The What and Birthday Parties

"All work and no play makes (Jack) a dull man" Jack Torrance - The Shinning

A few weeks later

It's been a few weeks since the arrest of the Byakuya Gang. Things have changed, not really. For example, Shikadai has now been training hard on his clan jutsu's, and from what I've heard, that he's been visiting Ryogi. They would play Shogi and would converse about their lives.

I, too, have visited Ryogi from time to time, but it was mostly at midnight. I could laugh at myself as I would remember that I would surprise Ryogi, in my form. We'd usually talk about his past as I revealed that I looked at his memories, including his parents' murder. It was a surprise for him but he would talk about how he felt and I was there to comfort him.

He was suffering from those events, but now he's getting better and more open about it. Makes me feel helpful, but now I rarely visit and I could guess that he'll understand, somewhat. Ever since the crew at Grillby's revealed themselves to me. I have been focused on them, which caused some concerns from my team. But now I'm getting used to them, and they're more fun to be around. John, uh, I mean Dogamy 'God it'll take a while for me to get used to their names' is can get overexcited and it makes me laugh at his antics.

Dogaressa is a caring person and would look over everyone during the aftermath of a brawl. And these brawls would occur with Greater and Lesser Dog, which I may sometimes instigate after a game of cards. But Doggo is an enigma to the crew, he's not usually talkative and when we bring him to conversations, he tries to say his opinion on something and go back to his introverted self. And he's mostly blind, so he gets interested or excited when something moves.

"Dammit Boruto, I've been calling you for the last minute" screamed a female voice I knew too well.

"Hai Sarada!" I yelled in slight fear.

"Just wanted to let you know that our day is over, you baka" Sarada stated, pushing up her glasses.

"Ok, see ya later," I said and we all went our ways.

"Oh my, Shino-sensei how are you doing" I heard a woman's voice shout from behind.

Looking back I could see a kunoichi with the orange hair that was put to two tails to the side. 'Moegi-sensei, what's she doing here' I thought. I began to walk towards her until I saw two more shinobi's join at her side. One of which was Konohamaru-sensei and team 5's sensei, Udon. 'What's going on here I thought while hiding to the side.

"Oh hello there, Moegi and you two as well," Shino sensei said as he approached them.

"How have you been with your team?" Shino questioned.

"It's been good, especially with the chunin exams coming up," Konohamaru said.

'The what?' I wondered as I began to get a bit closer to hear them.

"Ah, yes the chunin exams. Do you think that your team is ready?" Shino asked.

"Yeah, especially due to my genin's teamwork" Moegi boasted.

"Ah yes, Shikadai, ChoCho, and Inojin" Shino stated.

"Ah, Shikadai, the heir of the Nara clan, I remember when he was in the academy. He was lazy, unmotivated, but now he's taking his training seriously. Then there's ChoCho, heir of the Akamichi clan has also improved on her jutsu. And lastly Inojin, heir of the Yamanaka clan, he's also improved with his father's Super Beast Scroll."

"Not only that but he's been practicing on his mother's jutsu" Moegi added.

"Ah, yes. I'm certain that your team will do good in the exams" Shino stated.

"Heh, my team has also gotten better" Udon stated.

"Yes, Denki Kaminari, heir of the Kaminarimon Company, during his time at the academy he began to improve drastically. Even now has he improved drastically over the past few months. Then there's Metal Lee, son of Rock Lee, he is very good at Taijutsu just like his father. But his mental confidence, uh not so much. Last is Iwabe, a repeater of the academy, and thanks to Boruto, he passed. And he is constantly improving on orders and discipline."

"Then there's the troublesome team" Moegi and Udon stated together.

"Hey what do you mean? My team is just uh... special" Konohamaru gritted as he couldn't help from keeping a smile approaching his face.

"First is Sarada, though not a troublemaker, can deliver punches that can obliterate anything. She should be more careful about those attacks but other than that she excels on ninjutsu. Then there's Mitsuki, the mysterious one."

"Yeah tell me about it, I don't even know what Mitsuki is or what he enjoys" Konohamaru stated.

"Wait, you haven't heard about Mitsuki" Shino stated in shock.

"What, what is it about him," Konohamaru said.

