Boruto

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is this fantastic Japanese manga that picks up the ninja tale right where Naruto left off. Do you remember Naruto Uzumaki, the ninja with dreams of becoming the Hokage? Well, now we're following his son, Boruto Uzumaki, in this new era.

Boruto's story revolves around him and his friends dealing with the challenges of being young ninjas in a modernized Hidden Leaf Village. The manga, crafted by Ukyo Kodachi with Masashi Kishimoto overseeing things, delves into themes like friendship, family, and the weight of ninja responsibilities.

Now, the adventure doesn't just stay on paper. In 2017, Boruto hit the TV screens with its anime series by Studio Pierrot, adding some extra twists and characters to keep fans hooked. And there's more! Boruto even scored its movie titled "Boruto: Naruto the Movie" in 2015.

Sure, people sometimes draw comparisons to Naruto, but Boruto has its unique flavor. It explores life after achieving peace, the struggles of parenthood, and how the ninja world keeps evolving. So, while it pays tribute to Naruto, Boruto is making its mark and carving out its ninja legacy.

Boruto Storyline

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is a natural progression in the ninja saga, picking up where Naruto left off and introducing us to the next generation with Naruto Uzumaki's son, Boruto Uzumaki.

The series unfolds as Boruto faces the hurdles of his journey, aiming to carve out his identity as a formidable shinobi in a world that's moved beyond his father's era.

Growing up in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, Boruto's childhood is a departure from Naruto's lonely beginnings. With Naruto now the Seventh Hokage and his mother, Hinata Hyuga, by his side, Boruto experiences a family life Naruto could only dream of. However, being the child of such a renowned figure brings its unique challenges and expectations.

The series explores Boruto's struggles, distinct from his father's, as he endeavors to be acknowledged for his strengths rather than relying on Naruto's legacy. It delves into the intricacies of familial expectations and the burden of living up to a famous name.

Boruto's narrative isn't merely a replica of its predecessor; it introduces new dimensions, touching on psychological and philosophical themes that prompt viewers to contemplate the complexities of morality. Notably, the exploration of the "Cycle of Hatred" adds a layer of depth to the storyline.

Since its debut in April 2017, Boruto has maintained momentum, boasting over 293 episodes as of November 2023.

While Naruto's journey concluded with Naruto Shippuden, Boruto offers a fresh perspective, showcasing the challenges and aspirations of a new generation of ninjas.

As Boruto strives to forge his path in this ever-evolving world, the series brings a nuanced and contemplative approach to the legacy of the Hidden Leaf Village.

Characters in Boruto

Boruto has been weaving its ninja tale for over 293 episodes as of November 2023, and what makes it captivating is the rich assortment of characters, each wielding distinct abilities.

What sets it apart is the series' commitment to giving both main and supporting characters their time in the spotlight.

Ukyo Kodachi, under the watchful guidance of Masashi Kishimoto, carried on the tradition of infusing meaning into character designs and abilities in Boruto. An excellent example is Boruto's use of the Shadow Clone Jutsu, a technique paying homage to his father while symbolizing his unique journey.

The villains in Boruto add a layer of complexity that elevates the series. While there's a saying that Naruto lacks villains, only broken heroes, Boruto takes this notion a step further.

The antagonists aren't just troublemakers; they're layered characters with intricate backgrounds, blurring the lines between hero and villain. This adds a thought-provoking element to the conflicts within the narrative.

Whether you're a seasoned Naruto enthusiast or a newcomer to the ninja world, Boruto manages to capture the essence of its predecessor while introducing fresh perspectives.

It's more than just a sequel; it's an exploration of character growth and a ninja realm in constant flux.

Jutsu in Boruto

Boruto continues the tradition of captivating audiences worldwide with its distinct power system and diverse fighting styles, contributing to its global popularity. The series introduces a new generation of shinobi enthusiasts to the intriguing concept of ninja techniques, bringing these skills to life within the shinobi world.

