Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234

The Funato Clan

I was a bit disappointed in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234. The action was bad and Araumi Funato, who seems to be one of the main villains of this arc, wasn’t very impressive.

Of course, we haven’t actually seen Araumi do anything yet. I’m sure he’s going to have some powerful jutsu. But his non-dried-out appearance feels really bland. It makes me think that his son, whose name I don’t think we know yet, is actually the main villain of the arc instead of Araumi.

I believe I went over how the umi (海) in Araumi means ocean in my review of Episode 233. But, I don’t remember looking at Araumi’s last name, Funato. The “funa” part of Funato likely comes from the word fune (舟) meaning boat or ship. This makes sense considering the Funato clan are pirates.

The son of Araumi Funato from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234
The son of Araumi Funato

Something else I want to point out about the Funato clan is that while Araumi’s son has fish-like features, Araumi does not. These features have been seen on only a few characters throughout the series and it was previously implied to be genetic in some way.

Kisame Hoshigaki was the first such shinobi we knew about with fish-like features. Then, it wasn’t until the original Hidden Mist Village arc in Boruto that we got the second. This was Shizuma Hoshigaki, leader of the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen.

The son of Araumi Funato is only the third character we know of with these features. And as far as we know, he’s not connected to the Hoshigaki clan. But, his fish-like features are a bit different than the Hoshigaki’s. The Hoshigaki’s had gill slits under their eyes while Araumi’s son has them on his neck.

Living Weapons

The fish-like features of Araumi’s son aren’t the only thing that makes him similar to the Hoshigaki clan, though. His weapon, which we currently don’t have a name for, is very similar to the Samehada sword carried by Kisame.

Samehada (Shark Skin) is one of the Seven Ninja Swords of the Hidden Mist. It’s the most powerful of these swords and is a living weapon. Samehada has a personality of its own and feeds on the chakra of its wielder (and those it cuts). Kisame and Killer B were able to master this sword thanks to their massive amounts of chakra.

Araumi’s son’s spear seems to be another living weapon. Under normal circumstances, it looks like a spear made of a swordfish’s skeleton. However, as we saw, it can “come alive,” changing its appearance into a living swordfish and moving under its own power.

Boruto using a Rasengan on a living weapon from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234
Boruto using a Rasengan on a living weapon

I’m going to take a guess here and say that this spear “comes alive” when the chakra of its user flows into it. And, much like Samehada, it probably absorbs the chakra of those it wounds and kills as well. Hopefully, we’ll get a name for this weapon at some point during the arc.

If you can think of any other living weapons from the series, let me know in the comments. I can’t think of any others off the top of my head. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any. And, no, Hiruzen Sarutobi‘s staff doesn’t count. That’s just Enma using a transformation jutsu.

Maybe this is the arc in which we’ll finally learn how living weapons are created. I’m fine with not knowing and it just being one of those things that exist within the world. But I’d also like to know. Are they made by forcing a large amount of chakra into a weapon?

New Seven Ninja Swordsmen Redemption Arc

As you can probably tell, my prediction regarding the fate of the imprisoned members of the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen was wrong. I anticipated them being involved in Araumi’s prison break. And, that assumption was built on another assumption that the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen were going to be partnering with the Funato clan.

Instead, Kagura decided to release Buntan, Kyohou, and Hebiichigo from prison to accompany him and Team 7 to Dotou Island. However, Kagura didn’t simply release these dangerous terrorists. He also gave them their respective Ninja Swords back.

Buntan is the wielder of the Kiba blades. These are two swords that have the power to control lightning. You may remember them first being introduced back in Naruto when they were wielded by Raiga Kurosuki (of the same clan as Buntan).

Buntan, Kagura, Kyohou, and Hebiichigo from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234
Buntan, Kagura, Kyohou, and Hebiichigo

Kyohou is the wielder of Kabutowari, a large axe and hammer that are connected together by a rope. As a larger guy, Kyohou is perfectly suited to using such a weapon. Though, it’s a bit odd for an axe and hammer combo to be considered a sword if you ask me.

Hebiichigo wields the Nuibari, which is effectively just an oversized sewing needle. I don’t really have anything else to say about her and her pairing with that sword. So instead, I’ll just mention that Kagura is also currently in possession of the Hiramekarei.

It looks like this is going to be a form of redemption arc for at least the three of the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen who are going on this mission. But, I also wouldn’t be all that surprised if the other members who previously broke out of prison showed up as well. Maybe they can reform their group, but for good instead of evil.

Conclusion

What do you think of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 234? Do you think Araumi’s son is a descendant of the Hoshigaki clan? What are your thoughts on his weapon? And do you think the rest of the New Seven Ninja Swordsmen are going to show up in this arc? Let me know in the comments.

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My review of Episode 235 is available now.

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