Boruto: Naruto Next Generations 1×244 Review – “Rift”

Boruto anime episode 244, titled ‘Rift’, spent a bit more time exploring the dynamic between Kagura and the three Swordsmen. As the battle with Funamushi’s forces draws closer, fingers crossed our heroes are able to win without suffering major injuries.

The previous episode had Kagura take everyone to the small village he grew up in. ‘Rift’ continued with Kagura and the rest of the ninjas fortifying the village’s defenses. Our heroes hoped that destroying the two bridges would force Funamushi’s 100-person army to head toward the ravine. The plan kind of worked, until Denki and Iwabe noticed a three-person scouting team run toward the village.

I liked the tense vibe the writers were able to feature in this episode. Not only did Kagura, Boruto, and the rest have to hide their presence from the scouts, but they also had to bring back three kids who were off playing in the area the scouting party would go through.

I don’t know about you, but I really thought their cover would be blown when the scouting party reached the village. Why do babies cry at the most inopportune moment? Ugh!

While Denki and Iwabe were able to handle the crying baby situation, if I were on the Boruto anime writing team, I would have had Salad use Genjutu on the scouts to make them forget they heard a baby cry. In my opinion, the Boruto anime needs to show Salad use more of her Genjutsu prowess.

With the scouting party heading back to Funamushi and stating there wasn’t anything suspicious going on in the village, I’m excited about our heroes finally getting to battle Funamushi and his team of elite fighters. Due to this being a ‘war arc’, while I’m not against Boruto and the rest getting injured, I don’t want said injuries to be life-threatening.

At this point, I’m really worried about Hebiichigo‘s fate. Her current character arc involved wanting to assassinate Kagura so she could be free. And while she learned to trust Kagura (in a sense), I wouldn’t put it past the writers to have her sacrifice herself to save Kagura’s life. Such a moment could make up for Hebiichigo’s earlier attempt to kill Kagura as well as show her appreciation after Kagura took away the Curse Marks from the Swordsmen.

As for Buntan, she still wants to get her revenge on Shizuma (with whom she was in love) for betraying her during his prison break. So, I think Buntan will be safe and the anime might return with an arc involving her battle with Shizuma. I liked Buntan’s conversation with Hebiichigo where Buntan told her the truth about Shizuma only caring about himself and that Hebiichigo should be careful about whom she trusts.

‘Rift’ also did a good job of showing the difference in power levels between Boruto’s crew and Funamushi‘s team. While Boruto, Salad, Mitsuki, and Kawaki were incredibly skilled ninjas, battling 100 elite fighters at once was something they were understandably worried about. They’ve got a long way to go before becoming capable enough to handle small armies on their own like Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi.

Some other thoughts and questions:

• I laughed at Salad calling out Mitsuki for being too soft on Boruto. I mean, what else was Mitsuki supposed to do? He’s in love with Boruto!
• Are the anime writers ever going to explain why kids immediately took an interest in Kawaki?
• Poor Metal Lee. All he wanted was to form a friendly bond with Hebiichigo. If Hebiichigo survives the current arc, I wouldn’t be against those two being a thing down the line.

What did you think of ‘Rift’?

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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