"Nothing. Anyways" "Hey!" "the last one is trouble himself Boruto. Very tenacious helps other people, does things his ways. People like him tend to quit easily from anything hard in life. But other than that, he has a way of bringing people together and inspire them"

"Yeah, even so, I think my team is ready for the chunin exams," Udon said, with Moegi nodding her head behind him.

"What about you Konohamaru?" Shino asked.

"Uh, well let's talk about it at my favorite restaurant," Konohamaru said.

"Huh, that place again, you sure you're not a clone of lord 7th" Moegi berated.

"I don't think so, but what are we waiting for let's go," Konohamaru said and then began to walk away. Then everyone began to follow him to this restaurant that he enjoys.

'Huh, but what are the chunin exams' I thought as I jumped through the roofs following Konohamaru.

At a Random Restaurant

"More Sake please" Konohamaru shouted.

"Come on, your not going to let your team participate" Moegi shouted in surprise.

'What!' I thought as I was sitting on the roof of the restaurant, listening to their conversations.

"Of course not, if they fail, the exam it'll crush them" Konohamaru reasoned.

"Then how come they're not crushed by all the missions they've been through" Moegi countered.

"I don't matter..." Konohamaru became quiet as the entrance of the restaurant opened and inside arrived Hanabi.

'Big sis Hanabi' I yelled in my head.

"Ah Hanabi, you agree right?" Konohamaru asked.

"Uh, am I interrupting something," Hanabi asked, sweat protruding on her forehead?

"Hanabi, come and join us and listen to Konohamaru's dilemma" Moegi ushered.

"Oh" was all that Hanabi could say and then sat down on a stool near Konohamaru.

Later

*gulp, gulp, gulp*

"Ah, I agree with you Konohamaru," Hanabi said, putting her glass of Sake down on the table.

"What, you can't be serious" Moegi uttered in disbelief.

"Yeah, I just don't want Boruto to be hurt" Hanabi added.

"Come on. Udon helps me here" Moegi said, but was only met with silence as Udon was knocked out, drunk.

"Thanks for the help" Moegi added.

"See, you understand me Hanabi. I just love it when Boruto calls me 'Big bro Konohamaru'. It always reminds me of when I called lord 7th 'Big brother Naruto' and that Naruto left Boruto in my care" Konohamaru shouted.

Standing up Hanabi responded with "Konohamaru, I am very much pleased that you care for Boruto. Oh, just thinking of him being hurt and all fills me with dread. And he's such a nice kid whenever he would visit the clan compound he would call me 'Big sis Hanabi'. But now he hasn't visited in a while"

"Ok so you don't want Boruto to be hurt, sounds kind of biased" Moegi teased.

"Fine, call me biased or even overprotective but I will never let anything bad happen to Boruto" Konohamaru shouted as he and Hanabi slapped each other on the hands.

"Huh, it's useless for you huh," Moegi said, giving herself a drink.

"What about you Shino-sensei," Hanabi asked, ignoring Moegi.

"I think that Boruto should choose what he thinks" Shino answered.

"Come on don't you care for Boruto. Here have a drink" Hanabi urged, holding a glass toward Shino.

"Uh, I don't drink"

"Come on, don't you care about Boruto," Hanabi said, pushing the glass at Shino's face.

'Aw she cares about me' I thought still in my hiding spot on the roof. I could smile at their antics for caring for me but should've been there a little earlier before I changed.

"Yes, I do..." Shino tried to answer until Hanabi 'accidentally tripped and pour the alcohol into Shino's mouth.

"Oh my, are you alright Shino-sensei," Moegi asked.

Sitting up, Shino's face began to turn red and little bugs began to emerge from his body.

'I'm out of here I thought as I teleported back to my room at my house.

A good thing too, as Shino's bugs erupted and spread everywhere around the area.

A few days later

*yawn*

Getting up, I stretched my arms to the air, my eye's adjusting to the morning sun. Once I was done stretching my arms, I flexed my toes and got off the bed. I put on my slippers, and shorts and I would have put on my shirt, but I heard a knock on my door.

"Huh," I asked.

"It's me Onii-chan" replied Himawari from the other side of the door.

"Ok, hang on," I said.

Walking to my door, I unlocked it and let my sister inside. Looking out one more time, I closed the door and went back to my bed. As I sat down, I was tackled by a hug from my sister.

