Kishimoto and Ikemoto might become Sarada's worst enemies in Boruto

Modified Nov 27, 2024 14:30 GMT

Sarada Uchiha (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Boruto's Sarada Uchiha is full of potential. She is the next in line to bear the Uchiha Clan's legacy while striving to carve out her own path in the series. With the next half of the story already at a crucial phase, the ones who hold the key to Sarada's growth are none other than Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto. Their creative choices will monumentally impact what becomes of her, for better or worse.

Needless to say, Sarada boasts the makings of a potentially compelling leader and a well-rounded character. But so far, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, she has yet to contribute to the story in a major way. Whether she ends up rising to the occasion or somehow gets sidelined by other names has yet to be seen.

With each chapter, Kishimoto and Ikemoto hold the power to elevate or lower the young Uchiha — brilliantly utilize her as a major character or leave her potential untapped and turn her into a missed opportunity.

Boruto creators hold the key to Sarada's ultimate fate as a character

So far, Sarada Uchiha has been a regular in the Boruto series. Beginning with Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, she appeared in nearly every arc and contributed significantly to the story. Moreover, she was part of the new Team 7 alongside Boruto Uzumaki, Mitsuki, and Kawaki (joined later), headed by their sensei, Konohamaru Sarutobi.

Like Sasuke Uchiha, she was also a prodigy, performing well in the Academy. The manga states that she awakened her Sharingan at an early age because Sasuke's absence affected her deeply. She reawakened her single-tomoe Sharingan in both eyes at 11 when she got excited seeing her father. Later, it is confirmed that by the time Jigen invaded, she had the full-fledged 3-tomoe version.

Sarada awakened her Mangekyo Sharingan due to deep anguish and worry for Boruto's safety after Eida used Omnipotence and altered everyone's memories. This was unique as she achieved this via the dread of losing someone instead of really losing them. Now, in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Sarada is yet to contribute to the story in a major way.

Her combat skills aren't up for debate, as her battle against the Claw Grimes before and after Boruto's arrival is proof enough. But from here on out, it is up to Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto. The pair's creative decisions will dictate whether she becomes an important presence or gets relegated to a mere supporting role. But so far, she seems to be doing well story-wise.

From the start, she has been trying to convince Shikamaru Nara (8th Hokage) to hear the blonde's side of the story. She knows something is amiss and wants to find out why and how. Further, she played a significant role in defeating Hidari before Boruto and Kawaki finished him off. As of the most recent chapter, she has to deal with Sumire Kakei's budding feelings for her teammate.

The next few chapters will determine how she fares against the God Trees, Matsuri and Ryu. She was part of the Leaf Village's team dispatched to rendezvous with the Sand Ninja to face the Shinju. Judging by Kishimoto and Ikemoto's decisions so far, Sarada has fared decently well.

As the Leaf finally begins to accept Koji's aid and mobilize against the Shinju, Sarada will undoubtedly play a major role, given that she has been supporting her teammate from the get-go.

Final thoughts

Sarada Uchiha's Sharingan (Image via Studio Pierrot)

With all eyes on the young Uzumaki at the moment, it is the best time for Kishimoto and Ikemoto to do something truly surprising with Sarada's character. Like the blonde, Sarada must have been honing her abilities in the three years between the series' Part I and II. The only thing is that in Two Blue Vortex, little about what she can do has been shown.

After all, she is Sasuke and Sakura's daughter and a prodigy. Moreover, the creators have not yet divulged the actual abilities of her Mangekyo Sharingan, which will surely be an intriguing reveal. As mentioned, this is the perfect time to showcase how Team 7's members have evolved individually. Fans may also see Team 7 reunite to face Matsuri and Ryu.

All in all, Sarada Uchiha, although slated to be the series' female lead, could very well end up with a different fate. No one knows what Kishimoto and Ikemoto have in mind for her. She might be relegated to the sideline, especially with Sumire now in line for a greater role, or retain her position and become more important as the series takes another turn towards chaos in the battle against the Shinju.

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Edited by Shreya Das