The Naruto series has always shown the rise and fall of powerful ninjas. The Hokage were usually at the very top. They led the Village Hidden in the Leaves and were respected as the strongest. Since Konoha’s creation, seven Hokage have ruled, with Naruto Uzumaki being the latest.
Each Hokage shaped their era differently. They protected the village with their strength and earned respect across the ninja world. Naruto became the Seventh Hokage after years of struggle and training. He started as an underpowered ninja with a dangerous beast, Kurama, sealed inside him. By the end of the original story, he tamed Kurama, mastered Sage Mode, and received powers from Hagoromo Otsutsuki. Naruto even saved the world in the Fourth Great Ninja War. At his peak, he was the strongest shinobi of his time.
But in Boruto, things have changed. Naruto has faced new threats, like stronger Otsutsuki and the Kara organization. Some challenges were easy, but others cost him greatly. He lost Kurama, which also meant losing access to Six Paths Sage Mode. Without these powers, Naruto is far weaker than he once was. Later, he was even sealed by Kawaki, leaving him out of action as the world moved on.
In this new era, Boruto Uzumaki has risen above Naruto. After Naruto was sealed, Boruto trained under Sasuke Uchiha for a year. He learned all of Sasuke’s jutsu and mastered them. He also trained with Koshin Koji, learning powerful techniques from different timelines. On top of that, Boruto gained the Otsutsuki Karma by making a deal with Momoshiki. With these powers, combined with his own natural strength, Boruto is now considered the strongest ninja alive.
Another character, Kawaki, has also surpassed Naruto. He was rebuilt as a scientific marvel and trained to be Isshiki’s vessel. After Isshiki’s death, Kawaki kept his Karma and mastered its powers. Kawaki is one of the strongest characters in the world, though he does not follow the traditional ninja way. Later, he even plays a key role in challenging the Shinobi system, with Boruto calling himself the “Last Shinobi.”
Fans are hoping for Naruto’s return. Despite being outclassed, Naruto is still the Hokage, and his duty is to protect the village. Many hope that when he comes back, Kishimoto will give him a power-up worthy of his legacy. This would let Naruto rise again and reclaim his position as the strongest ninja, ready to face any threat.
Naruto has already endured a lot in Boruto. It might be time for him to get back to his peak and show why he is still the hero of Konoha.
