Boruto: The Tragic Origin of Boruto's Mentor - Mugino

 Naruto’s son has been working hard lately with Konohamaru, Sasuke, and Kakashi. When Mugino recently oversaw him in the God Tree Clone Arc, the fans saw a comedic dynamic between the pair. Although they mostly just annoy each other there is still mutual respect between them. In the latest episode of the show, the viewers were made aware of Mugino’s tragic past. His heartbreaking story goes back a long time ago during the Naruto era and reveals a number of secrets.

Boruto saved his mentor from some angry restaurant owners when Mugino tried to run out on a tab. He paid off his bill and the senior shinobi later admitted that he had spent all his money on a sick child who needed help. Mugino is genuinely grateful that Boruto helped him and he takes him home. When Boruto realizes the conditions that Mugino is living in, he is taken aback. However, he soon understands that there is more than what meets the eye.  

The picture of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage sparks a deep conversation between the two and Mugino confesses that he wanted to live there because it gives a great view of the mountain that has Hokages carved into it. He had always idolized them ever since he was young. Mugino’s parents were orphans who were killed in wars and he came from an outside land as an orphan. He was used by two rogue shinobi who wanted to assassinate Hiruzen.  

Mugino infiltrated Konoha as a refugee at a time when Hiruzen was offering citizenship to people fleeing war-torn areas. One night he pretended to bring flowers for the Hokage and tried stabbing him. Fortunately, Hiruzen was able to catch him in the act but he soon realized that the boy was himself a victim. He then used a shadow clone to catch Mugino’s bosses and empathized with the boy. He understood what the boy had been through and gave him Konoha’s citizenship. It was an important gesture for the young Mugino who had no one else to turn to.  

However, the incident had a long-term negative effect on the shinobi and he took a few years to come back. Unfortunately, by that time his idol was killed by Orochimaru. It was Hiruzen’s legacy that inspired him to join the ninja school and become a hero like him. Mugino had seen Konohamaru weeping at his grandfather, Hiruzen’s funeral but he never told anyone about it. Boruto was also shocked to find out that he too knew nothing. Mugino was probably ashamed of the failed assassination attempt, therefore, he never told anything to Konohamaru but since he had forgiven Orochimaru it is likely that it wouldn’t have been tough for him to forgive Mugino as well.  

At the end of the episode, Mugino asks Boruto to take care of his pet and apartment in his absence. It shows the trust that the duo has built. Mugino receives a gift from the sick girl’s brother who he had sent all his money to help with medical expenses. Boruto is inspired by what he sees, he has never known this side of Mugino. It taught him the importance of kindness and compassion. Boruto understood how important shinobi like Mugino was to Konoha who worked tirelessly for the greater good. 

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