New Powers (volume)

New Powers ( 新たな力 , Aratana Chikara ) is volume 7 of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.

## Chapter 25
" Those Girls " ( あの娘達に , Ano Kotachi ni )

Team 7 has returned to Konohagakure with Matsuri 's Thornsoul. Team 7 and Team 10 witness Konohamaru using the Thornsoul to successfully free Moegi. Up above, Boruto watches with a smile. Gaara and Shinki are saved, and Moegi recovers as her team watches in relief. Sarada admits her feelings towards Boruto with Sumire as the two reconcile. Elsewhere, Himawari tries to learn how to control Kurama's chakra better but she is not making much progress much to the dismay of both. Boruto goes to the mental plane where he converses with Momoshiki and he gives him a deal that neither of them can resist.

## Chapter 26
" Those Like-Minded " ( 通ずる物 , Tsūzuru mono )

Inojin visits Himawari at her home, gifting her her favourite flavor of honey. As he leaves, Koji 's toad communicates with the boy. Koji asks if Inojin harbors romantic feelings towards Himawari, confirming his suspicions are correct as he reads Inojin's change in expression. Inojin also confirms with Koji that he will do anything to protect her. As their interests are aligned, Koji invites Inojin back to his hideout via Reverse Summoning Technique , where Koji formally introduces himself as one who is fighting to defend the planet from the current threat. Inojin also meets Boruto who ensures Inojin is not in danger, but there is no physical exit and he has no means of escaping.

At the Human God Trees ' base, Hidari notices Jura shedding a tear as he reads a novel, and Jura explains that despite it being a fictional story, it managed to unexpectedly touch his heart. Hidari compares Jura's current emotion to back when he sensed Matsuri 's emotions during her encounter with Konohamaru . Mamushi breaks his silence, stating that his decision to devour Ada mainly stems from control, wanting her superior genetic information for himself. Noting that he doesn't care about the concept of love, Mamushi suggests that as Human God Trees, they should thrive more as a species, while Jura concurs that this may not be a bad method to learn more about love.

Back in Konohagakure , Shikamaru is telepathically contacted by Koji via Inojin's Mind Body Transmission Technique , as Inojin is fully cooperating with them, and this transmission will be kept secret from the Sensory Division. Shikamaru is on his way to meet with the Konoha Council as he was summoned, and he cannot talk right now. Koji responds that this is the exact reason why he reached out to Shikamaru, stating that in the worst case scenario, Shikamaru may lose his position as Hokage , which Shikamaru was afraid of. However, Koji will give him as much advice as he can to prevent this from happening, as Shikamaru losing his position would be disadvantageous to him. Shikamaru arrives at the Council Meeting where he encounters Konohamaru, Sai , Koharu Utatane , Homura Mitokado , and to his surprise, Kobu , the personal aide of the Land of Fire 's Daimyō . Koharu wishes to discuss the mission in the Land of Wind , which Shikamaru arbitrarily planned. Kobu reveals that the Daimyō is questioning Shikamaru's authority as village head, threatening more than just simple budget cuts depending on the circumstances. Shikamaru proceeds to explain the severity of the current threat, and his rash decisions are primarily based on intel that was provided to him, however to Koji's suggestion, he does not reveal the source of the intel. Shikamaru decided to follow his own intuition, assuming full responsibility for what consequences there may be. Homura and Koharu suspect that Boruto is the source of this intel as there are rumors spreading that he is secretly conspiring with the Human God Trees, as he knows quite a bit about them, in an attempt to deceive Konohagakure with fake intel to overthrow them from within. Konohamaru interjects, and when Shikamaru tries to stop him, Koji tells Shikamaru to allow him to talk as it would be beneficial for the Councilors to redirect their ire at him. Konohamaru believes that Boruto has no intention of harming the village, giving him praise for saving his life in the most recent mission, however the Councilors are adamant that Boruto is an irredeemable criminal that does not deserve the benefit of the doubt. Kobu suspects that there is a mole in the higher ranks of Konohagakure, which would be a major threat to the security and prestige of the village. Ordering Sai to take Konohamaru to the interrogation room for questioning, Kobu declares he will expose this mole and requests to question anyone who has had direct contact with Boruto, believing Boruto had help from the inside when he escaped his interrogation.

