Konohamaru's fate may be sealed in Boruto, and an apparent callback shows why

Konohamaru
Konohamaru's fate may be sealed in Boruto, and an apparent callback shows why (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The current narrative within Boruto has shifted from a direct fight against the Otsutsuki to a desperate attempt to prevent tragedies that seem inevitable. Although the protagonist has somewhat integrated himself into Konoha, his dialogue in chapter 16, warning Konohamaru of his possible death, might foreshadow one of the next significant events.

Chapter 16 revealed many critical developments, including Shikamaru's decision to exploit the Shinju's emotions to eliminate them with minimal risk. Konohamaru, serving as the captain of this operation and Kashin Koji withholding crucial information about the mission, might be significant indicators of Konohamaru's potential death. This tragic event could occur at the hands of Ryu or Matsuri.

While Boruto did verbally advise Konohamaru to stay focused to prevent his death, it does not serve as a proper death flag for the character. But a similar scenario has previously occurred in the series where Kawaki claimed that he'd kill Boruto, and later took action during the Code arc.

Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for the Boruto series.


Boruto: Shikamaru's plan might lead to another Sarutobi's death

Konohamaru as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Konohamaru as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Konohamaru Sarutobi is one of the oldest characters in the story. First introduced as an overconfident grandson of the Third Hokage, he soon became one of Naruto's closest friends.

Later, he served as the squad captain of the new Team 7, consisting of Naruto's son, Mitsuki, and Sarada. Although the interactions between Konohamaru and the protagonist were minimal after the Versus Momoshiki arc, their interaction in chapter 16 contained a few lines of dialogue that might have been foreshadowing disguised as general advice.

Chapter 16 saw the protagonist advising Konohamaru to stay focused. Otherwise, he would be killed. While this is indeed advice that can be relevant in the life of every shinobi, recent events have increasingly focused on Konohamaru and his inner turmoil regarding taking advantage of the Shinju's emotions.

Matsuri as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)
Matsuri as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Shikamaru initiated his latest operation by directing Konohamaru to take advantage of Matsuri and her romantic interest in him. This romantic interest was to be capitalized on to betray her and acquire her Thorn Soul Bulb, which will apparently bring back Moegi.

Although this plan makes sense from a pragmatic point of view, Konohamaru's reservations against this morally ambiguous plan were made clear during his conversation with Shikamaru.

While Shikamaru might have accurately gauged the extent of Matsuri's emotional turmoil, he may have overlooked the uncertainty factor brought in by Konohamaru's emotions toward Moegi, and by extension, Matsuri. It is possible that Konohamaru wavers during his attempt to eliminate Matsuri, only to end up losing his own life.

Shikamaru as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)
Shikamaru as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Shikamaru has previously witnessed the death of Asuma Sarutobi, which happened under similar circumstances. Asuma and his team engaged a much more superior two-man cell formed by Akatsuki members Kakuzu and Hidan. Asuma ended up losing his life to Hidan.

However, Hidan was later defeated by Shikamaru as revenge. Shikamaru's decision to rely on Boruto's intel while overlooking Konohamaru's emotions might result in Konohamaru's death. This would be a direct consequence of Shikamaru's oversight. It would also raise the stakes and tension within the story since Boruto himself does not have full information about future events.


Final thoughts

Boruto Two Blue Vortex chapter 18 will be released on January 20, 2024, and will be available for reading on Shueisha's MANGA Plus platform. Given the setup provided in chapters 16 and 17, it is highly likely that the death of an important character will occur very soon.

Konohamaru's unique position as one of Naruto's closest friends and the captain of Team 7 adds significant weight to his potential demise. His death would be deeply impactful, particularly in light of the current stark power imbalance in the story.


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Edited by Meenakshi Ajith
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