Shikamaru's decision in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 17 proves Konoha needed Naruto more than ever

Modified Jan 03, 2025 19:30 GMT

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 17, released on December 20, 2024, saw Shikamaru making the 'antagonistic' decision of betraying the Shinju by first befriending them. Considering the current situation, this decision might be the best, but this was also a huge indication that the Hidden Leaf Village needed the Seventh Hokage back as soon as possible.

While Shikamaru's tactics might be worth appreciating due to their decisiveness, they don't fit the image of a leader. When Naruto was the village leader, he kept everything crystal clear since he took over the village. The sole principle behind everything the Seventh Hokage did was to solve everything fair and square without using any outrageous tactics.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga series and reflects the author's opinion.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex — Exploring the urgent need of the Seventh Hokage

Matsuri and Ryu as seen in the manga (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)

In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 17, the Hidden Leaf reinforcements convinced the Shinju (Matsuri and Ryu) to believe they were friends. As expected, all of this was according to plans that Shikamaru had Konohamaru to act on. Before the team left the Hidden Leaf Village, Shikamaru advised Konohamaru to give the Shinju a taste of their own medicine.

Shikamaru wanted Konohamaru's Team 7 to make the Shinju believe they were friends by telling them they were also looking for the protagonist. Once this mission was accomplished, Team 7 would look for a blindspot and backstab the Shinju, betraying them.

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

These tactics were 'antagonistic,' to say the least, as they don't fit the image of a protagonist (who abides by rules). However, these might be the best option right now since the Hidden Leaf Village is in danger, and the village can't do anything other than defend themselves through any means possible.

In times like these, the urgent sense of the absence of the Seventh Hokage became prominent, hinting that Naruto's presence was needed to get everything in control. While Shikamaru is doing a great job as a stand-in Hokage, his tactics might be lacking decency.

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

If Naruto Uzumaki had been in his place, he might have handled things differently, given his ability to convince others to reflect. Naruto's 'Talk no Jutsu' might be something that would work against the Shinju as they are sentient beings (able to feel emotions).

Moreover, these sentient beings are not rebellious (as they take every move after perceiving their nature). So, Naruto's presence is much needed in the current story, and if he doesn't return before long, things might reach a dangerous level.

Final thoughts

Sadly, despite the Seventh Hokage's urgent need, there is no telling when the author might be planning his return to the series. Given the current situation, where Momoshiki's return might be possible through the smallest triggers, Kawaki might not release Naruto from the seal soon enough. So, a drastic change of events might be in place in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Related Links

Edited by Shreya Das