This article contains spoilers for the Boruto series.
Naruto Uzumaki is quite easily one of the most beloved characters in the Naruto series. In fact, it can be said that Naruto's influence and likability actually go even beyond his own franchise and he has influenced countless other anime characters over the years. Naruto was a ninja with hardly anything to his name, yet by the end of the series he ended up becoming the legendary Seventh Hokage of Konoha.
Boruto: Naruto Will Never Be Hokage Again, And Kishimoto Has Already Confirmed It
Naruto is sealed and will never be Hokage again in Boruto. Kishimoto revealed just that.
Naruto stood as the strongest shinobi in history as well as the savior of the world come the end of the series, and that truly was commendable. All the hardships that he faced and conquered made him, quite easily, one of the most likable characters among the fans, and that is why Naruto is loved dearly to this day, even in the sequel series that isn't about him but his son, Boruto. Unfortunately, Naruto Uzumaki isn't there to play a big role in the Boruto series anymore. The Seventh Hokage has officially been sealed away, and it doesn't look like he is going to return anytime soon. In his stead, the role of the savior has been taken by his own son, Boruto Uzumaki, and that has raised an intriguing situation in the Hidden Leaf Village.
Konoha’s Seventh Hokage Isn’t Coming Back Anytime Soon
- Naruto Was Sealed Away By Kawaki In Boruto
- His Full Power Has Been Nerfed
Naruto Uzumaki was dealt the worst cards in the Boruto series, and that is a very valid criticism of the entire series so far. While Naruto started off quite strong in Boruto, it wasn't long until he was getting constantly disrespected by the new writer, Mikio Ikemoto, and had his legacy utterly destroyed. Eventually, Naruto even had his biggest source of power and his best companion, Kurama, stripped from him, which was essentially the beginning of the end for him. Later down the line, Naruto Uzumaki was sealed by Kawaki, and that was the end for him.
This isn't a tale about a boy who aims to become Hokage. That was my dad's story. This is none other than my story! — Boruto Uzumaki, Boruto Chapter 1
The Seventh Hokage of Konoha, who stood tall as the symbol of peace all over the world for many years, was essentially gone. To this day, Naruto Uzumaki is considered dead by the five villages, with only a handful of people knowing the truth behind his disappearance. Ever since Naruto Uzumaki was sealed, fans have been patiently waiting for his return. It has been years now, and there is no sign of Naruto Uzumaki's return, and with Boruto entering 2026 with a very intriguing arc, i t doesn't appear that Naruto will make his grand return this year either.
At this point, fans should bid farewell to the Seventh Hokage of Konoha because even when Naruto does return, he is most certainly not going to be the Hokage of the village. Given the rate at which the Boruto series is moving at the moment, Naruto Uzumaki probably won't return for two or three more years, if even then.
The best thing that fans can do is make their peace with the fact that the Boruto series isn't going to do any service to Naruto Uzumaki and that the focus from here on out is solely going to be on the new generation characters. This means fans need to bid farewell to the legendary Seventh Hokage, Naruto.
Boruto Uzumaki Is The New Savior of Konoha At The Moment
- Boruto Has Powers Of The Otsutsuki
- He Has Saved Konoha On Many Occasions
In the absence of Naruto Uzumaki, someone else has to rise and protect the village from all sorts of adversities it faces. Konoha has always been a target for the most powerful of villains, and this is because it is also the strongest village of all. The Otsutsuki have already attacked Konoha a couple of times, and fans know that Jura and the other Shinju are still looming threats over it. Quite clearly, Konoha has no shortage of powerful enemies to this day, and in the absence of Naruto and Sasuke, fighting against such enemies is certainly going to be very difficult.
This is precisely why there is a need for a new savior for both Konoha and the shinobi world, in general. This position has now been taken on by the son of Naruto Uzumaki, Boruto. Fans might think that Boruto is being forced into this role, and to an extent, that might turn out to be true. But, the fact, at the end of the day, is that this is Boruto's job now, as it is his story.
You just want to kill me and just disappear from this world as soon as possible. Unless, you have a chance to obtain freedom, that is. These divine beings are a threat to both of us. Will you help me or not? — Boruto Uzumaki to Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Boruto: TBV chapter 29
Naruto: All New Boruto Dojutsu, Explained
Boruto has introduced new Dojutsu. Some are more unique than others.
Boruto Uzumaki has honed his skills tremendously over the last three years. Having trained with Sasuke Uchiha for one year and then with Kashin Koji, Boruto has become a monster in terms of strength. He has already protected Konoha a couple of times from the threats that it faced, even though he is branded as a traitor and an enemy by the village itself. Boruto is the epitome of self-sacrifice in the new series, and that is exactly what makes him a very intriguing character.
Boruto Doesn’t Want to Be The Next Hokage
Of course, fans might be wondering if all this means that Boruto Uzumaki is going to become the next Hokage of the village once things are set straight. The answer to that question is no. Boruto Uzumaki was never going to become the Hokage and he decided that since he wanted to be a shinobi. His eyes were set on becoming a ninja like Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto's best friend as well as his biggest rival.
Boruto Uzumaki knows very well that his path is to support the Hokage instead of becoming one. Instead, the Hokage position is going to be taken over by none other than Sarada Uchiha, who has already made sure to follow in the footsteps of Lord Seventh.
Sarada Uchiha Will Eventually Become The Next Hokage Of Konoha
At the moment, Konoha is in desperate need of a Hokage, and even though Shikamaru rules as the temporary Hokage of the village, they will soon need to elect a permanent one. The most likely candidate for this position is none other than Konohamaru Sarutobi, who is likely going to become the Eighth Hokage of the village.
Following him, it is likely going to be Sarada Uchiha who takes the position of the Ninth Hokage, and with that, a new era will dawn over the village. Fans should keep in mind that Naruto Uzumaki's time will have come to an end by then, and then, he can peacefully relax and look back upon his time as a legendary ninja who saved the world on multiple occasions.
Of course, Naruto not continuing as the Hokage of the village would also mean that he gets the opportunity to set out on missions once again. This would help him sharpen his senses that were dulled by sitting in the Hokage office for a very long period of time. It might end up being a boon for Naruto Uzumaki after all and something that fans will come to love. However, for that, fans will have to wait for a few years at the very least.
Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is the sequel to the original Boruto series, written by Mikio Ikemoto, and supervised by Masashi Kishimoto. The series follows the journey of Boruto Uzumaki, 3 years after the events of Omnipotence struck in the story. Boruto must now work to save to world from the perils it faces while dealing with his brother, Kawaki. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 30 is set for its official release on January 20, 2026. The release time of the chapter is 10 AM EST/ 3 PM UTC. As always, fans can read the chapter officially for free on the Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.