Shino in Boruto remains a powerful shinobi. His evolved insect techniques make him a challenging jonin-level fighter.

Shino Aburame has been one of the most alluring shinobi in Boruto, having recast from a mysterious and formidable combatant in the original Naruto series to an Academy instructor in the next generation. Despite his professional shift, Shino in Boruto retains Jonin-level master skills that are often outranked by his new role.
The former Team 8 member’s unique Aburame clan techniques make him a specialized fighter with capabilities that few in Konoha can match. When possessed by a dark specter in Boruto, we witnessed glimpses of Shino’s true combat potential that had several Academy students – including Boruto Uzumaki himself – running. This demonstrated that beneath his calm teaching facade lies the same calculated and deadly shinobi who once fought alongside Naruto during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Shino’s Abilities in Boruto

Shino in Boruto showcases the hallmark abilities of the Aburame clan, primarily his mastery over various insect species. His signature kikaichu insects remain his primary weapon, allowing him to track enemies, create clones, and drain chakra from opponents. He has decades of experience that he had accumulated in breeding and evolving these insects. As noted in his official profile, Shino has cultivated insects that can even counter the deadly poisonous techniques of Torune Aburame, demonstrating his growth as a shinobi.
In Boruto, Shino has expanded his ninjutsu arsenal beyond just insect techniques. He now possesses three nature transformations: Earth, Fire, and Yang Release. This versatility makes him a well-rounded fighter who can adjust to various combat cases. His ability to summon Giant Insects, as depicted when saving Boruto and Mitsuki from drowning, further showcases his combat versatility.
Like Shikamaru, he examines battlefields methodically and persists several steps ahead of opponents. This analytical power has carried over well into his teaching career, where he can quickly assess students’ strengths and weaknesses. When possessed and fighting against Boruto, Mitsuki, and Shikadai, Shino displayed excellent battlefield control by encasing the whole training area with his insects.
Shino’s Transitory Role in Boruto

Shino’s shift from active shinobi to an Academy instructor denotes a significant character development in Boruto. This career shift doesn’t mean a decrease in power; instead, it showcases Shino’s growth and the village’s trust in his abilities to foster the next generation. In Boruto, Shino applies his combat experience and analytical mind to pedagogy, designing creative training exercises that challenge his students in realistic ways.
The Academy Arc in Boruto reveals that Shino struggles with classroom management, yet his combat capabilities remain impressive. When possessed by the dark specter, Shino’s unleashed abilities forced even talented students like Boruto and Mitsuki to flee. This incident demonstrates that Shino in Boruto has maintained his fighting edge despite his teaching position. His ability to quickly regain control after being freed from possession and immediately rescue his drowning students showcases his power and his dedication to his new role.
Shino’s understanding of combat fundamentals makes him particularly effective at teaching practical shinobi skills. His lessons on shurikenjutsu, chakra control, and summonings demonstrate his comprehensive knowledge of ninja arts. This degree of knowledge ensures that Shino in Boruto maintains the technical expertise hoped of a Jonin-level shinobi, even if he doesn’t hold the official rank in the series.
Notable Battles of Shino in Boruto

While Shino’s fight scenes in Boruto are limited compared to his role in the original Naruto series, several key points showcase his prowess as a fighter. The most famous display of Shino’s capacities comes during the Academy Arc when he becomes possessed by a dark specter. In this condition, Shino forms an expansive insect dome that traps Boruto, Shikadai, and Mitsuki. This incident exposes that Shino can still lose devastating attacks when necessary.
Another notable moment occurs when Shino quickly summons a Giant Insect to rescue Boruto and Mitsuki from drowning. His immediate shift to a rescuer also highlights his mental resilience and combat adaptability.
During the Nue attack on Konoha, Shino efficiently blends with the medical units to treat wounded villagers. This scenario, while not a direct combat situation, affirms Shino’s ability to act effectively during crisis. His calm behavior and strategic thought under pressure imply that Shino in Boruto maintains the composure that made him such an influential fighter in his youth. While these incidents don’t showcase dazzling techniques or epic battles, they consistently portray Shino as a reliable and capable shinobi.
How Shino Compares to His Peers

Upon assessing Shino in Boruto against his equivalents, it’s important to note that Konohagakure’s power structure has evolved greatly from the original series. While Naruto, Sasuke, and other impressive shinobi have acquired godlike levels, Shino holds a decent position in the village’s power scale. According to official sources, Shino has been acknowledged by several individuals as being jonin-level, ranking him among the village’s elite shinobi despite his current role as an Academy teacher.
Shino’s combat specialization is unique and difficult to compare to other shinobi. While he may not have the raw destructive power of Choji or the versatility of Sakura’s medical ninjutsu, Shino’s insect techniques deliver unique tactical benefits. His ability to track, drain chakra, and control battlegrounds via his insects gives him technical combat capabilities.
In Boruto, we see Shino interacting with other adult shinobi like Konohamaru and Iruka. When consulting Sumire’s case with Iruka, Shino speaks as an equal, illustrating his place among Konoha’s instructing leaders. Besides, during the Chunin Exams arc, Shino acts as a proctor alongside Tenten, confirming his recognized rank as a capable shinobi entrusted with important duties.
Conclusion
Shino in Boruto is an ideal model of how power is embodied differently as shinobi mature and take on new roles. While he may not actively participate in high-level combat missions like in his youth, Shino’s abilities are still tough. His change to Academy teacher doesn’t lower his combat capabilities but rather showcases how his experience and specialized skills.
Furthermore, Shino’s analytical mind and calm behavior under pressure make him an influential shinobi in crisis. Even with limited battle scenes, it’s evident that Shino is still one of Konoha’s most capable defenders.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!