thefictionvixens Chapter 465 Young Sasuke and Boruto in the Land of Stars
Chapter 465 Young Sasuke and Boruto in the Land of Stars
Chapter 465 Young Sasuke and Boruto in the Land of Stars
The capital of the Star Kingdom, the Star Capital.
The morning sunlight streamed through the bright glass windows, casting a warm glow on the clean floor of a ward in the military medical area.
The air was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant, which was masked by the fresh scent emanating from a potted green plant on the windowsill and the subtle fragrance of flowers.
The room was spacious and clean, with advanced facilities, far exceeding the medical conditions of ordinary ninja villages.
Gaara slowly opened his eyes in this warm, bright, and peaceful environment.
Consciousness rose from a chaotic darkness, the first sensation being the soft touch of the bed beneath me, followed by warm, gentle light.
He blinked his dry eyes, and his vision gradually cleared from blurry.
White ceiling, simple lighting fixtures.
The air was filled with the scent of bedding and a faint, comforting fragrance.
He slowly and laboriously turned his stiff neck to look at the bedside.
A black-haired woman dressed in a dark-colored home kimono was lying beside his hospital bed, seemingly asleep.
Her profile was gentle, with a hint of weariness in her eyes. Even in her sleep, her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were worried about something.
She clasped her hands together, pressing them under her cheeks and also pressing down on one of Gaara's arms.
It's Uchiha Mikoto.
Gaara's breath hitched slightly, and his heart felt as if it had been gently squeezed by a warm hand, a little sore, a little swollen, but mostly a warm current flowing through him.
He opened his mouth, and a faint breath escaped from his parched throat.
This subtle movement seemed to disturb Mikoto's light sleep.
Her long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes.
When those weary yet still gentle black eyes met Gaara's clear, bright green eyes, worry was instantly replaced by immense joy.
"Gaara!" Mikoto sat up almost instantly, instinctively cupping Gaara's slightly pale cheeks in her hands, her voice trembling with fear.
"You're awake? How are you feeling? Is anything bothering you? Are you dizzy? Does your wound still hurt?"
A series of questions welled up like a hot spring as she carefully examined Gaara's face, as if to confirm that this was not a dream.
The dark circles under his eyes, accumulated from staying up all night, appeared particularly clear in contrast to his excitement and joy at this moment.
"Aunt Mikoto—" Gaara's voice was a little hoarse. He felt the warm and soft touch on his cheek and looked at the undisguised concern in Mikoto's eyes. For a moment, he didn't know what to say.
From childhood to adulthood, apart from his older sister Temari and older brother Kankuro, no one had ever stayed by his side like this, looking at him with such anxious and loving eyes.
It feels like "home".
It is the care of a "mother".
Mikoto seemed to realize that she was getting a little excited, so she released her hands from Gaara's face, but couldn't help gently stroking his sweaty red hair on his forehead, and then pulled his blanket up a little, her movements delicate and gentle.
"It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright." She repeated, her eyes slightly red, but she quickly put on a warm smile again.
"You've been unconscious for three days, you must be hungry, right? What would you like to eat? Auntie will make it for you. The doctor said you can only eat liquids for now, how about I make some porridge? I'll add a little of your favorite ingredients—"
Before she could finish speaking, the door to the ward was gently pushed open.
Xuejian, carrying a fruit basket full of fresh fruit, was the first to walk in.
She changed out of her battle ninja outfit and into a light red casual dress. Her medium-length brown hair was tied into a neat ponytail at the back of her head, and the freckles on her face looked a bit playful in the sunlight.
Although Yukimi's right shoulder was still wrapped in bandages, she seemed to be in good spirits, and her deep blue eyes lit up immediately when she saw Gaara sitting up.
"Oh, you're awake?" Xuejian's tone was as lively as ever.
Following behind her were Temari and Kankuro.
Temari's face showed obvious joy, and Kankuro's upturned lips also betrayed his feelings.
