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Fans of "Naruto" might've heard of illustrator Mikio Ikemoto due to his close association with the genre-defining shōnen manga, but Ikemoto has been a significant creative force for a long time. When "Naruto" creator Masashi Kishimoto was just starting out as a rookie manga-ka, Ikemoto had already amassed a cult-following for his one-shot manga debut, "Cosmos." Once Kishimoto began the serialization of "Naruto" for Shueisha, he deliberately sought out Ikemoto and recruited him in a chief assistant role that would span between 1999 and 2014. Ikemoto's contributions helped "Naruto" evolve into a polished serialized manga, as his responsibilities included drawing crowds/backgrounds, creating new character designs from scratch, and adding in half-tones. While Kishimoto undoubtedly honed "Naruto" into the beloved tale it is today, Ikemoto silently aided the creative process in ways that should not be overlooked.

Part II of the "Naruto" manga series was always meant to end on a note of hope.

Sequels are a mixed bag in the sense that they can be either a hit or a miss. Boruto, for instance, is often considered one of the worst sequels. The series is also hated on by many staunch Naruto fans and others in the fandom community.

Seems like others might end up down the rabbit hole for the worse. This stands true for Solo Leveling Ragnarok and its reception. The sequel has garnered mixed reviews from both readers and viewers. But there’s one question that prevails.

Is the franchise taking a nosedive because of the sequel series? Well, there’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. This goes for the upsides and the downsides of the sequel, which we cannot overlook in any case. As complex as the question might seem, there are several answers to this one. So let’s unpack this one!

Is Solo Leveling headed towards doom?...

Naruto is hands down one of the most compelling and influential manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. But that doesn’t mean it lacked competition, as One Piece, time and time again, reigned alongside Naruto as some of the best Shonen works ever created.

Both of these have a very distinctive storyline and their own respective charms that have kept their legacy strong. However, if there is one thing that gave Naruto an edge in the otherwise convoluted genre of Shonen, it is its very interesting revenge arcs.

These arcs gave fans a taste of Shonen but with darker elements and thought-provoking themes. This is why it is all the more bizarre that Kishimoto kind of abandoned that approach when it came to Boruto.

Shikamaru and Sasuke’s revenge in Naruto is iconic

We witnessed some of the best revenge stories in Naruto, but the two that will always be the...

The journey of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations has been an emotional rollercoaster for fans of the long-running Naruto franchise. One of the most controversial aspects of the series is its mix of episodesmanga canon, anime canon, and filler. For those who prefer to stick to the core story that follows the events of the manga, identifying the "manga-canon" episodes is crucial. These episodes form the backbone of the series, advancing the main plotline and providing significant character developments. However, Boruto is far from just another retelling of a manga story; it weaves in original content with anime-canon arcs, expanding the lore in unexpected ways.

Contrary to popular belief, the anime-canon episodes aren't entirely pointless. While they might not always carry the narrative weight of a manga-canon arc, they often provide valuable insights into character backstories, explore side adventures, or simply offer lighter moments in the shinobi world. For die-hard purists,...

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has been a shift in tone for the series and took a much darker path than normal, but it could have been a whole lot worse based on recent revelations. Although the world is in crisis, it pales in comparison to what could have happened in the series' first part according to a broken new ability. Though Boruto has always had its darker elements, it's genuinely shocking to see just how dark the series could have been.

In chapter #13, Boruto and Kashin Koji's first meeting is revealed, and their alliance is forged. This is when Jiraiya's clone reveals that he awakened the Prescience Shinjutsu. This ability allows him to see into the future and multiple timelines right as he is about to die. He reveals that he foresaw a future where Ishikki killed Naruto, resurrected in Kawaki's body and planted the divine tree. Another future...

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex has entered its second year of serialization, and with the first arc seemingly over, it's time for one of the main characters to shine. The series has been growing its supporting cast gradually, but the focus will shift to one of the series' most popular characters.

In an interview, Masashi Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto, the two creators of Boruto, discussed the creative process and shared some interesting aspects of the story, such as Code's potential death, Kishimoto's regrets toward Sakura, and more. While talking about the parallel between Kawaki, Boruto, Naruto, and Sasuke, it was revealed that Kawaki's character would be developed soon and would most likely receive a mini-arc at least. This exciting confirmation edges fans closer to the long-awaited showdown between Boruto and Kawaki.

