?????? ????? (Boruto x oc) ?

Boruto’s expression tightened, though he quickly masked it with a casual shrug. “Yeah, sure. Let’s do that.”

As the three of them made their way toward the training grounds, Boruto walked slightly behind, his thoughts clouded by an uncharacteristic twinge of jealousy. Katsuo’s presence unsettled him, not just because of how close he seemed to Itaki but also because of the way she looked at him—with a warmth and familiarity that Boruto wasn’t sure he could compete with.

And yet, as he watched the easy rapport between Itaki and Katsuo, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of determination. If Katsuo thought he could waltz into Itaki’s life and outshine him, he had another thing coming.

---

Later that day, Itaki brought Katsuo to meet Sarada at the training grounds. Sarada, who had just finished a sparring session, raised an eyebrow at the stranger accompanying her sister.

“Itaki, who’s this?” Sarada asked, wiping the sweat from her brow.

“This is Katsuo,” Itaki said. “He’s an old friend of mine.”

Katsuo stepped forward, offering a polite bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sarada. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Sarada tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Have you now?”

Katsuo nodded. “Itaki always spoke of her strong and capable sister. She wasn’t lying.”

Sarada’s lips curled into a small smile at the compliment. “Well, I hope I live up to your expectations.”

As the conversation progressed, Katsuo’s charm and genuine interest in Sarada became apparent. He asked her about her training, her ambitions, and even shared some lighthearted stories about his own experiences.

Itaki watched the interaction with a satisfied expression, while Boruto, standing off to the side, grew visibly more irritated.

“Looks like Katsuo’s hitting it off with Sarada,” Itaki whispered to Boruto, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Boruto crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. “Yeah, sure. Great.”

Itaki raised an eyebrow. “You okay, Boruto?”

“Fine,” he said curtly, his tone betraying the opposite.

Itaki chuckled, leaning in closer. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you, you know.”

Boruto’s face flushed, and he avoided her gaze. “I’m not jealous.”

Itaki smirked, clearly unconvinced.

Over the next few days, Sarada and Katsuo spent more time together. Whether it was sparring at the training grounds or discussing their goals, the two seemed to connect on a deeper level. Sarada found Katsuo’s perspective refreshing, while Katsuo admired her determination and intellect.

Boruto, meanwhile, couldn’t shake the irritation bubbling within him. It wasn’t just Sarada’s bond with Katsuo that bothered him—it was how effortlessly Katsuo had become a part of their group, how easily he made Itaki laugh.

One evening, as Boruto and Itaki walked through the village, he finally voiced his thoughts.

“You and Katsuo seem close,” he said, his tone casual but laced with something deeper.

Itaki glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “We are. He’s a good friend.”

“Just a friend?” Boruto asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Itaki stopped walking, turning to face him fully. “Why does it matter?”

Boruto hesitated, his usual confidence faltering under her gaze. “It doesn’t. I was just... curious.”