"Gaara!" Temari quickly walked to the bedside, carefully examining her younger brother's face. Seeing that although he looked haggard, his eyes were clear, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"You little rascal, you're finally awake! That Sasori's venom was quite troublesome; it kept you asleep for three whole days!"
"Three days?" Gaara was slightly taken aback.
His last memory was of the border of the Land of Rivers, of the sky filled with iron sand, the hideous puppets, of Teacher Yukimi beheading the enemy, and of the figures of Shisui and others who came to his rescue.
Unexpectedly, I didn't regain consciousness until three days later.
"Yes, three days." Kankuro also walked to the bedside. He looked at Mikoto, whose eyes were still a little red, and said to Gaara, "You don't know, Aunt Mikoto has been so worried these past few days. She's been staying here almost the whole time and hasn't slept much."
Upon hearing this, Gaara looked up at Mikoto again.
Mikoto smiled and waved her hand, "Don't listen to Kankuro's nonsense, I'm fine. It's good that you're awake."
But the dark circles under her eyes and the weariness on her face were undeniable.
A surge of emotion and warmth welled up in Gaara's heart, and his hand, resting on the snow-white sheets, unconsciously clenched.
This feeling of being cared for, missed, and loved without reservation was once so distant for him, but now it truly surrounds him.
From being a feared "monster" in Sunagakure to a loved member of the family in the Land of Stars, the transformation in between always evokes a sense of unreality and a deep sense of cherishing.
"Sasuke—I really envy you—" Gaara thought to himself.
Xuejian placed the fruit basket on the bedside table, walked to the window, and with a "whoosh," pulled open the half-closed curtains.
The brighter, warmer sunlight streamed in instantly, illuminating the entire ward and dispelling the last trace of gloom.
"Getting some sunshine is good for your recovery." Xuejian turned around and leaned against the windowsill.
She smiled at Gaara and answered the question that had been interrupted earlier: "You asked about that immortal guy? Well, he's back. But as soon as he got back, the research department guys who rushed over took him away."
She shrugged, the movement aggravating her shoulder injury, causing her to grimace: "Hiss—now—"
"I bet it's being studied by those mad scientists in some of the most heavily guarded underground labs in the capital."
She paused, then added, "After all, true immortality has very high research value."
Gaara recalled Yukimi-sensei's decisive and stunning smoke-transformation counterattack before he fell unconscious.
"Oh, right, I have some good news." Temari bent down, leaned close to Gaara's ear, and whispered excitedly in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Although you were injured on this mission, you successfully repelled the Akatsuki members and even captured that enemy named Hidan alive. The military awarded you a very high number of merit points!"
Gaara's emerald green eyes widened slightly.
Military merit points are a very important resource in the Land of Stars, and can be exchanged for ninjutsu, secret techniques, high-level ninja tools, and even the opportunity to train with specific Jonin.
Temari lowered her voice, tinged with amusement: "Furthermore, given your outstanding performance and accumulated merits in previous missions, Lord Shura has specially approved and officially bestowed upon you the title of 'Special Jonin'! The official document should be issued soon."
Special Jonin!
Gaara's heart skipped a beat, and he gripped the sheets even tighter.
This wasn't because of nervousness, but because of excitement, because of a real sense of being recognized.
Back in Sunagakure, he was a Jinchūriki, a weapon. Everyone avoided him like he was a monster. Even though he was only five or six years old and his strength already surpassed that of many Chunin, he never received any real honor.
In the Star Kingdom, everything is decided by strength and merit.
Special Jonin – this is not just a title, but also a recognition of his hard work!
More importantly————
Having this identity, along with the accumulated military merit points, meant that he possessed more authority and resources.
Some applications that were previously difficult to submit may now be possible to try.
For example—applying for a visitation with the former fourth Kazekage who was under house arrest by the Star Kingdom.
His father, Luo Sha.
A thought that had been buried deep in his heart for a long time suddenly became intense.
He wanted to ask the truth himself, the truth that had troubled him for years and left a scar on his heart.
Why did his beloved uncle, Yashamaru, try to assassinate him back then?!