Similar to its predecessor, the power system in Boruto revolves around Jutsu, a classification that encompasses a variety of abilities. The fundamental categories, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu, remain central to the arsenal of techniques employed by the characters. Chakra, the life force energy, is the common thread weaving through these Jutsu.

Ninjutsu takes the forefront, where chakra is molded into tangible effects through intricate hand signs. Signature techniques like Rasengan, Shadow Clone Jutsu, and Chidori exemplify the versatility and creativity inherent in Ninjutsu.

Genjutsu, while not a standalone technique, stands out as a captivating classification. Operating on the manipulation of chakra, Genjutsu creates illusions that blur the lines between reality and perception, providing a psychological edge in battles.

On the physical front, Taijutsu showcases hand-to-hand combat styles, pushing individuals to their physical limits to achieve remarkable results. While not always reliant on chakra, it can be infused to amplify the impact.

But this is nothing we haven’t seen before in the OG Naruto series.

Fortunately, Boruto has taken things further.

The classic trio of jutsu—ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu—still holds its ground, but over the years, new types and variations of jutsu have emerged, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the ninja world.

Shinjutsu

Shinjutsu, or "Divine Techniques," is the pinnacle of jutsu, reserved for the Ōtsutsuki Clan's cream of the crop. Unlike regular ninjutsu, shinjutsu skips the hand signs and chakra control requirements. It's the top-tier, labeled as "Divine Miracles," making advanced ninjutsu and senjutsu seem like mere imitations.

Karma

In Boruto, Karma is a seal—a sleek four-point black diamond—courtesy of Ōtsutsuki Clan members.

It brands the recipient as a "vessel" for Ōtsutsuki chakra, granting them the power to absorb and release ninjutsu and snag some original Ōtsutsuki abilities.

Scientific Ninja Tools

Scientific Ninja Tools are gadgets that tap into scientific principles for some ninja magic. Whether it's upgrading your jutsu with the Kote (storing and releasing ninjutsu) or countering foes with the Shinobi Gauntlet (a chakra neutralizer), these tools are the multitools of the ninja world. They even birth entirely new jutsu, like Boruto's wrist-firing lightning arrow, the Ninja Tech: Thunderclap Arrow.

Jōgan

Jōgan is a unique dōjutsu that Boruto sports in his right eye. It's dubbed the "star of hope" for the shinobi realm, granting Boruto the ability to see chakra flow, dimensions, and the true essence of beings.

The full extent of Jōgan's potential is still a mystery, adding an element of suspense to Boruto's journey.

In Boruto, the jutsu game has leveled up, introducing these game-changers that keep fans guessing and the ninja world evolving.

From divine miracles to high-tech tools and mysterious eyes, the Ninja Playbook has certainly seen some major upgrades.

Villages in Boruto

Boruto takes us on a thrilling journey into the shinobi world's new era, showcasing how Naruto's universe has transformed with technological advances and an era of relative peace.

While the Five Great Nations continue to stand united, a wave of new threats emerges from the shadows.

The Ōtsutsuki Clan, an enigmatic alien race with a penchant for harvesting the world's chakra, takes center stage as the main antagonists.

Boruto's world also introduces fresh lands and villages not seen in the original series. Take the Land of Haze, for instance—a small country veiled in mist, harboring the secretive Village Hidden in the Valley.

Renowned for its unique ninjutsu involving steam manipulation, it adds a distinct flavor to the ninja landscape.

Another intriguing addition is the Land of Silence. This haven for criminals boasts the Hidden Village Hidden in the Dust, known for a secretive technique allowing users to consume and impersonate their victims.

Boruto unveils new adventures and mysteries, providing the next generation of shinobi with a captivating backdrop for their tales. It's a landscape shaped by progress, yet shadowed by looming threats, making it a fascinating playground for exploration and discovery.

