Anna Karenina

It's been several weeks since that time,

and the strange power in my eye stopped activating.

Is it because the Ghost is gone…or?

Boruto…?

Hurry and eat your breakfast, or you'll be late!

I'll be right there, ya know!

Oh well, whatever.

THOUSAND HAND PARK FREE ADMISSION "A New Path"

"A New Path"

Over here! Over here!

Everything's back to normal here, huh?

It was such a drag.

So, what happened to Sumire Kakei?

She confessed about everything.

I see…

One thing still sticks…

What made her stop at the very last minute?

It was Boruto…

To be more exact, all her friends at the Academy.

She had been all alone for so long.

The life she had with her friends was really fun for her.

What?

So that's what it was?

There were students from the Academy at the scene?

No.

She experienced Nue's power firsthand.

Maybe the terrifying thought of destroying

the village that holds the memories of her friends, stopped her.

Is that really it?

I'm sure that…

Okay, I understand.

Children can't choose their parents.

But they can choose their friends.

Thank you!

I'm glad…

That we approved her admission into the Academy.

Yeah.

About that…

Letting her stay on at the Academy might cause a strain.

SAFETY FIRST

3 PEOPLE, ONE TEAM

3 PEOPLE, ONE TEAM Construction at the school will be completed soon.

In other words, that spells the end of having classes out here.

Finally, we're free from being out here!

So today, we'll be forming new three-man teams.

Are you saying we'll be in different teams from the ones we formed before?

Yes.

We'll try different formations

to find which members will be compatible as a team after graduation.

What about Class Rep…

I mean, Miss Kakei?

She's been absent for so long.

We don't know when she'll return.

Until she's physically better,

it's impossible for her to participate in shinobi training.

Is it possible that she's quitting the Academy?

I…don't know.

The only thing we can do is wait.

Anyway, we'll be forming teams

with whoever is in attendance for today.

I understand.

I tried to go and visit her, but we were turned away.

Maybe Sensei's right and we should leave her alone.

After you team up, confirm each of your formations.

We'll be starting practical training from tomorrow.

Who should we choose this time?

I'm teaming up with you, Boruto.

Again?

Isn't there anyone else you can choose?

I want to keep watching you up close.

I knew you'd say that.

But right now, only Mitsuki and Iwabe can keep up with you, Boruto.

Who are you gonna team up with?

Denki and I are teaming up.

Huh?

For real?

Yeah, Iwabe asked me.

Got a problem with that?

Well then, maybe we should ask Shikadai?

Sorry, Boruto. I'm already on a team.

Hey! You guys are the Ino-Shika-Cho trio!

I didn't see why we had to be on the team

just because our parents were,

so I kept avoiding it all this time.

I know that our jutsu compatibility isn't bad…

Besides, some comedy groups aren't friends at all,

but as long as their skills and talent are on point…

There's a little bit of underlying tension that's good for our relationship!

So, for you guys, this is kind of the ultimate match up!

It's a drag, on all fronts.

Well, too bad.

Let's go check out the others.

By the way, I already asked Sarada.

I see…

You'll be the front man, with Sarada and Denki assisting?

How did you know?

Your end goal is simple.

But it's not bad.

R-Really?

No luck here either, huh?

What about Metal?

Oh, he's not bad.

When he controls his nervousness, he's really strong!

Personally, I wanted to ask the Class Rep.

Since she's strong.

Hey, Mitsuki!

Don't say it so loud.

That's right.

The Ghost hasn't appeared since then.

Yeah.

My eye stopped activating too.

Once the Leaf Police took over, there was nothing left for us to do.

I guess the case is closed.

I wonder how the Class Rep is doing…

She committed treason against the village.

It's probably impossible for her to return to the Academy.

No way!

She's definitely gonna return.

How do you know?

Because the Class Rep is the Class Rep.

What's that mean?

Anyway, what happens will be up to the grown-ups.

The grown-ups, huh?

Hey…

What are you gonna do about our third member?

PERSEVERANCE AND HARD WORK

The report on Sumire Kakei just came in.

Yes…

She's currently under the Leaf Police's custody

to prevent contact with other Foundation survivors.

When will she be returning to the Academy?

Ultimately, she'll probably fall under protective surveillance…

But whether they'll allow

a student who caused such a disturbance back into the Academy is…

I'll watch over her.

If she's allowed back into the Academy,

I'd like to take her under my wing.

I understand how you feel.

Then—!

Hold on.

The issue is how she herself feels.

She's in an extremely tough position right now.

And if she doesn't want to come back…

I'm going to go see her now.

Because I'm her homeroom teacher.

I'm home!

– Welcome back! – Welcome back!

Oh, welcome back!

Dad! How come you're here?!

What's wrong with me being here?

Even I get to come home early sometimes.

Huh?

What's the matter?

Dad…

There's something I wanna ask you.

What is it?

You rarely ask me anything.

It's about a friend from my class…

Oh, you mean Sumire Kakei?

She got hurt and she's recuperating, right?

No, not that!

I know what she did, ya know!

Himawari, can you come help me with dinner?

Okay!

The Class Rep is our friend.

I know that.

She's in a difficult spot right now.

But let me handle this.

I won't let her down.

Then let her return to the Academy!

I can't answer that right now.

Why not?

You're the Hokage, aren't you, Dad?!

Being the Hokage doesn't mean I can do whatever I please.

I have to consider the welfare of the entire village.

Don't worry.

Like I said, I won't let her down.

But try not to stick your nose into dangerous situations.

What's that supposed to mean?!

When I do something, I do it, ya know!

Dinner's ready!

All right.

Something smells really good!

Hey wait!

Let's eat before the food gets cold.

Just listen to what I have to say, stupid old man!

Are…

Are you feeling better?

Yes.

Sensei…

I know that what I did was unforgiveable.