“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” Manga Issue 53 Review: That’s Reality

Boruto manga issue 53 gave us moments that laid the groundwork for what’s to come next. Things aren’t looking good for our heroes.

I don’t know about you, but in my opinion, Boruto manga chapter 53 ‘That’s Reality’ really decided to say, “An interesting villain? I don’t know her.”

At this point, I shouldn’t be surprised. Compared to the villains we got during the Naruto franchise, the ones popping up in the Boruto timeline have been ‘Meh!’. I did give the story a lot of time, though. I thought the Kara organization would be fleshed out. But now that we are 53 chapters in, I think that giving us well-written villains isn’t a priority for the Boruto manga. The narrative is more about who has higher power levels. Sigh!

‘That’s Reality’ opened with Kawaki being summoned to the battlefield by Isshiki. Of course, the only option available was to keep Kawaki as far away as possible from Isshiki. But that was easier said than done. Even though Isshiki only had five more minutes to live, he knew how to make Kawaki come to him.

I liked seeing him use Kawaki’s bond with Naruto. Threatening Naruto’s life was enough for Kawaki to stop running from Isshiki. Even though I’m not a fan of Kawaki, I liked how Masashi Kishimoto decided to showcase Kawaki’s feelings for Naruto. As far as Kawaki’s concerned, a world without the Seventh Hokage isn’t worth living in. Naruto’s basically a father figure to Kawaki.

If only Jigen/Isshiki had been kind to Kawaki, the outcome could have been very different. But Isshiki only thinking of Kawaki as his vessel was what brought an end to Isshiki’s life (goodbye, you queer-pants-wearing icon!).

‘That’s Reality’ had Kawaki get his revenge. I was actually surprised to see Kawaki jump on Isshiki’s deteriorating body and turning him into dust. I had expected more from such a villain. Certain fans really thought Kishimoto would spend time to explore Isshiki’s backstory and motivations. But, nopes, we got nothing. The Boruto series has a serious problem when it comes to constructing three-dimensional villains.

With Isshiki gone, there’s still a possessed Boruto for the rest of the characters to handle. Momoshiki using Boruto’s body to damage Sasuke’s Rinnegan was a shocking development. As far as I can tell, both Sasuke and Naruto are now quite weakened. After using the Baryon Mode, I doubt Naruto can tap into Kurama’s Chakra (at least, for a very long time). And with Sasuke’s Rinne-gone (ha!), he’s lost access to a lot of powers.

The next chapter does seem to be a Momoshiki-possessed Boruto vs Naruto, Sasuke, and Kawaki. I have no idea what going to happen.

Some thoughts and questions:

• With Isshiki gone, do you think Code will make an appearance or will he continue to stay with the Ten-Tailed Beast?
• Here’s hoping Kishimoto tells us the price Naruto had to pay for using the Baryon Mode.
• Do you think Momoshiki will put a Karma Seal on Kawaki, too?
• I’m telling all of you right now that nerfing Naruto and Sasuke in such a manner is all part of Kishimoto’s plan to get back at the readers who spent years making fun of the way he wrote Sakura. Naruto and Sasuke aren’t that strong anymore, huh? I have to laugh.

What did you think of ‘That’s Reality’? Are you glad about Isshiki’s fate?

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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