While Boruto and Sarada trained alone, Sasuke Uchiha was working hard on developing the pressure-based abilities of his Sharingan.
"When I fought Madara Uchiha back then, I could feel the overwhelming pressure from his eyes. When I faced Kaguya Otsutsuki, the intensity of the Byakugan's pressure was even more pronounced. Now, I should be able to grasp this ocular technique," Sasuke thought to himself.
He recalled the subtle differences in ocular pressure between Madara and Kaguya, then combined the observations with the state of his own eyes. Step by step, he began experimenting and refining his own technique.
Meanwhile, Momoshiki was guiding Boruto on how to train the Byakugan's pressure.
"Listen carefully. The first step in training Byakugan suppression is to purify your Byakugan. Don't worry about that my Karma blessing ensures your Byakugan is perfectly pure. The second step is to master your own ocular skills."
"How can I master the Byakugan? Ocular skills? The Byakugan doesn't have any special techniques like the Sharingan," Boruto asked, puzzled.
"Did you forget what I told you before? As long as you keep your Byakugan active, you can sense the hidden abilities within it. Practice enough, and mastery will come naturally."
"Oh, is there a way to speed it up?"
"For a normal person, the answer would be no. But you're not normal. If you can sense the pure eye while keeping the Byakugan active and switch between the two successfully, this stage will be complete."
"That doesn't sound too difficult."
"Then why not try it? Once you attempt it, you'll understand."
Following Momoshiki's instructions, Boruto activated his Byakugan.
For most Hyuga clan members, their eyes are naturally white, so activating the Byakugan simply causes the veins around the eyes to protrude. Boruto and his sister Himawari, however, are different their eyes are the same color as Naruto's, though Boruto's are slightly bluer. Activating the Byakugan turns their eyes completely white, and the veins around them bulge. Because the Hyuga's farsightedness comes from naturally white eyes, Boruto and Himawari do not have congenital farsightedness.
Boruto felt his Byakugan activate and began trying to sense the Pure Eye. No matter how hard he focused, he felt nothing. Doubt crept in had he been training incorrectly?
"Momoshiki, is there something wrong with how I'm sensing the Pure Eye? Why can't I feel anything?" Boruto asked, frustrated.
"How long have you been trying? You should know, very few Otsutsuki can activate the Pure Eye. If it were that easy to sense, everyone in our clan would have it. I have to say, the ninja world really does produce remarkable people some are naturally gifted like you, able to wield what others cannot."
"Uh… Momoshiki, what are you talking about?"
"Nothing. You can't sense it yet because your ocular control is insufficient. To strengthen your Byakugan, you must practice more. The only way right now is to keep your Byakugan active at all times."
"Really? That much effort?"
"Keeping it active has benefits too. When practicing other ninjutsu, you'll see chakra flow more clearly, which accelerates mastery. It also allows for more precise chakra control."
"Does the Otsutsuki clan really need such precise chakra control?"
"Nonsense. Traveling across the universe without precise control leads to exhaustion and death. Both Kinshiki and I have fine-tuned chakra control. Against weaklings, it's unnecessary, but in serious combat, it's crucial."
"Uh… then what should I train first?"
"Hmm… let's practice the technique you just used to defeat me. What's it called again?"
"Rasengan!"
"Right. Rasengan. Lend me your body I'll show you how to execute it properly."
"You won't take over my body directly, will you?"
"Your Karma's liberation level isn't high enough for me to control you directly. Don't worry."
"All right, let's begin." Boruto spread his arms, ready.
"I have to say, your brain has issues. You're cautious, but not enough," Momoshiki muttered.
"Why insult me? I'm smart, okay?" Boruto snapped.
"You should have created a shadow clone for me to take over, so your real body wouldn't be at risk."
"Oh, right."
Boruto immediately formed the necessary hand signs.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A shadow clone appeared beside him. Boruto instructed the clone, "You know what to do, right?"
The clone nodded and closed its eyes. Once relaxed, Momoshiki took over Boruto's body, while Boruto (as Momoshiki) appeared separately.
Clenching his fists to adjust, Momoshiki commented, "Chakra is limited. Compared to your father, it's over a hundred times less."
"I'm sorry I don't have my dad's chakra!" Boruto muttered angrily.
"Don't worry, it's fine. Activate your Byakugan and observe carefully," Momoshiki said, forming a Rasengan.
"Really? I've kept mine active all along," Boruto mumbled, still keeping his eyes on Momoshiki.
Momoshiki condensed the Rasengan, then shaped his hand into a sword-like form to further compress it. The Rasengan shrank to the size of a marble, hovering before Momoshiki's finger.
"Rasengan!" he shouted, firing the attack. It pierced a large tree and exploded violently.
Boom!
The sound of the explosion drew Sasuke and Sarada toward the scene.
"That came from Boruto's direction. Did he encounter an enemy?" Sarada asked, running toward the noise with Sasuke.
When they arrived, they saw an excited Boruto with a shadow clone whose right side of the head sprouted a horn and black markings across its body.