For most Naruto fans, the figure of the Hokage is synonymous with respect and power. The iconic Hidden Leaf Village leaders are often considered the most powerful and wisest of all ninjas, always looking out for what they believe is best for their people. Although not all Hokage have been equally peaceful, most of them have demonstrated a level of kindness superior to that of their peers.

Shockingly, the current Eighth Hokage, Shikamaru Nara, seems to be breaking away from this tradition, as proven by Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter #21. The latest manga entry revealed that the smartest character in the series has allowed his analytical mind to turn him into an uncaring leader. Yet, the series still needs to reveal if these changes will be positive for Konoha or not.

Shikamaru Is Far Darker Than Other Hokage

He Allowed Two Innocent Ninjas To Die

In chapter #21 of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, it was revealed that Kashin Koji was aware Yodo and Konohamaru were at risk of dying during their battle against the Divine Trees. When the titular protagonist asked his mentor if he knew what would occur to his comrades, the cyborg ominously avoided the question. He claimed that their fates were necessary to ensure the best future for the planet, no matter if Boruto agreed or not. This questionable decision caused the hero to disobey his master, using his new Flying Thunder God technique to save Konohamaru.

Boruto escaped to demonstrate his displeasure with his mentor’s unempathetic and morally ambiguous ways. Lamentably, the series has strongly hinted at Koji not being the only one to act without much care or consideration for others’ lives, as Shikamaru was equally responsible for the plan. Chapter #17 proves that the current Hokage is talking directly with the ex-Kara member to plan the downfall of the franchise’s strongest villains. Shikamaru has constantly been seen accompanied by one of Koji’s toads, which relays messages between the two.

The same creature was seen on the collar of his cloak as he briefed Konohamaru about his mission to destroy the Divine Trees. While the series had not yet confirmed this as truth, the fact that Koji knew Boruto’s teacher would die implies Shikamaru may have as well. The Eighth Hokage purposefully sent one of his oldest friends, as well as an innocent teenager from the Hidden Sand to their deaths. This is by far one of the darkest decisions a Hokage has ever made in the series, pushing many fans to compare Shikamaru with the most hated character, Danzo.

Shikamaru Betrayed Everything Naruto Stood For

The Man Willingly Sacrificed His Teacher’s Nephew

Throughout most of the Naruto franchise, one of the biggest and most pervasive lessons in the series has been the need to rise above hate and violence. When it was introduced at the beginning of the original series, the Shinobi World was a horrible and unforgiving place where kindness was seen as a weakness. Naruto himself had to fight for decades for the system to be changed, creating a new peaceful world where the Elemental Nations were willing to cooperate. His reign as a Hokage was based on the idea of accepting others and helping them whenever possible.

By sending two innocent allies to die, Shikamaru went completely against everything his friend fought so hard to teach the world. The Eighth Hokage had no issues or guilt about sending Konohamaru and Yodo to their deaths. Shikamaru was willing to sacrifice a ninja whom he fought side by side for decades, who also happened to be the nephew of his beloved teacher, all because of Koji’s commands. Worse of all, the man went against the promise he made to Asuma by sending one of the most promising young kunoichi from Sunagakure to die at the hands of Ryu.

Shikamaru did not protect the next generation of warriors like his master asked him to do. His fear of what Jura and his team can do has led him to abandon the ideals he and Naruto once held so dear. This decision is likely to cause him major issues with Boruto and his father, as the protagonist has already shown disdain toward Koji for the same reason. When Naruto is released from his dimensional prison, he will likely have a hard time understanding the ruthless actions of his once-trusted advisor.

Is Shikamaru Justified?

The World Had Never Seen an Opponent Like Jura

While Shikamaru’s decision to sacrifice his allies is undoubtedly questionable at best, the case can be made that he is simply trying to find the least violent solution to the world’s problems. Despite how dangerous the strongest villains of the Naruto franchise were, the Nara Clan head was always certain that the forces of good could emerge victorious from their fight. Woefully, the Divine Trees seem to be on a whole different threat level, one that is quite concerning. Their strength, abilities, and capacity to come back from the dead make them a horrifying force of destruction.

The Eighth Hokage is also aware that most of the best warriors in the world are currently out of commission or unable to the fight. Naruto and Sasuke are both missing, with the former being considered dead by most of the world. Boruto was labeled a traitor, making it hard for the Hidden Leaf’s leader to trust him. Kawaki and Amado are by far some of the most untrustworthy individuals in the village, and it makes sense that the man is hesitant to ask for their help. As harsh as his actions were, Shikamaru did try to do what was best for the world.

Shikamaru Has Divided the Fandom

​​​​​​​Readers Either or Disdain the Eighth

Although the consequences of Shikamaru and Koji’s actions are yet to be revealed in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, the fandom has already reacted to the news. The readers are divided in their or contempt for the Eighth Hokage. While some have praised Shikamaru for being the ruthless leader Konoha needs at the moment, others found his sudden change in behavior distressing. Regardless, there is no doubt that the Nara leader will be one of the most memorable and controversial Hokage in the Naruto franchise.

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  Naruto

  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.

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  Boruto: Two Blue Vortex

  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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