Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 1×226 Review – “Samurai vs Science”

Boruto anime episode 226, ‘Samurai vs Science’, gave me an enjoyable battle between Tsubaki and Denki. I was actually surprised at the outcome of their fight.

‘Samurai and Science’ opened with Mitsuki and Boruto trying to reach the Chunin Exam Arena in time for their match. However, it was clear from the beginning of this arc that they were going to get disqualified for not showing up and that’s exactly what happened. Naruto, Sai, and Shikamaru knew they couldn’t give Mitsuki and Boruto special treatment. I did feel bad for Salad, though. She went on to become a Chunin without her teammates being there to cheer her on.

With Mitsuki and Boruto disqualified, the match between Denki and Tsubaki got bumped up. In a sense, both young fighters were going into battle without knowing a lot about each other. I wasn’t expecting Denki to tell Metal Lee and Iwabe that he was more comfortable facing Boruto or Mistuki because he at least knew a ninja’s fighting style. Tsubaki, being a samurai, worried him because he didn’t have enough data on her. The lack of data reminded me of how Inojin faced defeat during his match because he wasn’t fully aware of what Houki was capable of.

‘Samurai vs Science’ debuted Denki’s Scientific Ninja Tool contraption. It did look very bulky and like the rest of the characters, even I was wondering how Denki would move in it. Turns out, I shouldn’t have worried. Denki’s Scientific Ninja Tool suit was more than able to keep up with Tsubaki’s fast movements and even give her a tough time.

According to Katasuke, who decided to come to the arena to support Denki, the suit used electrical impulses to boost muscular reflexes, allowing Denki to dodge incoming attacks and counter with some very strong punches. However, there was more to Denki than just using a robotic suit. I liked how Shikadai, Salad, and Mitsuki picked up on Denki’s precise movements. It was as he was predicting Tsubaki’s movements.

Again Katasuke explained that Denki had created a visor to read an opponent’s movements. The visor reminded me of the device that showed up in the Dead or Alive live-action movie. The existence of a Scientific Ninja Tool that could mimic the abilities of a Sharingan made sense. But there was also a catch. Denki’s visor wasn’t able to get a read on Tsubaki’s unpredictable movements, which, if I’m correct, a Sharingan can do. Not only that, but Denki’s suit was also overheating.

‘Samurai vs Science’ showed that while using Scientific Ninja Tools had its advantages, such devices also came with drawbacks. They could be destroyed if they weren’t durable enough. They also overheated easily. Running out of options, Denki had to rely on his ninja skills to defeat Tsubaki.

The Boruto franchise continues to make statements about Scientific Ninja Tools. A ninja should use them to aid during battle, but a ninja should never solely rely on them. In the end, regardless of what kind of tools are being used, the skills a particular ninja worked hard to develop over the years will determine the outcome of a mission.

As far as the character development’s concerned, Denki was able to prove that he had become more confident about using his own abilities. Tsubaki realized that she was still inexperienced in certain matters. She also acknowledged Wasabi and Namida’s support for her and decided to remain in the Hidden Leaf Village. I like Tsubaki as a character and I’m glad she will stick around.

Even though Denki winning against Tsubaki surprised me, I’m happy for him. Denki’s genius when it comes to Scientific Ninja Tools does cement him as a Chunin-level ninja, in my opinion. He has what it takes to be a very tricky ninja to defeat down the line.

With Denki, Houki, Wasabi, and Salad now becoming Chunin, I’m looking forward to the type of missions their respective teams will be sent on. Kawaki also showed interest in starting his ninja journey by becoming a Genin. But I don’t know how that will work. Code’s still out there. And sending Kawaki on missions, even if they are Genin-level ones, won’t make any sense because Naruto and the rest know Kawaki’s life’s still in danger.

Talking about things not making sense, the Amado situation that Mitsuki and Boruto got involved in (that also led them to be late for their final Chunin battle) wasn’t mentioned at all in this episode. I still can’t understand how someone as important as Amado was able to be kidnapped from inside the Hidden Leaf Village without an alarm going off. Didn’t Sai have a couple of bodyguards keep an eye on Amado while he was busy examining the Chunin Exams with Naruto and Shikamaru? Again, in my opinion, the Amado being kidnapped storyline was nothing more than a poorly-written plot convenience to stop Boruto and Mitsuki from competing.

With Boruto and Mitsuki not getting their official battle, ‘Samurai vs Science’ ended with the two young ninjas deciding to fight anyway at night in the Chunin Arena. I don’t know about you, but such a moment can offer some good content for Boruto/Mitsuki shippers. Two young ninjas, duking it out, alone at night, connecting with their fists… and their feelings. Ha!

Some other thoughts and questions:

• Shinki acknowledged Tsubaki’s speed. And if a ninja such as Shinki acknowledges someone’s skills, you know they are good! She was also able to cut Denki’s fireball jutsu attack in half with her sword.
• Tsubaki realizing the power of Denki’s incoming punch and deciding to dodge it at the last second made for a very good scene. Tsubaki using her scabbard to unleash a barrage of unpredictable moves to destroy Denki’s visor was another one.
• Turns out, Shinki and his team were sent to Konoha to observe Kawaki. He was disappointed that he didn’t get to see Boruto fight, though. I think the majority of the Boruto fandom feels the same way. I’m kind of okay with the two not fighting because it wouldn’t have been a proper battle due to Mitsuki and Boruto likely not being allowed to use Sage Mode and the Karma Mark respectively.
• Do you think Amado’s kidnapping will be mentioned in an upcoming episode?
• We finally got to see Sakura being proud of Salad becoming a Chunin.
• I liked how the episode showed Denki’s father being proud of his son while watching the footage of his battle. As a character, Denki decided to select a different path for himself by wanting to become a ninja and not be just another inventor working for his father’s company. It’s nice to see Denki slowly improving.

What did you think of ‘Samuari vs Science’?

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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