The world of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has grown to become one of the most intriguing and mysterious within the Naruto franchise, and it is in this ever-expanding universe that the relationship between the protagonist Boruto Uzumaki and the mysterious Shibai Otsutsuki begins to reveal itself in fascinating ways.
At first glance, the Boruto sequel appeared to be a natural continuation of its prequel series, with new challenges, characters, and storylines.
However, as fans have dig in deeper into the unfolding events of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, it’s become clear that the series has a darker undercurrent that raises profound questions about destiny, divinity, and survival.
Booruto, Koshin Kaji And Kawaki (Shueisha)
In this narrative, Shibai Otsutsuki, a figure of immense power and authority within the Otsutsuki clan, looms large over Boruto’s journey.
It becomes apparent that Boruto may have survived many potentially fatal encounters not by chance, but because of a higher, divine intervention possibly from none other than Shibai Otsutsuki himself.
But what is the reason behind this intervention? Why would a god-like being take an interest in Boruto’s survival? The answer to this may lie in an unexpected threat: a figure named Jura, who seems to be Shibai’s greatest fear.
Boruto’s Journey of Survival
Since the first chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the protagonist has faced one deadly challenge after another, seemingly avoiding death time and time again.
His encounters with dangerous foes, life-threatening situations, and the ever-present shadow of the Otsutsuki clan have been constants throughout his journey.
But as the story progresses, the role of fate becomes increasingly important, especially as it relates to Boruto’s survival.
In many instances, Boruto has narrowly escaped death without even fully realizing the gravity of his situation.
Kashin Koji , a major player in the story, often acts as a guide for Boruto, warning him of the worst-case scenarios and providing critical information about future events.
Kawaki (Pierrot)
Yet, despite all of Kashin Koji’s efforts to prepare Boruto for what lies ahead, it seems that something greater than either of them is at play. This “something” appears to be guiding Boruto away from disaster and towards a path of survival.
In the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex sequel, Boruto’s survival is not just a matter of luck or skill. There seems to be a force one that operates beyond his control protecting him from harm.
While many would attribute this to fate, what if fate itself is being manipulated? What if this force is none other than Shibai Otsutsuki, who, for reasons unknown, is ensuring that Boruto survives?
And what if the reason for Boruto’s continued survival is not just to fulfill his destiny, but to defeat a being named Jura, who poses a grave threat to Shibai’s position within the Otsutsuki hierarchy?
The Return of Boruto and the Omnipotence Act
When Boruto returns in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, it is under unusual and dramatic circumstances.
After being framed by the Omnipotence Act, which casts him as an outsider in the eyes of his own people, Boruto’s return to the village is a moment of shock and surprise for many of the characters involved.
This shock is compounded by the fact that Boruto had left the village just a few years ago, but has now returned with a newfound sense of purpose.
Boruto As seen In The Boruto Anime (Pierrot)
Boruto’s return is not something that happens by chance. Instead, it is revealed that Kashin Koji, one of Boruto’s key allies, has been instrumental in bringing him back.
Koji’s role in Boruto’s journey cannot be understated. Throughout the series, he has been a guiding force, providing Boruto with valuable insight into the nature of his enemies and the dangers that lie ahead.
Yet even with Koji by his side, Boruto’s survival often seems to hinge on something more than the wisdom and foresight of his allies.
The first major battle that Boruto faces upon his return is against Code, a formidable and dangerous opponent. This fight is decidedly one-sided, with Boruto seemingly outmatched by Code’s strength and abilities.
Despite being aware of the future timelines and the potential outcomes of the battle, Boruto finds himself in a precarious position.
As Kashin Koji reveals through his Ten Directions, there are still many chances for Boruto to die in this fight, and yet, he receives what can only be described as unannounced aid.
The Role of Unannounced Aid
This “unannounced aid” becomes a recurring theme throughout Boruto’s journey in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.
Time and time again, Boruto faces overwhelming odds, only to be saved by an unseen force that keeps him alive.
In his fight against Code, Boruto receives this aid, allowing him to remain overconfident and ultimately emerge victorious.
However, it’s clear that this victory is not solely due to Boruto’s own abilities, but rather the intervention of something or someone else.
After his battle with Code, Boruto continues on his path, eventually coming face-to-face with the Four Self-aware God Trees of the Ten-tails.