Kawaki's Self-Hate Could Be Addressed Soon One of Boruto's most complex character may finally have a chance to process everything...

The extent to which Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, is involved in the creation of Boruto has long been a highly discussed topic, but the mangaka has finally given a definitive answer that should end the debate. While the duo of Kishimoto and Mikio Ikemoto are involved in the series, one side does the heavy lifting with the blessing of the other.

The two creators of the Boruto series were invited to Paris, France to partiipate in a joint interview with the French publisher of Naruto, Kana, in which they disclosed various aspects of the manga and production of the series.

In the case of Boruto, I initially wrote the outline of the story, but in a very succinct manner. We then held a meeting to discuss it. It is really Master Ikemoto who is fully in charge of Boruto.

- Masashi Kishimoto.

When asked how the transition from...

Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto might have ended, but the legacy of one of the biggest anime and manga series still lives on in Boruto, the sequel spin-off series. It follows the adventures of Naruto’s son Boruto and his struggles in the ninja world. However, Kishimoto is not the one who is illustrating Boruto.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Boruto is written by Ukyō Kodachi and Masashi Kishimoto, but it is illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. Ikemoto was Kishimoto’s chief assistant on Naruto, and when Boruto was offered to the Naruto creator, he decided to hand over the reign to Ikemoto. Thus, he is the one who looks out for most of the things in the series, including characters, narratives, etc.

Ikemoto recently revealed that Boruto’s character was inspired by Neo from the Matrix trilogy, and the two share a lot in common. While fans were thrilled to know this,...

My Hero Academia is nearing its finale, and fans have already begun mourning the end of the classic anime/manga. Kohei Horikoshi announced that the Final War Arc will serve as the last addition to the series, and fans have accepted the news with a heavy heart.

While the news of this decade-long franchise is heart-breaking, it also made otakus look forward to a smashing finale. But the question residing in everyone’s hearts is: Will My Hero Academia receive a sequel? In an interview with Viz Media, Horikoshi clarified all there is to know about a My Hero Academia sequel.

Kohei Horikoshi Hints at My Hero Academia Spinoff Ideas One For All Users | My Hero Academia | Studio Bones

In the interview with Viz Media, Kohei Horikoshi was asked if there were any characters or stories that he wanted to explore. The author answered that it’s not an issue of getting a chance,...

Boruto has debuted many new characters and the design of the new-gen saviors has been loved by almost everybody. When the series debuted, there was a lot of hype around the Naruto sequel. However, it only took one Naruto appearance to ruin every fan’s day.

Fans expected Naruto to look more powerful, dashing, and charming as he aged. Pick up any Shonen protagonist and they have all aged elegantly. Yet, Masashi Kishimoto decided to go the opposite way and risk enraging countless fans.

[spoilers]

Tite Kubo’s Naruto Illustration Gains Praise Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga in Boruto | Studio Pierrot

The mangaka of Bleach, Tite Kubo created an illustration for Naruto. In the illustration, the mangaka had drawn Orochimaru and adult Naruto in his own style. Unfortunately for Masashi Kishimoto, fans have begun liking Kubo’s version of Naruto far more than Naruto’s character design in Boruto.

this illustration...

Spoiler Alert!Spoilers for Boruto!

Masashi Kishimoto reportedly did not have much attachment to Boruto in the beginning, but an interview suggests that the author was always monitoring the series.

One major change in the Boruto series twisted the whole meaning of the anime and it was only possible due to Kishimoto-sensei’s recommendation. In fact the opening of the series was so iconic that fans are still waiting to know what happens next.

Masashi Kishimoto Suggested the Epic Boruto Opening Scene Naruto and Boruto | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Boruto first originated due to Shueisha’s request to create a Naruto sequel. At the time, Masashi Kishimoto vehemently denied the offer and passed it on to Mikio Ikemoto, his former assistant.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations was created by Ukyo Kodachi for the first 13 volumes and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto. Masashi Kishimoto only supervised the manga initially but took over the...

