WhenBorutofirst debuted,the overwhelming expectation from viewers was thatNaruto’s next generation would surpass their elders.While much of this belief stemmed from the commonly held idea that each new generation evolves and advances, there were also several in-story factors that contributed to this impression. For one, the post-war era of peace played a significant role in shaping the next generation.
Unlike their parents, who were preoccupied with conflict, Naruto’s generation had the time and opportunity to focus on raising their children and building upon the lessons they learned during their own tumultuous, conflict-filled upbringing. This experience naturally suggested that the next generation would experience growth and improvement. Additionally,Boruto’s increased emphasis on advanced ninja technologyhad the potential to grant shinobi even greater abilities. Together, these elements strongly suggested that the new generation was poised to surpass their elders, but this hopeful expectation never quite came to fruition.
Naruto’s Next Gen Was Given the Ball, but They Fumbled It
A Konoha Shinobi Cohort With the Highest “Ninja IQ” Still Fails To Impress
Boruto: Two Blue VortexChapter #18 continuesthe story of Hokage Shikamaru’s high-stakes mission, where he sends Konohamaru, Sarada Uchiha, Mitsuki,along with sand ninjasAraya and Yodo, to deceive the sentient God Trees, Ryu and Moegi, that they are on their side. Shikamaru’s objective in approving the mission is that it will ultimately lead to the incapacitation or death of the God Trees, thereby neutralizing their threat to Konoha Village.Few missions in the Next Gen’s lives are as critical as this one. Accordingly, it demanded the utmost level of preparation and strategic execution.
Unfortunately, despite a promising start,Naruto’s next gen mission quickly went sideways. Two primary factors contributed to its breakdown. First, there was a significant lack of understanding regarding the threat the team faced, as well as the options available if the situation escalated — as it ultimately did. Second, there was a clear inability or unwillingness among team members to follow directions or rely on their training.
Naruto: New Boruto Preview Tees Up a Long-Awaited Romance for Konohamaru
The preview of Boruto: TBV chapter #18 is teasing a romantic spark between Konohamaru and an enemy, which could lead to unexpected feelings.
Instead, certain teammates —namely Konohamaru and Yodo— displayed a “loose cannon” attitude. As a result, rather than executing an organized strategy against their formidable foes, Konohamaru and the rest of the team were forced into a reactive stance, unable to dictate the situation.
What Happened To Naruto’s Next Gen
The Team Lacks the Experience of Their Elders, Earned Through Years of Combat
The mission’s failure lies primarily within the team’s lack of preparedness - which is Shikamaru’s fault - but also on their vulnerability to emotional impulses, and their inability to grasp the complexities of the world they’ve inherited. This situation highlights a critical issue:the majority of the shinobi on the mission lacked the experienceand on-field awareness needed to salvage a deteriorating situation.
It also underscores a fundamental problem with the next generation, who were raised in an era of peace. They are expected to perform with the wartime expertise of seasoned veterans. Their shortcomings also reveal a failure in leadership, because aninexperienced team was deployed with the expectation of achieving veteran-level results.
Naruto Let Its Worst Secret Slip: The Hidden Leaf Is Weak Without Naruto
Boruto’s capture, interrogation, and escape reveal how complacent and weak Konoha security has become since Naruto disappeared at the end of Part I.
Indeed, it seems that despite the advantages and favorable conditions they inherited from their predecessors,Naruto’s next generationlack the drive, ambition, and, most importantly, the connection to the struggles that honed the discipline and survival instincts of the elders. This ismost evident in Konohamaru, who straddles both Naruto’s generation and Boruto’s. His failure to maintain mission integrity is inexcusable. Unlike Sarada, Mitsuki, and the others, Konohamaru knew exactly what his mission was and what was expected of him. As many fans have observed, he had “one job to do” and failed.
A Ninja Operation Only Goes As Far As Its Pre-op Intelligence
The New Generation Has a Lot To Learn Before They Can Achieve Their Predecessors’ Success
Boruto: Two Blue VortexChapter #18 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of shinobi neglecting their most fundamental skill: espionage. Despite possessing extraordinary powers and abilities, shinobi, like those in theNaruto-verse, are only as effective as the intelligence they gather, analyze, and utilize in preparation for a mission.Efficiency and effectiveness are the hallmarks of a skilled shinobi,who strives to execute their objectives with minimal resistance. Actionable intelligence is crucial in enabling shinobi to complete their missions seamlessly, highlighting the importance of thorough preparation and strategic planning.
Boruto’s Amado is Still the Series' Big Villain Despite His Protests
Despite his apologies and promises to be better in Boruto, Amado Sanzu’s background of murder, lies, and deceit means he still remains villain No.1
Borutobegan with the premise thatNaruto’s next generation would eventually step out of the shadows of their parents – Konoha’s own “Greatest Generation.” While early glimpses of their potential were evident,their recent actions suggest they still have much to learn. Sarada and Mitsuki’s ignorance of Ryu’s sand abilities, Sumire’s questionable decision to aid the morally ambiguous Amado, and Kawaki’s naive belief in Amado’s trustworthiness all point to a lack of experience and wisdom. Before they can truly be considered the future of Konoha, they must hone their skills and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Indeed, at this point, evenBorutowould welcome the return ofNarutoor Sasuke.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Borutois the sequel to theNarutofranchise, created by Masashi Kishimoto and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. It follows Boruto Uzumaki, Naruto’s son, as he navigates the challenges of being the Hokage’s child while forging his path as a ninja. The series explores the evolving world of shinobi and introduces new generations of characters while maintaining the franchise’s core themes of friendship, perseverance, and legacy.
