The manga's previous chapter saw Shikamaru Nara learn from Kankuro what happened to Gaara and Shinki. Right after, he told Sarada and Sumire to inform him about any contact with Boruto.

With the alleged Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 16 spoilers, the manga was supposed to reveal what Shikamaru Nara planned on doing after learning about the incident in the Village Hidden in the Sand.