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations came to an end on March 26, 2023. Now, the second part of Boruto Uzumakis journey as a ninja will continue in the upcoming official English release of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Volume 1.

English-language publisher Viz Media has announced that it will release the first volume of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex in Spring 2025. The new manga -- serving as a sequel to the original Boruto manga -- is written by original Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto with artwork by Mikio Ikemoto. Ikemoto, who was previously chief assistant to Kishimoto on the original Naruto manga, illustrated the previous Boruto manga by Ukyo Kodachi. Two Blue Vortex is currently ongoing, with digital chapter releases provided by Viz Media and the Manga Plus app.

Related Naruto and Crocs Set Release Date for New Four-Character Summer Collection

Naruto and Crocs team up for four new character-inspired pairs of shoes, including Sasuke, Itachi, Minato and Jiraiya,...

The official Twitter account of Naruto issued a warning on April 8, 2024, to alert fans regarding accounts on social media impersonating the series’ creator, Masashi Kishimoto.

The tweet read, “[Please be careful] Manga artist Masashi Kishimoto does not have any accounts on any social media platforms. Please be aware that accounts claiming to be Masashi Kishimoto-sensei are not genuine. – Shueisha“.

The warning comes amidst fan confusion surrounding a parody account potentially mistaken for the real Kishimoto. Many fans expressed amusement at the situation as the account in question clearly mentioned in the bio that it is a parody account. While others were surprised that fans were still falling for the account to the point that the official channels felt the need to address it.

However, many fans believed the account was operated by Masashi Kishimoto and thanked Shueisha for issuing the alert.

Masashi Kishimoto is a Japanese manga artist. His manga series, Naruto, which...

Jura's threat to Konoha is comparable to Pain's assault from the original Naruto, putting the village in imminent danger. Jura's determination to find Naruto and cause destruction hints at a catastrophic upcoming battle in Boruto. Chapter #8 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex promises intense action and the resolution of a major franchise mystery.

With the plot thickening in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the series could replicate the most devastating moment in Konoha history, or even surpass it. The all-mighty villains introduced recently have set their sights on the village, and there is no one there strong enough to stop them.

In chapter #429 of Naruto, the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, launched an assault on Konoha to find Naruto, and he ended up leveling the village in one of the most iconic moments in the franchise. And now Jura, the leader of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex's new villains,...

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 7!!

The anime adaptation of Boruto has done a better job establishing specific character dynamics when compared to the manga. Mitsuki's identity and his relationship with Orochimaru fully explored in the anime, revisiting Kishimoto's prequel one shot to make crucial connections. The context from Kishimoto's prequel story makes the manga's characterization of Mitsuki feel weaker when compared to the anime, due to the manga never bringing up the material.

Only the ostensible filler episodes of the Boruto anime – even whole arcs – truly and immediately followed up on a key story line that Naruto mangaka Masashi Kishimoto wrote himself in the official prequel chapter of the then-upcoming Boruto manga. After years of publication, it wasn't until after the end of Boruto manga's first series, Naruto Next Generations, and the subsequent beginning of Two Blue Vortex that the manga finally referenced...

Warning: The following contains spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter #6!!

Naruto's return to Boruto: Two Blue Vortex may pose a threat to the story's development due to the new villain's plans. Jura aims to access the dimension where Naruto is sealed to ultimately kill him. Boruto and Kawaki must protect Naruto, given his weakened state against Otsutsuki-level opponents.

Naruto was pushed to the sidelines in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, but it looks like the seventh Hokage will be making an epic return in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. While there's plenty to pick apart and be excited about, his return might hurt the story more than it will help.

In chapter #6 of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, the new main villain made a cameo at the end of the chapter. It was revealed in a previously that Naruto was among one of the targets for the villainous group.

Jura, the leader of the group,...

With the culmination of Naruto, fans were expecting to not see their favorite characters again; nonetheless, to their astonishment, a sequel focusing on the adventures of Boruto Uzumaki was disclosed. Fans were delighted to see the continuation; however, they were dispirited by the sequel, which had poor animation and unstable writing.

