Title: Supporting Shadows INT. HOKAGE OFFICE - DAY Boruto (33) stands by the window, smoking from his pipe. He gazes out at the Hidden Leaf Village. Sarada (33) is seated behind her desk, signing papers and issuing orders. Their three young children, Hikari (10), Akihiro (7), and Asuka (4), play quietly in a corner of the room. Boruto takes a puff from his pipe and exhales slowly. BORUTO (deep in thought) Thirty-three years old, married, three children... Who would have thought? Sarada looks up from her paperwork and smirks. SARADA So it's finally settling in, huh? BORUTO What can I say? It's still a shock sometimes. I'm raising the next generation of ninja alongside my beautiful wife, who happens to be the Hokage. SARADA Don't forget, you're my Supporting Hokage, in charge of the village's defense. BORUTO (flashing a grin) I couldn't ask for a better partner, both in the field and at home. Sarada blushes slightly and then coughs to clear her throat. SARADA Alright, enough of the mushy stuff. We have responsibilities, remember? The children giggle at their parents' exchange. Boruto watches them proudly. BORUTO You're right, we do have responsibilities. I still can't believe we're responsible for these three little ones. Hikari approaches her parents, holding a drawing. HIKARI Mom, Dad, look what I drew! It's our family, with each of us using our special jutsus! Boruto and Sarada look at the drawing in amazement. The children have the potential to surpass their parents. SARADA (teary-eyed) Hikari, this is incredible! You've captured who we are perfectly. BORUTO (raising an eyebrow) Although my Rasengan could use a little more work. HIKARI (giggling) I'll do better next time, Dad. The moment is interrupted by a knock at the door. Shikadai (33) enters, holding a document. SHIKADAI Hokage Sarada, Supporting Hokage Boruto, I have the new defense strategy for your review. Sarada takes the document and skims through it. SARADA Thanks, Shikadai. We'll discuss this at our meeting later. Shikadai nods before glancing over at the children. SHIKADAI (as he leaves) By the way, your kids are growing up fast. They must take after their parents. After Shikadai exits, Boruto puffs his pipe one more time before tapping it clean. He turns to Sarada. BORUTO Being Hokage isn't easy, but as long as we have our family, we can face anything. SARADA That's true. Let's give our children and the village a bright future. Boruto and Sarada exchange a tender look, knowing they are stronger together, and turn their attention back to their duties. FADE OUT.