Boruto- Naruto Next Generations Episode 104 -

While searching the riverbank, Boruto finds a young, scruffy boy named Tentō (not to be confused with the Daimyo’s son from earlier episodes). Tentō is hiding a scraped knee and a broken chain. Boruto pieces together the truth: Tentō, desperate to visit his sick mother in the hospital on the other side of the village, stole the bicycle. The old woman had left it unlocked. Tentō panicked, crashed, and fled. Mitsuki, witnessing the accident, did not report Tentō. Instead, he picked up the broken bike, returned it to the scene, and stood silently as the police arrested him. He took the blame to protect a stranger.

Thematic and Narrative Analysis of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations – Episode 104: “Brother in Crime” Series: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Episode Number: 104 Original Air Date: May 12, 2019 Arc: Konohamaru / Remon Arc (Episodes 106–111) – Note: Episode 104 serves as a crucial standalone prelude and character study before the main arc begins. Studio: Pierrot Director: Toshihiko Masuda (credited for storyboard) Writer: Hideto Tanaka 1. Executive Summary Episode 104 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a notable deviation from the high-octane ninja battles and Otsutsuki-level threats that preceded it. Instead, it delivers a grounded, character-driven narrative focusing on Mitsuki, one of the series’ most enigmatic protagonists. Titled “Brother in Crime,” the episode explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the fluid definition of “justice” through a seemingly minor incident: a student accused of stealing a bicycle. Boruto- Naruto Next Generations Episode 104

The title is a play on words. Traditionally, a “brother in crime” is a partner in illicit activity. Boruto redefines it as someone who stands next to you when you are accused . By confessing to a crime he didn’t commit, Boruto proves that his bond with Mitsuki transcends legality. He doesn’t enable bad behavior; he enables trust . 4. Character Analysis | Character | Role in Episode | Character Arc Progression | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Mitsuki | The Accused | Transitions from a passive, observational tool to an active moral agent. His famous line, “You are my sun,” shifts meaning from “you give me light” to “you accept my shadows.” | | Boruto Uzumaki | The Defender | Demonstrates his father’s (Naruto’s) Talk no Jutsu but with a logical twist. He doesn’t forgive the crime; he argues the punishment is mismatched. Shows growth from a bratty prodigy to a principled leader. | | Tentō | The True Culprit | A mirror of early-series Boruto: impulsive, desperate, and afraid of consequences. His confession is the moral victory of the episode. | | Sarada Uchiha | The Observer | Notably sidelined but serves as the audience’s conscience. She questions Boruto’s reckless confession, representing the logical shinobi viewpoint that is ultimately overruled by emotion. | 5. Visual and Directional Analysis Animation Style: Episode 104 uses a softer, less dynamic animation style than action-heavy episodes. The character acting is subtle. Mitsuki’s facial expressions are micro-expressions—a slight tilt of the head, a blink, a barely visible smile. The director focuses on stillness to convey tension. While searching the riverbank, Boruto finds a young,

The episode is dominated by greys, browns, and muted greens (the police station, the concrete riverbank). The only bursts of color are Boruto’s orange jacket (symbolizing hope/energy) and the blue sky at the end (symbolizing freedom/truth). The old woman had left it unlocked

Watch this episode as a standalone short film. It requires minimal knowledge of the larger Boruto plot but delivers maximum emotional and philosophical payoff. It remains a high-water mark for character writing in the franchise.

For Boruto, this episode solidifies his leadership style. Unlike Naruto, who inspired enemies to change, Boruto inspires friends to be braver. He doesn’t change Tentō’s heart with a speech; he changes the situation by sharing the punishment.