In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 5, the individual identities and targets of the sentient God Trees were revealed, providing fans with hints about future potential fights in the series. Despite initial thoughts that the targets seemed random, there is reason to believe they are strategically chosen.
The manga also unveiled that Code's manipulations of the Claw Grimes resulted in the creation of not only a God Tree, but also a sentient version. This has set the stage for a formidable antagonist group that will be the focus of future arcs in the manga.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex - Why do the Shinju's targets make sense?
Claw Grime as depicted in the Boruto manga (Image via Shueisha)
The Shinju are conscious and self-aware Divine Trees that come into being when a Claw Grime bites a human. These humanoid soldiers are engineered by Code using the flesh of the Ten-Tails, and therefore, they exhibit behavior similar to that of the Ten-Tails. Their primary objective is to locate an Otsutsuki to consume, thus giving rise to the Chakra fruit.
However, as God Trees, the Shinju are expected to be capable of producing a Chakra Fruit. Unfortunately, they lack the necessary resources to create one, such as an Otsutsuki. Therefore, they should ideally seek out an Otsutsuki to consume. However, due to inheriting the chakra and appearance of the person bitten by Claw Grime, the desires of the Shinju have shifted.
Hidari as seen in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga (Image via Shueisha)
The Shinju are no longer interested in devouring an Otsutsuki, but rather seek out the person with whom their original host had a deep connection. This is showcased by Hidari, a Shinju modeled after Sasuke Uchiha, who targets Sarada Uchiha, the person Sasuke cared for the most. Despite Sasuke sacrificing himself to protect Sarada, his Shinju is intent on devouring her.
Similarly, Matsuri, based on Moegi, seeks to devour Konohamaru Sarutobi. Given their long-standing friendship since childhood, it is clear that they share a strong connection.
The image shows Matsuri as seen in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga (Image via Shueisha).
The Bug-based Shinju was fixated on Eida. Even though he didn't have a strong bond with the cyborg like others, Bug was captivated by her because of Amado's modifications. Therefore, it's possible that Bug's obsession with her led his Shinju to target her.
Finally, Jūra, the alleged leader of the new group of antagonists, had set his sights on targeting Naruto Uzumaki. However, the manga has not yet disclosed the identity of the person Jūra was modeled after. Based on various clues, many fans speculate that the Shinju leader is actually based on Gaara. This is largely attributed to his hairstyle and the close relationship between Gaara and Naruto.
Jura as depicted in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga (Image via Shueisha)
However, it is also a possibility that Jūra is connected to Jigen. In the manga, it was disclosed that the Shinju were responsible for consuming the chakra of all individuals on Earth. Despite Jigen's demise, there is a chance that Claw Grime may have obtained access to Jigen's chakra. If Jūra is indeed linked to Jigen, it would make sense for Naruto to be his target, given that the Seventh Hokage took Kawaki, his adopted son, away from him.
Editor's P/S
As a Boruto fan, I am thrilled with the latest revelations in chapter 5 of the Two Blue Vortex manga. The unveiling of the sentient God Trees' identities and targets adds a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the story. The strategic choices behind their targets, driven by the desires and connections of their original hosts, create a compelling narrative that keeps me eagerly anticipating future developments.
The concept of the Shinju, conscious and self-aware Divine Trees, is fascinating and adds a unique element to the Boruto universe. Their deviation from their primary objective of consuming an Otsutsuki to seeking out individuals with deep connections to their original hosts adds a personal and emotional dimension to their actions. The targeting of Sarada by Hidari, modeled after Sasuke, and Matsuri's pursuit of Konohamaru, based on Moegi, showcases the depth and complexity of these sentient beings.
