Boruto Chapter 18: Shocking Failures and Kawaki’s Desperate Power Play!

by

This article contains spoilers from Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Summary

  • Kawaki wants power-up, threatens Amado
  • Konohamaru fails against Matsuri
  • Ryu’s trickery leads to Yodo’s danger

The current storyline centered around Shinju in Boruto’s series has been quite engaging so far, at least theoretically speaking. The concept of Team 7 venturing towards the Village Hidden in the Sand and their anticipated major battles is definitely intriguing. It seems that Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is creating an action-packed setting where characters can showcase their abilities to the fullest.

To put it simply, the author appears to have faced challenges in developing the story further and providing an engaging interaction in this chapter. Fans can only hope for improvement in the upcoming chapters of Boruto, but unfortunately, Chapter 18 felt underwhelming, offering little more than a hurried advancement of familiar plot elements.

Kawaki’s Upgrades Are Coming Soon

  • Kawaki Dropped A Visit To Amado
  • Things Will Move Fast In Regards To His Upgrades

Since Kawaki recently discovered that Amado had been limiting his attack capabilities, it seems that following his chat with Boruto Uzumaki, he set out to confront the scientist and make a threat towards him. This was observed by fans at the end of chapter 17, and since then, it’s become more evident that Kawaki is eager to regain his full powers as soon as possible. In chapter 18 of Two Blue Vortex, fans witnessed Kawaki threatening Amado, requesting changes to his settings. When Amado complied using a shutdown command, Kawaki fell asleep. This turn of events feels rather strange. The idea of Kawaki gaining more power through setting adjustments and switching to attack mode doesn’t feel like an engaging or well-planned power-up. After all, the author had three years to develop Kawaki in exciting ways during a timeskip, so a sudden power-up due to settings tweaks feels unrealistic. Nevertheless, it looks like Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is heading in this direction for now.

In order to destroy those monsters, I don’t care if you make me one. – Kawaki

The key moment in this storyline revolves around Amado requesting Kawaki to imbue Akebi, a character long deceased, with his karma. This is part of Amado’s plan to resurrect his daughter using divine methods, a goal he’s been pursuing for a significant period. His dedication to this end has led him to where we find him now, appealing to Kawaki to perform the ritual. Interestingly, Kawaki consented to the arrangement, but only after completing the Shinju, and even then, if Akebi becomes an Otsutsuki, he vows to eliminate her permanently. This intriguing turn of events promises an engaging development that fans should watch closely. Moments like these are what make the Boruto manga captivating, despite some instances where the storyline is questionable or the progression seems slow at times.

Konohamaru’s Failure Vs Matsuri

Konohamaru Couldn’t Put Simple Orders Into Effect

In line with anticipation, chapter 18 of “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex” revealed that Konohamaru Sarutobi couldn’t carry out the task assigned by Shikamaru. The objective was to develop a friendship with the Shinju and then betray them by attacking when they were unaware. Given his lack of hesitation upon hearing this strategy from Shikamaru, it seemed Konohamaru was well-equipped for this deception. However, things didn’t go as planned.

To be honest, many fans, including ourselves, questioned whether Shikamaru would go through with this action, considering he’s Naruto’s apprentice and embodies both Naruto’s spirit and that of their mentor Hiruzen Sarutobi, who wouldn’t approve of such underhanded tactics. However, it wasn’t Konohamaru’s resolve that faltered. When Matsuri suggested addressing him in a more familiar way, Konohamaru felt awkward and declined the proposal, ultimately leading to his plan’s downfall.

Is this about Kazamatsuri Moegi? What is she to you? – Matsuri

This entire series is a disappointing letdown from the author, for several reasons. Firstly, the plot fails to progress meaningfully between Konohamaru and Matsuri. Readers were intrigued by their unusual interaction, but the dialogue in this segment seemed stiff and unnatural, leaving it difficult to understand or follow.

I can’t help but find myself captivated by my conversations with Konohamaru, a feeling that seems to take me by surprise. Yet, it’s expected of us as fans to believe that these interactions are the pinnacle of joy for Matsuri. What intrigues me even more is the fact that Konohamaru, who is supposed to be a dedicated shinobi ready to risk his life for the sake of the village, appears uncomfortable when referred to as “Konohamaru-chan”. To my eyes, this seems rather pitiful.

At its best, Konohamaru’s actions have placed three genin and himself in precarious situations, and at its worst, he might have jeopardized the entire world, all because of a petty preference for being addressed in a certain manner. A being as powerful as Matsuri could potentially obliterate our world, yet she chooses to focus on something so trivial. It’s an intriguing paradox that keeps me engaged.

Ryu’s Trickery Vs The Konoha Ninjas

Ryu Is Going All Out Vs The Ninjas

Just as Konohamaru found himself in a tough fight against Matsuri, the younger ninjas faced off against Ryu. They tried to make Ryu use the Thorn Soul Bulb to locate Boruto, but in doing so, they discovered that they were being lured by him instead. Seizing this chance, Yodo disregarded all plans and positioned herself for a potentially fatal outcome.

Although Ryu’s strategy should be commended, the pace at which events unfolded felt hasty. The intention was to scrutinize a secluded area adjacent to a wall for any signs of Boruto, an idea that seems implausible in its own right, given the vastness of the Naruto universe. With the Land of Wind alone spanning immense territories, brimming with possibilities for world-building, allowing fans to immerse themselves in diverse environments, climates, cultures, and aspects related to the nation, it’s surprising that the author opted not to utilize these opportunities within the narrative.

One common criticism leveled against the Boruto series is that Konoha receives too much attention, leaving other parts of the world unexplored. Fans were looking forward to seeing Sunagakure play a larger role in the narrative. Regrettably, the author’s methodology remains unchanged. The only noticeable difference seems to be an alteration in scenery, with sand replacing leaves as the background. However, this change doesn’t seem to offer much insight into Sunagakure, leaving fans disappointed given the rich possibilities that the Land of Wind presents.

In the least, the series showcased Araya saving Yodo using a method effective against Iron Sand, leading to thrilling battles. Despite its flaws, this manga typically handles combat skillfully, increasing anticipation for the next installment as Konohamaru Sarutobi gears up to confront Matsuri, while young ninjas engage in fights with Ryu and Iron Sand.

Boruto can be accessed through Viz Media. This means fans can legally and without cost read the series on apps like Shonen Jump and Manga Plus. The next chapter of Boruto, titled “Two Blue Vortex” (chapter 19), is due for release on February 20, 2025.

Read More

2025-01-23 02:04