naruto’s heart tightened a little. He wanted to promise his son that he would always be there for him, no matter how busy life got. But the truth was, he wasn’t sure what the future would bring. He didn’t know what being Hokage would demand from him, but one thing he did know was this:

"No matter what, Boruto," Naruto said, his voice steady, "I’ll always make time for you. You and Himawari are my number one priority."

Boruto smiled contentedly, as if his father’s words were all he needed to hear. "Good," he said, before yawning. "’Cause I’ll always need you, Tou-chan."

Naruto looked at his son, his small face lit by the fading sunlight. He wasn’t just a Hokage in training. He was a father, and that was the most important role he would ever have.

For now, that was enough.

Chapter 5: Snow ball fight.

The cold winter air bit at Naruto’s cheeks as he stepped outside, bundled up in his thick coat. The first snowfall of the season had come early this year, and it coated the village in a soft, sparkling blanket of white. It was one of those perfect, quiet days where the world seemed to slow down, and everything felt serene and fresh.

Hinata was the first to step out onto the porch, holding Himawari in her arms. Her breath came out in little clouds as she smiled at the sight of the snow, her eyes soft with warmth. "It’s so beautiful," she said, turning to Naruto. "I think this is the first real snow of the season."

Boruto, who had been watching from the living room window, dashed out the door before anyone could stop him, his small boots crunching in the snow. "I’m gonna make the biggest snowball ever!" he declared, grinning widely. His excitement was contagious, and before long, the whole family was out on the front yard.

Naruto chuckled, watching Boruto sprint around, gathering snow in his hands. He loved seeing his son so happy, so full of energy. The little guy had a way of turning any moment into an adventure, no matter how small.

Hinata was already kneeling down, gently packing snow in her hands as she made a small snowman with Himawari. The little girl giggled as she clapped her tiny hands together, her eyes sparkling with delight. Himawari, though still young, had a joy that was as big as her heart.

"Mommy, look!" Himawari said, her voice full of excitement as she pointed to the small snowman they’d just finished.

"That’s wonderful, Himawari," Hinata said, her smile warm and full of pride. "What do you think, Naruto? Does he need a scarf?"

Naruto’s eyes softened as he watched his wife and daughter. There were few things more heartwarming than seeing them together like this, creating memories.

Boruto, on the other hand, was already getting a head start on the snowball fight he’d been planning. He held up a snowball, his face determined. "Alright, I’m ready for battle! Tou-chan, Mom! You’re going down!"

Naruto’s grin widened. He couldn’t resist a challenge. "You think you can take me on, huh?" he teased, dusting the snow off his jacket. "I’ve been in some pretty tough fights, kid."

"Don’t underestimate me, old man!" Boruto shouted playfully, launching the snowball at Naruto. It didn’t hit, but it came close enough for Naruto to leap back, pretending to be caught off guard.

"Oh, it’s on now!" Naruto laughed, quickly scooping up a handful of snow and returning fire. The snowball hit Boruto square in the chest, sending a puff of white powder into the air.

Boruto gasped, his face lighting up with mock outrage. "Hey! That was a cheap shot, Tou-chan!"

Hinata couldn’t help but giggle from the sidelines. "Be careful, you two. Himawari’s still here," she warned, though the playful gleam in her eyes said she wasn’t too worried.

But that didn’t stop Boruto. With a mischievous smirk, he grabbed more snow and formed another snowball. "This one’s for you, Tou-chan!" He threw it, and it hit Naruto square in the face.

Naruto stumbled back dramatically, wiping the snow off his face. "Oh, that’s it, you’re gonna get it now!"

Hinata watched with amusement as her husband and son began to playfully pelt each other with snowballs. The snowball fight quickly turned into a full-on battle, with Boruto darting around and Naruto chasing after him, pretending to be much slower than he really was. It was a game of cat and mouse, and Boruto was the mouse, giggling uncontrollably as Naruto slowly caught up with him.

