One of the ideals that the titular protagonist lived by in the original Naruto series was that the shinobi nations must always unite. That is why Naruto used the Uzumaki clan’s talents to forge a solid alliance against the Akatsuki as well as other foes like Madara, Obito, and Kaguya. In time, this coalition would battle Momoshiki and other aliens attempting to claim the planet, proving that his dream was, at least on paper, a good one.
Now, in the Boruto era, the Kages (leaders) of all these regions frequently meet to discuss diplomacy, politics, and war-prevention measures, hoping to maintain a self-sustaining network. It’s all to ensure that their economies grow, the younger generation thrives, and the doctrines passed down aren’t amorphous Hail Marys that won’t produce results. Unfortunately, Mirai (a possible future Hokage) realises Naruto’s idealistic vision of paradise may never come true in Naruto: Konoha’s Story — The Steam Ninja Scrolls.
Mirai Discovers Ignored Impoverished Regions
Chapter 9 of Steam Ninja Scrolls has Mirai working with Tenten and such in the Land of Steam on a diplomacy mission. There are many ups, with Might Guy being celebrated, as well as Kakashi reminding Mirai that her father Asuma would be proud of her using his chakra blades to defend the realm. But when they encounter a spa at the hot springs, Mirai realizes paperwork limits progress, and all the drama in government offices isn’t benefiting the people. It’s unveiled when a giant boulder falls, cutting off access, diminishing resources and hurting the folks’ livelihoods.
When they chat with Mirai’s team, the citizens feel hopeless. They confess their own government has been ignoring them, opting to focus on “bigger” issues, to the point they don’t care that girls are being kidnapped. Simply put, such faraway regions don’t matter to these elites in their ivory towers. The people even admit that if they reach out to other Land of Fire territories such as the Hidden Leaf, they believe low-ranking ninja will be sent as part of some superficial outreach to say they tried for the sake of optics. In that sense, because they view all politicians as complacent — and make no mistake, Naruto’s office is culpable — these folks are happy to drink life away, thinking they deserve this squalor they’re relegated to.
Mirai Sarutobi Has the Potential to Become a Social Justice Ranger
This is extremely fortunate for Mirai, because Asuma had left Konoha to learn more about these issues. He had a falling out with his father, Hiruzen (the Third Hokage), because he believed the Hidden Leaf needed to collaborate more with the outside world. As a result, her father wandered before returning home and dying in battle against the Akatsuki. Jiraiya did the same thing, wandering rather than becoming a Hokage, and Sasuke did the same as a Ranger.
This journey opened their minds, broadened horizons and made them more compassionate. Mirai is indeed filled with empathy, so it hurts her to see this for herself. But there’s a silver lining in questioning her purpose and effectiveness, because it could inspire her to work with Naruto and fix these problems for people on the ground. After all, ignoring poor, suffering folks allowed terrorists like the Akatsuki and Kara to rise up — and enabled Isshiki to corrupt Kawaki too.
Steam Ninja Scrolls could extend Asuma’s legacy and have Mirai really make a difference, emboldening her if she runs for office. Ultimately, more people need care, funds, medicine, aid, and to believe they’re not just votes to be besmirched and ignored afterward. Hopefully, Mirai can help proffer humane solutions to build equality, inclusivity and representation for all, improving on the foundation Naruto built and pushing everyone a step closer to that dream.
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