Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37 was officially released on September 17, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 11. While the vast majority of the chapter was a buildup for the intense battles to come, it most definitely gave us exciting developments pertaining to important characters such as Shikamaru Nara.
Towards the end of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37, Kobu was involved in the main plot once again, and it was revealed to us that the plan to remove Shikamaru Nara from the position of the 8th Hokage is now officially mature. As such, Konoha is bidding farewell to its temporary 8th Hokage and looking to elect a new Hokage, officially making things even more exciting for the future.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37 Finalizes Shikamaru’s Removal From Hokage Office
The removal of Shikamaru Nara from the position of Hokage was set up in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 36, released officially on July 18, 2026, in V-Jump Issue 9. In this chapter, Kobu, who works directly for the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, held a meeting with the Elders in Konoha, stating his suspicions about Shikamaru Nara’s collaboration with the traitor, Boruto Uzumaki. It was quite clear for us to see that Kobu was dead set on proving Shikamaru a traitor to Konoha. Now, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 37, this plot point is finally bearing fruit. At the end of this month’s chapter, Kobu returned once again and made contact with Shikamaru, stating that his investigation into him had borne fruit. New testimony that further goes on to support his dismissal from the position of Hokage, has come forth.
“Abetting a traitor is a serious crime. It’d be no different for the accomplices, but for now, as the leader, the Hokage must be held accountable right away. I’ve already submitted a report to Lord Daimyo, so it is only a matter of time before we receive his approval to relieve Shikamaru Nara as the Hokage.” — Kobu moves to replace Shikamaru as Hokage, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #36
This new information stems directly from Nishi, a character that the vast majority of the fans might not remember. Nishi has actually appeared in the Boruto manga before, as well as in the anime. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Chapter 39, Nishi was revealed to us as a sensor ninja. He was tasked with the mission of monitoring Boruto Uzumaki as well as Kawaki with his immense sensory skills. He worked directly with Shikamaru Nara at the time. Now, almost 7 years later, Nishi makes his comeback in the Boruto series, and it is he who is going to deliver the final blow to Shikamaru, fully completing his dismissal from the position of 8th Hokage. With Shikamaru’s removal from the position of Hokage now edging closer, Konoha is also going to move towards electing a new Hokage swiftly because the village cannot afford to stay in a position of uncertainty any longer.
Shikamaru’s Key Role In The New Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Arc
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37 confirmed to us that Shikamaru Nara was going to be removed from the position of temporary Eighth Hokage. Instead, Konoha is most certainly going to be choosing a new permanent Hokage, but that certainly doesn’t mean that Shikamaru’s role is going to end here. Shikamaru’s involvement in the plot from here onwards is probably going to increase significantly and be more important than it has ever been in the Boruto series.
“Thanks to you, I’m persisting with the investigation undeterred, and a certain piece of testimony has just come to light. It is the kind of evidence that conclusively proves your wrongdoing. Isn’t that right, Nishi?” — Kobu confirms Shikamaru’s dismissal, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #37
In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 36, Kashin Koji’s Prescience ability was upgraded significantly by Amado by making the intervals between new visions shorter. Amado strengthened Kashin Koji’s power, and we also got to see one of his new visions moments before Sarada Uchiha was kidnapped by Code.
In this new vision, Shikamaru was seen in a wooden house cooking together with none other than Jura. Tying that directly to Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37, it can be assumed that after his removal from the position of Hokage, Shikamaru runs into Jura. He tries his best to keep him occupied while Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada Uchiha attempt to take out both Code and Hidari in one fell swoop.
To that end, Shikamaru is going to aid Jura and teach him the art of cooking, as well as try to befriend him. He does all of this while keeping him away from the Shinju Hideout, where Jura will officially die. This makes Shikamaru’s role in this ongoing arc significantly important, and we absolutely cannot wait to see him make a comeback on October 19, 2026, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 38.
Why Konohamaru Sarutobi Is Set To Become Konoha’s Next Hokage
While Shikamaru’s role is going to be expanded upon significantly from here onwards, Konoha will also be looking to quickly fix the Hokage situation. For three years, Konoha has not had a permanent Hokage following the presumed death of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki.
Now, however, Konoha will choose an official Eighth Hokage to succeed Naruto, and this person is likely going to be none other than Konohamaru Sarutobi. It has already been established in the manga that Kobu trusts Konohamaru to a certain degree. In other words, right now Kobu believes that Konohamaru is the only one who can carry the village forward. Konohamaru is also the grandson of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was a friend of both Konoha elders. Given his strength, stature, as well as his connection to the former Hokage Shikamaru, it makes sense for Konohamaru to rise to this position and make it his own.
“It has been three years, the period that you yourself designated. Stop dallying and accept the position of 8th Hokage formally. You’re weakening our position, not just within the Land of Fire but with the other villages as well.” — Konoha Elders confront Shikamaru over 8th Hokage Position
He has also dreamed of becoming the Hokage ever since he was a child, and this dream of his will finally come true in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. We absolutely cannot wait to see Konohamaru ascend to this new position and gain an important role in the story moving forward. One of the biggest criticisms of Konohamaru’s character in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been the lack of screen time. Often, Konohamaru has been disrespected by Mikio Ikemoto, and at other times, he has been completely shafted for other characters, namely Boruto and Kawaki. If made Hokage, Konohamaru will be given newfound importance in the story and will be allowed to drive the plot forward in exciting ways.
Konohamaru will also be involved in major battles if this development comes to pass, and we will then see him tap into abilities never seen before, which would consequently lead to him fulfilling his potential. For now, this arc is going to move slowly, but as it continues, these exciting developments will most certainly take place, and that’s something we cannot wait to see.
The latest chapters of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex series by Mikio Ikemoto and Masashi Kishimoto are available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.
