This article contains spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga.
The Boruto series continues to sideline Naruto Uzumaki by sealing him away in another dimension for more than 30 chapters. Understandably, many fans are upset and disappointed by Naruto’s reduced presence, yet Kishimoto and Ikemoto seem determined to delay his comeback until the final arc of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex to give the next generation of ninja more time to shine.
It goes without saying that one of the best things that could happen in Boruto is Naruto’s immediate return. However, bringing Naruto back now would probably undo the narrative groundwork the series has carefully laid to keep him sidelined. It’s not that Kawaki is right to seal Naruto, but his choice serves as the series’ commitment to moving past Naruto as the safety net. Other than that, here are some of the reasons why Naruto must stay sealed in Boruto, at least for now.
I'm Convinced Naruto Uzumaki Is Going To Die In Boruto And Here's Why
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Naruto Would Die Fighting Jura
Naruto Is More Vulnerable Than Ever
For most of Naruto, the hero role was bestowed upon Naruto Uzumaki. He was consistent in serving as the savior of Konoha and the ultimate protector of the shinobi world. No other ninja came close to him in terms of heroic deeds, making him the last line of defense. When hope has been lost, it’s Naruto’s job to turn everything around with his strength, compassion, and ninja way.
Thus, if Naruto were to be released from the Daikokuten dimension, he would feel obligated to fight Jura to the death. He wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice his life for the greater good if it meant protecting Konoha, his family, and the entire shinobi world. Unless Talk no Jutsu works, Naruto would have no choice but to go all out at his current power level. If it comes down to a fight with Jura, Naruto will be at the losing end.
Naruto Would Limit Boruto and Himawari’s Growth
Naruto Would Not Allow Boruto and Himawari to Risk Their Lives
After Naruto was sealed in another dimension, Boruto and Himawari experienced tremendous character growth. The series accelerated their development as independent shinobi, allowing them to fight on equal ground with the villains. While Boruto learned Rasengan Uzuhiko and Flying Raijin, Himawari tapped into the power of the Nine Tails flowing within her body.
If Naruto were around, he would not permit Boruto and Himawari to take on threats that could cost them their lives. Before they could ever face Jura or any other Shinju clone, Naruto would probably be there to shield them, taking the brunt of the battle himself. Similar to what Naruto did against Momoshiki, he would protect them at all costs. This setup would limit Boruto and Himawari’s growth.
Boruto vs. Kawaki Would Not Happen
Naruto Would Stop Boruto vs. Kawaki Before It Begins
Clearly, the Boruto series is laying out the narrative groundwork for the final fight between Boruto and Kawaki. In fact, the first chapter of the manga introduced the conflict between the Uzumaki brothers that will eventually lead to a decisive battle. If Naruto Shippuden had Naruto and Sasuke’s fight for its finale, the Boruto series may get Boruto and Kawaki’s ultimate showdown at a ruined Konoha.
The first chapter of Boruto also confirmed that Naruto is still sealed at this point, so the legendary shinobi won’t be there to intervene. If Ikemoto decides to pull out a plot twist and bring Naruto back, the fight between Boruto and Kawaki would probably not push through. Before Naruto's children could clash, he would be there to stop them, preventing any irreversible consequences.
Naruto Would Carry the Boruto Series Again
Naruto Would Overshadow the Next Generation
Part of the reason why Boruto has fan support is because of Naruto Uzumaki. His zero-to-hero journey deeply resonated with the fans and continues to do so, even after he was nerfed and sealed in Boruto. Many fans are only catching up with Boruto because Naruto is still around, despite his unfortunate state.
On that note, if the series allows Naruto’s return, he will easily steal everyone’s thunder. All the love and attention will shift to him, overshadowing Boruto, Kawaki, the old cast, and the next generation of shinobi who are fighting for little attention from the fans and Ikemoto himself. Instead of looking forward to Boruto’s next endeavors, fans will end up focusing on Naruto and his power-ups, as if he's the main character of the series.
Naruto Deserves More Than a Rushed Return
Naruto Deserves a Meaningful Comeback
Naruto’s return to Boruto would feel less impactful if he were to have a rushed comeback. Just because fans demand his return doesn’t mean it would improve the story. While it would be more exciting to have Naruto around, it would ignore the narrative purpose of his absence. The payoff would not be worth it.
In other words, the tension built around Boruto and the next generation facing challenges on their own would be completely undermined. By keeping Naruto sealed, the readers would not rely on him to save the world. The characters would also go through their experiences and be forced to fight battles where winning isn’t guaranteed.
- Release Date
- April 5, 2017
- Network
- TV Tokyo