Clans in Boruto

In Boruto, the shinobi world expands with the introduction of several new clans, each adding unique layers to the narrative. Here's a glimpse into some of these noteworthy clans:

Kodon Clan

In the Lawless Land of Silence, this clan boasts the ability to manipulate their bones for offensive and defensive purposes. Aligned with the tyrant Shojoji, they have a tense relationship with the Wasabi Family, their rivals in the same territory.

Wasabi Family

Also residing in the Land of Silence, this clan opposes Shojoji's rule. Proficient in manipulating their hair as both whips and shields, they are led by Katasuke Wasabi, a former Konoha shinobi known for inventing the Shinobi Gauntlet. Their clashes with the Kodon Clan add a layer of complexity to their dynamic.

Hōki Family

Hailing from the mist-shrouded Land of Haze, this clan takes the helm of the Village Hidden in the Valley. Specializing in steam-based ninjutsu, espionage, and infiltration, they carry a historical rivalry with the Hidden Mist Village.

Lee Clan

Presumed to be connected to Rock Lee, the taijutsu expert and student of Might Guy, this clan excels in the forbidden Eight Gates technique. Metal Lee, Rock Lee's son, and a Konoha genin, stands as a representative, bringing a touch of rivalry to the mix with Boruto Uzumaki.

Teams in Boruto

In the Boruto universe, significant changes have occurred in the shinobi system due to technological advancements and a period of relative peace. While the demand for shinobi has diminished, missions have become less perilous yet more diverse.

Leading the charge is Boruto Uzumaki, at the helm of Team 7. A spirited and adventurous young shinobi, Boruto aims to carve a path distinct from his father, Naruto. Endowed with the mysterious Jōgan and the Karma seal from the Ōtsutsuki Clan, Boruto possesses unique abilities.

Sarada Uchiha, daughter of Sasuke and Sakura, assumes the mantle of Team 7's leader. Driven and intelligent, she aspires to become the Hokage. Boasting the Sharingan, superhuman strength, and mastery of fire and lightning ninjutsu, Sarada is a formidable force.

Mitsuki, an artificial creation of Orochimaru, brings a calm and inquisitive presence to the team. Viewing Boruto as his "sun," Mitsuki possesses Sage Mode and the ability to manipulate his body. Proficient in wind, lightning, and snake ninjutsu, Mitsuki adds versatility to the team.

Kawaki, a former vessel of the Ōtsutsuki Clan with a tumultuous past, contributes a stoic and determined attitude. Having faced experimentation and abuse from the Kara organization, Kawaki's mission is to eradicate the Karma and the Ōtsutsuki. His skills encompass taijutsu and hand-to-hand combat.

Team 7 encounters a myriad of challenges, from Ōtsutsuki threats to Kara and the Mujina Bandits. Noteworthy missions, such as escorting Katasuke and investigating the Hashirama Cell, underscore their growth as individuals and as a cohesive unit. The team has honed distinctive jutsu like the Multiple String Light Formation, the Student and Teacher: Rasengan, and the Super Compression Rasengan.

As torchbearers of the new shinobi era, Team 7 embodies hope and potential. Striving to surpass their predecessors while upholding their legacy, they value friendship and camaraderie. United, they stand prepared to confront the diverse challenges that lie ahead in their shinobi odyssey.

Boruto Episodes

Boruto is making its mark as another enduring anime series. In terms of episode count, Boruto carries on the tradition of its predecessor, boasting a substantial number of episodes, 293 as of November 2023, to immerse fans in the shinobi world once again.

With its frequent release schedule, Boruto maintains a steady pacing, occasionally outpacing its manga counterpart and necessitating the inclusion of filler episodes. While fillers may not significantly contribute to the central plot, they offer entertaining insights into beloved characters' lives—showcasing their mastered techniques and offering glimpses into their daily routines post-mission.

Despite occasional criticisms directed at the fillers, Boruto manages to captivate audiences with its impressive action sequences, compelling speeches, and engaging training arcs.

Despite the sizable episode count and the inclusion of fillers, Boruto stands strong as a top-tier anime.

