498 Naruto the Flame-Flame Fruit

"Alright, this is our academy's first time leaving the village for a school trip. It's a very meaningful event, so I hope everyone stays alert." Shino stood on the stage, explaining the details of the trip. It was also the first time Konoha's Ninja Academy organized a trip outside the village.

"Also, let me introduce the teacher leading the group this time—Kiyosuke-sama. Everyone, please give him a warm round of applause."

Clap clap clap!

The room erupted in applause as the kids all turned to look toward the door.

"That Kiyosuke-sama? The hero who ended two Shinobi World Wars and even trained the Seventh-sama... Shinichi, he's your dad, right?"

A kid whispered to Shinichi beside him.

"Yeah, he's my dad, but at home he's always super lazy." Shinichi curled his lip. Even though his father was called a hero, at home he was just a useless slacker.

"Huh? Maybe that's what a hero is?"

At that moment, the classroom door slid open and Kiyosuke walked in, smiling as he greeted them.

"Hello there, boys and girls. I'm Asakawa Kiyosuke, Shinichi's dad. Just call me uncle. I'll be in charge of keeping you safe on this trip, so don't cause trouble, alright? Or I might have to roast you."

With that gentle smile of his, the temperature in the classroom suddenly rose.

This trip was something Naruto personally asked him to supervise. He figured he might as well treat it as a vacation. On top of that, Terumī Mei had been planning to return home to visit her parents, so he agreed. A government-funded vacation. Among all these brats, the only troublemaker was Boruto. As long as he kept him under control, everything would be fine.

"So hot!"

"This is his power? Shinichi's ability seems about the same."

"Obviously, they're father and son!"

The kids whispered among themselves. Kiyosuke said, "This time, you represent the village. If anything happens, the trip ends immediately."

"Anyone want to volunteer as the class trip coordinator?" Shino asked.

The room fell silent. Clearly, no one wanted the job.

Kiyosuke chuckled.

"Interesting. Your whole class is full of problem children. None of you want trouble. Don't want to be picked, huh? You're even worse than we were. Shino, you've got your hands full leading this bunch."

He exposed exactly what they were thinking, making everyone feel awkward.

"It's… manageable," Shino muttered, also embarrassed.

A hand slowly raised—Uchiha Sarada, the little princess of the Uchiha clan and the only one who needed glasses.

"Kiyosuke-sama, -san, I think Uzumaki Boruto is perfect for the position of trip coordinator."

"Great idea!" Nara Shikadai nodded and grinned. "I agree. Boruto is the best choice."

If someone has to suffer, better him than me.

"Shikadai?!" Boruto's eyes widened.

My best friend betrayed me?!

Sarada continued, "Boruto is lively and outgoing, always at the center of the class. I think he's perfect."

"Sarada!"

"Agreed!" Shinichi raised his hand with a smile.

"Yeah, we agree!"

"No objections!"

"Besides, he loves bossing people around!"

Hands went up all around the room, and soon they'd unanimously decided Boruto would be the coordinator. Boruto shouted, "I'm not doing it! No way!"

"I see. Then it's settled—Boruto," Shino said as he nodded.

Kiyosuke also nodded. "Exactly. You're everyone's choice."

"You bunch of traitors! Don't think just saying it will make me accept it! Respect my will for once, okay?!" Boruto demanded, only to feel a chill behind him.

Kiyosuke appeared at his side.

"Alright, this is everyone's trust in you. Shinichi, introduce Kirigakure to everyone. After all, it's your grandparents' home."

"What a pain…"

Shinichi sighed. "Fine, I know."

"Alright then. After class, go home, pack your things, and meet at Konoha's main gate!"

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison. Kiyosuke left and returned home. Mei had already packed everything. Yuka wasn't around—she had a mission and probably wouldn't return for a few days.

Just in time for a family trip.

Shinichi finished cleaning and returned home.

"Dad, do I have to go to Grandpa and Grandma's place?"

"Of course. But you'll still sleep at the school lodge at night. No special treatment. Your grandparents have been waiting to see you."

"Alright, I get it."

Shinichi nodded and went to pack his things. Soon he came out again.

"Let's go, Dad, Mom."

"Let's go."

The family locked up and headed to Konoha's main gate. When the kids saw Terumī Mei, they all gasped.

"Shinichi's mom is so pretty! I heard she was the Fifth Mizukage."

"Yeah, and they say she met Kiyosuke-sama during the Third Shinobi World War, got married before the Fourth, and after the war she settled in Konoha. And their looks haven't changed at all—so unfair!"

Some of the girls were already jealous. They were still young, but Konoha kids were always mature early.

"That girl is the one I told you about—Kakei Sumire. What do you think?" Kiyosuke whispered to Mei, pointing at Sumire, who had finally returned to school.

"This child is good," Mei nodded. She walked up to Sumire and greeted her warmly. "You're Kakei Sumire, right?"

"Y-Yes…" Sumire immediately panicked in front of Mei.

Mei gently patted her head.

"Don't be nervous. You're such a sweet child."

That warmth made Sumire suddenly feel like she was back with her mother. Her eyes reddened.

"T-Thank you…"

"It's nothing. Please take care of Shinichi. He's just like his father—never easy to handle. And he keeps teaching strange things, so I'm counting on you to watch him. I really like you."

"Ah, um… I…"

"Hehe, how adorable." Mei genuinely liked her. Maybe this girl would really become her daughter-in-law someday.

Originally, she thought the Sixth Hokage's daughter wasn't a bad option—older girls were supposed to be lucky, after all… But now this kid seemed pretty good too.

She'd let things happen naturally.

Once Shino confirmed everyone was present, he nodded. "Alright, let's go."

Everyone boarded the Lightning Release–chakra-powered railcar—basically an electric train—headed for the Fire Country's port. From there, they would board a cruise ship to the Land of Water.

Thanks to years of peace, all kinds of new transportation had sprung up like bamboo shoots after rain. Travel was much more convenient now.