Jiraiya from Naruto

One of the essential reasons for Boruto’s downfall was its animation; it was very flaky and not up to par. Somehow, fan-made animations had better and more profound storytelling and quality. Fan animations have enhanced drastically in the last few years, and one of the fan animations brought back Jiraiya and many other past members of Konoha for a conclusive battle against the Ōtsutsuki.

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Jiraiya and Itachi make a return to Boruto in a...

After Naruto concluded, fans wanted to see more of their beloved shinob. Their wish was fulfilled through Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, which featured the story of Naruto Uzumki’s son, Boruto Uzumaki. Even though the fans held high expectations from the series, it failed to deliver, and soon they started to speak ill about it. They were utterly disappointed and only watched when Naruto and Sasuke were featured.

But with time, the anime improved. The manga had a massive shift and transitioned into a new story, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex. Since the new manga, it has been aging like a fine wine. Even though it was initially a disappointment, the story is catching everyone’s attention. Let us see five reasons why Boruto finally deserves to be loved.

5. No More Dependency on Old Generation Boruto vs Kawaki

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex shows Boruto Uzumaki’s independent journey to prove his innocence.

In a surprising turn of events, leaks circulating online have revealed that the highly anticipated return of the Boruto anime has been delayed significantly. Previously rumored to be on a brief hiatus, fans now face the prospect of waiting several more years before the series resumes.

According to the leaks, the Boruto anime is unlikely to make its comeback before 2027 or 2028.

According to the leaks, if Studio Pierrot decides against the delay, a potential return for Boruto may come at the cost of lower animation quality.

Moreover, the decision to delay Boruto anime’s return comes on the heels of an interview with Studio Pierrot’s Managing Director, Kiero Itsumi, shedding light on on the studio’s future plans. The animation studio intends to prioritize producing high-quality anime which can compete globally, suggesting a shift to seasonals rather than long running formats.

This revelation has sparked mixed reactions among the fanbase,...

Mitsuki's character in Boruto: Naruto Next Generation is gaining more attention and is set to reveal his full power in the next chapter. In chapter 6, Mitsuki is affected by Eida's Omnipotence and directs his hatred towards Boruto, leading to a confrontation. Mitsuki's Sage Mode is unique and has never been utilized in battle before, making fans curious about his abilities in that state.

Naruto has some of the best supporting characters in anime, and its sequel, Boruto: Naruto Next Generation, doesn't lag behind in terms of character design. Mitsuki gained a lot of interest from fans due to his mysterious nature, and the next chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex will expand on his character.

Chapter 6 revealed an unexpected twist that will see Mitsuki taking on Boruto. The child of Orochimaru was one of those affected by Eida's Omnipotence, leading him to direct his hate of Kawaki towards Boruto.

The anime and manga industry had many viral moments and memorable releases in 2023, making it a strong year for the medium. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex finally started serializing, showcasing an adult Boruto and intense battles that will result in the destruction of everything fans love. Hunter X Hunter's creator revealed one of the series' possible endings out of fear that he wouldn't be able to conclude it himself.

The past few years have been amazing for fans of manga and anime, with 2023 being another strong year for the industry. From new anime announcements to major developments in manga, the medium had many viral moments that will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Although this year was full of controversies, such as the working conditions behind Jujutsu Kaisen's second season, there was a lot to be happy about. The impact that 2023 had on the industry will be felt for a long time,...

The fervor among Boruto fans is reaching its peak as the release date for Boruto Chapter 85 approaches. Scheduled to hit the shelves on December 20, 2023, the chapter, titled “Target,” promises to build upon the intense narrative established in Boruto Chapter 84. While Boruto Chapter 85 spoilers have found their way onto the internet, providing enthusiasts with a tantalizing glimpse of what lies ahead, the official release is eagerly awaited.

Boruto Chapter 85: Target

The cover page of Boruto Chapter 85 showcases the enigmatic character Sasuke, setting the tone for what unfolds within the chapter.

The initial pages of Boruto Chapter 85 delve into a flashback, featuring a conversation between Sasuke and Boruto. The focus is on Boruto’s development of the “Uchiha” style, hinting at a unique technique. Sasuke emphasizes the importance of their training and drops cryptic hints about unresolved matters and a strange premonition.