Meanwhile, Himawari had gotten her hands on a small snowball of her own. She toddled over to where her mother stood, looking up at her with wide eyes. "Mommy, can I throw a snowball too?" she asked, her little voice full of determination.

Hinata smiled down at her daughter, wiping a snowflake from her cheek. "Of course, Himawari. But be careful where you throw it." She gently helped her daughter form a snowball, which Himawari held out triumphantly.

Naruto and Boruto were still in the middle of their little snowball war, their laughter and shouts echoing through the yard, when suddenly, a small, soft snowball hit Naruto right on the back of his head. He froze for a moment, looking around. "Who… was that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hinata tried to suppress her laughter, but Boruto couldn’t hold it in anymore. "I think it was Himawari!" he said, pointing at her with a huge grin.

Himawari giggled, her chubby cheeks puffing out as she looked up at her father innocently. "I got you, Tou-chan!"

Naruto knelt down, a wide grin crossing his face. "You did, didn’t you? Well, looks like it’s time for a counterattack!"

Before Boruto could react, Naruto scooped up a large snowball and tossed it toward him, hitting him right in the face. "Gotcha!" Naruto laughed, laughing harder when Boruto’s face was covered in snow.

Boruto sputtered and wiped the snow off, shaking his head. "You’re so unfair, Tou-chan!"

The two of them collapsed into the snow, laughing and rolling around, their playful energy filling the air. It wasn’t just about the snowballs or the game; it was the connection, the feeling of pure joy and love that surrounded them. The village might have its dangers, its responsibilities, but in moments like this, Naruto felt like everything was perfect.

Hinata watched them, her heart swelling with happiness. This, right here, was her family. She had no idea what the future held, but as long as they were together, she was content.

Boruto, covered in snow and laughing, looked over at his father. "Tou-chan, you’re the best! You make everything fun!"

Naruto smiled widely, brushing the snow off his coat as he stood up. "Well, you’re my son, Boruto. Everything’s more fun with you around."

Himawari toddled over, her tiny boots making small crunching sounds as she approached her father. "Tou-chan," she said with a smile, holding out her hands as if to join in.

Naruto crouched down and picked her up, holding her close. "What’s up, little one?" he asked, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"I wanna play too!" Himawari said, her voice bright and full of determination. "I’m strong like you, Tou-chan!"

Naruto’s heart melted as he hugged her tighter. "You are, Himawari. Stronger than any snowstorm."

Hinata, still watching from the side, smiled warmly at the sight of her family. For a moment, it felt like the world had paused, just for them. No Hokage duties. No missions. No responsibilities.

Just the four of them, together, making memories that would last forever.

And for Naruto, there was nothing more important than that.

Chapter 6: The bond

The sun was just beginning to set, casting long shadows across the village of Konoha. The once bustling streets had quieted down, with the sounds of children playing replaced by the low hum of the evening breeze. In the Uzumaki household, the warmth of a small fire crackled in the hearth, and the scent of Hinata’s cooking drifted through the air.

Boruto sat on the floor, his small hands busy as he tried to put together one of his toy kunai sets, the little plastic weapons scattered across the carpet in front of him. His brow furrowed in concentration as he picked up each piece, trying to figure out which went where.

Naruto, having just come back from a long day of training, walked in the door, his tired muscles loosening as he stretched his arms above his head. He caught sight of Boruto immediately—his son was so serious about the simplest things, and it always made him smile.

"Hey, buddy, whatcha up to?" Naruto asked, crouching down next to him. His voice was tired, but there was always a spark of energy when he spoke to his son. Boruto looked up, his eyes lighting up at the sight of his dad, his tiny fingers still holding onto the kunai pieces.

"I’m trying to make my kunai just like yours, Tou-chan!" Boruto said, grinning. "But I need help… can you show me?"

Naruto chuckled, his heart swelling with affection for his little boy. The boy had such determination, even when it came to toys that didn’t quite match the real thing. He reached out, gently picking up one of the pieces and placing it in Boruto’s hand. "You know, when I was your age, I used to try and make my own ninja tools too," he said, remembering his own childhood fondly. "I was pretty bad at it back then, but I kept trying. That’s how you get better."