"Woah, what's with the sudden hug Himawari?" I asked.

"Did you forget Onii-chan? It's your birthday." Himawari responded, hugging me tighter.

'Oh crap, it is my birthday I thought as I mentally slapped myself for forgetting such an event. Focusing on my sister who continued to hug me, I hugged her back and gently pushed her off. She understood what I wanted and let go, with my body no longer occupied, I put on my shirt and jacket. Getting up from my bed again, I headed to the door with my sister following. Opening it, I activated my Henge and began to walk to the dining room.

Entering the dining room I could see my mom cooking breakfast. 'Not having that. Sorry mom' I thought as I sat on the couch.

"Good morning Mama" Himawari shouted.

"Oh Good morning Himawari and you too, Boruto," Mom said in response.

I nodded to her in return and began to head for the door. Opening it I heard my mom shout from the kitchen "Happy birthday Boruto".

"Thank you" I shouted and closed the door, running to where my team usually hangout.

Time skip/ dawn

'Man, I'm almost late' I thought as I was running back to my house. Quickly jumping to the roofs, I could see the roof of my house and run faster. Finally entering my house, I was surprised to see not only my mom and Himawari but Mitsuki and Sarada with Aunt Sakura.

"Surprise!" everyone shouted.

I nearly jumped but I did smile in response. And they too were smiling as well. I came up to Mitsuki and we gave each other a high five, which we've been practicing. And I looked at Sarada and Aunt Sakura and nodded at them. Sarada giggled and Aunt Sakura just smiled some more.

"What are you guys doing," I asked.

"What does it look like baka, we're celebrating your birthday" Sarada responded.

"Well yeah, I know that. But I didn't expect you to join. I thought you'd be busy" I said.

"Well you're in luck, we didn't have anything to do so you're stuck with us, whether you like it or not" Sarada explained, getting close to my face. Backing off a little, my face turning hot for a second but I paid no mind to it.

"Well, here you go Boruto" Mom said as she put a cake on the table.

"Woah" I gushed at the cake.

"Hehe, I and mom were busy the whole day preparing the cake," Himawari said, jumping from excitement.

"And I think papa will join us soon" Himawari continued.

"Oh wow," I asked, generally surprised. 'Dad has never had time for anything. So I doubt it' I thought.

"Ha, I doubt it but ok," I said sitting down on the table.

They too joined in on the table and began to eat. My mom would question why I wouldn't eat, so I explained to her that I ate before the party because I didn't expect people to visit. She would nod in understanding and would go back to conversing with my teammates and Aunt Sakura. When they were talking, I was looking at the clock near the dining area, watching it tick away.

*ring, ring*

Raising my head, I looked to where the phone was. Getting up my mom, rushed to the phone and answered.

"Yes"

"Oh, he won't be here"

"I'm sorry to hear"

"Yes I understand"

After that, she put down the phone and looked at me, worried. I knew what that means, so I got up and said my thanks to those who joined.

"Boruto wait" I heard Sarada call out but I ignored her as I entered my room. Closing the door, I went back to my desk area and sat down, with my head in my arms. 'I should've known' I berated myself for getting my hopes up. Feeling tear's emerging from my eyes I began to wipe them until I heard a knock on my door.

"Boruto" Sarada called from the other side.

"Yeah" I called out, leaning in my chair.

"Can I come in" she answered.

"Yeah" I called to her.

Opening the door, letting the light inside, Sarada came inside with a worried face. Seeing that I'm not doing anything, she let herself inside my room.

"Boruto, I'm sorry about your dad. It must be really important for him to miss your birthday" Sarada reasoned.

"Yeah, important for him to back out on my birthday" I responded.

"Boruto, please," Sarada said.

"Please what, Sarada! What! I've tried to be patient with him. I've tried asking him to take it easy and come home. But no! He's never done anything to change it" I yelled at her, getting up into her face.

Taking a breath from my outburst, I sat back down on my chair.

"Boruto" she whispered.

I paid no attention to her. Getting up from my chair I headed to my bed and sat on it, tapping my foot on the ground.

I looked at Sarada again, and this time she had a determined look. She walked towards me and I expected the worse, but no. She came in front of my face and began to hug me. 'What' I yelled inside my head as Sarada began to hug me tighter.

"S-Sarada w-what are you doing" I stuttered.

