Shikamaru’s Brilliance Takes Center Stage in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 17

Ikemoto and Kishimoto presented us with another chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, titled 'Wild Beast Cubs,' which revealed more details of the monstrous Human God Trees that are set up as the new enemy to our heroes. However, chapter 17 sees the resident genius Shikamaru and Naruto's pupil, Konohamaru, string a plan that will potentially help Boruto and the rest of the Ninja World or make everything even worse.

Depleted Team 7 Team Prepare For The Attack

The previous chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex presented us with the concept of destiny and fate versus the singularity, the people who manipulate and destabilize timelines. Koji's plan is in full swing, and after making sure Shikamaru trusts him, the Eight Hokage decides to send Team 7 sans Boruto to deal with two humanoids of the God Tree in Sunagakure. Konohamaru is the center point of this chapter, with his leadership and intelligence that will hopefully drive Boruto and Konoha towards the win against formidable shinjus.

On the other hand, Sarada is visibly distracted due to her conversation with Sumire in the previous chapter—she feels guilty about openly displaying her feelings towards Boruto without taking into account her friend's feelings. Her concentration is lacking in this chapter, which her teammates call out immediately.

Shikamaru Presents His Genius Plan

Shikamaru Nara's genius is unmatched in Naruto and the Boruto universe, and 'Wild Beast Cubs' only proves this fact. He explains to Konohamaru that shinjus must be subdued for Thorn Bulbs to save imprisoned shinobi and that they cannot go 'gung ho' into this mission; they need to be intelligent and pragmatic in their approach.

Shikamaru also reveals that the humanoids of the God Tree are essentially 'a blank page,' meaning that despite having similarities to their 'originals,' they are still essentially without specific personality or agenda—in other words, they're not evil yet. Moreover, Konohamaru is shocked to learn that Matsuri has romantic feelings towards him, which they will use to their advantage. The final words of Shikamaru's mission briefing are damning—they have to befriend the monsters, betray them, and consequently save humankind. Konohamaru is sent on a mission that the whole world is depending on.

Boruto Observes From Sidelines

In the present, Konohamaru meets the shinjus, convinces them they want to kill Boruto as well, and finally makes a suggestion to split up. Ryū's childlike behavior leads to him revealing to Sarada and Mitsuki that their leader is Jura, while Konohamaru tries to get closer to flustered Matsuri.

In Konoha, Koji and Boruto observe from the sidelines this chapter, and Boruto isn't very happy about it. However, the teenager also isn't very happy about Koji's suggestion that he simply cannot interfere with Team 7's mission—Boruto is the only one humanity cannot lose in this battle. While everyone is preoccupied by the mission, Jura is in the village, specifically in the bookstore buying every book about Konoha. Shikamaru warned every citizen that they shouldn't panic and let Jura be—it's better to not engage this dangerous being. On the other hand, Kawaki bursts into Amado's office and demands that the old scientist draw out the full extent of his powers.

For more details about Jura, check out this dedicated page.

Conclusion: Love Is the Most Powerful Emotion

Love is sometimes fickle, but it can be the strongest emotion in the world, and this chapter perfectly showcased it. In one panel, we see Sarada trying to make sense of her feelings for Boruto and Sumire, whom she hurt with her actions, while a shinju, Matsuri, feels paralyzed with her feelings for Konohamaru. Shikamaru's genius is so well presented in this chapter, with his mastermind idea being more of a subdued nature versus going aggressive against the shinjus, who are incredibly powerful. Boruto and patience don't go together ever, but he needs to trust his friends to do their part of the fight. Kawaki, on the other hand, pressures Amado for his powers, which will prove to be essential in the battle against shinjus but ultimately Boruto as well.

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