On a sweltering summer afternoon in Star City, the blazing sun shone brightly, illuminating this most prosperous metropolis in the ninja world.
Unlike traditional ninja villages that rely on strategic locations and feature low, compact buildings, the Star City's layout is full of modernity and order.
Wide, straight asphalt roads crisscross, dividing the streets into neat blocks. On both sides of the roads, high-rise buildings of different shapes but in harmony rise from the ground, their glass curtain walls reflecting the sunlight and gleaming. Carefully manicured green belts dot the landscape, adding a touch of vibrant greenery to the concrete jungle.
A silver-gray metal pedestrian bridge spans the main road that runs through the central business district.
On the overpass, a boy named Boruto, with blond spiky hair, wearing a black jacket and gray shorts, leaned forward, his hands gripping the railing, curiously looking down at the endless stream of cars below.
His eyes widened, his azure pupils filled with amazement and wonder.
On the main road below, not only do all kinds of four-wheeled vehicles speed by, but occasionally larger buses with uniform markings also travel smoothly. You can even see trams running along fixed tracks, clanging and jingling, carrying a full carriage of passengers, slowly heading into the distance.
The sounds of car horns, trams rubbing against the tracks, and the distant urban clamor blended together to create a vibrant and bustling background soundscape that Boruto had never experienced before.
"This is amazing!" Boruto couldn't help but mutter.
Compared to the Konoha Village in his memory, although there were also many high-rise buildings, the Star Capital was larger in scale and more futuristic in its technology!
He even saw some pedestrians holding palm-sized light panels, swiping them with their fingers as they walked, and he didn't know what they were doing.
On both sides of the overpass are even more bustling pedestrian shopping streets.
A dazzling array of shop signs vie for attention, a giant electronic screen displays animated videos, and stylishly dressed men and women throng the street, their laughter, the music playing from the shops, and the shouts of salespeople creating a sea of joy.
The air was filled with the aroma of food, the richness of coffee, and a faint scent of perfume.
Boruto, unable to contain his curiosity, turned around and glanced behind him.
At the entrance of the overpass near the commercial street, two figures were walking slowly.
Walking in front was Menma, who had invited them here.
He changed into a comfortable black hooded tracksuit, put his hands in his pockets, lowered his head slightly, his black bangs swayed slightly in front of his forehead, and his lips were slightly upturned, looking casual and relaxed, blending in like a passerby in this bustling city.
Following half a step behind Menma was the young Sasuke.
He was still wearing his familiar dark-colored stand-up collar coat, with a grass sword slung across his back. His purple Rinnegan was slightly obscured by his bangs, but the black eye that was visible was quietly observing everything around him.
High-rise buildings, traffic, pedestrians, and all the details revealed in the operation of this city.
Boruto saw the two of them and immediately waved excitedly. Then, without waiting for them to slowly walk over, he plunged headfirst into the surging crowd under the overpass.
He moved like a nimble fish, weaving through the gaps in the bustling crowd, his golden head appearing and disappearing, only to be quickly swallowed up by the colorful flow of people.
"Master! Over here! Over here!" Not long after, Boruto's energetic voice came from the doorway of a shop not far ahead.
He jumped up and down, trying to emerge from the crowd, waving vigorously in the direction of Menma and young Sasuke, his face beaming with pure curiosity and excitement.
Young Sasuke looked at Boruto's boisterous and energetic demeanor with a sense of helplessness.
Menma chuckled softly and walked unhurriedly toward Boruto's direction.
Sasuke silently followed.
Soon, the three met up and entered the busier pedestrian street, which was closed to vehicles.
The streets are lined with shops, their windows displaying all sorts of goods, from the latest civilian-use scientific ninja tools to exquisite traditional handicrafts, from fragrant local snacks to bookstores exuding the scent of ink—you name it, they have it.
People dressed in colorful clothes strolled among the crowd, most with relaxed and happy expressions on their faces. Children chased and laughed, couples walked hand in hand, and the elderly sat on benches by the street, basking in the sun and chatting.
A sense of peace, abundance, and hope permeates the air.