Boruto’s face lit up even more at his father’s words. He looked up at Naruto with wide eyes. "You did, Tou-chan?!"

"Yup," Naruto said with a grin. "You’ve got to practice a lot, just like when you’re learning ninjutsu. It’s all about trial and error." He moved over to sit next to Boruto on the floor, helping him adjust the pieces of the toy kunai.

Boruto looked down at the small kunai, then back up at Naruto. "But I’m not strong like you, Tou-chan… I can’t do all the stuff you can do yet. Will I ever be able to do it?"

Naruto’s smile softened, and for a moment, there was a silence between them as he gazed at his son, his little hands trying to mimic the actions of a real ninja. He placed a hand on Boruto’s shoulder, his voice low and full of warmth.

"Boruto, strength isn’t just about being able to do jutsu or fight like a grown-up. It’s about who you are inside. It’s about never giving up, no matter how hard things get." He paused, his heart heavy with the responsibility of guiding his son, knowing how much the world could test him as he grew. "And you’ve got that strength in you. I see it every day."

Boruto stared up at Naruto, his little face full of awe and admiration. The words sank deep into his heart, and he felt a rush of warmth at the thought of his father believing in him. It wasn’t just because Naruto was his father—Naruto believed in him, and that was everything.

"I will get stronger, Tou-chan!" Boruto said, his voice full of newfound determination.

Naruto smiled, ruffling his son’s hair gently. "That’s the spirit. Just remember, you don’t have to be like me. Just be you, and that’ll be more than enough."

Chapter 7: Slipping through my fingers

The sun had just begun its descent, casting long shadows over the Hidden Leaf Village as Boruto Uzumaki paced back and forth in front of the Hokage’s office. His usual smug grin was absent, replaced by a furrowed brow and tightly clenched fists. The weight of the village, the Hokage’s responsibilities, and his own need to prove himself were all heavy on his shoulders.

"Boruto," Naruto’s voice echoed behind him, a steady, familiar sound that Boruto had grown up with. But today, it didn’t bring the comfort it usually did. Instead, it felt like a gentle reminder that things had changed. "What’s going on, kid?"

Boruto turned to face him, his blue eyes fiery with frustration. "I told you, I don’t need your help, Tou-chan," he said through gritted teeth, his pride flaring up. He knew what his father was trying to do—always looking out for him, offering guidance, trying to give him a little push when it came to his training or his missions. But Boruto didn’t want help. He didn’t want to be the Hokage’s son—he just wanted to be Boruto, the ninja who could stand on his own.

Naruto stood there, his gaze softening but unwavering. "I’m not trying to help you like that, Boruto. I just don’t want you to make the same mistakes I did when I was your age."

Boruto’s fists clenched even tighter. He hated hearing that. It was always the same thing—his father talking about his past, his mistakes, his struggles. Boruto knew it wasn’t easy being Naruto Uzumaki, but it didn’t change the fact that he was still a kid, trying to find his own way.

"I’m not you, Tou-chan," Boruto snapped, his voice louder than he intended. "I’m not some little kid who needs to be coddled, okay? I can do this on my own."

Naruto’s eyes narrowed, not with anger but with something deeper—something Boruto couldn’t quite place. He had seen that look from his father before, and every time it came, it made Boruto’s stomach twist. It was a look of understanding.

"Boruto, I know you’re trying to prove something. Believe me, I get it. But you can’t do everything on your own. You’ve got to trust your friends, your teammates. And you’ve got to trust me too."

The words hit Boruto harder than he expected. There was that familiar ache in his chest—something he had buried so deep, he’d almost forgotten it. His father had always been there for him, always guiding him, and yet, in his eyes, Boruto still felt like he was chasing after something that he could never quite reach.

He turned away quickly, trying to hide the softening of his expression. "I don’t need you to baby me," he muttered, his voice quieter now.

