Since the release of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, the anime and manga community has expressed skepticism about the series' trajectory. Many have criticized the lack of quality animation and filler episodes. However, the introduction of a new Team 7 in the Boruto series sparked comparisons to the original team from Naruto. While some newer fans argue that the newer iteration is just as good, it falls short in comparison to the beloved original Team 7.
Let’s compare the two iterations of Team 7 and understand why the older generation was far better for the viewers of the anime series.
How Team 7 varies in the Boruto and the Naruto series
The original Team 7 consisted of Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Sasuke Uchiha. Each of these shinobis was incredibly powerful in their own right, and the show ensured that the three characters were either constantly banded together or shared a good chunk of the screen time.
Team 7's enduring popularity is largely due to the dynamic chemistry and emotional scenes among the three characters. However, the introduction of new characters in the Boruto series, including Kawaki, has altered the team dynamic and reduced its memorability. Mitsuki, in particular, is not as well-received due to his bland personality, despite his reliability as a level-headed shinobi.
However, as the Boruto series continued, Mitsuki's presence on screen diminished. This resulted in Kawaki receiving significantly more attention and gradually evolving into the most pivotal deuteragonist in the series. Fans frequently drew parallels between Mitsuki and Sai, a character from the original Naruto series known for his lackluster personality and limited screen time. Nevertheless, there were still moments that managed to captivate the audience whenever Mitsuki made an appearance.
He is one of the rare characters in the series capable of harnessing the Snake Sage Mode. Not only does it bestow upon him enhanced abilities, but it also presents a visually stunning spectacle. Additionally, the show failed to depict the new Team 7 engaging in difficult missions.
As a result, the lack of focus on Mitsuki prevented the development of chemistry among the team members and limited the opportunity to observe their teamwork throughout the series. If the writing had prioritized Mitsuki and incorporated more missions with Sarada and Boruto, the new Team 7 could have been compared to the original one.
Team 7 from the Naruto series is incredibly memorable for many reasons. The new Team 7 from the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series will never replace the iconic Naruto-Sakura-Sasuke trio. The sequel series is moving in a direction where the original trio will probably not be working on missions together. However, fans have still enjoyed and cherished watching Sarada and Mitsuki grow as shinobis and kunoichis during their missions.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.
Editor's P/S
Team 7 from the Naruto series is incredibly memorable for many reasons. The new Team 7 from the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations series will never replace the iconic Naruto-Sakura-Sasuke trio. The sequel series is moving in a direction where the original trio will probably not be working on missions together. However, fans have still enjoyed and cherished watching Sarada and Mitsuki grow as shinobis and kunoichis during their missions.
Mitsuki is a character with a lot of potential, but he has been sidelined in the Boruto series. This is a shame, as he is one of the few characters in the series capable of harnessing the Snake Sage Mode. Not only does it bestow upon him enhanced abilities, but it also presents a visually stunning spectacle. Additionally, the show failed to depict the new Team 7 engaging in difficult missions. As a result, the lack of focus on Mitsuki prevented the development of chemistry among the team members and limited the opportunity to observe their teamwork throughout the series. If the writing had prioritized Mitsuki and incorporated more missions with Sarada and Boruto, the new Team 7 could have been compared to the original one.