The Hidden Leaf Village is in turmoil in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, and fans understand that the symbol of hope and peace, the Eighth Hokage, is needed to restore balance and unity to the village once again.
While Shikamaru is currently leading the village as the interim Hokage, he faces the risk of losing his position. Kobu and the Elders are hunting him down over suspicious actions and decisions related to Uzumaki Boruto.
Uzumaki Boruto remains on the run, but Shikamaru has secretly been working with him, unknown to the Elders and most ninja in Konoha. Now, Shikamaru is under fire for compromising Konoha’s security, especially after Naruto was sealed away and the Shinju Clones began targeting powerful ninja across nations. It wouldn’t be surprising if the true Eighth Hokage is soon appointed, replacing Shikamaru in the Boruto manga.
Shikamaru’s Position Could Be Lost at Any Moment
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 26 clearly shows Shikamaru in danger of losing his interim Hokage role. This is because he collaborated with Uzumaki Boruto, who fans know was swapped with Kawaki due to Eida’s Omnipotence ability. Although Shikamaru tried to explain his stance, his justification only deepened tensions within the village.
Moreover, Shikamaru is now the prime suspect who may have deliberately helped Boruto escape from Konoha. Combined with his actions and decisions during the Land of Wind mission, his credibility as interim Hokage is seriously threatened. Kobu and the Elders are increasingly calling for his interrogation to uncover the truth behind his alliance with Boruto.
On the other hand, Kashin Koji has advised Shikamaru to be cautious, warning that even the smallest mistake could brand him a traitor. This would endanger not only his interim Hokage position but also his role in Boruto’s mission to eliminate Jura and the Shinju Clones. Ultimately, Kashin Koji confirmed that Shikamaru should remain in Konoha’s leadership, where he can discreetly exchange and relay vital information to Boruto.
Kawaki Could Be Named the Eighth Hokage
If Shikamaru loses his interim Hokage role, Kobu and the Elders are likely to appoint Kawaki as the official Eighth Hokage, the successor to the legendary Uzumaki Naruto. To them, Kawaki is an obvious choice: a young, powerful ninja with the courage needed to protect the Hidden Leaf from Otsutsuki-level threats. Despite his youth, he is seen as a promising ninja.
With Kawaki having swapped places with Boruto thanks to Omnipotence, it makes sense to the villagers that the Seventh Hokage’s son would inherit his legacy and become the Eighth Hokage. Fans have seen young ninja lead Konoha before. Additionally, the Elders have a history of entrusting the village’s future to controversial candidates, like Danzo Shimura.
However, fans know Kawaki isn’t interested in Konoha’s politics, let alone the responsibilities of a Hokage. His true motivation has always been to protect Naruto, who saved him and gave him a family. Still, if becoming Hokage grants Kawaki more power and resources to protect Naruto, he might be willing to accept the title.
Other Possible Candidates for Eighth Hokage
Kawaki isn’t the only candidate for Hokage, as many fans still hope for Uchiha Sasuke, Haruno Sakura, Sarutobi Konohamaru, or even former Hokage Hatake Kakashi to carry on Naruto’s legacy.
However, Sasuke has yet to return to the battlefield, making it unlikely he will take on such a major political role anytime soon. Sakura is busy with her work at the village hospital, and Kakashi hasn’t appeared in the Boruto manga. Meanwhile, Konohamaru remains an active jonin but clearly hasn’t reached the level of power and respect required to be widely revered by the villagers.
If Konoha appoints a new Hokage without considering former leaders like Kakashi and Tsunade, it will likely be either Kawaki or a new face supported by Kobu and the Elders.