Sumire is one of the most misunderstood characters in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex and chapter 16 proves it

Modified Nov 25, 2024 09:30 GMT

Sumire Kakei in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex might be one of its most nuanced and misunderstood characters, which is proved in chapter 16. This recent addition to the story expands on the layers of her personality and struggles. Initially shown as a confident yet gentle individual, she was hiding a traumatic past that soon came to light. Hence, her mature demeanor and emotional depth are often missed.

But one thing has been constant about her— her feelings towards Boruto Uzumaki. This is especially evident when she voices the same to Srada in a respectful way, revealing her emotional awareness. However, her calm and quiet appearance veils years of repression from her tough Anbu training and emotional isolation. Her outburst in chapter 16 are her sidelined and misunderstood feelings.

They highlight both her human side and her cries for companionship as always being viewed as merely the “class rep”. Sumire's complex character makes her a vital yet seemingly underrated part of the series.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 proves that Sumire is a misread character

Sumire Kakei was the persona adopted by Sumire Shigaraki following the death of her parents. She was tasked by her father to one day avenge the Root. But all this changed for her when she joined the Academy. Introduced in chapter 18/episode 1, Sumire was shown to be quite confident and outspoken. This wasn't in an excessive way, but in a rather respectful and gentle manner.

From the onset, Sumire has been honest about her feelings for Boruto Uzumaki, especially to Sarada. More than anything, her character was playful and upbeat, always to connect with and help others when needed. As class rep, she would appear "gently assertive", exuding qualities like attentiveness and maturity, in comparison to her classmates.

Moreover, she was academically inclined, innately quite aware, and perceptive. While she didn't outright claim Boruto, she didn't hide her feelings for him in front of Sarada. After all, she was believed to be one of Sumire's closest pals. It is due to this that in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 Sumire is hurt by Sarada's words, not completely on a romantic level, but from a friendship standpoint.

Sarada and Sumire (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Sarada was the one she confided in regarding her feelings for Boruto. This is exactly what the former seemingly disregarded when she met and hugged him. It doesn't even seem like the hug was the main point of discussion, it is the fact that Sarada did not account for Sumire's emotions. This is especially important considering Sumire's upbringing and past.

Being trained in the Anbu meant suppressing one's feelings and true nature. Moreover, she had traumatic beginnings, with her mother's passing and later her father's demise as well. Hence, she would instinctively bottle up her welling emotions. This is likely a strong reason why she had the outburst in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 16.

Added to this fact is Sarada repeatedly calling her "class rep". In truth, Sumire has been part of the main cast since their academy days before appearing in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. She practically grew up with them and shared in their and her own development. But even after all this, they—especially Sarada— seem to view her simply as their "class rep". Even Boruto is guilty of this.

So when she walks out, her words do express pain and longing for her name being called by those she held dear.

Final thoughts

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 was another important addition to the series as it sets the stage in multiple ways for what is to come. This includes Boruto and Kashin Koji trying hard to prepare for the future, Sumire's true feelings (focus of this feature) and budding role in the story, and the highly awaited battle of Shinju vs Leaf and Sand Shinobi.

Regarding the crux here, Sumire is misunderstood as attempting to be selfish and gaslighting, but this simply isn't the case. Her past, coupled with the current scenario, likely pushed her to "explode" and let out what she had suppressed for years. It is quite heartbreaking to learn that even after growing up together, one's friends cannot even call them by name.

Sumire Kakei being misread will probably end here, thanks to her finally speaking up. This little incident should have implications in terms of giving her a greater role in the story as well as opening Sarada's eyes to consider others' perspectives and emotions.