For fans of Shikamaru Nara, this episode is essential viewing. For fans of great dubbing, it’s a masterclass. And for anyone wondering if Boruto can ever live up to its predecessor?
Boruto, conversely, represents the new era. He fights not for the village's laws, but for his friend. This distinction is crucial. In , Boruto refuses to accept Sumire as an enemy. He sees her not as a villain, but as a classmate who has lost her way. This theme of "saving the enemy" is a hallmark of the Naruto franchise, and here, Boruto truly inherits his father's will for the first time. Boruto- Naruto Next Generations -Dub- Episode 22
The climax is surprisingly emotional. Shikadai refuses to abandon Ryogi, even when ordered to by Konoha authorities. Using his Shadow Imitation Technique (Kage Mane no Jutsu), Shikadai forces Ryogi to stop running and confront his fear. He delivers a powerful speech about how having power doesn’t make you a monster—how you use it does. In the end, Ryogi is taken in for protection, and Shikadai learns a valuable lesson about friendship and responsibility. For fans of Shikamaru Nara, this episode is
A: Unfortunately, Ryogi is a “filler-only” character and has not reappeared in later arcs. This makes Episode 22 a bittersweet, self-contained gem. Boruto, conversely, represents the new era
The dub performance in this episode shines particularly bright. The voice actors are tasked with navigating a complex emotional transition. Sumire, voiced by a talented actress in the English dub, flips a switch from the meek class representative to a cold, vengeance-driven kunoichi. The disconnect between her sweet demeanor and her murderous intent creates a chilling atmosphere that English dub fans found instantly gripping.
