The Shattered Legacy: How Boruto Mocks Naruto's Fight in a Jaw-Dropping Way
Boruto's controversial impact on Naruto's legacy and actions has received widespread criticism, raising questions about the integrity of Naruto's character Explore the implications and draw your own conclusions
Critics have long expressed their dissatisfaction with Boruto, the sequel to Naruto, citing various reasons such as its characters, world-building, and the detrimental impact it has on the beloved original protagonist. Naruto, considered one of the greatest shonen protagonists ever, has undoubtedly suffered from this follow-up, leading to concerns about its lasting legacy.
Fans argue that Naruto stands as a monumental manga and series in its own right, irrespective of Boruto's existence. However, it is undeniable that Boruto has significantly tarnished the reputation of the seventh Hokage, introducing a level of uncertainty surrounding his character. This potential storyline could have been a substantial aspect of the series, but its execution has left much to be desired.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Naruto and Boruto.
Boruto has hurt Naruto's legacy and actions in the series' universe
Expand Tweet
The decision to make Boruto a sequel was met with mixed reactions due to the controversial ending of Naruto. The final arc, particularly the introduction of Kaguya, negatively impacted the positive reception that Masashi Kishimoto's masterpiece had earned over the years. As a result, creating a sequel focused on Naruto's teenage son was considered a risky move by certain fans.
The series severely damaged Naruto's character legacy. Kishimoto had portrayed him as a near-messianic figure who would revolutionize the Shinobi system and bring about a better society. He alluded to this during his encounters with Neji Hyuga, Pain, and Sasuke Uchiha in the original series. However, the sequel failed to address the ongoing issues in the Naruto universe and introduced new ones. Naruto's efforts only resulted in temporary peace, and recent events in the manga demonstrate that he faced significant challenges as the seventh Hokage, disappointing many loyal fans.
Does this make Naruto a bad character?
A valid case can be presented for the argument that Naruto's failure to fix the Shinobi world during Boruto does not diminish his worth as a character. In fiction, there exist numerous brilliant characters who have faced setbacks in their endeavors and possess significant flaws. Nonetheless, an opposing viewpoint contends that this has negatively impacted his portrayal and reputation within the anime community.
Considering that a majority of the sequel's fans originally became engaged with the series through Naruto himself, rather than his son, there is a sense of emotional attachment. Consequently, these fans witnessed his inability to fulfill the goals he was initially presented with, leading to a perception of his character being undermined. This includes instances where he compromised on various promises he made throughout his journey and grappled with the challenges of being a good family man, despite his firsthand knowledge of the pain associated with a lack of family.
This is a subject that had the potential to be captivating for analysis in the series, yet author Masashi Kishimoto didn't give it much attention. It would have been truly intriguing to dissect Naruto's character and explore how his time as a Hokage may not have aligned with his initial dreams, but he still managed to make a significant impact. This missed opportunity is a regrettable aspect from the perspective of the mangaka.
Final thoughts
