Boruto: Naruto Next Generations existence itself is controversial for many fans of the anime/manga’s predecessor. Deemed as an unnecessary sequel to Naruto, this show and its focal protagonist have been pushing to keep their relevance. Most fans are still getting accustomed to Boruto as the face of the Naruto world and find it hard to accept the character for who he is and what he’s becoming.
Nevertheless, the story continues and fans are slowly coming to accept and even love the show/manga for what it is doing. As the story grows into its own, there are some moments that spark up arguments and controversy amongst the fans, especially when those moments revolve around beloved characters from the Naruto series.
10 The Age Of The Shinobi Is Over
The opening to Boruto itself is considered controversial for many fans, as Kawaki announces to Boruto and to the audience that “The Age of Shinobi is over.” The two main characters are much older in this scene and look more experienced, and as one can notice in the image, Boruto’s emblem has been slashed. Kawaki tells Boruto that he’ll “send [Boruto] where I sent the Seventh Hokage.” This scene alone raises many questions for fans as they begin to speculate where exactly the series is heading. Is Naruto dead? Will Boruto go rouge? Though this can be potentially fun for many fans, as it excites and hints to them that the series will take a darker turn in the future, many other fans are upset. It leaves them in the dark as to whether or not their childhood hero is dead.
9 Boruto: Naruto Next Generation Isn’t About Naruto
This goes without saying, but Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is about Boruto, not Naruto. Boruto says at the very beginning of the show that the story is about him. Though this is obvious for every fan of the show, many are still upset that there isn’t more screen-time for their childhood hero, especially when Boruto makes the bold statement that he doesn’t wish to become the Hokage.
In fact, with Boruto’s fondness and respect towards Sasuke, fans are even speculating that Boruto might follow his path and go ultimately go rouge, as hinted at by his headband in the opening scene of the series
8 The Chunin Exams Poke Holes In Naruto’s Image
The Chunin Exams was an entraining mini-arc in the series with Boruto making it to the final round, even if he did so through cheating. The very fact that he cheated his way through left many fans disliking Boruto as a character. They point out that Naruto, even as a kid, would never do such a thing. However, the series wouldn’t let Boruto get his way, as his father catches him and looks at him disappointingly. Naruto tells his very own son that he’s “not worthy of being a ninja.”
This is a punch to the gut not only for Boruto but also for the fans. It’s at this moment that many fans begin to realize who Naruto, their childhood hero, has become: a father with no time for his son. Everyone was rooting for Naruto to become the Hokage in his series, yet have second thoughts when they begin to realize what “being the Hokage” truly means. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations does a great job displaying how busy and stressed Naruto is being the Hokage, and in consequence, not being able to spend time with his son. This rests uneasily in many fan’s stomachs.
7 The Chakra Blade Is Just A Lightsaber
The more scientific approach in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations receives mixed reviews from fans. The introduction of advanced technology is done to demonstrate how much more advanced Konoha village has become since Naruto’s time, introducing new and cool gadgets. The chakra blade is an interesting technological development for Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, but that doesn’t undermine the fact that many fans can’t help but be amused and potentially disgruntled when they see Boruto use what is basically a lightsaber.
6 Boruto Inherits The Otsutsuki
One of the main plot points of Boruto is how he inherits the power of the Otsutsuki. This plot thickens as the audience learns that, eventually, the Otsutsuki that was implanted in him will eventually take him over. This brings him closer to Kawaki, even though later in the story Kawaki is able to remove his implant.
However, if the audience calls back to the opening of the series, this does seem like the case, and both Boruto and Kawaki still suffer from their implantations. Many fans think this plot point is cool, however are left unsettled when they realize that it’s possible for Boruto to lose his identity and potentially even become the antagonist of his own show.
5 Boruto Goes Back In Time
The Time Slip arc is considered to be a beloved arc for the series, giving many fans a reason to give Boruto another chance. Though this arc was great at giving fans another chance to see their favorite characters from Naruto as children again, as well as bringing in many new fans to watch the show, there are many who are upset. This arc was good at using nostalgia to keep people watching the series, however, there are some that believe that Boruto: Naruto Next Generation shouldn’t be using nostalgia to keep the interest of its fans.
4 Koji Is A Clone Of Jiraya
Jiraya’s sacrifice in Naruto Shippuden broke many fans’ hearts and is considered to be one of the saddest moments in the series. When Koji Kashin made his first appearance, many fans began speculating that he was somehow connected to Jiraya due to their similar appearances. It is later unveiled that Amado created Koji with the intent of killing Isshiki, the main antagonist of Boruto. Many fans were excited at the potential return of Jiraya, but there are also those that feel like this plot twist could be considered a disrespect to Naruto’s beloved mentor.
3 Naruto Uses Baryon Mode
Upon fighting Isshiki in the body of Jigen, Naruto and Sasuke found themselves at their wit’s end. Determined to take down Isshiki, who was planning on using Karma to transport himself into Kawaki’s body after being damaged in Jigen’s, Naruto unleashes a new stage of his power: Baryon Mode. Fans were more than excited to see a new height for Naruto’s power, but many were afraid, as Kurama warned him that using Baryon Mode would cost him his life. Naruto was more than willing to sacrifice his own life, but fans weren’t ready to see him go.
2 Sasuke Loses The Rinnegan
As mentioned earlier, Boruto has inherited an Otsutsuki. The Otsutsuki takes over whenever Boruto loses consciousness or gets tired. It is the Otsutsuki in Boruto that manages to take out Sasuke’s Rinnegan. This moment is extremely controversial as it makes Sasuke significantly weaker.
One can argue that this moment is integral, as it makes the characters from Naruto weaker in order to force Boruto to get stronger and take Sasuke’s and Naruto’s place and surpassing them in power. But this doesn’t negate the spit in the face that is Sasuke losing his signature power.
1 Naruto Says Goodbye To Kurama
Even though Naruto was so ready to sacrifice his life using Baryon Mode, it turns out that he doesn’t die. Rather, only Kurama does. Every fan adores the relationship that Naruto and Kurama have in the Naruto series. Seeing how they’d feud and slowly develop to become friends and colleagues is heartwarming. It is no wonder there was outrage when Naruto and Kurama came together to create the Baryon Mode, learning that the cost of using such power was Kurama’s life. Fans were upset to see a beloved character say goodbye.
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