Kishimoto Confirms Naruto’s Absence Is a Setup for Something Bigger

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is far from over, as Naruto Uzumaki’s long-awaited return still hasn’t happened after more than 20 chapters without his presence. Fans are seriously longing for Naruto Uzumaki, as this was the longest absence he’s ever had in the series. It feels like an eternity for fans who still hope to see Naruto Uzumaki’s epic comeback on the battlefield.

With Naruto’s absence, many things have changed in the Boruto manga. From Boruto switching places with Kawaki and Sasuke’s removal from the story to the political tension in Konoha and the rise of Jura and the humanoid God Trees, Naruto would be surprised to see how the world has drastically changed. It’s clear that Naruto’s absence is a setup for something that will shake the entire shinobi world.

Boruto Moves On Without Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki Has Been Removed From the Story

• Naruto Uzumaki has been out of the picture for more than 20 chapters.
• Naruto is still sealed with Hinata in the Daikokuten Dimension.

It’s getting harder to remember when fans last saw Naruto Uzumaki active in the Boruto manga. His absence has stretched on for so long that it almost feels like an entire generation has passed without him for many fans. The once ever-present Seventh Hokage has been removed from the story, and his return still feels distant, almost unreal, as if the world has learned to live without its greatest hero.

The same is true with Sasuke Uchiha, as the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga has written him out of the picture as well, reducing him to a helpless ninja who needs serious aid before it’s too late. Kishimoto and Ikemoto have unexpectedly weakened Naruto and Sasuke, causing them to fall from their former glory. Who would have thought that Sasuke would lose his Rinnegan and Naruto would lose Kurama?

In Naruto and Sasuke’s absence, a few ninja from the next generation have stepped up their game, taking on responsibilities that only Naruto and Sasuke could have handled in the past. The manga has also been generous in giving massive power-ups to not only Boruto but also to Sarada and Himawari, who are finally taking active roles in protecting the village Naruto and Sasuke fought hard to protect.

Naruto’s Existence Prevents the Biggest Battle in Boruto

Boruto and Kawaki’s Ultimate Fight Can’t Exist as Long as Naruto Is Around

Boruto and Kawaki have a long-standing conflict, and it continues to escalate, especially with Naruto Uzumaki out of the picture. Since the day Naruto was sealed in the Daikokuten dimension, Kawaki has been more active and serious in hunting Boruto down. His goal to eliminate the Otsutsuki Clan, including his adoptive brother, has only grown stronger.

To this day, Kawaki is still determined to kill Boruto, despite their temporary truce to take down Jura and the God Trees. Boruto, on the other hand, refuses to kill Kawaki, believing he could still restore the Uzumaki household and perhaps even redeem Kawaki from the darkness that continues to consume him. However, fans know that a big fight is coming between them, and Naruto’s absence only adds to the suspense.

With Naruto around, it would be difficult for Boruto and Kawaki to face each other head-on, as the Seventh Hokage would likely intervene before their conflict reached its peak. Naruto’s presence would make it nearly impossible for Boruto and Kawaki to experience the full weight of their rivalry, and the emotional stakes would be far less compelling. By keeping Naruto absent, fans might be able to witness a second coming of Naruto and Sasuke’s final battle in Boruto.

Naruto Uzumaki’s Return Is Still Far From Happening

Naruto Uzumaki’s Return Is Further Away Than Fans Think

Naruto Uzumaki is still the greatest hero in the shinobi world, even in his absence in the Boruto manga. Naruto may have been nerfed or taken out of the story, but his reputation remains untouchable, reminding fans and characters alike of his massive influence and power. Unfortunately, no matter how hard the manga pushes forward, fans still feel the void left by the Seventh Hokage.

Still, this won’t be enough to push Naruto’s return, as the Boruto manga is currently focused on giving the new generation room to grow. Fans will have to wait longer, since bringing Naruto back prematurely would lessen the impact of his eventual return. For now, it’s best to enjoy the new chapters of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex while watching Boruto and Kawaki’s rivalry intensify.

Release Date

April 5, 2017

Network

TV Tokyo