The Untold Secrets Behind Shikamaru's Rise to Hokage - Unveiling Boruto's Hidden Truths
Unexpectedly, Shikamaru takes over as the 8th Hokage after Naruto's tragic demise Discover the reasons behind this surprising decision and what awaits Naruto's future in this intriguing article
Highlights
The release of the first chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex had fans buzzing with anticipation after a lengthy period of waiting. However, their excitement quickly turned to astonishment as they discovered that the series had embarked on a fresh era, marked by noteworthy transformations within the ninja realm.
Naruto Uzumaki, previously known as the Seventh Hokage, is presumed deceased following the removal of his power and subsequent sealing in an alternate realm. In order to maintain stability in Konoha, Shikamaru has been selected as the new Eighth Hokage.
Although Shikamaru's appointment as Hokage may come as a surprise, his intellectual prowess and equilibrium make him well-suited to safeguard the village. The potential return of Naruto could introduce complications, but it may also provide him with the opportunity to prioritize his family and further cultivate his skills.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has finally launched its long-awaited first chapter, much to the delight of fans who have anxiously awaited the return of their beloved series. After a significant hiatus to develop the second part of the story, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations surprised fans by reemerging as a completely distinct series instead of continuing from chapter 81. As the new series begins, three years have elapsed, bringing about substantial changes in the world of ninja.
Naruto Uzumaki, the savior of the world, is no longer among us, leaving Konoha in a state of instability. With the aim of restoring order, it was anticipated that Konoha would appoint a new Hokage. The latest development in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 1 revealed to fans that Shikamaru has been chosen as the 8th Hokage.
The Death Of The Seventh Hokage
Naruto Uzumaki, the most iconic character in the franchise, including Boruto, became the Seventh Hokage of Konoha after the main story. His ambition to become Hokage was present since the beginning of his journey as a ninja, and he eventually achieved his goal, earning the respect and recognition of those around him. Naruto's heroic actions during the 4th Great Ninja War saved the world from destruction, solidifying his status as a war hero. Following the war, Kakashi served as the interim Sixth Hokage until Naruto assumed the position several years later.
In the Boruto era, Naruto finds himself as the Hokage, a role that brings him little joy. However, it was his long-held dream, and fans were thrilled to witness him fulfill it. However, everything takes a drastic turn when the formidable Otsutsuki Clan enters the scene. Naruto is forced to confront much stronger adversaries and, to make matters worse, the storytellers decide to dethrone him in order to showcase Boruto Uzumaki. Stripped of his greatest power source, Kurama, Naruto is later sealed in a different dimension by Kawaki. Adding to the turmoil, Ada wields the power of Omnipotence, leading the world to believe Boruto is the assailant responsible for the Seventh Hokage's death, while Kawaki is wrongly acknowledged as Naruto's biological son. Their lives are essentially flipped, ultimately resulting in Boruto leaving the village.
The 8th Hokage Of Konoha
The moment Omnipotence took hold, news spread worldwide of Naruto Uzumaki's death. Despite his safe existence within the dimensional realm of Daikokuten, the world wrongly believes he perished, with his own son Boruto Uzumaki being falsely accused of his demise. Sasuke Uchiha, having fled the village alongside Boruto, is now seen by the world as a potential traitor. Under normal circumstances, Sasuke would have been the new Hokage, but Konoha's fate took an unexpected turn when he departed as well. With the assumed loss of the Seventh Hokage, the demand for an Eighth Hokage swiftly arose.
There are numerous candidates who could have efficiently filled this role.
Why Shikamaru Was Made The 8th Hokage
For instance, Sakura Haruno possessed all the qualities necessary to become the ideal 8th Hokage. Tsunade, her mentor, had previously excelled in this position, making Sakura a fitting successor. There was no valid argument against Sakura assuming the mantle of the Hokage. Alternatively, if Sakura wasn't deemed ready for such responsibility, Kakashi was a viable choice. As he was still relatively young, Kakashi could have temporarily assumed the role until a younger candidate, like Konohamaru, proved themselves deserving of the title. However, quite unexpectedly, the village opted for Shikamaru as a potential 8th Hokage.
Shikamaru's appointment as the 8th Hokage lacks a clear rationale, but there are several merits to him accepting this role. Firstly, Shikamaru is renowned as one of the most intelligent individuals within the village, making his presence essential for Konoha's prosperity. Initially serving as an advisor, much of his counsel fell on deaf ears due to Naruto's idiosyncratic approach. However, as the Hokage, Shikamaru can effectively safeguard the village. Notably, even Asuma expressed great confidence in Shikamaru's capabilities as a Hokage, and now his prediction has come to fruition.
What The Future Holds For Naruto
Another reason why Shikamaru could have been selected as the 8th Hokage is due to his exceptional balance as a ninja. Despite not being the strongest, he has consistently demonstrated that strength is not always a requirement for defeating enemies. Shikamaru possesses an exceptional ability to analyze and strategize, giving him a considerable advantage in any situation. It is highly likely that the authors intended to highlight this quality in their decision.
Additionally, it is possible that the other potential candidates for Hokage were either uninterested or had prior obligations to attend to. For example, Sakura currently serves as the head of the medical unit in Konoha, and accepting the role of Hokage would mean relinquishing that responsibility. Likewise, Kakashi is enjoying his retirement and may not have desired to take on the mantle of Hokage once again. Furthermore, Konohamaru does not appear to be fully prepared to assume such a significant position, leaving Shikamaru with no choice but to step up as the 8th Hokage.
It is common knowledge among fans that Naruto Uzumaki is alive and well. Additionally, there are several characters within the Naruto universe who are privy to this information. However, to the residents of Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki is believed to be deceased. This poses a significant dilemma for the future of the series. It is inevitable that Naruto Uzumaki will eventually make his return. Kawaki cannot keep him indefinitely confined to the pocket dimension. Once the issues between Boruto and Kawaki are resolved, Naruto Uzumaki will likely regain his freedom and return to the village. Consequently, fans will be confronted with a rather peculiar predicament, as Shikamaru will have assumed Naruto's coveted dream position as the 8th Hokage. With a new Hokage in place, Naruto will undoubtedly be unable to reassume this role. This implies that Naruto must spend the remainder of his life as a retired ninja or adopt a similar role to that of Sasuke.
While initially appearing unproductive, this situation could actually have positive effects on Naruto Uzumaki's character. Firstly, he will have the opportunity to spend more time with his family, as his responsibilities as Hokage had strained their relationship. With Shikamaru now in the position of Hokage, Naruto will have the freedom to prioritize his family. Additionally, this change will allow Naruto to further develop his abilities. His time in the Hokage's office has caused him to become somewhat out of practice, as noted by Kurama. It is crucial for Naruto to return to combat and resume training, especially now that he is no longer the invincible being he once was. Ultimately, Shikamaru's ascent to the role of the 8th Hokage may not be as negative as it initially seemed. Readers can find Boruto on Viz Media.
