Was that the Sasuke-san of this era and his parents?
But... Boruto confusedly recalled the past events his father and elders occasionally mentioned, as well as the fragments he had learned in history class at the Ninja Academy.
Wasn't Uchiha Sasuke orphaned at a very young age, losing all his relatives because of that terrible "Uchiha Massacre Night"?
This warm scene before him, with both parents present, and even the mother gently comforting her injured son... what was going on?
Space-time seemed to develop a massive, spine-chilling rift at this moment.
Adult Sasuke still stood stiffly in place, his exposed right eye locked onto the black-haired couple opposite him and the version of himself between them.
His right hand under the wide sleeve unconsciously clenched into a fist, nails digging deep into his palm, bringing a slight sting that was far from matching the overwhelming pain and sense of absurdity churning in his heart.
This world... the Konoha of this time... what exactly was going on?
And Karasuki's cold warning about "no contact" and "no influence" was like the heaviest of shackles now, strangling him until he could barely breathe.
He could only stand there like a stone statue, watching helplessly as the "past," carrying the warmth he had long since lost, slowly walked past him toward a direction he could never return to.
He also wanted to ask what was happening, but... standing beside him, Boruto could clearly feel the complex aura emanating from adult Sasuke—one that was almost tangible, a mix of immense shock, deep pain, and icy restraint.
He opened his mouth but couldn't say a word, only able to watch, equally shocked and bewildered, as the backs of the family of three from the "past" gradually receded.
Adult Sasuke had to rely on sheer willpower to tear his gaze away from the receding backs of the family of three.
He felt Boruto's rapid breathing beside him; the boy was clearly shaken by this sight that completely defied his knowledge.
They couldn't stay, couldn't draw attention, and above all... couldn't lose control.
With an unquestionable force, Sasuke grabbed Boruto's wrist tightly.
"Go." A syllable so short it was almost inaudible was squeezed from between his tightly pressed lips.
Pulling the still-dazed Boruto, he turned and almost forcibly led him away at a quick pace in the opposite direction of the family of three.
His pace was fast, even appearing somewhat hurried, not at all like the usually calm and collected Uchiha Sasuke.
They crossed the sparsely crowded streets, turned into a quiet alley, then quickly moved into another slightly wider street, making two more turns until they were sure they were far from the site of that heart-wrenching scene. Only then did Sasuke come to a sudden halt in the shadow of a corner piled with junk.
He released Boruto's hand. His only remaining right hand trembled slightly before he clenched it tightly and hid it behind his back.
His back was to Boruto, his shoulders tensed as he tried his best to calm the turbulent waves within his heart.
"It's strange," Sasuke's voice was low and raspy.
"The information from Karasuki shows that the space-time coordinates we arrived at should correspond to the reign of the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade."
"But my parents had already passed away during the Third's second term in Konoha, and for certain reasons, I wasn't even in the Village at this point in time."
"Sasuke-san, do you mean we've come to a... completely different 'past'?"
"I don't know."
Sasuke's answer was very blunt.
"But whether it's a space-time distortion or this world itself is different from the history we know, we must find out."
His eyes became sharp and firm again, the decisiveness of a Ninja overwhelming the inner chaos.
Adult Sasuke looked at Boruto: "Boruto, I'm going to investigate some things alone to confirm if certain... key time points and events exist.
Two people together are too big a target, and there are some places where it might be more appropriate for me to go alone."
"Okay."
Boruto nodded and agreed without hesitation.
"You have a mission too."
Sasuke quickly deployed him, "Use your identity and age to your advantage. Go to crowded places like the BBQ restaurant, the outskirts of the training grounds, or the marketplace, and listen to the chatter of ordinary villagers and young Ninja.
Note gathering intelligence. The key points are: Who is the current Hokage? Has anything major happened in the Village recently? And..."
He hesitated slightly, "Keep an eye out for any news about your father and his recent movements.
But remember Karasuki's warning: absolutely do not take the initiative to contact anyone directly related to you or me."
"Yes!" Boruto nodded heavily, etching the mission's key points into his mind.
"Stay alert and keep yourself hidden."
Sasuke gave his final instructions, his gaze sweeping over Boruto's young yet already resolute face.
"This world is basically completely foreign to you. Remember, safety first. If you encounter a danger you can't handle, prioritize retreat and concealment."
"I understand, Sasuke-san."
"Then..."
Sasuke looked up at the sun.
"At dusk, when the light is dimmest and visibility is most affected, we will meet there."
He raised his hand and pointed into the distance at the massive rock wall, which currently had only four statues.
"On the Hokage Rock. Near the top of the First Hokage's statue, there's a blind spot for observation."
"Yes, meet at the top of the First's head on the Hokage Rock at dusk."
Boruto lowered his voice and repeated the meeting point and time.
Sasuke nodded and gave Boruto one last deep look—a complex gaze filled with entrustment, trust, and a hint of worry.
This kid was just like his father, quite worrying to look at.
However, in Konoha, nothing major should happen.
With that, he said no more. His figure merged silently into the shadows of a nearby building like a ghost, and after a few leaps, he vanished completely, as if he had never been there.
Boruto stood alone in the shadows of the alley, taking a few deep breaths to calm his still-agitated heart.
He felt the hidden Karasuki and his ninja tool pouch, then looked down at his era-appropriate attire.
A foreign era, a strange historical deviation, a lonely investigation mission... it was all full of unknowns and risks.
But his gaze gradually grew firm.
"Alright, let's start the investigation!"
The first place Boruto thought of going was Ichiraku Ramen.
Because Dad loves Ichiraku Ramen the most. It looks like it's still morning; if I go there near lunchtime, I'll definitely see him.