Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253

Conflicting Feelings

Boruto’s interaction with Ikada in Episode 253 didn’t go as I was hoping it would. I knew it wouldn’t be easy to persuade Ikada to give up on his revenge. But, in my review of Episode 252, I pointed out some alternate ways for Ikada’s character to be “redeemed.”

I’m not a fan of Ikada’s entire personality changing. There are so many other ways to put him at odds with Boruto that would work better. But, Episode 253 doubled down on Ikada being a whole new person now that his sister is dead. And with him like this, there’s no way for him and Boruto to see eye to eye.

I can’t see a good way for Ikada’s character to come out of this arc other than if he dies. How could he return to his old self now? He can’t — unless we’re supposed to believe that he snaps out of it in the end.

Ikada Funato from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253
Ikada Funato

Also, the writing for the conversation between Boruto and Ikada isn’t helping things. Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki keep telling Ikada that they understand how he feels. But not once did they bring up the fact that Kagura and Hebiichigo died.

At one point, they say they’ve “lost people too.” But, nameless “people” aren’t going to make Ikada understand. All they have to do is bring up Kagura and Hebiichigo — and Boruto almost does. This wouldn’t solve the situation, of course. But, it could be the start of a real dialogue between the two sides.

I hate when anime add these intentional misunderstandings between characters. I’m supposed to believe that Boruto wouldn’t bring up Kagura? That he wouldn’t realize the importance of doing that? And that he’s somehow dancing around saying the one thing he should have said from the start?

The Mobile Fortress Returns

When we first saw the return of the mobile fortress, I thought Tenma might be making a return as well. After all, he was the Funato clan member in charge of the mobile fortress. But, that doesn’t seem to be the case. And, it kind of makes sense.

Tenma suffered some severe injuries from Chōjūrō and then fell into the ocean. And, in case you forgot, Tenma isn’t a blood member of the Funato clan. Falling into the ocean is a bigger deal for him than it would be for Araumi, Isari, Seiren, or Ikada.

Oh, and I don’t know if you noticed, but Ikada didn’t mention Tenma when he was talking about his siblings. I guess he doesn’t care about Tenma very much. He mentioned both Isari and Seiren when blaming the Hidden Mist Village for their deaths.

The Funato clan's mobile fortress from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253
The Funato clan’s mobile fortress

It’s possible that Ikada knows how Tenma died and believes it was Tenma’s own fault. But, that doesn’t seem very likely. Araumi liked Tenma, so he would have made Tenma out to be a hero when telling Ikada of his death. Also, it was Isari who told Tenma not to attack, and we know Araumi disagreed with that choice.

Ikada also believes the Hidden Mist is to blame for Isari’s death. We know that’s not true. It was Araumi who killed Isari. So, it seems pretty obvious to me that Araumi is where Ikada is getting most of his information from. Or other Funato followers who get it from Araumi.

And, maybe that’s how Ikada comes around to see things from Boruto’s perspective in the end. I’m sure the mobile fortress has broadcasting capabilities. Araumi might reveal that he killed Isari over a broadcast by accident. How would Ikada react to that?

Kawaki’s Secret Mission

Last week, I pointed out that we didn’t know where Kawaki was. And I also pointed out that Kawaki believes they need to destroy the Funato clan. He doesn’t believe in using words to stop a war. So, I theorized that Kawaki could kill Araumi.

Well, it now seems like my theory may turn out to be correct. Kawaki snuck onto the Funato ship and then followed Araumi onto the mobile fortress. Now, he could destroy the mobile fortress’ chakra cannon again and call it a day. But, I have a feeling he’s going to end up fighting Araumi.

Or, it could be that Araumi dies due to Kawaki destroying the mobile fortress. I’m not convinced yet that we’re actually going to get a fight with Araumi. Isari didn’t even get a fight. And if Araumi gets a fight, it seems like it’ll be a fight between two side characters.

Kawaki following Araumi on the mobile fortress from the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253
Kawaki following Araumi on the mobile fortress

Yes, I called Kawaki a side character. He is. And, yes, I know that Kawaki got one of the best-animated fights of the whole series. But, despite being a side character, he’s important and that fight was his introduction.

It’d be a bit weird for Kawaki to get another major solo fight already. Like, when was the last time we got to see Mitsuki or Sarada in a major solo fight? Mitsuki’s might have been back during the Chunin Exams. You know, the original Chunin Exams from the Boruto Movie.

Anyway, Kawaki should kill Araumi. With Araumi dead, most of the Funato members would likely lay down their weapons. And then we can pretend Ikada doesn’t exist and this arc can finally end. Can you tell I don’t have high expectations for the end of the arc? I want to move on.

Conclusion

What do you think of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode 253? Do you think the power of friendship is going to save Ikada? Will Kawaki stop the mobile fortress? And, are you ready for this arc to finally end? Let me know in the comments.

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My review of Episode 254 is available now.

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