Boruto’s Impact: The Nerfing of Naruto Uzumaki by the Writers

This article contains spoilers from Boruto: Two Blue Vortex.

Overview

Naruto Uzumaki’s abilities have significantly diminished in Boruto.
Once a formidable ninja, Naruto has faced multiple defeats in the sequel.
Key abilities that defined Naruto have been largely removed in this series.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Power Level in Boruto
All of Naruto’s Stripped Powers in Boruto
- Powers Naruto Couldn’t Utilize
Was Nerfing Naruto a Good Decision?
- The Consequences of Nerfing Naruto

Naruto Uzumaki stands as a legendary figure in the Naruto franchise, adored by fans globally. As a character who has inspired countless individuals, his significance within anime and manga is undeniable. However, his portrayal in the sequel series, Boruto, has raised eyebrows among the community. Many believe that he has not been given the respect and recognition he rightfully deserves.

Several factors contribute to this perception, leading fans to witness a frail version of the once-mighty hero, whose strength has been systematically diminished throughout the series.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Power Level in Boruto

At the inception of the Boruto series, during the film Boruto: Naruto the Movie, audiences were treated to a display of Naruto’s formidable powers. Faced with the invasion of the Otsutsuki clan, Naruto, alongside Sasuke, showcased their strength in combat. Yet, despite their prowess, it became evident that they were not operating at full capacity. Notably, Naruto’s energy was partially absorbed by Momoshiki prior to their confrontation, and Sasuke was engaged in significant chakra expenditure to transport numerous individuals across dimensions.

Us Shinobi are a very resilient lot. – Naruto Uzumaki

The pivotal moment of concern arrived during Naruto and Sasuke’s bout with Jigen, which turned out to be a humiliating experience for both. Despite their extensive capabilities, they struggled to land even a single hit on a seemingly restrained opponent, showcasing how the narrative has restricted their potential.

All of Naruto’s Stripped Powers in Boruto

Limitations on Naruto’s Abilities

Throughout the Boruto series, Naruto has experienced a significant loss of powers. Following the Fourth Great Ninja War, Naruto had attained both the Yin and Yang halves of Kurama, which should have amplified his strength significantly. Yet, in Boruto, the effects appear minimal. Notably, his Six Paths Sage Mode lacks its previous vigor; abilities like the Truth-seeking Balls, which should have been retrievable, seem inaccessible to him.

Be good, Naruto! And don’t join me anytime soon. – Kurama

Moreover, Naruto’s capacity to use Yin Yang Release, which allowed him to restore Kakashi’s eye, lengthen Might Guy’s life, and aid Obito, appears to have vanished. This degradation leaves him as a mere shadow of his former self.

To compound these issues, Naruto’s healing powers have sharply declined, as evidenced by a critical moment when he was injured by Sasuke’s sword during the battle against Shin. The vulnerability displayed was a stark contrast to his earlier ability to withstand dire injuries, reflecting an uncomfortable shift in character capability.

His sensory perception has also suffered. While Naruto demonstrated an acute awareness of the world through his Six Paths Sage Mode, he failed to sense Jigen’s ability to shrink, a feat that should have been beneath his notice. This inconsistency in power demonstrates a deliberate narrative choice to undermine his legacy.

Was Nerfing Naruto a Good Decision?

The Fallout from Nerfing Naruto

The decision to nerf Naruto has proven to be broadly criticized. While Boruto Uzumaki stands as the narrative’s new protagonist, the downfall of legacy characters like Naruto and Sasuke raises questions about the storytelling direction. The authors’ choice to diminish their powers and reputations for the sake of new characters has left fans frustrated.

Many believe that more thoughtful storytelling could have enabled older characters to maintain their relevance without diminishing their power. The sacrifices made, including the severing of Naruto’s enduring partnership with Kurama and Sasuke’s loss of the Rinnegan, seem unnecessary and detrimental to the story’s integrity. Rather than sidelining established heroes, a more balanced approach could have been used.

One hopeful development is the Two Blue Vortex arc, which hints at possible redemption for Naruto and Sasuke. Fans are optimistic that this continuation of the story will restore their strength and significance in a more favorable narrative landscape.

Boruto is accessible through Viz Media. Fans can read the series officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The next chapter, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 18, is scheduled for release on January 20, 2025.

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