Ryu’s introduction in Boruto may lead to a major plot hole

Modified Nov 07, 2024 09:30 GMT

Ryu’s introduction in Boruto may lead to a major plot hole (Image via Studio Pierrot and Shueisha)

The Shinju have been some of the most mysterious antagonists introduced in the Boruto series. Most of their qualities are directly derived from their human counterparts, such as Bug, Moegi, Sasuke, and most recently, Ryu, who was created using Shinki's genetic data.

Shinki, essentially the spiritual successor of Gaara with the unique Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, was captured by the Shinju, which eventually led to the creation of Ryu. The Shinju inherit jutsu from their original counterparts.

Still, inconsistencies arise when considering that Hidari did not inherit the Sharingan while Ryu may have inherited the Magnet Release, despite both being Kekkei Genkai. This discrepancy could create plot holes that might require a significant retcon in the series.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Boruto series.

Boruto: Ryu and Hidari's actions might lead to the shinju's powerup

Sasuke trapped in a tree, as shown in the Boruto manga (Image via Shueisha)

Hidari has been one of the most intriguing Shinju in the series, partly due to his status as Sasuke's stand-in during his absence and the sheer volume of jutsu that Hidari might have inherited from Sasuke.

While the series has yet to reveal all of Hidari's techniques, his acquisition of Chidori without the Sharingan makes it clear that certain Kekkei Genkai, like Sasuke's Sharingan, have not been inherited. This is emphasized during his fight against Sarada, highlighting that the Sharingan is essential to unleashing the full potential of Chidori.

Shinki, as shown in the Boruto anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Shinki, who served as Ryu's blueprint, has his combat prowess mainly anchored in Magnet Release, a Kekkei Genkai that contributed to the Third and Fourth Kazekage being among the strongest shinobi. This reinforces the idea that Ryu's primary fighting capabilities depend on Magnet Release, which cannot be inherited, as demonstrated by Hidari's inability to inherit the ocular Kekkei Genkai of the Uchiha clan.

Hidari's lack of a Sharingan diminished his combat efficiency compared to other shinobi, ultimately leading to his defeat at Boruto's hands. If Ryu were to inherit the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai somehow, it would imply an inconsistency in how the Shinju inherit techniques.

Hidari as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Hidari's acknowledgment of the drawbacks of not having the Sharingan was apparent. Although he later observed Sarada, one of the few remaining Sharingan users, his lack of effort to take her Sharingan suggested he did not need it physically.

This could either be an oversight by the author or an implication that the Sharingan is no longer classified as a Kekkei Genkai. Alternatively, the Shinju might possess the ability to evolve certain skills through observation, aligning with their theme of evolution. This would explain why Hidari did not pursue Sarada's Sharingan despite acknowledging that it was necessary for Chidori to reach its full potential.

Final thoughts

Boruto Two Blue Vortex chapter 16, releasing on November 20, 2024, will reveal Boruto and Kawaki's next action against the five Shinju. Although Ryu's abilities have already been established as surpassing Code's, the full extent of his techniques has not yet been revealed. The next few chapters might focus on Ryu's strength and the threat he poses.

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Edited by Shreya Das