Is Konohamaru's Character Vindicated in Boruto Two Blue Vortex?

Konohamaru Sarutobi is someone many Naruto fans do not like, simply because of his poor execution by Masashi Kishimoto. The heir of the Sarutobi clan was supposed to evolve from Naruto's student to this incredible force to be reckoned with. However, he never became one, though his actions in the most recent chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex might say otherwise. Why? Let's find out!

Konohamaru Character Was Forgotten

Konohamaru's story in the Naruto universe had so much promise when the character was introduced so many years ago. A young grandchild of legendary Hiruzen Sarutobi, Third Hokage, and a nephew of Asuma Sarutobi, a jonin of Hidden Leaf Village, are titles any character could be proud of. Konohamaru was quickly set up as Naruto's admirer and eventually student who wanted to become the strongest shinobi of his village his family swore to protect.

And they did, with their lives. Both Hiruzen and Asuma died, and Naruto soon became a big brother for Konohamaru, who was constantly trying to find himself in the vicious world of shinobi. However, it seems that after becoming Naruto's student, Konohamaru never truly showcased his potential, which was initially set up within the story of Naruto Shippuden. Konohamaru was left behind as many characters within the universe were as well by Masashi Kishimoto. Although we saw his character be a frequent part of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, it seems that Konohamaru became even more unutilized as a character and shinobi. No good feats as a shinobi and simply being just there, Konohamaru became a boring side character that many people started to dislike. However, can that change after his actions in the most recent chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex?

One Step Forward/Two Steps Back

As we know, Konohamaru is the leader of the new Team 7, which contains Boruto Uzumaki, Sarada Uchiha, and Mitsuki, new prodigies of Konohagakure and a new generation of shinobi that will protect the world from peril. After being kind of just 'there' in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, the temporary Hokage Shikamaru tasks Konohamaru on an important mission—he and his team need to destroy two dangerous shinjus, free their 'imprisoned' shinobi (Shinki and Moegi), and help Boruto on his mission to destroy the powerful beings.

After meeting with Matsuri, a shinju that was born from Moegi's essence and chakra, Konohamaru needed to manipulate the powerful being and use her distraction to destroy her. However, after a silly slip-up from the shinju, Konohamaru compromises the mission and almost gets killed. Eventually, he does use his 'flirting' and Matsuri's 'feelings' for him to get an upper hand over her, but when he is about to fatally strike her, Konohamaru's consciousness awakes once again and compromises his life once again. Why does Konohamaru always take one step forward and two steps back? Well, because he is Naruto's student.

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Perks of Being Naruto's Student?

Let's explore this more. Naruto Uzumaki is one of the purest and most loveable characters ever. His whole journey revolves around love and care for other people, which eventually prevails at the end of the series. He would never kill willingly, not when it's unnecessary, and he always saw good in people. This is what he tries to share as the hero of Konoha and eventually as a Seventh Hokage—love prevails all. Konohamaru being his first student proves this point, since he was his first student ever.

Konohamaru learned about love and the will of fire since he was a little boy, and seeing him 'fumble' trying to kill Matsuri isn't surprising, especially after we learn that he has feelings for his childhood friend Moegi and vice versa. Seeing the shinju experience desire and feelings towards him made him reluctant to kill her in the end, which put him in a very dangerous situation. Now, Naruto's teachings are not responsible for Konohamaru's lack of feats during the length of three Naruto universe series', but in this situation it's important to know that Konohamaru would never kill a being in cold blood—that simply isn't his modus operandi.

Conclusion: True Example of Naruto's Student

Is Konohamaru vindicated as the character within the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex series? Not yet. He is partially getting a pass due to his bond with Naruto, but his feats need to be more profound and important within the Boruto series for the fans to finally take him seriously. The previous chapter showcased a glimpse of what Konohamaru can do as a shinobi (creating two Giant Rasengans from air is impressive), and hopefully next month's update will provide us with more evidence of his redemption as a character.

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