“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” Manga Issue 72 Review: Smaller And More Useful

Boruto manga chapter 72, titled ‘Smaller And More Useful’, was all about showcasing the threats our heroes will soon face. Code’s not playing around.

With Eida agreeing to side with Amdo and forcing Code to retreat, I liked the conversation Amado and Shikamaru had over the phone. In a sense, Shikamaru putting forth the unexpected offer, in the previous chapters, to accept Eida into Konoha so she could get to know Kawaki better basically saved Amado’s life.

Amado continued to throw a bit of shade at Shikamaru and I’m looking forward to seeing these two interact more with each other. Shikamaru knows that Amado’s got a bunch of ulterior motives. But there’s nothing he can do about Amado’s intentions yet. Both characters have genius-level intellect. They are playing a game of chess whether the rest of the cast members realize it or not. Who will come out victorious is yet to be seen.

Eida and Daemon standing against Code did decrease his attack power. However, Code still had a trick up his sleeve. I don’t know about you, but I haven’t been this surprised by a narrative decision in Boruto for a while now. So, yes, to ‘Smaller And More Useful’ for really delivering.

Code lost the cyborg siblings, but he went on to fashion himself an army of little Ten-Tail clones (possessing a weird humanoid form) to even the playing field. While it’s unclear how strong his minions are, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are capable of giving Jonin-level ninjas a tough time. The fact they can move through Code’s Claw Marks made them very dangerous.

I have my fingers crossed that Code decides to send some of the minions to Konoha so that we can get to see the OG characters, as well as Boruto’s younger classmates, fight them. Having the minions only attack Boruto and the rest of Team 7, while they are away from the village on a mission, will be a wasted opportunity. I want the Boruto manga to spend time developing the supporting cast.

As for the emotional beats in the chapter, we got to see Hinata cry in front of Boruto. I think it was a good thing for the creative team to have Hinata share what she’s worried about. Even though he was resurrected due to the Karma Seal, Boruto did die. So, it made sense for Hinata to fear for her son’s life as he prepared to embark on a new mission. As an ex-ninja, she realized the risks associated with Boruto being in such a profession. But she’s a parent, too.

Coming to Himawari, I’m not sure what her scene with Hinata was supposed to portray. Did Himawari want to become a ninja but she’s hesitant to do so because she didn’t want to worry her mother? Hmmm. I mean, Himawari’s already attending the Ninja Academy in the anime.

I did like how Himawari told Hinata that she wanted to become a ninja to help Boruto. Her wanting to train and become stronger reminded me of how Sakura was motivated to level up to help protect Naruto and Sasuke.

With Code getting ready to unleash his army, another major threat involved Momoshiki still wanting to take over Boruto’s body. Turns out, even though Momoshiki can’t be fully resurrected anymore, he’s okay with simply seizing control of Boruto’s physical body while locking away our hero’s psyche deep in the astral plane. Momoshiki’s actually looking forward to living Boruto’s life for him. Apparently, Momoshiki’s seen the future and the time for Boruto to feel despair and lose his will to live is upon him. And that’s when Momoshiki will take over.

Some other thoughts and questions:

• Why were Eida and Daemon wearing fur coats as they got ready to head to Konoha with Amado? Do they not possess a high tolerance to the cold? Can a ninja with some powerful Ice attacks harm them?
• Amado better have a plan to make Kawaki fall in love with Eida because she made it very clear that she would have Daemon kill Amado if he didn’t play matchmaker.
• I wonder what will make Boruto fall into despair. Is a major character death coming up?
• Shikamaru potentially sending Boruto, Salad, Mitsuki, and Kawaki on a mission to meet up with Amado and the cyborg siblings doesn’t make sense to me.
• Yes to Naruto noticing the change in Kawaki’s behavior. All of the work Naruto did to help Kawaki become “nice” was being backtracked due to Kawaki regaining the Karma Mark and becoming uber-powerful. There’s no one in the village who can keep him in check.

What did you think of ‘Smaller And More Useful’? Do you think Code will send the minions to Konoha?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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