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Boruto, Shikadai, Hikari, and Inojin gathered at Ichiraku Ramen, ready to engage in a digital brawl through their handheld gaming devices. The ambiance hummed with anticipation, and the scent of ramen lingered in the air.

Shikadai and Boruto, avid gamers, brandished their handhelds, primed for the virtual skirmish ahead.

Hikari, on the other hand, found herself in unfamiliar territory. Despite her prior charade of being a guide for a fictitious video game, the truth was she had never delved into the realm of gaming. Yet, a veil of pride shrouded her, making it challenging to admit her status as a novice in this digital arena.

Boruto, sensing an opportunity to include Hikari in the gaming revelry, extended his handheld towards her.

Boruto: "Hey, Hikari. Why don't you take the first go?"

Hikari accepted the handheld, her eyes betraying a sense of bewilderment as she examined the device. A multitude of buttons adorned its surface, an intricate puzzle waiting to be deciphered. Shikadai, perceptive to Hikari's confusion, couldn't help but address the elephant in the room.

Shikadai: "Ever played a video game before?"

Caught in the act, Hikari hesitated before confessing.

Hikari: "Well… Technically, no. But, I mean, it can't be that hard, right?"

Hikari faced off against Shikadai in their first round, the virtual battlefield unfurling before them. However, the outcome was swift and decisive, with Shikadai emerging victorious while barely denting his digital health bar. Hikari, in disbelief, stared at the game over screen, grappling with the reality of her rapid defeat.

Hikari: "Y-you were just lucky, that's all. I want a rematch."

Her tone carried a hint of annoyance, but Shikadai, nonchalant, saw no harm in indulging her request. They plunged into another round, the virtual clash echoing the previous encounter. Once again, Shikadai showcased his gaming prowess, effortlessly defeating Hikari. Frustration etched across her face as the game over screen mocked her endeavors.

Hikari: "I want another rematch!"

Hikari, undeterred, demanded another rematch, her determination refusing to waver. Boruto, observing the unfolding saga, couldn't help but notice Hikari's growing frustration. In the third round, Hikari, now resorting to pressing random buttons in a desperate attempt to outmaneuver Shikadai, found herself once again succumbing to defeat.

Hikari's frustration reached its peak as the game over screen taunted her for the third consecutive time. Ready to vent her vexation, she prepared to slam the handheld device onto the table. However, Boruto, quick on his feet, intercepted the impending destruction, swiping the device out of Hikari's hand just in the nick of time. Disappointment washed over Hikari as she sighed, realizing her initial approach was leading nowhere.

Hikari: "I have no idea how to play this… Boruto, could you teach me how to properly play this game?"

Boruto seized the moment, recalling their first encounter within the confines of a fake video game conjured by Hikari's genjutsu. Amused by the opportunity to turn the tables, he decided to playfully prod at her.

Boruto: "Well, I don't need to… I actually have the manual for you to read."

Hikari slowly turned towards Boruto, a peculiar and slightly eerie look on her face. Boruto, feeling a mix of nervousness and amusement, avoided making eye contact, attempting to stifle his laughter.

Boruto: "Okay, okay. I'll teach you."

Boruto and Inojin engaged in a lively match, fingers deftly navigating the handheld's buttons as they clashed in the virtual arena. As Boruto played, he took on the dual role of participant and instructor, explaining the intricacies of the game's controls to Hikari, who observed intently.

Boruto: "See, you've got your basic attacks here, and these are the combos. And when you build up enough energy, you can unleash your ultimate attacks."

As the battle between Boruto and Inojin unfolded on the screen, Hikari absorbed the lessons, mentally mapping out the button combinations and strategic maneuvers. Once the match concluded with Boruto emerging victorious, he handed the handheld to Hikari, confident that she had grasped the basics.

Boruto: "And that's how you play the game."

Armed with newfound knowledge, Hikari seized the opportunity to put her understanding to the test. A match between Hikari and Inojin ensued, and Boruto, now a spectator, observed the unfolding duel. Hikari, though not yet a master, demonstrated a marked improvement in her grasp of the game's controls.

However, victory remained elusive, and disappointment flashed across Hikari's face as the game over screen materialized once again. Boruto, quick to uplift her spirits, offered reassurance.

Boruto: "Well, at least you managed to almost win."

Inojin chimed in with encouragement, acknowledging Hikari's progress.

Inojin: "Boruto is right. It's definitely a lot better than last time."

Despite the lingering annoyance of defeat, a glimmer of satisfaction adorned Hikari's expression. She might not have conquered the virtual realm just yet, but the journey of improvement had begun, and with each defeat came a step closer to victory.

The atmosphere in Ichiraku Ramen shifted as Boruto and Hikari faced off in a virtual showdown. Despite Boruto's extensive experience in gaming, Hikari showcased unexpected prowess, executing intricate combo attacks that kept the match intensely close.

The virtual fighters clashed, each move met with a swift counter. The onlookers, including Inojin, couldn't help but marvel at the unfolding duel. Boruto, sensing an opportunity to end the fight with his ultimate attack, hesitated, opting for a different approach. Instead of unleashing the decisive move, he chose to engage in a series of one-hit attacks, prolonging the suspense.

Hikari, seizing the opening, responded with determination. Channeling her newly acquired skills, she executed her ultimate attack with precision. The virtual battlefield erupted in a burst of energy, and as the dust settled, it became evident that Boruto had lost all of his health.

The virtual victory screen bathed Hikari in the glow of triumph, her eyes wide with disbelief and joy. Breaking the silence that had settled over Ichiraku Ramen, she erupted into dramatic laughter, reveling in the sweet taste of success.

Hikari: "I FINALLY DID IT! I… HIKARI UCHIHA. FINALLY WON."

Her exuberance echoed through the ramen shop, drawing the attention of onlookers. Boruto, conceding defeat, sighed in annoyance at Hikari's celebratory outburst.

Boruto: "You were just lucky."

Unfazed by Boruto's attempt to downplay her victory, Hikari retorted with a playful grin.

Hikari: "Ohh… Is someone being a sore loser."

Boruto, not one to let a comment slide, responded in kind.

Boruto: "You're one to talk…"

Boruto's annoyance melted away as he stared at Hikari, who continued to revel in her triumph, her laughter echoing through Ichiraku Ramen. Something about the sound captivated him, and he found himself drawn into the joyous moment. It dawned on him that this might be the first time he had seen Hikari genuinely laughing.

A genuine smile played on Boruto's lips, recognizing the significance of this simple yet profound expression of joy. Hikari, with her traumatic past, had found a moment of respite, a break from the shadows that haunted her.

The four friends continued taking turns in the virtual battlefield, the handheld gaming devices passing between them. Hikari, having unlocked the taste of victory, managed to secure a couple more wins. The air in Ichiraku Ramen buzzed with laughter and the spirit of competition, creating a memorable and joyful atmosphere. Today was definitely a fun day for Hikari.