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Published Jan 25, 2026, 11:46 PM EST
An experienced Editor representing Canada via Screen Rant's Team Anime, J.R. has been reading manga since the first printing of Shonen Jump in North America. This passion drove him to write about anime, manga, and manhwa since 2022, having recently served as Lead Anime Editor for ComicBook.com.
His favorite moments in media coverage include reviewing the series premieres of Zom 100 and Bleach: TYBW Part 2 back-to-back and briefly meeting Junji Ito at a VIZ gallery event in 2023.
Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #30!
The legacy of each Hokage in Naruto and going into Boruto can be complicated, with all facing deadly or even horrible choices at times. As the Hidden Leaf village's chosen champion and leader, these choices are often made with great care, regardless of how they think it'll affect their image. However, the current Hokage just crossed the line again.
Shikamaru Nara, Konoha's acting Eighth Hokage, has had to make plenty of uncomfortable choices leading in Naruto's stead following the timeskip. He's overseen missions with casualties he'd have previously fought tooth-and-nail to prevent, and even made darkly ruthless strategies against Konoha's biggest threats. But now, with a potentially imminent assassination, Shikamaru might add treason to his rap sheet.
Shikamaru Is About to Help Commit Treason as Hokage in Boruto
With the operation against Mamushi underway in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Shikamaru is summoned by Kobu for further questioning in chapter #30. However, with Koji Kashin's instruction, Shikamaru takes one of his scientific ninja tool toads upon leaving. This turns out to be a conduit for Inojin to use his Mind Transfer Jutsu, overtaking Kobu.
Things get tricky afterward, when Inojin (as Kobu) abruptly steps out of the room, his possession tipping off an already-suspicious Sai, before walking outside on Koji's instructions to have Kobu killed. The options include either making Kobu jump off the roof to his death, or picking a fight with the rampaging Mamushi before Inojin returns to his body.
Things get tricky afterward, when Inojin (as Kobu) abruptly steps out of the room, his possession tipping off an already-suspicious Sai, before walking outside on Koji's instructions to have Kobu killed.
Putting aside the technicality that Shikamaru's continuous collusion with Boruto would already paint him as a traitor, this operation, even without him having planned it, will bear his name should it be carried out due to him being responsible for Kobu's possession. Despite the fact that Boruto isn't a traitor, killing Kobu is still a major crime against the nation.
Boruto Illustrates the Darker Potential of Hokage Choices
Naruto's previous Hokage have left unfortunate legacies. Hashirama Senju's desire to strike a power balance through distribution of Tailed Beasts left lasting ramifications. His brother, Tobirama, turned the Uchiha Clan into a police force while systemically marginalizing the clan. Even the Third Hokage made some clear, regrettable decisions. Shikamaru's potential treason could put him in unfortunate company alongside Danzo Shimura.
Shikamaru being thrust into the role amid a crisis for Konoha with Naruto's apparent death was never going to be a happy occasion. During the operation in the Land of Wind, he instructed Konohamaru to manipulate Divine Tree Matsuri's love for him (based on Moegi's feelings) and used that to coldly orchestrate her demise in chapter #17.
While no fans will miss Kobu if he is killed, the operation, with Inojin's actions aided by Shikamaru and ordered by Koji, are still a major crime that would surely not end well for anyone involved.
Shikamaru didn't come up with this latest assassination, though. It's sold by Koji as a complex, pragmatic decision to Inojin with no witnesses. Should Inojin agree to it, Shikamaru would be culpable as well, and if Sai were to find out, it'd spell trouble. Koji did warn him that he could lose his position all along, though.
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Writer Masashi Kishimoto
Writers Masashi Kishimoto
Penciler(s) Mikio Ikemoto
Inker(s) Mikio Ikemoto
Colorist(s) Mikio Ikemoto
Publisher(s) Viz Media
Years after fleeing his village with Sasuke, Boruto returns to confront the dark changes that have occurred. With memories altered and Kawaki now seen as the hero, Boruto faces a world where he is the outcast. The two rivals must settle their differences as their Otsutsuki powers grow more dangerous.
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First Film Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
Latest Film Boruto: Naruto the Movie
First TV Show Naruto
Latest TV Show Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
First Episode Air Date October 3, 2002
Cast Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists' children and returning faces.
English (US) ·