"What does it look like, I'm hugging you" she responded.

Realizing that my arms weren't restrained, I thought of nothing as I just hugged her back. Leaning up further, I put my head on her shoulder and continued to hug her like no tomorrow. She too leaned into me and here we are both hugging each other.

She let go, and somewhere inside me, I didn't want her to go. Getting up, her face red, and walked to the door.

"I want to let you know, Boruto, that I'll be there for you. I know what it feels like when your father's not home." She said and then closed the door.

I was left here on my bed looking on, my mouth gaping open. 'That feeling when she hugged me. It felt so...so. I-I think I...' I couldn't finish my thought as I slapped myself. Getting up I decided to ignore that feeling, for now, and do something. 'I'm going to Grillby's. But that feeling. I can't stop thinking about it. I think I do...' again ignoring it I teleported to Grillby's

Grillby's

"Ah, Boruto how are you doing," Grillby said, cleaning a glass with his fire hands. 'How has he not burn the place down I thought.

"Could be better" I responded.

"What happened," Grillby asked.

"Nothing"

"Don't lie, you're bad at it anyways" Grillby challenged.

"*sigh* My dad didn't arrive at my birthday, so I'm kind of in a pissed-off mood, ok" I answered.

"Well, I'm sorry for you..."

Grillby couldn't answer as Dogamy interrupted "It's your birthday!"

"Uh, yes it is" I answered.

"Then what the hell are you doing. Acting all sad, well let's celebrate. Come on guys" Dogamy yelled.

"Wait" was all I could say as I was suddenly lifted from my seat.

"Hey, now we don't need to do this" I reasoned but it didn't do anything as they sat me down next to Doggo.

"Does this always happens?" I asked Doggo.

"Mostly, hopefully, they won't steal a cake from a kids birthday party" Doggo responded.

"Steal what..." I said but then Lesser Dog sat next to me.

"So what else is on your mind," He asked, nudging my shoulder.

"Uh, nothing much" I answered.

"Nothing much, seeing you daydreaming something sure isn't nothing much" Lesser Dog questioned.

"Well, it's my teammate, Sarada. When I was in my room when I got the news that my dad won't attend the party, she was the only one to comfort me. She hugged me and I hugged her back and I can't get that feeling when we were hugging off my mind" I said.

"Damn, a birthday and a crush" Lesser Dog whopped.

"Huh," I said.

"Don't you get it? You liker her don't you" Doggo intervened.

"What n..."

"Don't deny it. Look, do you feel like you didn't want her to go. To stay near you" Doggo asked.

"Well, yeah" I answered.

"There you have it, you like her simple as that" Doggo concluded.

'No, it can't be, right? I and Sarada hate each other and always fight. But that feeling, no, no. Ah crap, it's true, they were right. I do like Sarada' I finally agreed in my mind.

I just sighed and accepted the fact, but now I guess I have a whole night to celebrate at Grillby's. And that's what we did throughout the night avoiding my thoughts on Sarada.

The next day at the Hokage tower

*yawn*

"Are you tired Boruto?" Mitsuki asked.

Looking to my right, I could Mitsuki standing near me with a blank face.

"Yeah, didn't get much sleep" I responded.

"Oh" was all Mitsuki said and went back to being silent. Seeing that no one was doing anything, I began to mope about yesterday's party. It was fun, the card games, the drinks but only ketchup for me, and then Sarada.

"Boruto, what are you thinking about?" asked Shikadai who was walking towards me with Inojin as his side.

"Nothing much" I responded.

"Well, think about this. The chunin exams are coming up and our sensei may recommend us to participate. If that happens, I'm going to attend. It may be a drag, but I'll become a chunin much quicker to get it done" Shikadai said.

"That does sound interesting, but I don't think I want to attend it," I said.

"What! Why not" Shikadai asked.

"It seems boring so I don't want to do it" I reasoned.

"Yeah but..."

"Boruto"

'I know that voice' I thought. Turning around, I could see Sarada running towards me and Mitsuki with papers in her hand. She then stopped in front of us, panting.

"Guys guess what?" she asked.

Being bored from anything else I answered "What is it Sarada".

"I got the applications for the chunin exams" she stated as she gave us the papers.

