This article contains spoilers from the Boruto series.
Naruto Uzumaki began his journey as one of the weakest ninjas to have ever lived and he ended up reaching the very pinnacle of strength itself, becoming the strongest shinobi of all time. In the process of doing so, Naruto achieved multiple power-ups, the biggest of all being his full synchronization with Kurama, and eventually tapping into Six Paths Sage Mode. While it goes without saying that Naruto's biggest powers are his tenacity as well as the Tailed Beast abilities that he holds, one also needs to look at the Kekkei Genkai that he possesses.
Towards the end of the Naruto series, fans saw Naruto Uzumaki receive three different Kekkei Genkai abilities, which is something that most fans don't realize. However, in the Boruto series, Naruto has the chance to add another Kekkei Genkai to his already extensive arsenal, making him stronger than ever before. This new Kekkei Genkai is Wood Release, which was previously exclusively wielded by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, who was the previous reincarnation of Asura.
Naruto Uzumaki Could Gain Wood Release As His Next Kekkei Genkai
- Naruto Has Hashirama's Cells Through A Prosthetic Hand
- Naruto Has Access To Both Water and Earth Release
In the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto Uzumaki gained access to three different Kekkei Genkai through his Tailed Beasts. The first of them all was Lava Release, which he gained access to thanks to Son Goku. Naruto also gained access to Boil Release through Kokuo, and finally, he gained access to Magnet Release through Shukaku. He used these abilities extensively in the battle against Kaguya and Madara, and surprisingly, most fans did not even realize that he had three different kekkei genkai.
Apart from the Six Paths, the Rinnegan has another great power. It's the severe Seventh Path, called the Outer Path. Those with the power of the fabled Rinnegan have the power to rule over life and death. Nagato is giving up his life because he trusts you. — Konan to Naruto about the Rinnegan
While having these three abilities is interesting enough on its own, Naruto could also add another Kekkei Genkai on top in Boruto, especially as he might have lost the other three now. Coming over to how Naruto Uzumaki can gain Wood Release, the concept is quite simple. It is already clear in Naruto that he is a user of all five Nature Transformations. In other words, Naruto can manipulate both Water and Earth Release, which are essential to create Wood Release.
Naruto's Hashirama Cells Grant Him A Special Power
Of course, this wouldn't give him access to Wood Release on its own, because he wouldn't have the bloodline limit for it under normal circumstances. But shrewd fans of the series would remember that Naruto received a prosthetic arm made of Hashirama cells at the end of the original story. In other words, Hashirama's DNA and Kekkei Genkai should be in his blood.
This power is immense. It should definitely surpass his. But the drawbacks are too great. You see, the fact that it drains our lifespan is the key here. Since chakra is connected, the power that comes into being from the bits of our lives also shaves off his life when in contact. That is the power of Baryon Mode. — Kurama to Naruto Uzumaki
The fact that Naruto has both Earth and Water Release, as well as Hashirama's cells in his body means that he should be able to manipulate Wood Release quite easily. The reason he never utilized this power could be that he simply possessed greater abilities in his arsenal, thanks to his Tailed Beast abilities. Now, when Naruto doesn't have these powers, Wood Release would be one of his best assets in combat.
Naruto Would Become A Monster With Wood Release Mastery
At the moment, Naruto doesn't have many abilities up his sleeve, following the loss of Kurama. However, when Naruto does return, he will need all he can to be able to keep up with the monsters of the Boruto series. In other words, Naruto Uzumaki will need to make use of Wood Release. To add to that, fans also need to keep in mind that Naruto is an advanced user of Sage Mode. Combining the two powers will push him to the next level.
Hashirama was an absolute monster with Sage Mode and Wood Release, and there is no reason why Naruto couldn't be similar, or even stronger, due to all his years of experience.
Of course, for that, Naruto would have to return first. However, his comeback is a guarantee, and when it does happen, he will go on to reach a new level of strength.
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.