Despite how many fans would love to live in it, the world of the Naruto franchise is by no means an ideal place. Even without considering the plethora of evil and powerful villains who constantly try to take it over, many aspects of this universe make it quite unpleasant. One such example is the emphasis that ninjas put on ruthlessness, an idea that has caused much suffering over the years.

Although the titular protagonist did his best to create a better world where ninjas would prioritize kindness and cooperation. Woefully, the sudden transformation of Shikamaru into one of the darkest Hokages during the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga might hint that this issue is as prevalent as ever.

The Shinobi World Still Needs To Evolve

Shikamaru’s Actions Prove Hate Still Rules Ninjas

Throughout the story of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga, fans have seen the kind and amicable Shikamaru become a ruthless leader capable of anything to defeat the Divine Trees. The Eighth Hokage has seemingly abandoned the teachings of his predecessor and has adopted the cruel methods of older generations. This was proven in chapter #21 of the manga, during which Kashin Koji confirmed that the Hokage sent Konohamaru and Yodo on a suicide mission without letting them know beforehand. Shikamaru did not hesitate before sacrificing two of his allies in the name of the greater good.

These harsh and questionable decisions had been avoided ever since the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War, the finale of the Naruto series. The Seventh Hokage and his allies worked hard to create a world where no innocent would have to die in vain, as the titular protagonist saw this as an atrocity. Shikamaru’s actions did not shock fans simply because of how ruthless they were, but rather because they came from a man who worked closely with Naruto for many years. The Nara clan head must have known that his friend would never approve of such a strategy.

The fact that Shikamaru decided to send Konohamaru and Yodo to their deaths indicates that the Shinobi World had not advanced as much as Naruto wanted to believe. While the Elemental Nations were happy to cooperate during times of peace, Jura and his Divine Trees have caused them to believe that seeing people as tools was once again a tool for survival. Naruto’s influence might have kept these ideas at bay, as he acted as the protector of the planet, but with him gone, the Hidden Villages have become fearful.

Shikamaru Would Not Have Acted Like This in the Past

His Personality In the Original Anime Confirms the Sudden Shift

The Sasuke Retrieval arc of the original Naruto anime is considered by many fans as one of the best and most memorable in the series. This is in great part due to the development that both the story and its main cast saw as the plot progressed. Among the characters with the most progress, Shikamaru stood out due to his role as the team leader. Once the mission was over and the Nara heir returned home with his injured comrades, he began questioning if he was indeed worthy of being a Shinobi.

Shikamaru was horrified by the cruelty of the real world and wished he could have done something to help his friends. His father had to step in and tell him to train and become stronger so that he would never be forced to see an ally be hurt again. This version of Shikamaru was driven by his comion, loyalty, and kindness. The version of his character seen in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is widely different from the teenager fans knew and loved. As Hokage, Shikamaru has gone against the values that once pushed him forward.

Even though his desire is still to keep his Village and its inhabitants safe, his ruthless approach has transformed him into a cruel man. Konohamaru is one of his oldest friends and allies, famous for being one of Naruto’s favorite students. Yet, he decided to sacrifice him without hesitation, a decision that his younger self would have never made willingly. The man caved under the pressure of facing the most powerful villains in the franchise and allowed the darkness of the Shinobi World to corrupt him.

Naruto Was Vital for the Ninja World

Without Him, the Shinobi World and the Planet Are Not Safe

Although Shikamaru’s ruthlessness is a sign of the Shinobi World reverting to its problematic practices, this behavior change is also indicating a far more troubling issue. Given that the era of peace was not perturbed while Naruto was present and in charge of Konoha, it is not outlandish to consider his presumed death during chapter 78 of the Boruto manga as one of the reasons behind these changes. The Seventh Hokage was far more than just one of the most powerful ninjas in history; he was a symbol of hope and progress.

Other villages knew that the Hidden Leaf and its leader would always be there for them in time of need. With him gone, the world no longer has a protector, and the threat of Jura and the Divine Trees only adds to the fear that has taken over the planet. As much as Shikamaru’s actions might be questionable for fans, it is unlikely that he became a cold-hearted leader as soon as he took on the role of Hokage. The man is trying his best to maintain peace and keep his citizens safe, even if he has to compromise his morals to do so.

Boruto Could Forge a Better Future

​​​​​​​The Boy Is Determined To Uphold His Father’s Ideals

Chapter #21 of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga series also introduced a fascinating concept that will seemingly direct the path that the story will take moving forward. The protagonist, angry at his mentor for having lied about Konohamaru and Yodo dying, decided to rebel against him and disobey his orders. Boruto teleported himself to the battlefield in time to save his teacher from a certain death at the hands of Matsuri.

Naruto's son is slowly becoming a beacon of hope for the people of the Shinobi World by not only proving the Divine Trees can be defeated but also by restoring the ideals set by his father. Boruto has a chance to remind his comrades about the biggest lessons of the Naruto franchise and help them create a world that truly upholds them. In time, Boruto and his friends could become the leaders that society needed to change for the better.