Boruto was completely mesmerized, his head spinning like a rattle-drum, occasionally letting out exclamations of "Wow!" and "Oh!"
He would linger by the window of a shop selling novelty toys, and then be drawn in by the aroma of takoyaki wafting from it, looking every bit like a country boy visiting the city.
Suddenly, he stopped in front of a beverage shop that was quite spacious and brightly decorated.
A prominent sign stands at the entrance of the store, with the four artistic characters "Wanxiang Sweet Drinks" written on it, and cute cartoon characters drawn next to it.
"? It's Wanxiang Sweet Drinks!" Boruto exclaimed in surprise, pointing at the sign.
"They even have a branch in Konoha! I never imagined this was the main store!"
The flagship store of "Wanxiang Sweet Drinks" in front of us is much larger than the Muye branch, covering an area of more than 200 square meters. The two-story design is open and airy, and the huge floor-to-ceiling windows allow for an unobstructed view of the bright environment inside.
The first floor is the ordering area and some seating. At this moment, there is a queue of moderate length, mostly young men and women, as well as parents with children.
The second floor is divided into different booth areas, as well as a children's play area surrounded by colorful cushions and toys. Several younger children were playing and having fun inside, while their parents sat on the side seats, drinking and watching over them, creating a warm atmosphere.
Menma walked over to Boruto, followed his gaze, and smiled knowingly: "Want a drink? I heard they've got some pretty good new drinks lately."
Boruto immediately turned his head, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Menma, nodding repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice: "Yes! Of course I want to!"
"Master, what would you like to drink?" He looked eagerly at the dazzling drink menu.
Young Sasuke didn't follow. He stood a few steps away, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd on the pedestrian street.
His focus was not on goods and buildings, but on people, the ordinary people of this Star Kingdom.
Their clothes may not be luxurious, but they are neat and appropriate; their faces may show signs of weariness from life, but their eyes are bright, their steps are light, and they talk to each other in a relaxed and natural manner, with genuine smiles.
This was completely different from what he had seen in cities of other countries during his many years of travel in the ninja world.
There was more numbness, vigilance, the hardship of struggling to survive, the exploitation by nobles and officials, and the lingering fear under the shadow of war.
But here—it's like two different worlds.
"Whatever, it's fine." Sasuke snapped out of his thoughts and replied casually when Boruto's question drifted over.
He wasn't used to these sweet drinks, but seeing Boruto's expectant eyes, he ultimately didn't refuse.
"Alright!" Boruto, having received permission, immediately headed to the order counter with great enthusiasm.
He stood on tiptoe, pointing to the pictures on the menu, and chatted with the smiling waitress.
Mianma stood aside, occasionally offering advice.
In the end, Boruto ordered himself a signature taro bubble tea with plenty of toppings; he ordered a refreshing lemon tea for Menma; and he also ordered Sasuke a latte, which he thought was the most "adult-like".
A few minutes later, the three of them, each with their own drinks, sat down on a bench made from the edge of a flower bed on the side of the pedestrian street.
The flowerbed was planted with brightly colored, unidentified flowers, which were blooming beautifully in the sunlight.
With their backs to the bustling street scene and facing a slightly quieter side street on the other side, they enjoyed a rare, leisurely afternoon.
Boruto took a big sip of milk tea, squinted his eyes contentedly, and stuffed his cheeks full of pearls.
Mianma leisurely sipped his lemon tea, his gaze casually falling on passersby, his expression relaxed.
Sasuke held the still-steaming latte, not drinking it immediately, but simply enjoying the warmth emanating from the paper cup, his gaze still scrutinizing as he observed the daily details of this strange country.
Just then, a steady engine sound came from afar.
A square vehicle painted in blue and white with red and blue warning lights on its roof slowly drove along the side road in front of them and finally stopped at the intersection not far away.
"It's a patrol car," Menma explained casually.
Boruto looked around curiously.
Young Sasuke's gaze sharpened slightly as he looked at the three "police officers" who had gotten out of the driver's and passenger's seats.
