The journey of Boruto stands distinct from its predecessor, Naruto, yet it grapples with its own challenges. Divided into two parts—Boruto: Naruto Next Generations and Boruto: Two Blue Vortex—the series has garnered a mix of both acclaim and critique, much like its forerunner. Although Boruto initially faced skepticism among fans, the narrative gained traction with the release of Two Blue Vortex.
Nonetheless, Boruto finds itself in an unenviable position, overshadowed by the monumental impact of Naruto. While the original series has its flaws, its profound influence offers it considerable leniency. In contrast, the newer series lacks the same foundational credit and originality that Naruto enjoyed. For Boruto to stand on equal ground with its predecessor, it must thoughtfully navigate a few pivotal areas.
1 Step Away From the Aliens
Boruto’s Emphasis on the Otsutsuki Twist Has Backfired
The introduction of the Otsutsuki clan is one of Naruto’s most contentious plot devices. Despite the backlash, Boruto decided to fully embrace this alien twist. With Boruto carrying Otsutsuki DNA, the narrative undeniably leans heavily into this theme.
For those unfamiliar, the Otsutsuki twist reveals that the overarching plot of Naruto revolves around powerful extraterrestrial beings. This narrative choice has led to unprecedented technological advancements in Boruto, transforming Konoha into a bustling high-tech hub. While the sight of familiar characters using laptops may seem jarring, it is a minor shift.
However, the troubling aspect is how the Otsutsuki clan has shifted the focus from traditional ninja battles to a science fiction-oriented narrative. This transition is particularly evident when comparing the antagonistic factions of the two series: Kara and Akatsuki. Although Kara is often likened to the beloved Akatsuki, this comparison fails to capture the essence of their origins. The former emerges as a product of alien influence, creating a divergence from the rooted conflicts of ninja society.
To resonate with fans who cherish the ninja-centric battles of Naruto, Boruto must distance itself from this sci-fi dependency. Nevertheless, once a story path is taken, adjustments become increasingly challenging. While some fans enjoy these science fiction elements, they have also led to complexity in areas such as combat mechanics.
2 Acknowledge and Handle Combat Problems
Boruto’s New Mechanics Have Introduced Serious Power Creep Issues
The issue of power creep, which haunted Naruto with characters like Madara, re-emerges in Boruto. Following the original series, Boruto expands upon previously established abilities, particularly with the integration of scientific ninja tools and the Otsutsuki clan’s influence. Techniques like chakra absorption, which were rare previously, have become commonplace and detrimental to the combat experience.
Scientific ninja tools, introduced during the narrative’s timeskip, brought both innovation and imbalance. They present two primary issues: their potential remains underutilized, and they often feel overpowered and disruptive to the story’s integrity.
The drastic changes in combat mechanics have led to a reliance on taijutsu rather than ninjutsu, as ninjutsu becomes increasingly absorbable. This shift alters the essence of battles, creating a different dynamic that diverges from the thrilling confrontations in Naruto.
3 Do Right by the Supporting Cast
Naruto’s Supporting Cast Is Exceptional and Deserves Greater Recognition
Despite the introduction of new characters, many original allies, including Rock Lee—a taijutsu master—remain sidelined, often reduced to comedic roles. This is disheartening for fans who anticipated deeper character arcs. The dissatisfaction with character development in Boruto stems from a perceived disrespect towards beloved figures from Naruto.
The narrative choices have left notable characters underdeveloped or relegated to superficial roles, much to the disappointment of fans who invested emotionally in their journeys. The original cast, integral to Naruto’s storyline, suffers from this neglect, appearing more as nostalgic references than as vital, evolving characters.
4 Stop Throwing Naruto to the Wolves
Boruto’s Narrative Undermines the Core Story of Naruto
This issue significantly impacts Naruto, the beloved protagonist who deserves a better narrative arc. The decisions in Boruto seem to undermine Naruto’s journey and achievements consistently. As fans who have followed Naruto’s struggles and triumphs, witnessing his character receive a nerf, particularly after pivotal confrontations, feels unjust.
Moreover, the expansive timeskip leaves much of Naruto’s legacy as Hokage unexplored, presenting a narrative gap that diminishes the weight of his character development. For instance, Naruto’s governance is depicted rather unremarkably, failing to capture the promise of a leader striving for change and connection beyond Konoha.
Fundamentally, Naruto’s administration lacks depth, allowing for troubling political dynamics to flourish unchecked. The portrayal of Naruto’s struggle with his role as Hokage adds complexity but continues to evoke disappointment. While there is potential for growth in subsequent arcs, the current portrayal casts a shadow over his once-great legacy.
5 Fix Naruto’s Biggest Mistake
Boruto Has The Opportunity to Innovate Within Naruto’s World
Addressing the shortcomings of Naruto’s characterization and governance could elevate Boruto significantly. The series has the opportunity to explore the societal, political, and cultural impacts of advanced technology on the shinobi world. By moving beyond Konoha-centric narratives, Boruto could capture a more holistic view of life in the expanded shinobi realm.
A key misstep taken in Naruto was its failure to broaden the scope of Konoha’s political landscape while adequately addressing the lives of everyday citizens. Boruto should actively engage with these themes, shining a light on the complexities and intricacies of both the heroic and the mundane aspects of ninja life.
With the dramatic implications of the Fourth Great Ninja War and a more technologically advanced era, there exists a perfect backdrop for exploring deeper narratives. Unlike its predecessor, Boruto can diverge from simply emulating Naruto, carving an impactful identity of its own.
While it may seem caught in the shadows, Boruto carries potential. This series, marked by heart and ambition, is not bound to replicate its predecessor’s legacy. Nonetheless, for Boruto to excel, creators Kishimoto and Ikemoto must take bold storytelling risks and embrace significant character development.
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