Naruto Uzumaki served as the protagonist of the Naruto series, which was created by Masashi Kishimoto and began its run in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump on September 21, 1999, in Issue #43. Since then, Naruto has become a global phenomenon such that, even after the conclusion of the manga all the way back in 2014, it is still one of the biggest and most talked-about anime series of all time.
Naruto continues through Boruto right now, which is currently tackling its second part, titled Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. In Boruto, the former protagonist, Naruto Uzumaki, has established an unmatched legend. Naruto Uzumaki is looked up to by thousands, but only a few have what it takes to walk in his footsteps and live up to the standard that he set. 12 years after the conclusion of Naruto’s journey, in the latest release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex on July 20, 2026, we now know who Konoha’s next Naruto Uzumaki is going to be. This person is one that Kishimoto himself set up long ago in Naruto Chapter 2, and that’s Konohamaru Sarutobi.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Officially Establishes Konohamaru Sarutobi As The Next Naruto Uzumaki
Right from the get-go, one of Naruto Uzumaki’s biggest dreams was to earn the acknowledgment of everyone and to become the number one ninja in the village, or, in other words, the Hokage. Naruto earned the acknowledgment of all those around him following the conclusion of the Pain Arc in Chapter 453, which was officially released on July 13, 2009. Soon after, he earned the acknowledgment of all the others in the world. Naruto also established world peace in the Fourth Great Ninja War and set up a legend for himself that is hard to match for anyone. It is no surprise to know that, by doing so, Naruto inspired countless others along the way, but one character who has followed him from day 1 and always aspired to be like him is Konohamaru Sarutobi.
Konohamaru and Naruto’s relationship was established in Naruto Chapter 2, which was officially published in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #44 on October 11, 1999. From very early on, it was revealed to us that Konohamaru wanted to be the Hokage. This was largely because no one saw him for who he was, and he was only treated like royalty because he was the grandson of the Third Hokage. Konohamaru wanted to break free from the Sarutobi name and the pedigree that came with it. For that reason, he wanted to make a name for himself and rise to the position of Hokage by his own merit. It was Naruto who instilled the proper values in Konohamaru and explained to him that becoming the Hokage doesn’t have any shortcuts. Only by reaching the same level as Naruto and surpassing him could he become the Hokage.
“There are no shortcuts to becoming Hokage. Remember that! If you want to be Hokage, beat me first!” — Naruto Uzumaki challenges Konohamaru to the position of Hokage, Naruto Chapter #2
Now, 27 years later, Konohamaru is set to accomplish this dream finally. In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 36, which was officially released in V-Jump Issue #9 on July 20, 2026, Konohamaru Sarutobi was heavily foreshadowed to become Konoha’s next Hokage in Kashin Koji’s latest Prescience Vision. This chapter saw Koji’s ability upgraded by Amado, and by manipulating his brain waves, the interval between two visions was shortened drastically. Koji’s vision saw Shikamaru Nara being ousted from his position as Hokage, the setup for which was clear to see in the July 20 release.
Shikamaru was seen cooking with Jura, while Konohamaru Sarutobi was seen in the Hokage office, next to the cape of the Hokage itself. All things point towards Konohamaru becoming Konoha’s 8th Hokage and, as such, becoming the official replacement of Naruto Uzumaki following Shikamaru’s temporary appointment to this position.
“The interval between updates is a real problem. If we can shorten it even a bit, we could not only learn of new futures more quickly and more precisely, but avoid danger more easily too.” — Amado upgrades Prescience, Boruto: TBV Chapter 36
Why Konohamaru Is Replacing Naruto Uzumaki As Hokage
The reason why Konohamaru Sarutobi is replacing Naruto Uzumaki as the Hokage of the Village is quite simple. In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex’s Mamushi arc, Kobu visited Konoha and started interrogating every shinobi whom he believed could have conspired with Boruto Uzumaki. His biggest target was none other than Shikamaru Nara, the very own temporary 8th Hokage. It was also revealed in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 14, released officially on September 21, 2024, that Konohamaru Sarutobi was rejecting the position of permanent 8th Hokage for 3 years. In doing so, he had weakened the position of the village in front of all the other rival nations, as well as within the Land of Fire itself. Konoha can no longer afford to have a temporary Hokage. Above all, with Kobu suspecting Shikamaru of treason by collaborating with Boruto in Two Blue Vortex Chapter 36, his removal was only a matter of time.
“Abetting a traitor is a serious crime. It’d be no different for the accomplices, but for now, as the leader, the Hokage must be held accountable right away. I’ve already submitted a report to Lord Daimyo, so it is only a matter of time before we receive his approval to relieve Shikamaru Nara as the Hokage.” — Kobu announces Shikamaru’s Hokage dismissal, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter #36
In the latest chapter of the manga, it was confirmed that Kobu has sent a letter to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire for his approval. With it, Shikamaru will finally be ousted as a traitor to the village. With Shikamaru being removed from this position, Konoha needs someone reliable, and this position will go to none other than Konohamaru Sarutobi, the grandson of the Third Hokage and Naruto’s very own protégé.
Sarada Will Also Follow Konohamaru As Naruto’s Successor In Boruto
Konohamaru’s ascension to the position of Hokage is likely not going to happen in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 37, which is set to be released on September 17, 2026. This development is likely to follow at the end of the ongoing post-Mamushi arc, which began with the release of Chapter 35 on June 18, 2026. The conclusion of this arc will see the fall of Shinju Hidari, the return of Sasuke Uchiha, and, at the same time, the ascension of Konohamaru to the position of 8th Hokage.
Konohamaru is a character who is widely criticized in the Boruto series, and this is because of his lack of strength. The criticism is certainly deserved to an extent, but being handed the position of Hokage means that the author Mikio Ikemoto, as well as the supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, will be forced to make him strong. No Hokage has existed in Konoha’s history who has been weak, and Konohamaru cannot break this tradition. New power-ups are officially going to be on the way for Konohamaru, and this could include abilities like Sage Mode, or perhaps other unique powers that could finally take him to the next level and make him strong enough to defend Konoha from the front against threats of the likes of the Shinju.
“You want to become the Hokage, right? Well then, I’ll protect you and play the support role!” — Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada share their goals, Boruto Chapter #11
Following Konohamaru Sarutobi, Konoha has an even stronger Hokage lined up in Sarada Uchiha. In Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Chapter 11, Sarada Uchiha officially stated her goal of becoming Konoha’s next Hokage. While she isn’t going to be the one to replace Naruto, she is still following in the footsteps of the Seventh Hokage and embodying the same Will of Fire as him. Following Konohamaru, Sarada will be the official Hokage of Konoha, and that is something we are eagerly waiting to see in the future.
All the latest Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga chapters by Mikio Ikemoto, written and illustrated under the supervision of Masashi Kishimoto, are available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