They wore uniform dark blue uniforms with light gray bulletproof vests over them, and armed belts around their waists with walkie-talkies, batons, and other equipment hanging from them.
What caught young Sasuke's attention was the squad leader, who was wearing the dark blue Uchiha clan uniform under his outer garment!
The main color is dark blue, the design is high-necked, and even on the sleeves where the cuffs are rolled up, a red and white flame fan emblem is clearly embroidered!
Members of the Uchiha clan, dressed in their clan uniforms, walked openly in broad daylight as police officers maintaining order.
Young Sasuke felt as if an invisible finger had plucked a string in his heart.
He couldn't help but think of the Uchiha clan in his own time.
He remembered that when he was very young, the Uchiha clan controlled the Konoha police force, but it was more like a form of isolation and surveillance. There was a deep divide between the clan members and ordinary villagers, and they were wary of each other. An invisible oppression permeated the air around the clan's territory.
And here—
The police officer, who was originally from the Uchiha clan, was seen patrolling the streets with two team members, casually nodding to the shopkeepers on the roadside.
A young employee at an ice cream shop even smiled and offered them several chilled drinks, but they were politely but firmly refused.
The police officers simply accepted the iced water that the shopkeeper had placed at the entrance for passersby, thanked him, and drank a few sips.
Several more people who looked like tourists from out of town came up to ask for directions. The police officers patiently gave them directions, and the communication between the two sides was smooth, with a calm attitude and even a hint of familiarity.
Although there was vigilance, there was no alienation, no atmosphere of being isolated on the margins or regarded as an outsider.
The Uchiha clan members here are ordinary members of this bustling city, maintaining order and serving its people.
They blended harmoniously with their surroundings and with ordinary citizens.
This scene had a far greater impact on young Sasuke than the skyscrapers and bustling traffic.
His fingers tightened unconsciously around the coffee cup.
A complex emotion flickered in his deep black eyes.
There was surprise, doubt, sorrow, and a faint sense of comfort.
So, it turns out that the Uchiha clan members can live such a wonderful life in this time and space?
Boruto also noticed the police officers. He bit his straw and asked indistinctly, "Are those the police department people?"
It seems a bit different from the Konoha Police Department.
Menma nodded, took a sip of lemon tea, and explained, "Yes, this is the police force responsible for internal security in the Star Kingdom."
"In terms of organization, a patrol team is typically formed by a ninja serving as the squad leader, paired with several ordinary people who have undergone rigorous training in combat, weaponry, and discipline, in addition to the standard scientific ninja tools they are issued."
He gestured to the police officers' short, sophisticated-looking equipment at their waists.
"It's more than enough to handle ordinary security incidents, or even threats at the level of a single Chunin."
Upon hearing this, Sasuke and Boruto looked closely and indeed discovered that, in addition to their standard equipment, the police officers had some scientific ninja tools faintly visible on their wrists and waists.
Just as they were observing the police, the curtain of a small pub next door, with a dark curtain partially obscuring the interior, was suddenly and roughly pulled open from the inside.
A female ninja with short, neat black hair and a beautiful face, but with a hint of helplessness, helped a tall woman with unsteady steps and flowing blonde hair to walk out.
The blonde woman's cheeks were flushed, her eyes were glazed, and she had clearly drunk quite a bit. She was mumbling something incoherently.
Her clothes were slightly open, revealing her delicate collarbone, and she was almost hanging on the black-haired female ninja.
A pink, round little pig followed at their feet, grunting softly.
The black-haired female ninja struggled to support her companion, while muttering a complaint in a low voice: "Lady Tsunade, I told you to drink less—but you still accepted the seminar scheduled by the Star Country's medical department this afternoon—"
Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, her voice slurred with drunkenness: "Enough, enough—mute—this mere seminar—"
belch----"
As she spoke, her body swayed again, almost causing Jingyin, who was supporting her, to fall as well.
Shizune quickly steadied herself, her face full of helplessness. Out of the corner of her eye, she suddenly caught sight of Menma and the other two sitting by the flower bed not far away.