Inojin expresses his nervousness with Koji and Boruto about all of the regulations they just broke by spying on the Councilor meeting. Boruto and Koji both agree that they must conform to crafty methods in order to deal with the enemy. Inojin accepts that he must have proper power and resolve if he wants to protect who he loves, recalling his past encounter with Jura. Koji changes the subject, asking Boruto if he came to terms with Momoshiki . Boruto gives a purposefully vague answer, and the two scold each other for keeping specific details secret from the other person. Shikamaru later updates Koji on Konohamaru being taken in for questioning and his turn will be coming soon. Koji states that Mamushi will arrive at Konohagakure in one week from today, and his target will be Ada. He will inform the group about Mamushi's ability and how to counter it.

At the safehouse, Sumire and Sarada are talking with Ada about admitting their feelings for Boruto to him, while Daemon is listening in. Sarada and Sumire both concur that this would make things awkward between them, and Boruto already has a lot of things on his mind as it is. Ada then suddenly changes the subject, asking the two if they are truly victims of her enchantment. Sarada and Sumire both grow visibly nervous as Daemon coldly stares at them. Sumire remembers Shikamaru's words about making sure they do not allow Ada and Daemon to find out about their immunity, as their lives would be in danger since they would be effective in killing Ada should the need arise. Ada confirms her suspicions by noting that it would not be normally possible for two of her victims to openly talking about liking someone else in front of her.

As Daemon begins walking towards them, Sarada abruptly activates her Mangekyō Sharingan , but before the two can react, Daemon jumps behind them and grabs them both by the necks. Noticing that Sarada tried to make a move, Daemon menacingly states that whatever she does would be useless if she died before she could launch it.

## Chapter 27
" Bet Your Life On It " ( 命を賭して , Inochi wo Toshite )

Sarada Uchiha and Sumire are held captive by Daemon , but he suddenly releases his grip on their necks. When Daemon states that he has the ability to kill them before they can even react, as he just demonstrated, Sarada questions why he did not do so. Ada ponders why Sarada and Sumire would be immune to Omnipotence . It is not due to them falling in love with Boruto Uzumaki , an Ōtsutsuki , as there are other girls in the village who have crushes on Boruto and Kawaki . Ada figures out that it is due to her unconsciously providing an exception for the two of them. Ada reminds the two of a past conversation where Ada openly spoke about wanting to be friends, and one of her deepest desires is to have normal, genuine relationships with others. Ada admits that even if Sarada and Sumire did display an intention to kill her, she would accept it as long as they are the ones to. Moved by Ada's words, Sarada grabs Sumire's hand and the two rush to give Ada a hug. When Ada questions this, Sarada states that she is showing the proof of her resolve and a symbol of their genuine friendship. Ada thanks the two of them while Daemon grins.

Boruto Uzumaki , Inojin Yamanaka , and Shikamaru Nara (via Inojin's Mind Body Transmission Technique ) listen in as Koji Kashin goes on to explain Mamushi 's ability: Division . Mamushi is able to split into seemingly endless copies of himself. When Boruto compares it to the Shadow Clone Technique , Koji corrects him by explaining that each copy serves as the "real" Mamushi, and there is no drop in power or physical strength as he multiplies. However, there is a significant drop in his intelligence each time he copies himself. Koji agrees with Shikamaru Nara that the ideal method to counter this ability would be to allow Mamushi to multiply to the point he becomes a complete fool, and deal with all of his copies at once. Koji reveals another very important detail: both of Mamushi's eyes must be destroyed to prevent further copying. Due to the nature of this ability, it would be dangerous to leave a few copies around, as Mamushi's intelligence will increase as his head count decreases, but if he is allowed to make too many copies, there would be a massive disadvantage in numbers. Koji states that an ideal number of copies to deal with would be about 20 or 30. Shikamaru is concerned about Mamushi leaving a copy behind at their base as a contingency plan, but Koji explains that Mamushi and his copies have the instinctual desire to stay flocked together, so a copy venturing too far from the pack will not be a concern.