Within the flashback, Sasuke and Boruto encounter Code, leading...

Title: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Vol. 18 Author: Masahi Kishimoto (Creator), Mikio Ikemoto (Art), Ukyo Kodachi (Story) Publisher: Viz Media Language: English Format: Digital Pages: 176 Genre: Shonen, Battle Publication Date: December 5, 2023 The Story The fight with Code is over. Kawaki is recovering while Shikamaru is having a conversation with Amado. Meanwhile, Sasuke returns with intel about Code’s secret hideout. While he’s there, he pays a visit to Boruto, Mitsuki, and Sarada. While this is happening, Code reinfiltrates […]

The post Manga Review: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations Vol. 18 first appeared on The Outerhaven.

The post-time skip narrative of Boruto has taken a thrilling turn, leaving fans on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and revelations. From the sealing of Naruto and Hinata to Boruto’s departure from the village and the shocking transformation of Sasuke into a tree, the Boruto manga has been nothing short of surprising.

As the story unfolds, the anticipation among Boruto enthusiasts continues to build, with Chapter 5 of “Boruto: Two Blue Vortex” generating considerable excitement. This article delves into the key details surrounding the Boruto chapter 85, including its release date, a recap of the previous chapter, and speculative predictions.

Boruto Chapter 85 Release Date

Mark your calendars, as Boruto Chapter 85 is set to be released on December 20, 2023. Fans worldwide can access the chapter through the official Viz Media website or the Manga Plus app, complete with English translations upon its official release.

Boruto Chapter 84 Recap

In Chapter 84, Boruto...

The highly anticipated Boruto Chapter 84 is set to hit the shelves on November 21, 2023, but eager fans have already been treated to a sneak peek of what’s to come through leaked Boruto Chapter 84 spoilers circulating on the internet.

Titled “Awakening,” the 4th chapter of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex promises a continuation of the gripping storyline from Boruto Chapter 83. Boruto Chapter 84 cover prominently features Kawaki, setting the stage for an intense and captivating narrative.

Boruto Chapter 84: Awakening

The previous chapter concluded with Boruto discovering the location of the Ten Tails using Toads. In the opening pages of Boruto Chapter 84, we witness Boruto facing Kawaki, guided by a frog who urges him to hasten his journey. Utilizing the Flying Thunder God Technique, Boruto swiftly moves towards the Ten Tails, only to find it mysteriously vanished.

A new adversary, identified as a “god tree” or “Sacred Tree,” emerges, leaving the characters bewildered.

Code is considered the most disappointing villain in the Naruto franchise, with a history of failing to live up to expectations. However, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex may still have surprises in store, as creator Masashi Kishimoto has a history of subverting fan expectations. The mistreatment of Code could be a deliberate misdirection, as Kishimoto often flips storylines to surprise readers.

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter #3Despite the widespread scorn within the Boruto fandom for Code and the growing belief that he will be the next, and last, member of Kara to be killed off, the story may still reserve some huge surprises and rehabilitate this mistreated villain. Indeed, as Naruto fans can attest, creator franchise creator Masashi Kishimoto has a history of convincing fans that characters are weak only later to prove that they are the real threat everyone should have noticed.

While Boruto: Two Blue Vortex...

The Naruto universe has captivated fans for years, and “Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” continues to keep the legacy alive. With each new chapter, the story becomes more intense and engaging. As we eagerly await the official release of Boruto Chapter 83 on October 19, 2023, thrilling spoilers have already surfaced on the internet, giving us a sneak peek into the upcoming developments.

Boruto Chapter 83: Uzuhiko

The latest chapter, titled “Uzuhiko,” picks up right where Chapter 82 left off, and it promises to be a rollercoaster ride for fans. The cover of Boruto Chapter 83 showcases Himawari Uzumaki, hinting at her potential involvement in the unfolding events.

Chapter 82 concluded with Boruto unveiling a groundbreaking Rasengan variant, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Boruto Chapter 83 takes this intense encounter to the next level. Boruto is closing in on Code, armed with his newfound technique, while Code, in a bold move, attempts to restrict Boruto’s movements.