Code From Boruto (Studio Pierrot)
These godly beasts represent a level of power and destruction that Boruto has never encountered before, and he is quickly overpowered in the mini-battle that ensues.
Once again, Boruto finds himself teetering on the brink of death, even though he is aware of the existence of these beings through Kashin Koji’s Ten Directions.
Yet, just as before, Boruto receives unannounced aid that allows him to escape certain death.
This pattern repeats itself multiple times throughout Boruto’s journey. Whether he is facing Kawaki in battle or going up against Hidari, Boruto always seems to have some kind of unseen protection.
However, it is during his confrontation with Jura that this divine intervention becomes most apparent. When Jura, a particularly dangerous God Tree, pierces Boruto’s chest, it seems like the end for the young ninja.
Yet, instead of succumbing to his injuries, Boruto miraculously survives. In a cryptic statement, Jura acknowledges that “the heavens are keeping him alive,” implying that some greater force is at work.
Nature of Shibai Otsutsuki’s Involvement
The mysterious nature of this unannounced aid raises several questions. Who, or what, is keeping Boruto alive?
Why is he being saved from certain death time and time again? While some might assume that Momoshiki, the Otsutsuki who resides within Boruto, is responsible for this protection, the truth seems to point in a different direction.
Momoshiki has his own agenda, which primarily involves taking over Boruto’s body rather than keeping him safe.
Shibai Otsutsuki From Boruto (Shueisha)
This leaves only one other likely candidate: Shibai Otsutsuki. As the most powerful member of the Otsutsuki clan, Shibai is a figure shrouded in mystery and legend.
His jutsu techniques, known as shinjutsu, are considered to be among the most powerful in existence, and he holds the title of the “God of the Otsutsuki clan.”
Given his god-like status and immense power, it’s not outside the world of possibility that Shibai is the one intervening in Boruto’s life, ensuring that he survives each encounter.
But why would Shibai Otsutsuki, a being of such power and authority, take an interest in Boruto’s survival? The answer may lie in the threat posed by Jura, the God Tree who nearly killed Boruto.
In chapter 13 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Kashin Koji describes Jura as “the most dangerous one from the God Trees.”
Unlike the other God Trees, Jura is not just a mindless beast. He is cunning, calculating, and capable of thinking beyond the obvious.
His every move is deliberate and strategic, making him a far more dangerous adversary than his counterparts.
Jura: A Threat to Shibai’s Godhood
Jura’s intelligence and strategic thinking make him a unique threat within the Boruto world. While other God Trees might rely solely on brute strength, Jura possesses a level of cunning that sets him apart.
This is what makes him so dangerous, not just to Boruto and his allies, but also to the Otsutsuki clan and possibly even to Shibai Otsutsuki himself.
Jura From Boruto (Image via Shueisha)
It’s important to understand that the Otsutsuki clan operates on a different level of existence than most beings in the Naruto universe.
They are not bound by the same rules of mortality and power that govern ordinary humans. Shibai, in particular, exists as a god among gods, wielding power that is nearly incomprehensible.
Yet, despite his immense strength, it is possible that even Shibai has fears—and Jura may be one of them.
Jura’s actions and abilities suggest that he is not content with being just another God Tree. Instead, he may be seeking to disrupt the established order of the Otsutsuki clan, challenging the authority of beings like Shibai.
If Jura were to gain enough power or influence, he could potentially pose a threat to Shibai’s godhood, something that the Otsutsuki god cannot allow.
Shibai’s Divine Intervention: A Means to an End?
If Jura truly represents a threat to Shibai Otsutsuki’s position within the Otsutsuki hierarchy, it would make sense for Shibai to take action.
However, rather than confronting Jura directly, Shibai may be using Boruto as his instrument.
By ensuring Boruto’s survival and guiding him through dangerous situations, Shibai may be grooming Boruto to eventually take on Jura and eliminate the threat he poses.
Divine Trees (Shueisha)
This would explain the repeated instances of divine intervention that Boruto has experienced throughout Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.
Shibai, aware of Jura’s cunning and the potential danger he represents, might see Boruto as a necessary tool in his plan to neutralize this threat.
Rather than using his own power to directly intervene, Shibai could be subtly manipulating events from the shadows, ensuring that Boruto survives long enough to grow stronger and eventually confront Jura.
It is also possible that Shibai, as a god-like figure, prefers not to interfere directly in the affairs of the mortal world.
