Boruto’s New Shinju: A Nod to Naruto’s Iconic Rock Lee vs Gaara Battle That Must Happen

The highly anticipated release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 14 is set for Saturday, September 21, 2024. Prior to the official launch, numerous online leakers have shared spoilers on various social media platforms, offering a glimpse of the events that will unfold in this upcoming chapter.

The chapter reveals that the fifth Shinju is, in fact, Shinki, as Kankuro seeks assistance in Konoha following the transformation of Gaara’s adopted son into a tree. This revelation aligns with the predictions made by a significant portion of the fanbase. Fans are now left buzzing with questions about Shinki’s likely target.

As readers are aware, each Shinju possesses unique instinctual targets that they aim to devour. Consequently, just like the others, Shinki’s Shinju “Ryu”is expected to soon determine its target. One compelling theory proposes that the target could be Metal Lee, the son of Rock Lee.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex May Echo the Classic Naruto Battle

Gaara and Rock Lee as seen in the Naruto anime (Image via Studio Pierrot) — Gaara and Rock Lee as depicted in the Naruto anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Fans may recall that the Naruto series garnered tremendous popularity, particularly due to the iconic battle between Rock Lee and Gaara. Thus, one fan on Reddit theorized that with the introduction of Shinki’s Shinju, creator Masashi Kishimoto might intend to recreate this legendary fight in the sequel series.

However, considering this new manga centers on a newer generation of Shinobi, it’s plausible that it could be Metal Lee facing off against the Shinju rather than Rock Lee himself. This scenario could present intriguing parallels and allow this supporting character a moment to shine.

Metal Lee as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Metal Lee as portrayed in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Metal Lee was first introduced at the beginning of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations but seemed to fade into the background. Therefore, a confrontation with Shinki would provide him with the chance to gain significance in the narrative.

While it may seem unlikely for Ryu to target Metal Lee, some hints earlier in the series suggest otherwise. After Shinki and his team were introduced, the focus quickly shifted to Metal Lee. Furthermore, they were depicted in a showdown during the second round of the Chunin exams.

Shinki and Metal Lee as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Shinki and Metal Lee as illustrated in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

This evidence points to a potential plan by the creators to recreate the dynamic between Rock Lee and Gaara from the original Naruto series in this new installment. However, they may have opted not to develop that thread further at the time. Nevertheless, with Metal Lee’s previous defeat against Shinki in the Chunin exams, it stands to reason that he may feel compelled to confront his Shinju, Ryu, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Regarding Ryu’s instinctual target, it’s possible that the Shinju’s targets are not predetermined. For instance, Jura initially claimed Naruto Uzumaki as his target, but instead, his true target turned out to be Kurama, as suggested by his attack on Himawari.

Jura as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Jura as depicted in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

This indicates that the Shinju may not have a specific target at all, and their choices could be influenced by outside suggestions. This is further illustrated by Mamushi’s decision to target Eida based on her observation through the Senrigan, rather than any innate instinct.

Therefore, even if Ryu initially selects a different target, he could ultimately redirect his focus to Metal Lee, which might lead to a compelling recreation of the iconic Rock Lee vs. Gaara battle in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.

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