Boruto- Naruto Next Generations -dub- Episode 88 ((top)) May 2026

The Verdict: The Episode Where the Chunin Exams Finally Grew Up

If you gave up on Boruto during the early slice-of-life arcs, Episode 88 is the moment you stop scoffing and start paying attention. While the dubbed performance brings a specific weight to the characters, the episode itself stands as a turning point for the series, marking the transition from "Naruto's annoying son" to "a shinobi with his own code."

Here is why Episode 88 is an underrated gem in the franchise. Boruto- Naruto Next Generations -Dub- Episode 88

Hook

Episode 88 delivers tense emotional beats and sharp action as the confrontation between Code and the Konoha team intensifies — the dub captures the stakes with strong performances. The Verdict: The Episode Where the Chunin Exams

What worked

• Voice acting (Dub): Strong emotional delivery in critical scenes — the main cast sells the urgency and personal stakes.
• Pacing: Balanced mix of quieter character beats and combat; the episode doesn’t linger unnecessarily but still allows emotional moments to land.
• Animation & choreography: Clear, well-framed fight sequences with effective use of powers and counters.
• Character development: Subtle growth shown through choices in battle and dialogue, especially between Boruto and Kawaki.

Critiques

• Some exposition feels recycled for newer viewers; longtime watchers will appreciate it, but it slows the flow slightly.
• A few cuts in the action rely on dialogue to explain consequences rather than showing them.

Fun Fact:

Episode 88 marks the first major anime-original (filler- canon hybrid) fight involving an Otsutsuki outside the Momoshiki arc, bridging the manga’s Kāma lore with the anime’s expanded storyline. The English dub retains the intense battle soundtrack and emotional weight of Boruto’s growing burden. Voice acting (Dub): Strong emotional delivery in critical