Boruto has unmistakably sidelined previously significant female shinobi characters from Naruto, either by assigning them stereotypical roles or by completely excluding them from the spotlight. Although the anime provides these female Naruto characters with more screen time compared to the manga, some argue that this additional focus only emphasizes their lack of importance in the overall plot. Despite this, a handful of episodes have starkly criticized Boruto's unnecessary mistreatment of these characters, making it somewhat rewarding for fans.
Among the prominent female ninjas from Naruto who have been neglected in Boruto, Ino and Sakura are the ones who have been most visibly affected by these harsh criticisms. In episode 171 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Sakura interrupts her daughter's training session with Sasuke to assess her determination through a fight. Sarada is taken aback by the suggestion of sparring with her own mother, prompting Sakura to remind her daughter of her status as a Jonin. However, the training session does not commence promptly due to Sarada's stunned silence.
Boruto Admits The Series Has Sidelined its Female Ninjas
In episode 177, Inojin, the son of Ino, is paired with a ninja named Kohan for a new sensing initiative overseen by Ino. Inojin is taken aback when Kohan speaks highly of his mother, as he had no idea she was famous. After learning about Ino's accomplishments, Inojin questions whether it is appropriate for her to be in charge of such an important initiative, considering he has only seen her working in a flower shop.
Both scenes showcase the reactions of Ino and Sakura's children, who are astonished to see their mothers in a different light - as warriors and strategic assets capable of protecting Konoha. This disbelief reflects the dissatisfaction many fans feel at how the characters of Ino and Sakura have been diminished in importance. Sarada and Inojin's surprise at their mothers' hidden abilities is particularly significant given that it occurs almost 200 episodes into the series.
More Than Just A Brutal Call-Out
Both episodes effectively highlight the importance of Ino and Sakura, while also justifying Boruto's controversial decisions involving them. In the case of Sakura, not only does Sarada admire her mother's incredible power and skills during their match, but Sakura also proves to be a superior trainer compared to Sasuke. Additionally, Ino showcases her exceptional sensory abilities and reveals her love for both using those skills and managing her flower shop. She willingly made the choice to balance both aspects of her life and finds joy in doing so, rather than being coerced into it. While fans would prefer that Boruto didn't put Ino, Sakura, and their female companions in such challenging situations, it is commendable that the anime directly addresses these issues instead of disregarding them like the manga. The anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
