Anna Karenina

Great job today, trip leader.

Iwabe, don't go running off on your own anymore.

Damn it, getting involved with that weird guy…

If we weren't around, there would've been a fight for sure.

Sorry about that.

Some people in town don't like having outsiders coming around.

No worries.

There are guys like that everywhere.

Another guy who looked pretty strong stepped in and stopped him.

Looked strong?

Hey, hey…

Never mind that. Where are we going next?

Oh…

I'm going to take you to meet someone.

Someone? Is he handsome?

Oh, c'mon, Cho-Cho!

Oh…

My, so many cute visitors.

This is Lady Mei, the previous Mizukage.

She was part of the war effort towards the end of the Great Ninja War,

and later,

helped lay the foundation for the village's growth and expansion.

Enough already. That was all in the past.

It's now the era for young people like you, not us.

Right, Kagura?

No, I…

Okay, we're here.

Excuse us.

CONTRACT KAGE

They're here.

Thank you very much.

It's nice to meet you.

I am Chojuro, the current Mizukage.

Thank you for traveling so far from the Hidden Leaf Village

to the Hidden Mist Village.

I welcome you all.

The Mizukage's Successor And so, we agreed to host your field trip…

believing that it will promote development between our villages

and strengthen goodwill.

Peace has been achieved, but in reality,

– Pay attention! – there are some shinobi who still look upon

– I know, but… – other villages as hostile entities.

Basically,

– all he wants to say is let's get along, right? – But through this field trip,

– But he's rambling on and on… – we hope those feelings will change…

Hey, c'mon!

It's like we're back in class. I'm not good with stuff like this…

What I mean is…um…

It quite all right.

It's quite tiresome, isn't it?

I think so too.

Huh?

He's right.

All I really mean is, let's all get along.

And yet, in order to express something so simple,

a long, dragged out speech is necessary…

for us adults.

That's because our villages were once foes…

And we once caused so much bloodshed that

we were once called the Blood Mist Village.

However, you are different.

You have faith that tragic histories like ours can be overcome easily,

and that a new future can be forged.

Please get along with the Hidden Mist.

And…

please enjoy yourselves and have lots of fun!

– Yes! – Yes!

Oh man, I totally got flustered—

Come on!

The trip leader shouldn't dawdle!

I know!

Oh, hold on, Kagura.

Yes, what is it?

Will you consider trying again?

My speech earlier was aimed at you.

I want someone like you to build a future with the Hidden Leaf.

In time, I want to pass it on to you.

I'm not suited to leading the village.

I must escort the students, so if you'll excuse me…

Wow! It's so amazing!

Please wait here while I check us in.

Then I'll take you around our village's notable sites.

He seems like a man who has great prospects for the future.

Huh? Are you talking about Kagura?

Who else would I be talking about?

He's considerate towards others and he's competent!

Kagura Karatachi…

He became a Hidden Mist Chunin two years ago.

It seems he's a close aide to the Sixth Mizukage.

You sure know a lot!

It's just some things I heard when I was in the Hidden Sound…

And? Anything else?

He's been chosen as a successor for

the new Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

And to be the successor of the current Mizukage's sword, Hiramekarei.

What?!

You mean, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

What's that?

You really have no interest in history, don't you?

What a drag…

Listen up.

There are Seven Hidden Mist Shinobi Swords

passed down since the First Mizukage.

The shinobi who are able to wield these mystical swords

are known as the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

From what I've heard…

Together, they are ninja capable of bringing down an entire nation.

So among the Leaf,

we're talking about someone of Advisor Kakashi's class?

Well, they're monsters…

Hmm… that guy, huh?

Then his future is picture perfect.

Finally, a man worthy of courting me!

Judging by titles, Boruto's just like him.

Titles are just titles, after all!

Potato chips are simply fried potatoes.

But they all taste different!

Thanks for waiting!

First, I'll show you around the Hidden Mist Academy.

One point!

As expected! The Hidden Mist has an amazing sword style!

Yeah…

On top of that, they're sparring on the unstable water surface.

That's crazy!

I'll say.

– Thank you very much! – Thank you very much!

What did you think?

That was amazing, ya know!

We do taijutsu too,

but our kenjutsu is nowhere near this.

Would you like to take part in a match?

Huh? Is that okay?

Kagura…

Yes.

Please be his partner.

B-But…

You are both shinobi.

To become friends,

knowing each other's strengths isn't a bad idea.

Yeah, let's do it!

Well, in that case…

Do you want the match to be on land?

Since we're in the Mist, I'll go with the flow.

I'll manage somehow.

Okay, I'm ready!

Way to go, Boruto!

He's a natural when it comes to things like this.

Go, Boruto!

Ready, begin!

I-I can't find a single opening.

Damn it.

Why doesn't he attack?

He can't.

Over the generations,

it's the strongest shinobi who becomes the Mizukage.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen are the ones closest to that rank.

I see…

So being chosen as a Seven Ninja Swordsmen means

you're already close to the strongest shinobi, huh?

Go for it, Boruto!

Boruto…

At this point, it's sink or swim!

Iwabe?

Whoa… Damn it.

You totally got me.

You're strong, Kagura!

Huh? What's the matter?

Oh, nothing…

Thank you.

But if ninjutsu had been allowed, who knows.

Tsk…

Your face says that it took no effort at all.

Not at all!

The current favored me, that's all.

He's so cool!

It's no wonder you're a candidate

to become one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

There's no one else, right?

So, is the next Mizukage going to be you, Kagura?

What's the matter, Kagura?