InBoruto: Two Blue Vortex, the protagonist' recent escape from detention means that the only person capable of rescuing Konoha can now focus on saving his hometown, but it also reflects poorly on Konoha’s security services, particularlythe Eight Hokage, Shikamaru. As the village elders have made clear, someone may need to take responsibility for this blunder, and all eyes are on Shikamaru. This means thatit is perhaps already time to choose a new Hokage, and an unexpected shinobi may finally get his time to shine.
InBoruto: Two Blue VortexChapter #14, Shikamaru seeks out Mitsuki, Boruto’s former Team 7 teammate, to help unlock the Chakra-inhibiting handcuffs placed on him following the battle with the leader of the Shinju,the fearsome and powerful Jura. These handcuffs prevented Boruto from making the hand signs he needed to perform his jutsu, leaving him at the mercy of his interrogators, Konohamaru Sarutobi and Ibiki Morino.
Once free, Boruto swiftly teleports out of harm’s way and beyond Konoha security’s reach — without providing his interrogators with any actionable information. Given that after three long years, Konoha had finally captured Boruto, the person they believed responsible for Naruto’s alleged death, his escape dealt a significant blow to the investigation into Naruto’s disappearance and the effort to bring the culprit to justice.
Konohamaru Has All The Cards He Needs To Become The Next Hokage
Shikamaru’s Handling Of Boruto’s Return Proves To Some He’s Far From Being Konoha’s Smartest Shinobi
Given that Shikamaru’s decision to bring in Mitsuki ultimately facilitated Boruto’s escape, it’s only natural for the authorities tosuspect that the Eighth Hokage might have played a role in unlocking the handcuffs. This will especially be the case if words get out that he’s been attempting the “personal use of mind transmission jutsu”, and Ino may just reveal that. Indeed, considering the widespread resentment towards Boruto for his actions against Naruto, if the authorities come to believe that Shikamaru is intentionally aiding and abetting Boruto, there could be trouble.
If that’s the case,one of the leading voices calling for Shikamaru’s removal from the position of Hokageis likely to be none other than Konohamaru. After taking Boruto into custody in Chapter #13, Konohamaru led the interrogation efforts. As the Jonin who oversaw Team 7 during Boruto’s early years, Konohamaru had intimate knowledge of Boruto and his abilities—he was even the one who helpedBoruto develop his Rasengan. This familiarity led him to oppose Shikamaru’s decision to involve Mitsuki, a move Shikamaru claimed would make Boruto more cooperative.
Konohamaru was well aware of the strained relationship between Boruto and Mitsuki and strongly cautioned Shikamaru that bringing him in would be a mistake. Although the meeting between Boruto and Mitsuki unfolded exactly as predicted, namely with conflict, Konohamaru was puzzled about how Boruto managed to break free from his handcuffs. Only he, Ibiki, and Shikamaru knew the security code to unlock them. This left Konohamaru convinced that Boruto’s escape from the handcuffs was no accident or demonstration of his superior abilities.
Shikamaru’s Slip Gives Konohamaru The Chance To Realize His Dream
Konohamaru Always Wanted To Become Hokage
Konohamaru might see this asthe perfect chance to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming Hokage. Ever since he was a child, Konohamaru dreamed of being the Hokage after his mentor and idol Naruto. This dream is partly fueled by his lineage as the grandson of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. Growing up, it was almost expected that he would one day serve in a leadership role in Konoha Village, and he internalized this expectation as his ambition. As a child, this often led to trouble as he constantly sought opportunities to prove himself worthy of becoming Hokage.
His antics led him to challenge his retired grandfather multiple times, seeking to draw attention to himself as the natural successor. Later, that same mindset drove him to repeatedly challenge Naruto — whom he decided to model himself after — as another way to prove he was worthy of becoming Hokage. Since dedicating himself to the goal of becoming Hokage and following Naruto’s path to success, Konohamaru’s growth as a shinobi has been nothing short of remarkable. If not for Naruto’s disappearance and Shikamaru’s sudden elevation to Hokage,Konohamaru could have been the one to succeed Naruto eventually.
Although Konohamaru likely holds Shikamaru in high regard as both a shinobi and his senior, he also respected his grandfather and Naruto — yet still sought to replace them. Konohamaru’s personal feelings don’t cloud his judgment or diminish his ambition to become Hokage. In this situation, whether Shikamaru is intentionally aidingBorutoor merely showing incompetence, the outcome is the same forKonohamaru: Shikamaru has proven himself unfit to lead, and the young shinobi could be the most suitable replacement.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Borutois the sequel to theNarutofranchise, created by Masashi Kishimoto and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. It follows Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, as he navigates the challenges of being the Hokage’s child while forging his path as a ninja. The series explores the evolving world of shinobi and introduces new generations of characters while maintaining the franchise’s core themes of friendship, perseverance, and legacy.