Many fans regard Kaguya Otsutsuki as an unnecessary addition to the conclusion of Naruto, but her story actually makes the most disappointing villain in Boruto, Code, look even worse than he already does. A disturbing scene in Boruto that can be used to connect Code to Kaguya, and easily interpreted as a representation of his feelings towards her.

The scene in question occurs when Code creates his own version of Obito's White Zetsu army from Naruto by breaking off smaller pieces of Kara's's version of the Ten-Tails in chapter #72 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. This is noteworthy when considering the fact that Kaguya was the original Ten-Tails in Naruto. Code's actions can be viewed as a symbolic representation of something much deeper than just creating an army to use for the invasion of Konoha, as later...

The Naruto universe is back with a bang as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 2 arrives in bookstores.

An announcement came on Twitter along with a new trailer. After the conclusion of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations earlier this year, fans were left with the promise of Boruto Uzumaki's departure from the Hidden Leaf Village, gearing up for a showdown against Code and Kawkai. Now, with Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, we witness a stronger and Boruto in action in the ongoing Homecoming Arc.

Related: 10 Best Powers Naruto Knows But Never Uses

Vジャンプ11月特大号 本日発売...

Boruto's character design for the Naruto sequel series' highly anticipated time skip event known as Boruto: Two Blue Vortex will be featured on the cover of the upcoming V-Jump issue in October. The cover was revealed by Manga Mogura Re on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Aside from Boruto's recent character design reveal, a reliable source of Boruto news Abdul Zoldyck (@Abdul_S17 on Twitter) shared an exclusive image that included what Sarada would look like during Two Blue Vortex. With Boruto set to resume later this month in chapter 81, fans are not only anxious to start reading part two, but for any other potential character design reveals until then.

What Happened in Boruto Before The Time Skip

Two Blue Vortex will jump four years into the future after Boruto chapter 80 in April by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, and script writer Ukyo Kodachi. Last time,...

Sasuke and Sarada share incredible moments in the Boruto anime that the manga has unfortunately failed to capitalize on despite the obvious appeal of the two Uchiha. Two scenes from the anime, in particular, highlight the full potential of what this father-and-daughter relationship could be capable of through irony and a powerful metaphor.

In episode 18 of the anime, Sakura's intense reactions to Sarada's questions about Sasuke give a literal spin to how the last Uchiha household is figuratively a broken home. After getting asked if she was really Sasuke's wife, Sakura punches the ground with tremendous force, causing their home to break literally, falling down in front of them. Two episodes later, Sarada's Sharingan, which she could only inherit from Sasuke's clan, manifests at the prospect of meeting him for the first time. Although the most appropriate time this could ever occur, earlier events ruined the moment, as Sasuke,...

It was confusing when the villain Code randomly re-imagined Naruto's White Zetsu army by using the Ten-Tails as their base in the Boruto manga. Despite the manga's lack of clarity, the anime actually foreshadowed something like this could happen way back before Otsutsuki's initial invasion of Konoha when Momoshiki possesses Boruto. Later episodes continued to foreshadow this when Kara members attempt to steal some critical DNA that was critical in the creation of the White Zetsu army.

In Naruto, Obito initially cultivated the initial White Zetsu army from the chakra of the Gedou statues and First Hokage's cells, creating hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the process. The latest attempt of the last living Kara member Code appeared to be less grand by comparison when he randomly emulated Obito's army out of smaller pieces he broke from Kara's Ten Tails in chapter 72 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto,...

The Boruto manga made a valiant attempt to emphasize the series' first major death by dedicating two pages to the poor shinobi Mugino getting stabbed in the gut. Though Mugino's death is an important moment in the manga, it pales in comparison to the anime, which included the character in numerous missions and dedicated a whole episode to him before his death.

Mugino doesn't get much page time until the mission that leads to his demise in the original manga by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. His first big moment happens in chapter #16 when he takes part in a mission with Konohamaru to investigate a fallen vessel belonging to Kara. Unfortunately, Ao, a shinobi who was connected to Hinata's clan, ambushes them and kills Mugino. Although Boruto's chapters are longer than that of most weekly Shonen Jump series, the majority of each...