Inojin questions why they need to engage Mamushi inside Konohagakure , opting to instead hunt him down before he can invade the village. Koji explains that it will prevent the interference of Jura . Shikamaru notes that Jura holds the village in high regard, as there are frequent reports of his visits to the bookstore and the sweets shop. Despite targeting Boruto and Himawari Uzumaki , Jura refuses to do battle in the village to prevent unnecessary destruction, and the action of doing so especially by Jura's peers would incur his wrath. Even if Mamushi becomes a fool due to constantly dividing, the instinct to avoid Jura's anger and to devour Ada would remain intact, thus it is confirmed that the best method to engage Mamushi would be inside Konoha's borders.

Koji also reveals the main reason he invited Inojin: he will have him learn a new jutsu, which is stated to be a superior version of the Mind Body Transmission Technique, and this jutsu would prove to be key in defeating Mamushi. As Mamushi will arrive in Konoha in about a week, possibly even sooner, Inojin is given a time limit of 2 days to perfect this new jutsu. Noting Inojin's concerns, Koji explains that this is a jutsu he would have eventually developed himself, in order to avenge Himawari (Koji insinuates that there is a future where Himawari is killed by Jura, and Inojin develops this jutsu to enact vengeance). Now feeling determined, Inojin declares that he will not need 2 days; he will master it in 1 day.

Back at Amado Sanzu 's lab, Amado and Kawaki are reviewing the footage of Kawaki's earlier battle with Jura. Amado observes the tree branches Jura used, deducing that it is the God Tree itself, which is also what Jura's own body is composed of. Due to the God Tree being able to heal any injury inflicted on Jura, and its ability to act as an offensive weapon and impenetrable shield, Amado comes to the conclusion that Jura may essentially be immortal. Kawaki disagrees, claiming Jura is beatable, but not as Kawaki is currently. Aware of what Kawaki is suggesting, Amado tries to argue against it, but Kawaki grabs him by the throat, reminding him of their agreement about Amado's daughter . Amado claims that if Kawaki is instilled with any more power than he has now, his body may be unable to handle it and he will self-destruct. Kawaki is undeterred, opting to take this chance to deal with his enemies, and Amado is forced to take this gamble if he wants his daughter to be restored.

Meanwhile, Konohamaru Sarutobi is being interrogated by Kobu , with Sai listening in. Konohamaru tries to argue that he is not the mole Kobu is searching for, however he admits that while he detested Boruto at first, he has with time come to realize that there are contradictions towards the idea of him being a traitor. Kobu thinks to himself that Konohamaru does not have the right character to be a proper mole, and he begins to suspect others. Suddenly, Konohamaru is contacted telepathically by Shikamaru, revealing that he is the one who allowed Boruto to escape. Aware that it is only a matter of time before his actions are exposed, Shikamaru asks Konohamaru for his help as he continues to work with Koji, Boruto, and now Inojin from the shadows. Sai stares at Konohamaru, seemingly noting Konohamaru's sudden change in expression.

At the safehouse, Sumire leaves to head back to the lab, jokingly wishing Sarada good luck as Ada prevents Sarada from also leaving. As she runs through the door, Boruto appears waiting for her. Boruto shows Sumire his sword, demonstrating its ability to maintain its physical condition by constantly enveloping it with chakra. However, due to a momentarily loss in focus, it suffered a chip in his battle against Jura, and Boruto asks Sumire if she can repair it within a week. Boruto gives Sumire a scroll, which contains completed research that Sumire is currently in the process of developing, much to her surprise. Sumire states that if she uses this technology, it may transform Boruto's blade into something entirely different, asking if he is okay with this. Boruto accepts this, stating that as long as it makes his weapon stronger, even his master wouldn't oppose. Sumire agrees with Boruto's request, also telling him that he should not refer to her by "Class Rep" anymore, but by her actual name.

