Chapter 293: Awakened Karma Form

Watching Sakura rush out to fetch Sasuke, Kirito turned to Naruto. "Naruto, do you want me to deal with Boruto's Karma for you?"

Naruto was caught off guard by the question. "Is that even possible?"

For months, Naruto and Shikamaru had scoured Konoha's archives, searching for a way to remove Momoshiki's lingering soul within Boruto's Karma. They had identified only two possible jutsu: the Reaper Death Seal and Spirit Transformation Technique.

However, the Spirit Transformation Technique required exceptional skill and talent, and since its last practitioner, Dan, had passed away, no one in Konoha had mastered it. The Reaper Death Seal, while powerful, came at the cost of the user's life. Naruto had resolved that he would never let anyone else make such a sacrifice—not even himself, as Hokage.

Despite their best efforts, no viable solution had emerged.

"There is a way," Kirito said calmly. "But it's risky. It will require Boruto to 'die' temporarily. Are you willing to take that gamble?"

"What?!" Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "How can removing the Karma lead to Boruto's death?"

With the treatment room now empty of other medical staff, Naruto didn't hold back his concerns. "Explain this, Kirito. This isn't what you told me before!"

Kirito sighed, understanding Naruto's fear. "You're right—the Karma itself cannot be destroyed. What we're targeting is the soul of Momoshiki embedded within it. But to do that, we must force Momoshiki to fully manifest by awakening him inside Boruto's body. The challenge is that Boruto and Momoshiki's souls will temporarily merge. Separating Boruto's soul beforehand is necessary to avoid harming him."

Naruto furrowed his brows, already sensing the danger in Kirito's plan. "If Boruto's soul is removed from his body, doesn't that mean he'll technically die?"

"Exactly," Kirito replied without sugarcoating it. "If Momoshiki refuses to awaken or resists the process, Boruto's body could perish without his soul. However, if we succeed, I can return Boruto's soul to his body after Momoshiki is destroyed. But it's not without risks."

Kirito added, "The technique to return a soul is something I learned from the Sage of Six Paths. It works, but the success rate isn't perfect. That's why this decision isn't mine to make—it's yours and Boruto's."

Naruto fell silent, grappling with the weight of the choice. If it were his own life on the line, he wouldn't hesitate. But asking Boruto to take such a risk was far more difficult.

Before Naruto could respond, the door opened, and Sakura returned with Sasuke in tow.

"Sasuke!" Naruto greeted him, momentarily setting aside his internal conflict. "Today—"

"I know," Sasuke interrupted. "I'll do it. We'll need my power for the challenges ahead, so there's no point in resisting."

Naruto blinked in surprise. Sasuke's straightforward acceptance caught him off guard, but it saved him the trouble of convincing his friend. Sasuke, as always, understood the stakes without needing a lengthy explanation.

Sakura watched with a pleased expression as Kirito began the procedure to restore Sasuke's left arm. Sasuke's decision to accept the treatment brought her a quiet sense of relief.

Later that evening, Naruto finally reached a decision regarding Boruto. After consulting Boruto indirectly—without revealing the full risks of the plan—Naruto called a meeting in Konoha's underground laboratory.

Kirito, Boruto, Naruto, Sasuke, and a few trusted advisors gathered around.

With a heavy heart, Naruto said, "I'll leave it to you, Kirito."

Having learned of Boruto's progress toward full Karma activation, Naruto had resolved to eliminate the threat once and for all, despite the risks.

Kirito nodded. "While Sasuke's Rinnegan could theoretically be used for a similar process, its pupil power isn't strong enough for this operation. That's why I'll handle it myself."

He approached Boruto, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. Even if something goes wrong, we'll figure it out."

Boruto grinned despite the tension in the room. "I trust you. Let's do this."

Kirito activated the Rinne Sharingan on his forehead, and a wave of immense pressure filled the room. Everyone present felt their bodies and spirits weighed down by its overwhelming force.

Sasuke, activating his Six Tomoe Rinnegan, resisted the oppressive energy and observed Kirito's technique closely. The power Kirito displayed was beyond what Sasuke had seen in their earlier encounters, further highlighting the strength Kirito had gained.

Kirito extended his hand toward Boruto, placing it lightly on his forehead. With a swift motion, he pulled Boruto's soul out of his body, the ethereal form glowing faintly as it left.

Boruto's eyes rolled back as his body went limp and collapsed to the ground.

"Boruto!" Naruto cried out, his heart clenching at the sight of his son's lifeless body.

Kirito's calm voice reassured him. "It's part of the process."

With a flick of his wrist, Kirito guided Boruto's soul into the mouth of the King of Hell, which emerged from the ground behind him. At the same time, Kirito placed his other hand on Boruto's right wrist, where the Karma mark resided.

The Karma began to glow, and black lines spread rapidly across Boruto's body, extending to his forehead. A long horn sprouted from the side of his head, curving upward like a crown of malice.

Boruto's right eye snapped open, glowing ominously as a deep voice echoed from his lips. "So, this is your plan? Waking me just to destroy me?"

Momoshiki had awakened.

(End of Chapter)