Few characters in the world of anime have made as lasting an impact as Naruto and Sasuke from the Naruto and Boruto series. Their journey from enemies to allies, alongside their epic battles, have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. However, in the sequel series, Boruto, some fans have found themselves puzzled by the portrayal of Naruto and Sasuke. They appear to be weaker and less formidable than in previous installments.
The Naruto series revolved around the themes of perseverance, friendship, and the unwavering determination of its eponymous protagonist, who aspired to become the Hokage. Conversely, Sasuke embodied a prodigious talent driven by a thirst for revenge. Both characters faced numerous challenges throughout their stories, and their growth was evident with each passing episode.
However,
The evolution of characters in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
, a fresh era is unveiled, centering on the thrilling escapades and hurdles encountered by the upcoming generation, ultimately resulting in the undeniable transformation in the depiction of the elder characters.Expand Tweet
The evolution of characters is essential in any story. In the Naruto series, we witnessed the remarkable growth of Naruto and Sasuke, transitioning from impulsive and inexperienced genin to formidable and enlightened shinobi. Their journey was replete with arduous trials and challenges that forced them to surpass their own boundaries.
At the end of the saga, Naruto and Sasuke had achieved ultimate mastery of their skills and became the most powerful ninja in the entire land. Their impressive abilities and techniques commanded both admiration and fear from allies and enemies alike.
Yet, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations does not revolve around them. Instead, it focuses on the story of the next generation, requiring the older generation to take a step back. If Naruto and Sasuke maintained their unmatched prowess, it would diminish the growth and progress of the new generation.
The major shift in the dynamics of power
The characters Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki were constantly overshadowed and did not have the chance to build their own unique legacies. However, the narrative cleverly adjusts the abilities of Naruto and Sasuke, providing a platform for these young shinobi to face their challenges head-on and develop their own strength and resilience.One significant change that had a profound impact on Naruto's abilities was the tragic loss of Kurama, the formidable tailed beast that had been sealed within him. In a climactic battle against Isshiki Otsutsuki, Kurama selflessly sacrificed himself to save Naruto, resulting in a permanent severance of their chakra bond. As a consequence, Naruto found himself deprived of Kurama's colossal reserves of chakra, which in turn severely limited the magnitude of jutsus he was capable of executing.
Losing that vast reserve of chakra had a noticeable effect on Naruto's endurance and his capacity to overpower opponents with techniques such as his multi-shadow clone jutsu. Deprived of Kurama augmenting his abilities, Naruto was unable to achieve the same extraordinary levels of sheer force that he once exhibited in his heyday.
The loss of his Rinnegan eye had a significant impact on Sasuke's abilities in the Boruto series. Prior to losing it, the Rinnegan granted him access to powerful techniques such as Chibaku Tensei and interdimensional travel. However, without it, his arsenal and skills were greatly diminished.
Although Sasuke still possessed his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and remained highly skilled, the absence of the Rinnegan meant he could no longer utilize the wide range of techniques that elevated him to a god-like status in the final stages of Shippuden. Consequently, this absence dealt a critical blow to Sasuke's overall power and portrayal.
Final thoughts
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The way Naruto and Sasuke are depicted in the sequel brings a new viewpoint that emphasizes the importance of evolving character relationships to fit a different storyline.
By losing their main sources of power, Kurama for Naruto and the Rinnegan for Sasuke, it allows the new generation to create their own journey within the story. Even though their past experiences and legacies still have a strong impact, they continue to shape the direction of the Boruto series and maintain their respected and significant roles.