Instead, he may use proxies like Boruto to carry out his will, allowing him to maintain his distance while still exerting control over the outcome.
This method of indirect intervention would align with Shibai’s role as the “God of the Otsutsuki clan,” a being who operates on a higher plane of existence and does not engage with the lower world unless absolutely necessary.
Boruto’s Role in Shibai’s Plan
If Boruto is indeed being used as a tool by Shibai Otsutsuki, it raises important questions about Boruto’s role in the larger narrative.
Is Boruto merely a pawn in Shibai’s game, or does he have a more significant purpose? Is he destined to defeat Jura, or is there a deeper reason behind Shibai’s interest in him?
One possibility is that Boruto, through his connection with the Otsutsuki, has the potential to become a god-like figure in his own right.
As someone who carries the mark of the Otsutsuki, Boruto may possess untapped power that could one day rival even that of Shibai.
Boruto In the Boruto Anime Series (Crunchyroll)
This potential could make Boruto both a valuable ally and a dangerous threat, depending on how he chooses to wield his power.
Shibai’s intervention in Boruto’s life may therefore be motivated by more than just a desire to eliminate Jura.
It could also be an attempt to shape Boruto’s development, guiding him towards a specific destiny that aligns with Shibai’s goals.
By ensuring Boruto’s survival and allowing him to grow stronger, Shibai may be preparing him for a greater role in the Otsutsuki’s cosmic hierarchy.
At the same time, Shibai’s involvement raises concerns about the nature of free will in the Boruto world.
If Boruto’s fate is being manipulated by a god-like being, it calls into question how much control Boruto truly has over his own life.
Is he making his own choices, or is he merely following a path laid out for him by Shibai? This tension between destiny and free will is a recurring theme in the Naruto franchise, and it adds another layer of complexity to Boruto’s journey.
The Ongoing Mystery of Shibai and Jura
While Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has provided some hints about the nature of Shibai Otsutsuki’s involvement in Boruto’s life, many questions remain unanswered.
Shibai’s true motivations are still shrouded in mystery, and it is unclear how much he is truly guiding Boruto’s path.
Similarly, the full extent of Jura’s abilities and his potential threat to the Otsutsuki remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that Shibai Otsutsuki and Jura represent two opposing forces within the Boruto world.
Kashin Koji’s words regarding Jura From Boruto (Shueisha)
On one side, Shibai is a god-like figure who holds immense power and influence over the Otsutsuki clan. On the other side, Jura is a cunning and dangerous God Tree who threatens to disrupt the established order.
In the middle of this cosmic struggle stands Boruto, a young ninja who has become the unwitting pawn in a battle for control over the Otsutsuki’s future.
Boruto’s journey is far from over, and the challenges he faces will only grow more difficult as he becomes more deeply entangled in the affairs of the Otsutsuki.
Significance of Boruto’s Survival
One of the key takeaways from Boruto’s repeated brushes with death is the significance of his survival.
It is not just that Boruto is lucky or skilled enough to escape dangerous situations; rather, there is something more at play, something that ensures he lives to fight another day.
This unannounced aid, which has saved Boruto on multiple occasions, suggests that his survival is crucial to a larger plan one that may involve not only defeating Jura, but also shaping the future of the Otsutsuki clan.
In many ways, Boruto’s survival can be seen as a form of divine protection. Whether it is through Shibai’s direct intervention or the workings of fate, Boruto is being kept alive for a reason.
Kashin Koji From Boruto (Pierrot)
This reason, as hinted throughout the series, may have less to do with Boruto’s own personal goals and more to do with the larger cosmic forces at play.
As a descendant of the Otsutsuki, Boruto is connected to a lineage of beings who operate on a different level of existence than most mortals, and his survival may be tied to his role within this larger cosmic framework.
At the same time, Boruto’s repeated survival raises important questions about his agency. If he is being kept alive by a higher power, does that mean his actions are being controlled or influenced by that power?
Is Boruto truly in control of his own destiny, or is he merely following a path laid out for him by Shibai or another god-like figure? These are questions that Boruto himself may need to grapple with as he continues his journey.
The Future of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex
As Boruto: Two Blue Vortex progresses, it is clear that the series is setting the stage for a larger conflict between Boruto, Jura, and Shibai Otsutsuki.
This conflict is not just a battle between powerful individuals, but also a struggle for control over the future of the Otsutsuki clan and the world they inhabit.