Boruto Chapters

Boruto unfolds through the collaborative efforts of Ukyo Kodachi (vol. 1–13) and the original series creator, Masashi Kishimoto (vol. 14–). The intricate illustrations are brought to life by the talented Mikio Ikemoto.

The saga commences with "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations," making its debut in Shueisha's esteemed shōnen manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, on May 9, 2016. This initial run continued until June 10, 2019, transitioning to V Jump on July 20 of the same year under Kishimoto's watchful supervision.

Ikemoto, fueled by a vision to encapsulate the entire Naruto saga within a hundred volumes, aspires to conclude the manga within the span of fewer than 30 volumes.

A noteworthy development in April 2023 put the manga on hiatus, stirring anticipation and curiosity among avid readers. The hiatus came to an end on August 21 of the same year, marking the commencement of the second part titled "Boruto: Two Blue Vortex."

Viz Media, catering to English-speaking audiences, introduced the first volume of the manga alongside the English dub release of "Boruto: Naruto the Movie." The manga's expansive reach also extends to a spin-off titled "Boruto: Saikyo Dash Generations" by Kenji Taira, serialized in Saikyō Jump from April 1, 2017, to April 1, 2021, adding another layer to the rich Boruto universe.

Boruto Video Games

Boruto has also left its mark in the gaming industry with its action-packed video games, featuring a diverse array of genres such as action, adventure, and fighting games.

These games transport players into the expansive world of Boruto, bringing forth characters from the original series alongside new faces created exclusively for the gaming realm.

As of now, there's a growing collection of Boruto-themed video games, each offering unique gameplay experiences.

Here's a snapshot of some notable Boruto games, showcasing the evolving gaming landscape within the series.

NARUTO STORM 4: Road to Boruto Expansion

Join Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha in the Fourth Shinobi World War against Akatsuki in Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. Switch between a team of three fighters, utilizing their collaborative abilities in regular fighting systems.

Boss fights add excitement with quick-time events, revealing hidden scenes and hack-and-slash segments. The expansion, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 - Road to Boruto, integrates characters from the 2015 film, Boruto: Naruto the Movie, and adult versions of the younger fighters, creating an immersive gaming experience.

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker

Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker, a gaming gem developed by Soleil Ltd. and published by Namco-Bandai, has been serving up thrills since its launch on August 31, 2018, captivating players on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows in North America and Europe. Brace yourself for dynamic 4 versus 4 battles where all eight contenders throw down simultaneously.

The game's storyline unfolds during Naruto's reign as the Seventh Hokage, coinciding with Konohagakure hosting the Chūnin Exams. And the language options? They've got you covered with English and Japanese voices, along with text in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, and Polish. It's a gaming universe where you craft your path and immerse yourself in a ninja-filled adventure!

Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Tribes

Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Tribes, a free-to-play action strategy RPG published by Namco Bandai Games, entered the gaming scene with a global release in June 2019. However, as of December 16, 2021, the game has been closed, marking the end of its updates. Despite its closure, players are granted the opportunity to continue enjoying the existing content.

The game's narrative journey kicks off with the events from the inaugural episode of Naruto: Shippūden, extending its storyline to cover the events of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Notably, Shippūden's events are portrayed as memories of the Seventh Hokage, adding a nostalgic touch to the gaming experience. While the game may no longer receive updates, its legacy persists through the continued gameplay that players can relish based on the existing content.

Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage

Naruto x Boruto: Ninja Voltage emerged as a free-to-play action strategy RPG brought to the gaming community by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Its global release took place on November 22, 2017, providing fans worldwide the opportunity to delve into the dynamic and strategic gameplay offered by the Naruto and Boruto universes.

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections stands as the seventh installment in the Ultimate Ninja Storm series, skillfully crafted by CyberConnect2 and published by Namco-Bandai Games. This exciting addition to the series is available for gaming enthusiasts on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam platforms. Get ready to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Naruto and Boruto through this engaging gaming experience.