"Oh yeah," I said looking at the papers and then continued "I'm not going to do it"

"I knew that you would say that so," she said as she then lifted me by my collar of my shirt.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because I find it boring and..."

"And to get in my way to be Hokage" she accused.

"No, I would never do that, but... is it really necessary?" I responded emphasizing 'necessary' and grabbing her arms in retaliation.

"Yes it is, you baka" Sarada answered back.

I could only look at her in shame and lessened my grip on her arms. She as well, feeling guilt, lessened her grip on my shirt and gently put me down to the floor. After putting me down we could only look at each other, our eyes looking at each other and I knew that she apologized and me as well.

I was about to speak until I was interrupted "You guys are perfect together"

Looking back I could see Mitsuki smiling his usual smile, but I knew that he was the one who called out.

"Shut up, will ya!" I shouted back, feeling my cheeks heat up. Looking past Mitsuki I could see Shikadai and Inojin snicker and then composed themselves as they noticed my glare.

"Uh, well. Guess we'll be on our way" Shikadai chided as he put his hand on Inojin's shoulder and lead him away from us.

"Well, I'll leave you alone. See ya" Mitsuki said as he jumped off.

Now it was just me and Sarada. Looking at her, I could see Sarada looking at me with her cheeks red.

"So, will you think about it Boruto," she asked, looking away.

"Yeah, but now I've got a birthday party to go to," I said before jumping off to my house.

"Tell Himawari I said happy birthday" Sarada shouted.

I nodded to myself and continued to jump to my house. Looking back, I couldn't see her now and then I teleported to the front of my house.

While Boruto arrived at his house, he couldn't notice Sarada looking at him when he was leaving. Her face still red, she put her hand to her chest and thought to herself 'Boruto'. She then walked away and began to head home.

Uzumaki Household

Arriving at the gates of my home, I began to look around and was glad to see that no one saw my sudden appearance. Opening the gates I could see mom and Himawari standing by the door and they seem to be whispering to each other.

"Hey, what are you whispering about," I said as I snuck behind them.

"Ah, oh Boruto. You came" Himawari gasped and then rushed to hug me. Patting her hair, I looked at mom to ask what's going on. She smiled and breathed out "Your dad is here. He's going to celebrate Himawari's birthday"

My eyes widened as I began to think about her statement. 'Dad's here' I thought as my mom opened the door and there stood my dad.

"Why the face, come here and give me a hug" my dad bellowed as he opened his arms.

Himawari let go of me and ran to my dad and hugged him. Smiling, my dad lifted her and began hugging her back.

"Dad! What... I.. just how" was all I could say.

"Don't be surprised but I managed to finish my work and now I have time to spend with you" my dad answered.

"Well then, let's get this party started," I said as I entered my house.

They followed after me and began to prepare for the party. My mom and Himawari at the kitchen and then there's me with my dad.

Looking at him I said "So you're here"

"Look I know you're mad at me for skipping out on your birthday. But"

"I don't care about that now. Let's just enjoy the party" I interrupted.

Entering the kitchen, I could see Himawari setting down the plates and utensils and mom was cooking the food. We then sat down at the table until my dad came by surprising us with a cake he bought. They began to admire the cake while I was thinking 'Ok what's this, my dad has to be a clone.

"Hey dad" I called. When he turned, I quickly punched him in the stomach. Pulling my fist back I said "Oh, so you're not a clone"

"You brat," my dad said as he got me in a headlock and he was giving me a noogie. I began to struggle against his grip panicking in my head 'If he keeps this up, my Henge will deactivate'.

"Me too" was all Himawari said as she jumped on top of my dad. He seemed to change his focus on Himawari giving me a chance to escape his grasp.

"Everyone stop or the cake will be gone," my mom said looking at me, dad and Himawari. We quickly apologized, not wanting to upset her more. She giggled at us and then beckoned us to come to sit at the table and told my dad to get the cake. After sitting down, I could see my dad with the cake in his hands.

'I guess this is happening' I thought, but no. Right as neared the table, my dad disappeared into a cloud of smoke. I sat there, mouth open.

A few moments I could hear Himawari whimper "Dad". Looking at Himawari, I could see tears well upon her eyes. My mother got up and began to comfort her. I could feel my anger swelling inside me.

