This article contains spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Series.
Summary
- Shikamaru becomes the 8th Hokage after Naruto’s disappearance, but it’s not official.
- Naruto is believed to be dead, but will eventually return, possibly changing the Hokage position.
- Konohamaru is a likely candidate to become the 9th Hokage, with Sarada Uchiha a strong contender.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has introduced fans to quite a lot of exciting plot points, and it is safe to say that one that confused the fans a ton even now is the position of Hokage in Konoha. After the loss of the Seventh Hokage, Konoha couldn’t stay without a leader and so, the village eventually appointed a new Hokage.
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After Naruto Uzumaki, Shikamaru was elected as the 8th Hokage, however, things aren’t exactly perfect in the village. There are still questions over the 8th Hokage position, and Shikamaru himself hadn’t fully accepted the position either. The true 8th Hokage hasn’t appeared yet in the Boruto series, and that sets up a very exciting development in the future of the Boruto series.
How Shikamaru Became The 8th Hokage
Naruto Uzumaki Was Announced Dead
Naruto Uzumaki reigned as the Seventh Hokage of Konoha for quite a while. However, eventually, his own adopted son, Kawaki, turned his eyes on him and sealed his fate. Although initially fans thought Kawaki would kill Naruto Uzumaki, it turned out to be completely different. Naruto Uzumaki became Kawaki’s target not because he had done anything to earn his fury, but simply because Kawaki wanted to keep him safe.
I will kill all Otsutsuki, and that includes Boruto Uzumaki. — Kawaki
All of this connects to Naruto’s fight against Isshiki Otsutsuki, where he used the power of Baryon Mode and ended up losing Kurama. With Kurama’s loss, Naruto was now weak and couldn’t hold off the likes of the Otsutsuki. Kawaki vowed to destroy the Otsutsuki to keep Naruto safe, and for that reason, he sealed him away in the dimension of Daikokuten. Meanwhile, the world believed that Naruto Uzumaki was dead.
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Boruto then entered a 3-year timeskip, and of course, Konoha couldn’t have been without a Hokage for all this time. It was revealed in Two Blue Vortex that Shikamaru was chosen as the next Hokage of the village. However, soon after, a key bit of information was revealed.d Shikamaru hadn’t officially accepted the position of Hokage. Although he did serve in the role of the 8th Hokage, Shikamaru considered it to be a provisional role, meaning that officially, there is no Eighth Hokage of Konoha.
Why There Will Be A New 8th Hokage
Naruto’s Return In Imminent In The Boruto Series
Fans know that Naruto Uzumaki will eventually return in the Boruto series. Depending on when that happens, the position of Hokage could change drastically. For one, fans know that if Naruto returns soon, then he is still capable of leading the village as the 7th Hokage. There would be absolutely no need for Naruto Uzumaki to be the 8th Hokage of the village. However, if Naruto is released way too late into the future, and simply feels that the younger generation should take over, then he would want for someone else to follow in his footsteps.
I haven’t taken this position officially, at least not yet. — Shikamaru Nara
Konohamaru Is The Likeliest Candidate
Fans know that only two characters can become the Hokage in the future of the Boruto series. One is Konohamaru Sarutobi, and the other is Sarada Uchiha. Out of the two, Sarada definitely seems to be the stronger one. However, Konohamaru dreams of becoming the Hokage. At the same time, he already serves as Provisional Hokage Shikamaru’s right hand, which implies that he’s being groomed for command. If he gets a few power-ups in Two Blue Vortex, then the next Hokage of Konoha is going to be none other than Konohamaru Sarutobi. With Konohamaru as the 8th Hokage, Sarada will most likely become the 9th Hokage of the village.
Boruto is available to read via Viz Media. The series can be read by the fans officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The release date for the next chapter of Boruto, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 21, is set to be April 18, 2025.