Several days later, Mamushi has arrived to Konohagakure, with a few copies already made. Mamushi's copies discuss with themselves to keep their chakra signature erased so the Sensory Division cannot detect them, and they begin their search for Ada.

## Chapter 28
" New Powers " ( 新たな力 , Aratana Chikara )

Koji and Boruto watch as Inojin completes his new jutsu. When Boruto compliments Inojin's success on completing his jutsu in a single day, Inojin retorts that he's only here to defend Himawari and Konohagakure , and he does not accept Boruto as an ally. Boruto responds that he doesn't accept Inojin either, and warns him not to make Himawari cry even once, or he will shave Inojin's ridiculous haircut off. Boruto teleports away as a baffled Inojin questions why Boruto would defend Himawari as he's the one who wrecked the Uzumaki Household in the first place.

In Konohagakure, Mitsuki is next to be called for an interrogation led by Kobu , who dismisses Konohamaru . As Konohamaru leaves the room, Sai mentally contacts the Sensory Unit and requests for a communication log between Konohamaru and any third parties in the last several minutes, noting Konohamaru's sudden change in expression during his interrogation. The Sensory Unit reports that Konohamaru's last reported transmission was his routine check-in from the night before. Kobu begins to question Mitsuki about Boruto's escape during his interrogation.

Sumire completes her work on Boruto's sword and hands it back to him. Boruto notes that while the guard is unchanged, the rest of the blade has been completely remade. Sumire explains that its shape was altered for maximum strength and cutting ability, and it has been set to automatically maintain Boruto's Uchiha-Style Blade Jutsu on its own once its activated. Boruto notices the blade absorbing a small amount of his chakra, but Sumire reassures him that this is for his benefit as now he no longer needs to spare any focus to constantly infuse the blade with chakra. However, if anyone else whose chakra signature has not been registered with the blade tries to touch it, their chakra will be completely expended. Boruto's, Sasuke 's, and Sumire's own chakra are the only ones registered, and this was installed as a safety feature in case an enemy tries to steal it. Sumire also proceeds to explain that a certain special material has been compounded into the blade.

At the Hokage Mansion, Shikamaru talks with Shikadai about their upcoming encounter with Mamushi inside the village's walls. Shikadai questions Shikamaru's decision with considering Boruto as an ally after all he's done. Shikamaru explains that when he accepted the position of Hokage , he swore to himself that he would be unbending in his convictions, just like Naruto , and he is following his own beliefs and making the necessary decisions to protect Konoha. Boruto's assistance is essential to fighting the Human God Trees , and if Shikadai cannot accept this, he can willingly back out of this operation as he is not being ordered to participate, but he must keep any intel Shikamaru just shared with him to himself. Shikadai decides to follow through, pointing out that Sarada and Himawari are foolishly wanting to help Boruto, and Chōchō do not want to leave Himawari alone, a sentiment also shared by himself and Inojin. Shikadai will put his personal feelings about Boruto to the side to carry out any order given by the Hokage.