The stakes in this battle are incredibly high. If Jura is allowed to continue his actions unchecked, he could potentially disrupt the balance of power within the Otsutsuki clan, challenging Shibai’s authority and threatening the cosmic order.
Kashin Koji From Boruto (Pierrot)
On the other hand, if Shibai succeeds in using Boruto to defeat Jura, it could solidify his position as the supreme god of the Otsutsuki and ensure that his rule remains unchallenged.
For Boruto, this conflict represents both a personal and a cosmic challenge. On a personal level, he must confront the fact that his survival has been influenced by forces beyond his control and that his journey may be part of a larger plan.
On a cosmic level, he must grapple with the implications of his role within the Otsutsuki’s divine hierarchy and the potential consequences of his actions.
The future of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex promises to go through these themes in greater depth, shedding light on the mysteries of Shibai Otsutsuki, Jura, and the larger cosmic forces at play.
As Boruto continues his journey, fans can expect to see more revelations about the nature of the Otsutsuki, the true motivations of Shibai, and the ultimate fate of the protagonist.
In the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex world, the line between destiny and free will is increasingly blurred.
Boruto Uzumaki, the series’ protagonist, has survived numerous deadly encounters, often thanks to unannounced aid that seems to come from a higher power.
This aid, which many believe to be the work of Shibai Otsutsuki, the god-like figure of the Otsutsuki clan, may be motivated by a larger cosmic conflict one that involves a cunning and dangerous God Tree named Jura.
As Boruto continues his journey, it becomes clear that his survival is not just a matter of luck or skill, but part of a larger plan that involves the future of the Otsutsuki clan.
Whether Boruto is destined to defeat Jura and protect Shibai’s position within the clan, or whether he will forge his own path, remains to be seen.
Code From Kara (Left) Boruto Uzumaki (Right) (Via Pierrot)
What is certain, however, is that Boruto’s role in this cosmic struggle is far from over, and the challenges he faces will only grow more complex as he moves forward.
The relationship between Boruto, Shibai, and Jura is one of the most compelling aspects of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, and it promises to shape the future of the series in ways that fans can only begin to imagine.
As the story unfolds, the true nature of Boruto’s destiny will become clearer, and the full scope of the cosmic forces at play will be revealed.
For now, however, Boruto must continue to steer across the dangerous path laid out before him, with the weight of the Otsutsuki’s divine hierarchy resting on his shoulders.
One of the most delightful aspects of the Apple TV+ series Pachinko is the opening credits sequence. In each episode, the characters sing and dance to the 1969 song “Wait a Million Years” by the Grass Roots. The first season featured another song by the band called “Let’s Live For Today.”
The scene takes place in a bright and lively pachinko parlor, where characters from different timelines can interact.
This symbolizes how deeply connected we are to our families, even those from generations we have never met. Despite the hardships these characters face, the opening sequence radiates pure joy.
That’s why the absence of the credits in Episode 5 of Season 2 feels significant. By omitting the joyful scene, the show emphasizes the impact of tragic historical events on the family and Japan.
This decision highlights how the trauma from these events can influence people for many years, handled with sensitivity and care by the show’s creators.
Yoseb’s Story in Nagasaki, 1945
The episode begins in black and white, with the first scene set in Nagasaki on August 1, 1945. Yoseb (Han Joon-Woo) works in a factory while his family has moved to the countryside. Korean workers like Yoseb are treated poorly by the Japanese workers.
Yoseb becomes friends with a young Korean named Taehoon (Baek Su-ho), who arrived a year earlier after surviving a mining accident. They discuss the war, and Yoseb says, “We do whatever it takes” to survive.
The passing days are shown with white numbers on the screen. On August 7, the factory foreman announces that a special advisor to the Emperor will be visiting. On August 8, Yoseb sees Taehoon steal a chisel, realizing he plans something dangerous.
Yoseb tries to stop him, telling him, “You remind me of my brother, Isak. I brought him into this hell, and now he’s gone.” Taehoon, however, believes that surviving a cholera outbreak gives him a purpose.
Still from Pachinko (Credit: Apple TV+)
On August 9, a clock appears on the screen, marking time before a major event. During the special visitor’s tour, Taehoon attempts to stab him. Yoseb intervenes and gets stabbed in the shoulder.
