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The following article contains spoilers for Boruto and Naruto.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generationshad a mixed reception among fans, butBoruto: Two Blue Vortexis proving that the series is a worthy sequel toNaruto. In its first chapters,Two Blue Vortexhas introduced many mysteries to the plot, so fans are eager to learn how the story will unfold and tie everything together.
One character fromNNGthat fans have long wanted to see in the spotlight is Konohamaru Sarutobi.TBVhas hinted that Konohamaru will have more screen time, but so far the series has failed to give him the attention he deserves.
There Are Great Expectations for Konohamaru
Konohamaru Sarutobi is the grandson of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage. He was the leader of Team 7, also known as Team Konohamaru, serving as a teacher for Boruto Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha, Mitsuki, and later Kawaki Uzumaki. Like Sarada, he sees Naruto Uzumaki as a role model. Naruto has taught him to use Rasengan, and he taught Boruto this technique.
In theBoruto: Naruto Next Generationsmanga, the Chunin exam was interrupted by Momoshiki and Kinshiko Otsutsuki. It is implied, but not confirmed, inBoruto: Two Blue Vortexthat Mitsuki and Kawaki were promoted to Chunin, but Sarada is still a Genin, likely due to her attitude regarding Boruto, who is considered an enemy of Konoha due to Eida’s Omnipotence.
Many fans complained thatKonohamaru didn’t get enough screen timeinBoruto: NNG.So everyone was excited to see him finally shining when he was designed by Shikamaru as the leader of a mission to find and defeat the Shinju Clones inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex.
His Role in the Mission Has Been an Utter Failure
Konohamaru was designated as the leader of the mission, and Shikamaru asked him to gain the trust of the Human God Trees to later betray them. However, Konohamaru basically ruined the mission bynot letting Matsuri call him Konohamaru-chan. While he was able to briefly get the upper hand, he vacillated and put himself in even greater danger, which forced Boruto to intervene. Now, Boruto is fighting Jura, and it seems he is going to lose.
Soinstead of giving Konohamaru the spotlight he deserves, the series made him look like a fool. However, even though his role was disappointing, his interactions with Matsuri seem to serve the purpose of showing that the Shinju Clones possess human qualities and may be evolving into humans, which can turn the direction of the story in this arc. The personalities and feelings of their original human templates appear to remain inside them.
Konohamaru Should Become Hokage
Konohamaru has always been treated with some reverence due to his lineage as a Hokage grandson. This led him to want to prove himself and become Hokage through his efforts. In this sense, Konohamaru represents what many fans initially expected from Boruto (now it is clear that Boruto doesn’t strive to become Hokage and should not do so); for many, he should have been the protagonist. In fact, there is still time for him to shine.
Everyone, whenever they see me or call me, they only see me as the grandson of the Hokage. Nobody recognizes me as myself. I’m sick of it already!! That’s why I want the Hokage name right now!!
— Konohamaru Sarutobi
Although the mission to defeat the Shinju Clones went terribly wrong, it could serve as a pivotal moment in his character arc. He hasn’t yet proven himself worthy of becoming Hokage, but he should eventually take the position in the series — even if just temporarily, like Shikamaru. This development would not preventSarada from eventually becoming Hokage, since Konohamaru is older. Tsunade and Kakashi were appointed Hokage in Naruto, and that didn’t prevent Naruto Uzumaki from ending the story in that position.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortexis thesequel toBoruto: Naruto Next Generations, serialized in Shueisha’sV-JUMPmagazine. The story takes place two years after the events at the end ofNNG, with most characters believing that Boruto killed Naruto and Hinata due to Eida’s Omnipotence.
International fans can officially readTBVonMANGA Plus in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Bahasa, French, and Thai. Chapters are also available in Japanese on Shonen Jump+. So far, 22 chapters have been released.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 23is set to be released on June 01, 2025, at 3 PM (GMT).