'That bastard' I thought as the memory of him skipping my birthday and now Himawari's birthday. Slamming my hands on the table, I got up and was about to bolt my way out of the kitchen. But my mom grabbed me "Please it's not his fault"

"Not his fault, he lied to us! How is it not his fault!" I shouted.

"Boruto please" was all she could say as I pulled my arm free from her grasp.

"Boruto please don't. He's working hard to protect the village and us," she explained.

Letting out a sigh, I hung my head low and began to head to my room. Not without saying "If that's true, then what is he doing now. Abandoning us, that's what." and then headed up to my room.

Before entering my room, I entered my dad's room. I don't usually hang out there but why. Why would he do this? Looking at his desk I could see the family photos and his work supplies. 'Even at home, all he cares about is work' I spat in my head until I came face to face to my dad's childhood jacket.

Taking it off its rack, I began to examine it. Touching its scratches, eyeing each sewed piece from previous use. Biting my lip, I opened the window and threw the jacket out, and closed the window. Exiting my dad's room, I then entered my room and waited for my dad to come home.

Later

Laying on my bed, I could only wait and wait until my dad arrives. Looking out my window I could see that it's late night. But I already knew that as I heard my mom, tuck in my sister for bed. 'Maybe I could do something for Himawari' I pondered until I heard the doorbell ring.

Getting up I barged out of my room. I shouted out as I was nearing the front door "So you decided to come old man!". Opening the door, I threw my fist forward. Looking at the man assuming it to be my dad, but it wasn't. The person raised his hand and attempted to stop my punch. I stopped my punch before the hand and backed off to see who this person was.

"Hm, are you the son of Naruto Uzumaki," the person asked, looking at his face I could see his face move a little. I guess he expected my fist to connect with his hand, but sorry man.

"I am, who are you?" I responded.

"Sasuke is that you" I heard my mom from behind me.

Looking back I could see her in her nightclothes and began to head to the door.

"Yes, do you know where Naruto is," Sasuke asked?

"He's at work" was all my mom could say as Sasuke then turned and began to leave.

'Dad's at work still' I thought. Shaking my head I began to run out of the house ignoring my mom's call to come back. I could see Sasuke's arm reach forward and tried to stop me. I quickly dodged and began to head my way to the Hokage tower.

Doing so, I could hear Sasuke promising my mom to get me back. By then he was out of sight so I teleported outside the Hokage Tower. Panting after arriving, I began to catch my breath slowly and began to walk to the building. It wasn't until then that I felt something behind me and quickly ducked. And in front of me appeared to be Sasuke.

"Hm, your fast. So tell me why you're after Naruto" Sasuke asked.

"He abandoned Himawari so I'm going to teach him a lesson" I answered.

"So you want to take down your dad?" Sasuke asked.

"I guess so" I answered.

"But just to let you know that you can't handle Naruto in your current level" Sasuke stated.

"I can handle myself thank you" I retorted.

"Let's see then," Sasuke said before disappearing.

I then ducked again as a fist flew over my head and jumped back. Sasuke, looking back, sent a kick towards my direction and I quickly dodged. He disappeared again and then suddenly appeared in front of me. He sent in a punch that was too fast, so I quickly grabbed his arm with both my hands and held my ground.

"Hm, what you say is partly true. But you have to train more to best Naruto in combat" Sasuke pointed out as he wasn't in his battle stance anymore.

"Well, maybe you can train me since I heard that you were my dad's rival" I proposed with a smirk.

"I could, only if you can perform one of Naruto's jutsu the Rasengan" Sasuke challenged.

"Well, then I guess I have to train then. But for now, I'm heading home" I said as I turned back and waved at Sasuke from behind. I could tell that he was also heading to the Hokage Tower. So now I was alone with my thoughts.

'So what is this Rasengan? Ah, screw it maybe Konohamaru knows it since he's my dad's student' I thought. After that for the rest of that night all I could think of was 'Sasuke' it soon came to me that he was 'Sasuke Uchiha', Sarada's dad.

'Sasuke Uchiha, I hope your ready to be impressed with my Rasengan' I thought happily thinking about his reaction to Sasuke's face when I show him my Rasengan.

End of Chapter

A/N: Hope you enjoyed it. Also what the FUCK Texas, how'd you lose in the first round in March Madness. But other than that sorry for the wait, I guess.