Both men are taken away in separate vans when the screen turns white, showing a faint glow of flames. The time 11:02 appears, signaling the moment the Allied forces dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.
The Aftermath of the Atomic Bombing
The next scene switches to a radio announcer reporting that Japan has accepted the terms of the Joint Declaration, and that continuing the war would lead to Japan’s collapse. The war is over. The episode moves out of black and white, and Kyungee (Jung Eun-chae) appears, crying.
Yoseb has survived the bombing and is reunited with his family in the countryside. Hansu sits beside him. Yoseb asks about Taehoon, but Hansu doesn’t know him.
He only knows that Yoseb survived because the truck shielded him from the blast, though Yoseb is severely burned. Hansu informs Yoseb that the bomb ended the war, but dismisses the idea that Korea will become independent.
Hansu tells the family they must stay in the countryside until Osaka is safe again. This is heartbreaking for Mr. Kim (Kim Sungkyu), who had recently reconnected with Kyunghee in Episode 4 and now has to live with her injured husband. Yoseb, showing contempt for Hansu, accuses him of being Noa’s real father.
Hansu insults Isak, and Yoseb, despite his weak state, threatens him for disrespecting his beloved brother. Hansu shows Yoseb his reflection, and it is clear Yoseb is seeing his burned face for the first time. Hansu coldly says, “I saved you, just as I saved the others.”
Later, the family returns to the city. Noa (Kim Kang-hoon) says goodbye to a friend as they leave the countryside. The camera captures their home, filled with chalk drawings and touches from Kyunghee and Sunja (Minha Kim), making it feel warm and inviting. As they arrive in the charred ruins of the city, Noa and Mozasu (Eun-seong Kwon) step out while the adults try to salvage what remains.
Still from Pachinko (Credit: Apple TV+)
An American soldier driving by asks the boys how they are holding up. The boys remain silent, as they have been taught to fear Americans. Instead of hostility, the soldier offers Mozasu his sunglasses as a gesture of goodwill.
The show’s title card appears at this point, without the singing and dancing seen in earlier episodes. The absence of detailed information about the bombings’ death toll (over 40,000 in Nagasaki) is the only shortfall in this depiction of the war.
A New Beginning in Osaka, 1950
The episode then jumps to 1950 in Osaka. Noa and Mozasu are now teenagers, played by new actors (Kang Tae-Ju and Masaku Takada). The city has come back to life, with busy streets and Sunja running a successful noodle shop.
She mentions she hopes to open a restaurant, but is waiting for the Americans to loosen restrictions, while saving money for her dream.
Mr. Kim still lives with the family in Osaka. He asks Hansu how much longer he must stay, as it is difficult living with the love of his life, Kyunghee, while her husband is present.
Hansu says Mr. Kim can leave once Noa goes to university. Mr. Kim suspects Hansu has arranged for Noa to pass the exam, but Hansu denies it, saying, “I’ll do anything for my son, but not that.” Hansu wants to see what Noa can achieve on his own.
In another scene, Noa studies for his exam while Sunja apologizes for the hardship he faces. Noa appreciates that they didn’t accept money from Hansu, echoing Hansu’s words about wanting to succeed on his own.
The next day, Noa visits a girl he likes at the market. He confesses his fear of failing the exam, but she reassures him that failure is not an option for him.
Solomon’s Struggle in 1989
In 1989, Solomon (Jin Ha) has a meeting with Naomi (Anna Sawai) and Tom (Jimmi Simpson). Naomi notes that Abe has too much debt and that distancing themselves from him would upset other clients.
Solomon disagrees, but Naomi is unaware of his secret plans. Solomon suggests using the land for an exclusive golf club. During the conversation, Tom mentions his past relationship with Naomi, which surprises Solomon.
Still from Pachinko (Credit: Apple TV+)
Solomon returns home to find Naomi asleep in his apartment. Despite the setback, Solomon still cares for her, telling her she was the best part of his day.
However, Solomon now faces the challenge of convincing Naomi to stop supporting Abe without her knowing his full plans. Will they be able to overcome this tension and keep their relationship intact?
In the final scene of the episode, a radio announces that Korea is now divided, with hostilities between the North and South. The date June 25 appears on the screen, and Noa arrives to take his exam.
A close-up of a clock mirrors the earlier scene before the atomic bomb, representing another moment of tension. The episode ends with three episodes remaining in the season to reveal where the characters’ paths will lead.
