Shikadai's Doubts

Standard sweeps having turned up nothing, Kotaro enlists the fresh genin to watch for signs of the Byakuya Gang during routine missions, with strict orders not to fight. The recruits debate how they would respond in a clash, and Iwabee is caught off guard by Boruto's hesitation to throw a punch. When the gang robs a site near where Team 5 is assisting a construction crew, Iwabee gives chase and boxes them in with earthen walls, but they shatter free, and Metal is hurt shielding Denki from an icicle. Udon dresses Iwabee down and benches him, and news coverage shows the thieves winning favor among the poor.

At home, Boruto tells Himawari and Hinata that he supports aiding the needy but rejects harming others to do it, and privately blames Naruto for the inequality the gang exploits. Meanwhile the gang plans to rob a pawn shop, and Ryogi volunteers to scout the area ahead, which unsettles the others though Gekko trusts him. Boruto stops by Katasuke's for new games and finds Shikadai in the park mid-shogi match with Ryogi, introducing the two; Boruto senses something familiar about him. During the robbery, Temari and Namida intervene, three thieves flee, and Temari chases the last past Boruto and Shikadai, asking for a distraction before the target slips away.

Set in the Byakuya Gang Arc of the Boruto series, the episode leans on Shikadai's wavering resolve. Reading his hesitation, Temari reminds him that taking the occasional risk is how great things are seized. Ryogi rejoins the gang as Gekko, buoyed by promised support from other villages, resolves to advance his plan.