The wait is finally over, and the time skip we have all been anticipating in the Boruto manga has arrived with Chapter 81. Titled "Boruto: Two Blue Vortex," this chapter introduces us to a darker, more intense Hidden Leaf Village where everything has changed.
If you thought the previous arcs were intense, this new era takes things to a whole new level. Let's dive deep into the events of this chapter.
The Eighth Hokage and Sarada's Defiance
The chapter opens in the Hokage's office, but it’s not Naruto sitting in the chair, it is Shikamaru Nara. Wearing the Hokage's cloak, he has stepped up as the Eighth Hokage following the "death" of Naruto. However, the atmosphere is far from peaceful. Sarada Uchiha stands before him, arguing passionately for Boruto's innocence.
Despite her pleas, Shikamaru remains pragmatic and stern. He reminds her that to the rest of the village and the world, Boruto is the traitor who killed the Seventh Hokage. Shikamaru warns Sarada that her continuous defense of a "traitor" could jeopardize her own standing as a shinobi.
Naruto and Hinata's Fate
While the village believes their beloved leader is dead, we get a brief glimpse of the truth. Naruto and Hinata are shown suspended in the timeless dimension where Kawaki trapped them. In this dimension, time does not flow, meaning they haven't aged a day since their disappearance.
Kawaki is essentially keeping them as hostages to "protect" them, justifying his extreme actions. It is a somber reminder of the twisted reality Kawaki has created to achieve his goals, leaving the rest of the world in chaos and grief.
The Power of Omnipotence
We then shift to a conversation involving Sumire and Sarada with Eida and Daemon. The reality-warping power of "Omnipotence" has completely rewritten the memories of humanity. Everyone firmly believes that Kawaki is the son of Naruto, born and raised in Konoha, while Boruto is the outsider who betrayed them.
Eida explains that she cannot reverse this effect. Interestingly, both Sarada and Sumire remain unaffected by this power, retaining their original memories. This anomaly draws suspicion from Daemon, who wonders how two regular humans could withstand a Shinjutsu that affects the entire world.
Himawari's Instinct
Elsewhere in the village, we see Himawari training intensely with Chocho. Despite the world telling her that Boruto killed her father, Himawari refuses to believe it. Her intuition tells her that her father is still alive somewhere and that Boruto is not the villain everyone paints him to be.
It is a touching moment that highlights Himawari's purity and resolve. She is determined to get stronger, not for revenge, but to help Boruto when he eventually returns. Her belief serves as a small beacon of hope in a village consumed by false memories.
Code's Invasion Begins
Peace is short-lived as Code finally makes his move. He launches a surprise invasion on Konoha using his army of "Claw Grimes"—monstrous creatures created from the Ten-Tails. These creatures emerge from claw marks, spreading chaos instantly across the village. Code's goal is simple: draw Boruto out of hiding.
Sarada rushes to the scene to protect the villagers but soon finds herself confronted by Code himself. He taunts her, demanding Boruto's location. When she refuses to break, the situation looks dire as the Claw Grimes surround her, ready to attack.
The Return of Boruto
Just as Code threatens to kill Sarada to make her scream for help, a figure descends from the sky. In a spectacular entrance, Boruto lands directly on top of Code's minions, crushing them into the ground. He stands tall, sporting his new timeskip design, radiating confidence and power.
Boruto coolly addresses Code, telling him to stay away from the girls. The chapter ends with an intense standoff. Kawaki senses Boruto's chakra and arrives on the scene, setting the stage for a three-way conflict between Boruto, Kawaki, and Code. The true battle for the future of ninjas begins now.