Inojin talks with Koji about Koji's hesitance to sharing any more intel if he knows about the future. Koji asks Inojin if he knew he was going to die, would he still confront Jura to save Himawari, or would that information cause him to hesitate or freeze in fear? If he did not confront Jura due to this indecision, would Himawari's powers have awakened? If someone is informed about their future, this action in itself can change the future to some degree, and the more ideal a future is, the better it is if fewer people know about it. As a singularity of fate that knows some snippets of the future, every action taken has a chance to impact subsequent developments, sometimes for better but sometimes for worse, and the more singularities there are, the more likely the future would branch out in complex and unpredictable ways, which would completely negate the advantages of Ten Directions . Koji goes on to explain that one must be cautious with how much information is given to who, to ensure things lead towards an ideal future. His role is to simply give out any vital information to those that need to know it, entrusting the battle against Mamushi to Shikamaru and Boruto. A future is seen that displays Ada being devoured and turned into a tree, and Himawari has been killed, with Inojin crying while holding her body in his arms. Koji agrees with Inojin that they should work on changing a future where Ada and Himwawari die.

In Konohagakure, Shikamaru is talking via an unofficial transmission to only those participating in the current operation: Boruto, Koji, Inojin, Ada, Daemon , Sarada, Himawari, Shikadai, Chocho, Mitsuki, Konohamaru, Delta , Kawaki , Amado , and Sumire. There were two selection criteria for this roster: first, who are not hostile towards Boruto were chosen, as Konoha still considers Boruto an enemy and may act to hinder his movements, and the operation members must also support Boruto's movements inside the village as well as stay alert for the enemy. Second, this transmission is on a dedicated line made possible by Inojin's new jutsu: the Mind Transmission Formation. As Mamushi can erase his chakra signature, Konoha's Sensory Unit will be unable to detect him, which is why Inojin's new jutsu will be essential. Inojin goes on to explain the basis of his new jutsu: while the ability to communicate telepathically over long distances is akin to a regular Mind Body Transmission Technique , his jutsu actually causes any person connected to this line to act as a receiver, and they can sense the vibrations of objects around them. Every object emits vibrations with a unique wave frequency, which will allow everyone to locate Mamushi's copies , despite his erased chakra signature. Shikamaru informs everyone to not worry about completely understanding Inojin's jutsu, as he will simply work with Inojin to pinpoint and relay the location of Mamushi's copies to the others. Shikamaru goes on to explain how Mamushi's ability work and how to counter it. Koji's toad is with Shikamaru, projecting a visual of Inojin's jutsu so the two can work together.

Mamushi is seen inside the village, asking civilians if they know where Ada is. Inojin relays this to Shikamaru, who sees this, and he tells Inojin to relax and focus on the jutsu. Shikamaru announces the location of Mamushi and several of his copies, and Koji informs Boruto what the closest symbol is to teleport to. Shikamaru notes that Mamushi's appearance is several days ahead of schedule, and Koji responds that fate has already started shifting. Ada expresses her disgust, and Daemon assures her sister that he won't let him lay a finger on her. Sarada, who is currently with Ada and Daemon, prepares to head out, but Shikamaru tells her to standby as Mamushi may spread out his copies over a wide range. Shikamaru confirms Mitsuki's status: he is still being interrogated. Mitsuki asks if he should break out, but Shikamaru does not want to provoke the higher ups, ordering Mitsuki to wait for an opening and take advantage of any chaos that were to ensue. Shikamaru orders everyone to be ready and head to defend Ada at any moment's notice as she is Mamushi's target. Boruto will use his teleportation to monitor every section of the village, and Kawaki will head out for support.

As Mamushi questions the civilians, a copy standing nearby tells him he can kill them if he wants but he should avoid causing any destruction to avoid Jura's wrath. Mamushi walks off as the civilians do not know anything, but Boruto suddenly appears and slices one of the Mamushis to pieces, targeting the eyes as per Koji's intel. The civilians rush off to inform the Konoha Military Police Force about Boruto's apperance. Mamushi creates more copies and engages Boruto in battle, who becomes overwhelmed by the number. One of the copies uses a Fire Release technique, and Boruto is seemingly engulfed by the flames while Mamushi criticizes himself for setting some buildings on fire. Boruto has apparently absorbed the flames, having activated his Kāma , while also admitting that he cannot get used to the itchy, rough feeling he gets when he absorbs things.