Naruto didn’t respond right away. Instead, he moved forward and gently placed a hand on Boruto’s shoulder. It was a familiar touch, one that Boruto hadn’t realized he missed. His father’s hand was large and warm, and for a moment, it felt like everything was right in the world again.

But Boruto wasn’t ready to give in yet. He jerked his shoulder away, avoiding the contact. "Just go back to the office," he said, his voice cracking slightly. "You’ve got your Hokage work to do, right?"

Naruto’s heart dropped, but he didn’t push any further. He knew his son was struggling, even if Boruto wouldn’t admit it. "Alright," Naruto said quietly. "But I’ll always be here, Boruto. Whenever you need me."

Boruto didn’t turn around as Naruto walked away, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the silence between them. It was a strange feeling, standing there in the middle of the village, surrounded by the people who knew him as the Hokage’s son, yet still feeling utterly alone.

 

……..

The next few days passed in a blur of missions and training. Boruto’s pride kept him moving forward—always pushing, always striving to be the best. He refused to let anyone, especially his father, see the cracks in his armor. But deep down, he felt something slipping away—something that he couldn’t hold onto no matter how hard he tried.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training session with his team, Boruto found himself standing alone at the edge of the village, looking out over the vast expanse of Konoha. The sun was setting, casting the sky in shades of orange and purple, and the cool breeze ruffled his hair as he stared out into the distance. He felt something heavy in his chest—something he didn’t know how to name.

Is this what it feels like? he thought. To grow up, to be a shinobi, to carry the weight of the village on your shoulders?

He didn’t know if he could handle it. The pressure was suffocating, and every day it felt like he was falling further behind. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep pretending that he had everything under control.

"Boruto?"

He turned around quickly, his heart skipping a beat as he saw his father standing a few feet away, looking at him with that same quiet understanding. The last thing Boruto wanted was for Naruto to see him like this—weak, vulnerable, uncertain. But before he could say anything, Naruto spoke again.

"I know what you’re feeling," Naruto said softly, stepping closer. "It’s hard, right? Trying to live up to expectations… trying to find your place in the world. It’s not easy. I know."

Boruto didn’t say anything for a moment. He didn’t trust himself to speak, not when the lump in his throat was threatening to choke him.

"I’ve always been proud of you, Boruto," Naruto continued, his voice gentle. "But I also know that you’re carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do this alone. You can lean on me, whenever you need to."

Boruto finally looked at him, his eyes full of emotion that he hadn’t allowed himself to show in front of anyone else. His father’s words hit him like a ton of bricks, the weight of them overwhelming. For the first time in a long time, he realized that he didn’t have to be the perfect ninja. He didn’t have to be like his father. He didn’t have to carry everything by himself.

"I… I’m not perfect," Boruto admitted quietly, his voice barely a whisper. "I don’t know what I’m doing, Tou-chan."

Naruto’s face softened with understanding, and he reached out, placing a hand on Boruto’s shoulder once more. This time, Boruto didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned into the touch, letting his father’s presence ground him.

"You don’t have to be perfect, Boruto," Naruto said, his voice full of warmth and love. "I wasn’t perfect at your age either. But we learn. We grow. And we’re never alone in this. You’ve got me, and you’ve got your friends. And together, we can face anything."

For a long moment, they stood there, the only sound the soft rustling of the wind and the distant voices of the village. The sky above them was darkening, the stars slowly beginning to twinkle in the night.

Boruto let out a shaky breath, the weight in his chest slowly easing. It wasn’t all fixed, not by a long shot. But for the first time in a while, he felt like maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to carry it all on his own.

"You’re right," Boruto said softly. "I don’t have to do this alone."

Naruto smiled, a wide, proud grin. "You never will, Boruto. You’ll always have me."

And as they stood there together, father and son, under the endless sky, Boruto felt the connection between them that had always been there, even if he hadn’t fully realized it before. Time would keep moving forward, and Boruto would grow, change, and struggle. But as long as he had his father by his side, he knew that no matter what came his way, he’d be okay.

For the first time in a long while, he felt at peace.