“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” Manga Issue 64 Review: Control

Boruto manga chapter 64, ‘Control’, showed Boruto use a new stage of his Karma Mark. The narrative also, in my opinion, foreshadowed something bad happening in the upcoming issue.

With Boruto unlocking a new level of his Karma Mark in the previous chapter, ‘Control’ showed that our young hero was still able to move his body without Momoshiki’s influence. I liked how Kawaki was wary of Boruto’s latest form. He was worried about Momoshiki appearing any moment and taking control of Boruto’s body. Kawaki didn’t have it in him to stand up against Boroshiki.

‘Control’ was quite an action-heavy chapter. Boruto’s definitely grown stronger due to the Karma Mark. I think he’s also tapping into Momoshiki’s previous battle experience. Even Eida told Code to take Boruto seriously and not let his guard down. As far as Eida’s concerned, Boruto’s ability to achieve such a stage could be linked to the medication Amado gave him even though Eida and Code couldn’t figure out the actual biological mechanism involved in the Byakugan-suppressing pills.

In my opinion, Boruto vs Code was well-choreographed. I liked how Boruto, using a Shadow Clone, pulled Code out of a Claw Mark he was using to teleport. We also got to learn that the Karma Mark couldn’t absorb the Claw Marks because they weren’t entirely made of chakra (they included the iron from Code’s blood). So, taking Code down required a different approach to counter his annoying ability.

Due to Boruto being busy with Code and trying to protect Kawaki, the rest of the manga focused on Naruto trying to sense his son’s chakra. I don’t know about you, but I still think that Boruto being able to escape from the village without alerting the Sensory Unit was a poorly-handled plot convenience. Also, I’m a bit suspicious of Nishi. Could he be an Outer Kara member? Hmmm.

With Boruto and Kawaki being in danger, it made sense for Hinata to want to go with Naruto to rescue the two young boys. Personally, I would have loved to see Hinata participate in a fight against Code. I want the older generation (other than Naruto and Sasuke) to get their moments to shine in Boruto. However, narrative-wise, Naruto wanting Hinata to stay at home with Himawari was true to his character. There’s no way Naruto would ever put Hinata at risk even though he’s not as powerful as before due to losing Kurama.

With Sasuke busy tracking Code and Sai being tasked to protect Amado, at least, Shikamaru decided to go with Naruto. Shikamaru’s analytical skills will definitely come in handy when trying to create a strategy to defeat Code. Naruto’s Sage Mode should also help our heroes determine where Code will appear next when he’s teleporting through the Claw Marks for surprise attacks.

Having said that, I think Naruto and Shikamaru should have decided to take Sakura along with them. Due to losing Kurama, Naruto doesn’t have his impressive regenerative abilities anymore. Shikamaru isn’t a healer either. Having someone like Sakura, the top medical ninja with monstrous strength, would have been a smart move.

As for the foreshadowing, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy when Hinata and Himawari prayed for everyone’s safe return. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone dies or gets severely injured in the next chapter. I think Shikamaru might put his life on the line to protect Naruto against Code or possibly Boroshiki.

What did you think of ‘Control’?

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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