Warning: contains spoilers for Boruto Chapter 68
The newest chapter of Naruto. The chapter as a whole was filled with intense and turbulent events, and the final revealed that the new villain, Code, had placed one of his teleportation claw marks on the back of Shikamaru's neck. This ends up being a bad decision on Code's part, as it backfires on him immediately in the next chapter.
Shikamaru Nara has always been touted as the smartest ninja in Konoha, as well as the village's laziest. When he was still a genin, his IQ was listed at 200, and he has proven himself time and time again. Most of his fights involve him outsmarting his opponents, taking note of how their abilities work, and finding ways to use these powers against them. Fans of the character even think that Shikamaru would make a great Hokage, but he himself has said that he has no interest in the role. Instead, he serves as Naruto's most trusted advisor.
Shikamaru's genius shows again in Boruto Chapter 68. After confirming that Boruto and Kawaki are well and stable, Shikamaru tracks down and confronts Amado about him implanting Kawaki with an artificial Karma. Code sees this as a prime opportunity for his own dealings with Amado, and teleports into the room. Of course, this ends up being all part of Shikamaru's plan to draw Code out and he promptly states, "You thought I wouldn't notice the claw mark on the back of my neck? That I'd fall for such a transparent trap?!" and summons a reprogrammed Delta to fight back against Code. Once Code is subdued, Shikamaru its that he confronted Amado alone because he figured Code would strike then.
All of this goes to show what a great and intelligent ninja Shikamaru is. In the previous bout with Code, he is taken hostage right in the middle of the battle. At first, it seems that Code caught him off guard and turned him into a leverage piece, but now it's likely that Shikamaru allowed himself to be captured so he could get a calm moment to analyze the battle and their opponent. And even if Shikamaru did not intend to be captured, there's no doubt that he still seized it as an opportunity for analysis.
Once again, Shikamaru has proven what a wise and valuable asset he is to Konoha. He might not be the strongest physically, but mentally, Shikamaru is unmatched. As the story of Boruto progresses, it's likely that fans will see more of Shikamaru and his impressive tactical pursuits.