As the Boruto manga continues to unnecessarily insult Hinata, fans might be surprised to know that there are characters who're actually respecting her legacy. But there's one catch, and that is, it's only happening in the anime, most prominently with Boruto by how he desperately tries to live up to more of what his mother Hinata and her clan represent. Even the powers that Boruto's younger sister Himawari inherits in the anime are directly tied to their mother Hinata, none of which have been referenced in the manga.

Early on in the anime, Boruto excitedly comes to the conclusion that only he has been able to see ghostly specters that have been possessing his classmates and fellow villagers because he somehow inadvertently activated his Byakugan, which is more commonly associated with the Hyuga clan Hinata comes from. The young ninja pushes forward with his theory for many episodes in spite...

The confrontation between Boruto and Mitsuki after every ninja's perception of reality had been unconsciously altered by the villain Eida in the manga would have greatly benefited from the additional context that only the earlier anime-only Mitsuki Disappearance Arc can provide. Without the anime, Mitsuki is just uncharacteristically furious with Boruto, who he sees as Kawaki. But there's a reason why Mitsuki reacts so passionately, and it's because both Mitsuki and Kawaki share a similar past and special devotion to Naruto. Unfortunately for manga fans though, this context is completely lost in the manga.

In episode 72 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Naruto confesses to Tsunade that he was aware that Mitsuki was Orochimaru's son but still accepted the boy into Konoha because he only perceived him as a shinobi, not as the son of one of the village's greatest enemies. This moment simultaneously highlighted Naruto's commitment to his own ideals...

Many Boruto fans feel like the Mujina Bandits Arc is the Naruto spin-off's weakest arc, but a character introduced during that time could play a major role in Boruto's upcoming time skip. In fact, the time skip is what makes this character's hypothetical role so exciting. In the Mujina Bandits Arc, Boruto serves as a bodyguard for and soon befriends a spoiled rich kid named Tento who eventually gets captured by the storyline's eponymous antagonists. The whole affair seemed like a major step down at the time, especially after the Otsutsuki invasion. But the relationship the two characters form and especially Tento's dream are the perfect ingredients for an incredible follow-up story.

Boruto and Tento were almost destined to befriend one another. Like Boruto, Tento was having trouble impressing his dad and felt like the best way he could do that was to become a ninja. Boruto taught Tento the...

The next chapter of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations will seemingly include a timeskip.

A report from Sportskeeda alleges that the highly anticipated timeskip in the Naruto spinoff series will likely occur in the coming chapter. The evidence for this comes from the recently released cover of the next issue, which features the words "Boruto: Part 1 completed" on it. This, combined with the ending of Chapter 80, the most recent installment of the series, has led many to believe that Boruto will return from its hiatus with a timeskip, carrying the title into its next saga.

Related: Naruto: Who Was the Inspiration Behind Kakashi’s Chidori Jutsu?

What Happened in the Last Chapter of Boruto

The last chapter of the series -- Chapter 80, "What Dad Would Do" -- concluded with a cliffhanger that showed Boruto preparing to train to defeat Kawaki after the latter used Eida's reality swap power to trade their lives around,...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 80The character who once served as Boruto's potential fix to Naruto's mistreatment of Sakura has completely fallen through in this regard by failing to even meet or come close to Sakura's greatest moment. Even though there's still time to redeem herself, the cyborg Eida is already making Sakura look good by comparison - and that's disappointing.

After Eida's powerful ability switches Boruto and Kawaki in everyone's minds, Eida communicates her disgust at how Kawaki has been taking advantage of this odd development, and yet she still chooses to be by his side in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 80 by creator/supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi, translator Mari Morimoto, and letterer Snir Aharon. Kawaki even physically assaults Eida before she conveys her feelings about him, but that obviously wasn't enough to convince her to ditch him.

Eida's...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 80

Sasuke has constantly been portrayed as a notoriously bad father in Boruto. But recent events effectively demonstrate that he's willing to change, positioning him as somewhat deserving of redemption.

