Boruto's Gaara Retrieval Arc may begin the series' Shippuden parallels

Boruto Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 was released on November 21, 2024. The chapter took the current issue to another level and saw Kashin Koji reveal himself before Shikamaru. Leaving all these intricacies aside, the chapter saw the commencement of the Kazekage Rescue mission with the alignment of Hidden Leaf's Team 7 and Hidden Sand's Yogo and Araya.

While this mission might seem like a normal rescue, it could be where Ikemoto might take the series to another level by paralleling it with Naruto, more specifically, the Pain Assault arc. Jura might be acting as Pain, working from the sidelines with Ryu and Matsuri on the front.

On the other hand, it might also be a shining moment for Sarada and Konohamaru, who would be parallel to Sakura and Kakashi. However, with Konohamaru paralleling Kakashi, fans might see him getting a spotlight.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Boruto Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 and has the author's opinion.

Exploring the link between Boruto Two Blue Vortex and Naruto

Team 7 arriving at the Hidden Sand Village (Image via Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha)

The last part of Boruto Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 saw the available members of the current Team 7 (Konohamaru, Mitsuki, and Sarada) enter the Hidden Sand Village. They were received by Yodo and Araya, who were seen with Shinki when the Shinju captured him. After welcoming them, everyone went to see where Ryu and Matsuri were standing.

Before this scenario, the chapter focused on Shikamaru, who was informed about the threat to Gaara. Moreover, Kashin Koji also informed the intermediate Hokage about sending Team 7 to the rescue, as this could be what the Ten Directions might hint at. So, the Kazekage Retrieval (Rescue) mission might start from the next chapter.

The six bodies (six paths) of Pain (Image via Studio Pierrot)

While this mission might look like a normal one, it could be where Ikemoto risks everything to make Boruto Two Blue Vortex reach new heights. Moreover, all of this rests in the hands of the author, who might parallel the current events of the series with its legendary prequel, Naruto. Moreover, the parallels could involve the fan-favorite Pain Assault arc.

Pain invaded the Hidden Leaf Village with his Six Paths, aiming to capture the Nine-Tails (Naruto). While he was involved in the battle, the other paths caused more destruction as the antagonist was majorly involved with the final move, the Almighty Push. Parallel to this, Ryu and Matsuri might be acting on the front lines, and Jura is planning a grand move on the sidelines.

Kakashi's death as seen in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Given their parallels, Sarada and Konohamaru might be spotlighted on the protagonists' side, Sakura and Kakashi. Sakura was a primary medic in the Pain Assault arc, and even after Tsunade was sidelined, she kept everything going. This would parallel Sarada, who might utilize her Mangekyou Sharingan for the first time against the Shinju.

Kakashi wasn't involved that much in this fight because he was killed at the start and was later revived with Nagato's Rinne Rebirth. Konohamaru, on the other hand, might parallel Kakashi's role but a little differently. He might get lethally injured, and at that point, he might awaken the Monkey Sage Mode, which his grandfather, the Third Hokage, used.

Final thoughts

There have already been hints that Boruto is paralleling Naruto from the start of the Two Bleu Vortex. Kawaki paralleling Danzo (both obsessed with protecting something at the cost of anything) and the protagonist paralleling Itachi (both turning into rogue shinobi) are prime examples. So, the paralleling starting from the Kazekage Rescue Mission might also work.

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About the author

Umer is an anime and manga expert at Sportskeeda with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Biotechnology. He chose to deviate from his original career path due to his love for anime, and wishes to encourage more people to experience the genre through his work. He has previously worked at niche anime-centered media website Anime Senpai for around 1.5 years.

Umer believes in cross-checking facts with official sources and strives to produce well-rounded articles through thorough research. He is a fan of anime series like 'Made in Abyss,' 'One Piece,' and 'Clannad,' and also loves indulging in manga including 'Monster,' 'Yotsubato!,' and any series by Junji Ito. He admires 'One Piece' author Eiichiro Oda and is inspired by how he intricately weaves a narrative and seamlessly connects loose links.

Apart from immersing himself in a wide array of anime and manga, Umer also collects physical copies of manga series to support his favorite authors. When he's not working, he enjoys reading classic literature and watching soccer.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika