The Strong

" The Strong " ( 強者 , Tsuwamono ) is chapter 23 of the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.

## Summary [ ]

Mitsuki , having re-activated his Sage Mode , defeated a group of Claw Grime when he is approached by Konohamaru , carrying Matsuri 's Thornbulb. Mitsuki informs Konohamaru that Araya has taken Ryū 's Thornbulb and is headed to Shinki 's tree, while carrying the fallen Yodo . Konohamaru expresses regret of what happened to Yodo, but states that this is the level of resolve needed to deal with the Human God Trees , and Yodo would be happy to hear her sacrifice led to them acquiring the Thornbulbs. Mitsuki notes that he spotted Jura flying towards the direction where Konohamaru was with Matsuri, while ignoring Mitsuki's group and having no interest in re-acquiring Ryū's Thornbulb. Konohamaru informs Mitsuki that he was about to be killed by Matsuri, but Boruto arrived and saved him, and Jura has arrived moments later. The two hypothesize that Jura's main priority is to kill Boruto. Mitsuki wishes to help Boruto defeat Jura, but Konohamaru reminds him of their mission to acquire the Thornbulbs, which Boruto is clearly aware of and is fighting to keep Jura occupied while they retreat. Konohamaru tells Mitsuki that Boruto ordered them to head to the location where they initially met up with Araya and Yodo. Despite not knowing why, Konohamaru states that their only option right now is to trust Boruto and they should follow his orders.

Meanwhile, Boruto is continuing his battle with Jura, using his hand to assess a wound inflicted on him by Jura. Boruto notices Jura charging another Tailed Beast Ball and dodges the attack, re-appearing on a nearby rock formation. Jura notes to himself that the time it takes to prepare a regular Tailed Beast Ball is its biggest drawback, and he should opt to rely on long-distance sniping or close-distance blast attacks instead. Jura fires more attacks at Boruto, who manages to dodge, getting close to Jura by throwing a kunai and teleporting to it. Before Boruto can slash Jura, his sword is knocked out of his hand, but Boruto teleports to it to attack Jura from another angle, managing to slice off his leg. Jura commends Boruto's skill as the two continue to exchange blows in mid-air. As Boruto is getting overwhelmed, he notes to himself that he is clearly outclassed strength-wise. Jura grabs Boruto's wrist and tries to discharge another Tailed Beast Ball, but Boruto interrupts him with Lightning Release: Purple Electricity . Boruto gains some distance, and Jura, noticing Boruto's heavy breathing, states he is getting sluggish, prompting to instead beat him to death rather than try to attack him with Tailed Beast Balls. Konohamaru and Mitsuki, who is carrying the unconscious Sarada Uchiha , arrive at the rendezvous point, but they are unable to figure out why Boruto told them to head there.

Jura attacks Boruto with Taijutsu , knocking him to the ground with immense physical strength. Jura fires another Tailed Beast Ball, but Boruto manages to barely dodge. Jura blindsides Boruto and attacks further. When Boruto parries with his sword, he notices his sword getting chipped. Jura sends Boruto crashing to the ground with another solid hit during Boruto's momentary lapse, and Boruto is seemingly knocked unconscious. Ada , watching the events unfold with her Senrigan , states that she cannot watch anymore as Boruto is going to be killed at this rate. Ada tries calling for Koji Kashin , who has been silent for a while, but Koji tells her to be quiet as he is getting an "update". Koji's eyes roll in the back of his head, and his Ten Directions activates. Koji seems to be surprised at the futures he's seeing, as Ada tells him to explain what he's seeing.

Jura stands over Boruto, noting that despite being unconscious, Boruto still has a firm grip on Sasuke Uchiha 's sword. Jura plans to finish off Boruto with a single hit, out of respect for his grit. Suddenly, Jura is stabbed from behind through his head and right eye by a black rod, and Kawaki is seen standing on top of him. Ada is surprised at Kawaki's arrival, and Koji, still going through his visions, learns of Kawaki's arrival via Ten Directions, having received new visions for the first time in 6 days. Koji states that Kawaki's involvement in this battle is a new possibility that he has not seen before, realizing that Boruto must have talked to Kawaki in the past few days.

Mitsuki tries searching for one of the metal objects that Boruto uses for teleportation, but they are alerted from behind by Delta , who was waiting for them at the location Boruto told them to head to. Jura tries to attack Kawaki, but he disappears then re-appears right next to him , summoning smaller black rods to stab Jura in various spots. Jura resists the attack and fires another Tailed Beast Ball, but Kawaki evades it and re-appears next to Boruto, telling him to wake up. Boruto regains consciousness and tells Kawaki that he's late. Jura wonders how Kawaki has gained an exponential amount of power compared to their last encounter. Kawaki activates his Kāma , telling Boruto to hold it together otherwise he will run amok and Kawaki will have to kill him. Boruto's Kāma begins to resonate, but Boruto tells Kawaki to ignore him and go. As Jura charges towards them, Kawaki challenges him to a duel.