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「宣戦布告」 (Sensen Fukoku)
“A Declaration of War!”
Chains of the Past
Turns out Kagura cannot defy Shizuma, because he inflicted a deep wound years back when the curse of Yagura’s blood took over. While I’m doubtful as to how Kagura feels such strong guilt, to the point of enforcing penitence onto himself, wanting to atone is a natural byproduct of wronging someone very badly. Some shinobi remain the absolute scum of the earth, but Kagura is an individual who strongly adheres to his moral code. This trait, alongside a sincere belief in doing what is good for Kirigakure, are what I would expect from any Mizukage candidate. However, the boy has much to learn considering his naïvety, since he allows himself to be manipulated by Shizuma and ultimately ends up doing what’s wrong.
Anyhow, it really goes to show how much friendship means to Kagura when he defied Shizuma by choosing to not kill Boruto. Equally Boruto cares deeply when he chose to stand up against the revived Seven Swordsmen, who he stood no chance against. I’m quite sure that the assimilation of two nature elements is a requirement for being Jounin. Nevertheless, Boruto’s new technique was really cool to witness, and I get the feeling we’ve barely scratched the surface of his talent. Even if Shizuma easily swiped away the primitive version, I can’t wait to see the final form. There’s so much potential to be had!
Concluding Thoughts
Seven Swordsmen aside, I’m not too impressed with where this arc is heading. You’re telling me a chunin like Shizuma wants to wage war with Konohagakure, and honestly believes he can win? Given that his surname is Hoshigaki, he definitely has relations with Kisame, and it would suggest that his reasons for seeking war are based upon emotions. Though Naruto is not a vengeful person, being a proponent of the Talk no Jutsu, I can imagine Sasuke taking matters into his own hand. Oh boy, it would only take a few seconds, and the stomp would be so laughably one-sided. In a similar vein, although they cannot compare to Naruto or Sasuke, these Seven Swordsmen aren’t for show. A scrub like Boruto has no business challenging them, even if they are a bunch of deluded chunin upstarts.
That said, I’m happy to see from the previews that Chojuro is finally taking some action. Out of all the kages at present, he’s probably the most lacklustre of the bunch. This isn’t entirely his fault, but the arc seems to be taking steps in remedying that situation, portraying him as a competent Mizukage capable of bringing about economic reform. Chojuro was definitely a force to be reckoned with in Shippuden, and I’m hoping to see him in action once again.
Preview
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https://randomc.net/image/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations%20-%2028%20-%20Large%2036.jpg
I found it a damn SHAME that we didn’t get to see Killer B use the Samehada. I mean, imagine the Eight Tails combined with Samehada’s shark-like powers. Sigh, I guess returning “national treasures” is a critical part for the 5 villages to ally with each other, but it is still a shame that Killer B didn’t keep his pet. Though I can’t understand how did Tenten manage to keep the treasured tools of the Sage of Six Paths.
If I remember correctly, Omoi also had to return the duel blades as well. Definitely something to do with diplomacy between the villages.
On the plus side, Suigetsu will probably get to have some screentime. Boruto will definitely need his help to overcome the new Seven Swordsmen.
If Suigetsu is here to nab his old sword back (I think he lost it in the Land of Iron Arc and never got to retrieve it since then), I can easily see him cleaning up most of those scrubs on his own. The fact that the other six didn’t manage to react or intercept Boruto Stream kinda shows their level.
Speaking of which, while I’m biased, I like how they’re already incorporating jutsu Boruto has gradually shown in the manga. Like Lightning Triple. And already having an assassination Jutsu–even if poorly named. It kinda shows though that even though he’s talented with elements, each of them is pretty low tier on their own, so he has to combine them to have a chance at dealing damage–which is pretty much what he’s always done in a sense (even with Rasengan). This still leaves room for why he wanted the Kote, since each Jutsu in there is 2-3 ranks higher than any individual Jutsu he knows (and I doubt he’ll learn Purple Electricity until much later).
One more thing I like to note, the reason Boruto doesn’t want war to occur isn’t because a lot of people are gonna suffer. It’s because all of his father’s efforts will have been wasted. It’s subtle, but still shows his mindset of “Those close to me before the many”, of which the goal is coincidentally the same as those thinking of “The many before the few”. Hope to see when the goal diverges between the two.
Also, anyone else think Buntan is kinda hot?
My memory is fuzzy, because I don’t remember Boruto showing many techniques in the manga.
Nevertheless, Boruto’s progress is great to document, and I just hope the creative staff don’t lose control of his power level. It can be difficult to adjust, but so far they’re doing well. His value of putting those he cares about first is an admirable philosophy to have, and I look forwards to seeing how they test the limits of those belief far into the future. Eventually, he’ll be stuck between a rock and a hard place when he has to choose between two people he cares about, who are at odds with each other.
Don’t know who Buntan is, so I guess my answer would be no?
Buntan is one of Shizuma’s minions, the first to be “summoned” during the battle:
http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Buntan_Kurosuki
https://randomc.net/image/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations%20-%2028%20-%20Large%2031.jpg
https://randomc.net/image/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations/Boruto%20Naruto%20Next%20Generations%20-%2028%20-%20Large%2035.jpg
Each of these moments is another nail to the SS Borusumi, although she was an anime original character, so it wasn’t like she had any chance in the first place :/
Ironically, I like where this is going for the same reasons. It’s been subtle so far, but it seems this arc is lampshading certain themes about post-war nationalism.
I check Shizuma’s words and realize that he doesn’t seem interested in winning a war per se, but in using that war to transform Kirigakure. He doesn’t seem to have a real beef with Konoha (or with any other village), but with how things are being done in Kirigakure and longs for a return to the old Blood Mist ways. It wouldn’t be the first time in history someone has started a war not really to conquer anything, but to ride the wave of patriotic fervour and justify their internal policies.
(That said, aren’t there easier targets for that, even if it ultimately leads to war with Konoha too?)
You know, in hindsight, Naruto and Sasuke actually had it very easy, politically speaking. The plot of the original series made it sooooo convenient to pin the blame on individual manipulators like Orochimaru and Madara, and have ultimately sensible leaders in all the ninja villages. But what if a village stops having a peace-loving leader? Beating them will be enough if another crony takes their place? It’s important to remember that, as Mei mentioned in the previous episode, the feudal overlords of the Land of Water don’t like the current diplomatic situation either. Something tells me they wouldn’t complain if someone like Shizuma takes control of the village.