Boruto Light Novel 4

Part 1 (Chojuro's Speech)

"It is a pleasure to meet you all. I am the Mizukage, Chojuro. Thank you, Hidden Leaf villagers, for traveling all this way. The Hidden Mist welcomes you."

The students just finished filing into a large conference room. Waiting for them was none other than the Sixth Mizukage himself, leader of the Village of the Mist. He welcomed them with his youthful appearance, gentle demeanor, and wide smile.

By his side was the previous Mizukage, Mei Terumi.

As the students formed neat rows, Chojuro continued his speech. But despite being the current Mizukage, he was only giving a "bigwig" speech. It was like the principal's lectures. Long and boring.

Of course, Boruto the problem child had to open his mouth and let out an audible yawn.

It wasn't like Sarada didn't agree that it was boring. But because her dream was to become the hokage, she was treating this lecture from the Mizukage as a learning experience. A way to understand more about the Village of the Mist and its leader.

Well... That being said. It was also true that Sarada thought he could've phrased it in a little shorter and less roundabout way. But...

"Listen properly."

Unlike Boruto who opened his mouth wide and emitted a yawn into the general vicinity, Sarada whispered the words under her breath to him.

"Even if you say that... He's basically telling us all to get along, isn't he? But he's dragging it out for eternity. Feels like scho..."

Before he could finish his sentence, another impulsive yawn attacked, this one even larger than the last.

Sarada ducked her head in embarrassment, afraid the teachers would notice. Why does he always have to cause me so much trouble? Now, she felt as though she was able to understand the emotion behind the class rep's distinct, "hawawawa," catchphrase.

And just like Sarada expected, her fear came to fruition. Chojuro stopped during the middle of his speech and looked straight at Boruto.

He snapped upright. "Um, ah! It's not what it looks like, it's..."

Too late now, idiot, murmured Sarada's inner voice. But Chojuro's response was something completely unexpected.

"It's fine. Things like these are a pain to listen to, aren't they? I agree with you."

"...Huh?"

Both Boruto and Sarada were shocked by his bright and carefree answer. It wasn't just them, but their classmates and teachers as well.

"I'm essentially saying, 'let's all get along.' Just those simple words, and yet there's a need for this torturously long speech." As he paused, Chojuro's facial expression became firm. "There was a time when our two villages were at war. Our village was called 'Village of the Bloody Mist,' and other nations feared us for our ruthless fighting tactics. Among your classmates, there is a member who lost a family member due to our misfortunate history."

An uncomfortable tension settled in the room. It was caused by the fact that most of the students forgot about the history between the two villages. But the Mizukage purposefully brought it to attention.

"I can't deny the reality of the matter. Konoha was a treacherous enemy, one we hold in high respect."

At the use of the word, "enemy," Chojuro scanned the class. His gaze fell clearly onto Boruto. And then the gentle smile floated back onto his face.

"But you all are a different story. I believe you all have the ability to overcome the bad blood between our two villages and carve out a new future."

Finally, the uncomfortable tension lifted. It seemed as though Boruto also felt relieved and breathed in a long awaited breath.

"Please get along with The Village of the Mist. Have lots of fun, play hard, and enjoy your time!"

"Yes sir!"

As the students gave their reply, Sarada was left with the impression that Chojuro somehow resembled the Seventh.

.  .  .