Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 1×234 Review – “The Unleashed Villain”

Boruto anime episode 234, titled ‘The Unleashed Villain’, was basically about making the good guys experience several hits to raise the stakes for the upcoming battle.

With one of the blimps exploding in the previous episode, ‘The Unleashed Villain’ opened with the immediate aftermath of the recent terrorist attack. The Hidden Mist Village is in a state of emergency. I liked the way Chojuru took control of the situation. He ordered his ninjas to not let anyone leave the premises where the explosion occurred until a thorough investigation was conducted. There were traitors in their midst. He also came through near the end of the episode when Kagura made the request to take Team 7 to Dotou Island (more on that in a bit).

‘The Unleashed Villain’ switched between the blimp attack and Isari breaking into a high-tech prison to rescue Araumi, his father and leader of the Funato Clan. I think the episode did a nice job of teasing what Isari’s capable of. He knew how to use the powerful Water Style Jutsus and the weapon he used was more or less a sentient being. The sinister vibe of the scene where Isari’s weapon, shaped like a swordfish, moved around on its own to attack one of the guards outside Araumi’s cell was handled well. I’m looking forward to seeing Boruto and the rest facing Isari and his weapon in an actual battle.

Another sinister scene involved a finally free, yet severely dehydrated, Araumi extracting moisture from the surviving guard to regain his strength. I wasn’t expecting this episode to show the guard’s death (his body slowly turning into a dried-up husk) onscreen. I loved it!

The Funato Clan’s all prepared to take over the Hidden Mist Village and regain control of the seas. Not only was Araumi rescued from prison, but Funato Clan members also started attacking beaches. They even managed to destroy an entire fleet near the eastern seaside. I don’t know about you, but I think they were somehow able to use the Shinonome to launch a devastating attack against the fleet. 

If what I saw was right, it will be interesting to see how the writers will handle talking about the Shinonome being used for attacks even though it’s being promoted in front of the whole world as a new power plant to help the economy of the Hidden Mist Village. While Boruto took time to realize that scientific advancement wasn’t a bad thing and that it all came down to how technology was being used, I wonder how long it will take Kagura to realize the same thing. He didn’t seem too pleased by his village’s interest in science and technology. Kagura liked focusing on nurturing people to build a strong community.

‘The Unleashed Villain’ also showed Team 7 worrying about Denki. Ever since Denki and his team went to Dotou Island in episode 232, it was clear that Denki’s mission would be connected to Boruto’s mission in some manner. With Dotou Island being near the eastern seaside, it made sense for Boruto to worry about his peers. I’m looking forward to seeing Team 7 and Team 5 working together to stop the Funato Clan.

As for Kagura bringing prisoners Buntan, Kyoho, Hebiichigo as reinforcements, I’m ready to enjoy the dynamics between those three and Team 7 on their way to Dotou Island. Kagura’s all about giving people second chances. Let’s see if his trust in the prisoners (and his ex-teammates) benefits Team 7 down the line.

I do think Kagura placed Mystery Seals on them just in case his reinforcements decided to act up. However, I don’t know if the Mystery Seals will paralyze or outright kill the prisoners (similar to the Suicide Squad), but we should find out soon enough.

Some other thoughts and questions:

• Salad needs to learn a bit of Medical Ninjutsu. Seeing her take Katasuke to a medical ninja from the Hidden Mist Village to treat a minor injury made me feel bad for her.
• Do you think Shizuma will appear in the current arc?
• Kawaki’s continued discomfort on ships made me laugh.

What did you think of ‘The Unleashed Villain’?

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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