BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Characters

Boruto Uzumaki

MAIN

Sarada Uchiha

MAIN

Kawaki

MAIN

Mitsuki

MAIN

Sasuke Uchiha

SUPPORTING

Shukaku

SUPPORTING

Orochimaru

SUPPORTING

Urashiki Ootsutsuki

SUPPORTING

Kankitsu Akitsuki

SUPPORTING

Kyohou Fuefuki

SUPPORTING

Araya

SUPPORTING

Hako Kuroi

SUPPORTING

Tsunade Senju

SUPPORTING

Tatsumi

SUPPORTING

Makinami Senka

SUPPORTING

Suika Kannonji

SUPPORTING

Kokuyou

SUPPORTING

Koji Kashin

SUPPORTING

Sai

SUPPORTING

Ouga

SUPPORTING

Omoi

SUPPORTING

Shino Aburame

SUPPORTING

Anko Mitarashi

SUPPORTING

Kiba Inuzuka

SUPPORTING

Toneri Ootsutsuki

SUPPORTING

How To Download Tutorial

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations – A Deep Dive into a Divisive Sequel

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a polarizing continuation of Masashi Kishimoto’s iconic Naruto saga, exploring a new era through the lens of Naruto Uzumaki’s son, Boruto, and his peers. Set in a modernized Hidden Leaf Village, the series tackles the challenges of a peaceful world shaped by technological advancements and the legacy of its predecessors. While it carries the weight of its legendary predecessor, Boruto carves a distinct path, blending nostalgia with bold new ideas. This article delves into the series’ strengths, flaws, and unique elements, offering a fresh perspective on its narrative, themes, and evolution, grounded in critical analysis rather than hype.

A New World, A New Struggle

The series begins in a Konohagakure transformed by peace and progress. Skyscrapers tower over the village, trains connect districts, and “ninja tech” blurs the line between traditional shinobi skills and scientific innovation. This setting is one of Boruto’s most compelling aspects, presenting a post-war society where the role of ninjas is questioned. Unlike Naruto’s era of constant conflict, Boruto and his generation grow up in prosperity, creating a generational divide. The children of legendary heroes—Boruto, Sarada Uchiha, and Mitsuki—grapple with living up to their parents’ monumental legacies while forging their own identities. This tension, particularly Boruto’s strained relationship with his father, Naruto, now the busy Seventh Hokage, anchors the story’s emotional core. The exploration of parental absence and societal expectations adds a layer of realism rarely seen in shonen, making it relatable to audiences navigating their own familial or societal pressures.

Narrative Ambition and Pacing Pitfalls

Boruto’s narrative is ambitious, blending traditional ninja action with sci-fi elements like alien threats (the Ōtsutsuki clan) and cybernetic enhancements. The introduction of Karma, a mysterious power tied to the Ōtsutsuki, adds intrigue, particularly through characters like Kawaki, whose arc as an adopted Uzumaki family member deepens the story’s stakes. The manga, especially in its Two Blue Vortex phase, ramps up intensity with time skips and high-stakes conflicts, such as Boruto’s exile and battles against sentient Ten-Tails clones. However, the anime struggles with pacing, bogged down by filler arcs like the Jugo arc, which often feel disconnected from the main plot. Fans note that while manga-canon episodes shine with gripping battles and emotional depth, the anime’s reliance on non-canonical content dilutes its impact, making it feel like a “kids’ show” at times. This inconsistency is a major critique, as the series oscillates between profound storytelling and mundane side stories.

Character Dynamics: Legacy vs. Innovation

Boruto himself is a complex protagonist. Unlike Naruto’s underdog spirit, Boruto starts as a prodigy, arrogant yet burdened by his father’s shadow. His growth from a rebellious teen to a selfless ninja is compelling, particularly in arcs like the Mujina Bandits and Kara confrontations, where his teamwork and strategic thinking shine. Supporting characters like Sarada, who aspires to be Hokage, and Mitsuki, with his enigmatic origins, add depth, though many secondary characters, like Shikadai, feel like echoes of their parents. Critics argue that legacy characters like Naruto and Sasuke are underutilized or weakened to elevate the new cast, a choice that alienates some fans. Yet, the series excels when it focuses on intergenerational dynamics, such as Sasuke mentoring Boruto or Sarada’s emotional reunion with her father, offering moments of heart that rival Naruto’s best.

Thematic Depth: Peace, Technology, and Identity

Boruto’s exploration of a peaceful world is its most unique contribution to the franchise. It poses a philosophical question: what is a ninja’s purpose in a world without war? The integration of ninja tech—gauntlets, drones, and bio-enhancements—challenges the traditional jutsu system, reflecting real-world tensions between tradition and modernity. However, the introduction of aliens and cyborgs feels jarring to some, straying from Naruto’s grounded ninja roots. The series also delves into identity, with Boruto’s Karma-induced possession by Momoshiki Ōtsutsuki raising questions about free will and destiny. These themes, while ambitious, sometimes clash, creating a narrative that feels overstretched. Still, the manga’s tighter focus in Two Blue Vortex suggests a maturing story that balances these elements better.

Art and Animation: A Mixed Bag

Mikio Ikemoto’s art in the manga is more realistic than Kishimoto’s, with detailed character designs that evolve strikingly in Two Blue Vortex. The anime, animated by Studio Pierrot, boasts stunning fight choreography in key moments, like Naruto’s Rasengan clashes or Boruto’s battles against Kara. However, inconsistent animation quality in filler episodes and off-model character designs during less critical scenes frustrate viewers. The soundtrack, while nostalgic with echoes of Naruto’s iconic themes, lacks the same adventurous spark, mirroring the series’ struggle to fully escape its predecessor’s shadow.

Reception and Legacy

Boruto is divisive. Fans of Naruto often criticize its slow start, excessive fillers (only ~10 of 259 anime episodes are considered non-filler by some), and perceived mistreatment of legacy characters. On platforms like MyAnimeList and IMDb, reviews range from calling it “mediocre” and a “cash grab” to praising its later arcs as “peak fiction” for their emotional weight and hype moments. The manga, particularly post-time skip, garners more consistent praise for its bold storytelling and Boruto’s growth into a worthy successor. The series’ ability to evolve while honoring its roots keeps it relevant, but it struggles to match Naruto’s universal appeal.

Why Boruto Matters

Despite its flaws, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a fascinating experiment in legacy storytelling. It dares to explore a world where peace is as challenging as war, where technology reshapes tradition, and where the next generation must redefine heroism. Its best moments—Boruto’s evolution, Kawaki’s tragic depth, and the Two Blue Vortex cliffhangers—prove it’s more than a nostalgic rehash. Yet, its inconsistency and struggle to balance old and new prevent it from reaching Naruto’s heights. For newcomers, it’s less accessible without Naruto’s context, but for fans, it’s a flawed yet rewarding continuation that’s slowly finding its voice.

Verdict: Boruto is a bold, imperfect sequel that thrives when it embraces its unique identity but stumbles under the weight of its legacy. Skip the fillers, dive into the manga for its tighter narrative, and brace for a story that’s still unfolding.¹