After the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto Uzumaki promised to create a better world for Konoha and everyone in the world. While his desires and actions may have helped his and other villages live in peace, chapter 14 of theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga could hint at Naruto’s work not being enough.
The appearance of the infamous village elders, Homura and Koharu, implies that the Hidden Leaf’s government remains as flawed and ruthless as ever. These two cruel characters still retain their vast power, ruling with an iron fist, even daring to threaten the Hokage himself. This fact makes fans wonder just how far did Naruto’s wish to reform Konoha truly go, and if the Seventh Hokage’s struggles and sacrifices really have a long-lasting impact or not.
The Council of Elders Still Rules Konoha Ruthlessly Despite Naruto Becoming Hokage
Homura and Koharu Are As Ruthless As They Were in the Original Series
In chapter 14 of theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga series, Konohamaru interrogates the protagonist after being captured by Konoha’s forces. While this occurs, Homura and Kohaku interrupt the questioning several times to impose their authority over Naruto’s son, who they considera disrespectful traitor who killed his father. Despite Konohamaru and Shikamaru’s insistence on giving Boruto dignified treatment,the elders continued acting hostile, never fearing the consequences of their actions. Their actions are beyond questionable, reminding fans of their underhanded and often cruel behavior during the original series.
Homura, who was several times more aggressive than his fellow council member, went as far as toassure Boruto that he would not leave the room alive. “What we of Konoha must do does not change. Any hostile elements will be eliminated using all means necessary.” These were the exact words that Homura used to intimidate Naruto’s son, revealing his ruthless and cold-hearted nature remains unchanged. Later in the chapter,once Mitsuku unexpectedly helps his former team member escape, the elders admonish Shikamaru for not executing Boruto.
Their power seems to go beyond that of the Hokage, despite not being officially the leaders of the Hidden Leaf. In the past, Homura and Koharu have justified their appalling behavior by claiming that they only have Konoha’s best interest in mind. Yet, their hostility and desire to see Boruto dead at their feet tells another story. The elders are still as manipulative and power-hungry as they were during Tsunade’s reign. Their non-existent change in behavior implies that they have never been punished for their actions.
Konoha Is Repeating the Mistakes of the Past by Leaving Power to the Elders
Naruto’s Tenure As Hokage Should Have Changed the Village
For many decades, Koharu and Homura have acted as members of the Hidden Leaf’s Council, ever since their former teammate Hiruzen,the third and most controversial Hokage, established them as such. While it is likely that Sarutobi did so trusting that his comrades would help him build a better future, it quickly became apparent that they were not what Konoha needed. In almost all instances in which they have appeared, the elders go against the Hokage, sometimes even working behind their backs to ensure their desires will be enacted.
“Regardless of what you say or don’t, know that there is no chance of you leaving that room alive”
- Homura Mitokado
During her time as the fifth leader of the Hidden Leaf,Tsunade tried to get Homura and Koharu removed from their positions, seeing them as major threats to the village. Yet, decades later,Boruto: Two Blue Vortexmakes it clear that no further attempts to designate new Council members have been made. Naruto was made aware of the danger these two individuals holding power represented, as he was a victim of their atrocious behavior more than once. The elders still holding as much, if not more, power than before, hints atthe Seventh becoming complacent about their existence.
As long as Homura and Koharu remain in power, Konoha will never truly enter a new era of peace and progress. Their ways are outdated, rooted in their fear of the Hidden Leaf being attacked by a powerful enemy like when they were young. As long as they are permitted to remain in power, there will be no true change in the Konoha. As a youngster, Naruto fought to change Konoha and the shinobi world for the better. Yet, his inaction against the loathsome elders woefully implies that his conviction may not be as firm as he once believed.
Naruto’s Biggest Tragedies Happened Because Of One Unexpected Ninja
The Third Hokage, through inaction and bad judgment, indirectly caused many of Naruto’s worst tragedies by appointing corrupt leaders to his Council.
Koharu and Homura Could Be The Hidden Leaf’s Undoing
Their Refusal To Cooperate With Boruto Could Leave The Village Defenseless
The elders’ attitude implies that they are looking to appear powerful, most likely fearing that other villages will see them as an easy target if they do not avenge their fallen leader. Their desperation and ruthless approach could be the downfall of the Hidden Leaf. SinceHomura and Koharu seem to have power even over the Hokage himself, the village will likely not take Boruto’s warning seriously. The elders may pressure their forces to launch a manhunt against Kashin Koji’s student, leaving their terrain open to an attack.
They could also purposefully ignore Boruto’s warning, in an attempt to prove that they do not need a traitor’s help. Both paths would leave Konoha defenseless against the might of the Sentient God Trees, who are still growing their numbers. Something similar has already happened in the past, with the Council members going against Tsunade andfavoring the dreadful leader of Root, Danzo. Doing this caused Konoha to lose a leader and appear even weaker in front of its rivals. Koharu and Homura should not be the ones to lead the village during this imminent confrontation.
Undoubtedly, Sarutobi’s former teammates are among the most unpleasant and arrogant characters inBoruto: Two Blue Vortex. The Hidden Leaf’s higher-ups must remove them from their positions if they truly want a positive change for the village. The elders represent everything that was wrong with the ancient Shinobi World and will continue to poison the future of Konoha if allowed.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Cast
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations follows Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki, as he joins the Ninja Academy amidst changing times for shinobi. As mysterious events unfold, Boruto’s journey begins, establishing a new chapter in the Naruto universe. Released in 2017, the series expands on the ninja legacy.