After falling under the influence of a powerful ability that switches Boruto and Kawaki in the eyes of the afflicted, Sasuke listens to and inevitably believes his daughter Sarada's claim that what he's perceiving as reality isn't real in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 80 by creator/supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi, translator Mari Morimoto, and letterer Snir Aharon. This in turn makes Sasuke a traitor to the people of Konoha who believe otherwise and thus in a very compromising position that could jeopardize his personal and professional livelihood.

Sasuke Actually Supports Sarada For Once

Of course, this is the first time that Sarada has put her father in...

Spoilers: Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 79The highly anticipated time skip that will thrust Boruto closer to the series' infamous opening scene has been met with some debate among fans. While some fans feel like Boruto's time skip can fix the series' biggest problems, others think the events that set the jump forward ruin what could have been an epic conflict.

As described by Momoshiki, Kawaki just bypassed and leveraged Eida's true powers to make his own aspirations a reality, resulting in everyone perceiving him as Boruto and vise versa in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 79 by creator/supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi, translator Mari Morimoto, and letterer Snir Aharon. Though this had potential to complicate Sarada's feelings for the Hokage's son, she's one of the few shinobi unaffected.

Boruto Needs to Make Sarada Confront Her True Feelings

Previous interactions, especially in the anime, have hinted that Sarada loves Boruto.

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 79The most promising female character in Boruto who had the potential of not only fixing its own woman problems but Naruto's egregious missteps was just nerfed so offensively that the spin-off series is now much worse than the original manga ever was in terms of the portrayal of women.

In an unexpected development, it is revealed that the true nature of Eida's already absurdly overpowered ability in Boruto can involuntarily cause the mysterious cyborg to make her unconscious desires material in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 79 by creator/supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto, scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi, translator Mari Morimoto and letterer Snir Aharon. Aside from the fact that Eida has no control over this so-called Omnipotence ability, the powerful Ohtsutsuki Momoshiki possessing Boruto reveals that Kawaki went through Eida so that his desire could become reality.

Boruto Ruins its...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 78The constant disrespect of female shinobi continues in Boruto with Sasuke's daughter Sarada. Although what happens to Sarada could easily be interchangeable with one of her male counterparts, it's the fact that this isn't Boruto's first offense against both her and her gender that makes it unforgivable.

Upon learning that a rogue Kawaki intends to put an end to Boruto for good, Sarada rushes to his rescue in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 78 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. Although a heroic effort, in the end, she's put in a predicament that requires Boruto to protect her, one that gets him severely injured.

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Boruto Ruins Sarada's Greatest Moment

Although Sarada has proven herself to be a capable shinobi in the past,...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 78Sasuke's daughter Sarada just said in so many words to Sumire that she's acting out of love for Boruto when taking into consideration the last conversation the two shinobi had on the subject much earlier on in the manga.

Upon learning that Kawaki once killed Boruto, Sarada immediately goes to confront Kawaki to prevent it from happening again in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 78 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. On her way out, Sarada appears to be speaking to a stunned Sumire when she says that now that she knows this, she can't just stand around and do nothing.

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Sarada Reveals Her Love of Boruto to Sumire

This statement carries much more weight when considering Sarada and Sumire's last meaningful interaction...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 77Naruto's female characters have always been something of a sore spot, and unfortunately Boruto's latest insult to Hinata only makes this unfortunate trend even worse.

When Kawaki makes the stunning admission that he will kill Boruto, the best Hinata can do is slap him across the face in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 77 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. Meanwhile, all Naruto does is put a supportive hand on his wife's shoulder. While Hinata has taken on a motherly role for Kawaki, the idea that she wouldn't do more to prevent him from killing Boruto might be the series' gravest insult to her character yet.

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Hinata's Reaction to Kawaki's Threat Misunderstands Her

While some could consider a slap as an appropriate response, it...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto chapter 77The official explanation as to why Boruto and Kawaki fight in the spinoff series' first scene has just been dropped while also revealing what Kawaki meant when he threatened his brother that he'd send him where he'd sent Naruto.

In chapter 77 of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Kawaki informs Naruto that he will have no choice but to kill Boruto since he's a member of Å.tsutsuki to prevent Naruto's death, as anyone who stands up to the Å.tsutsuki are destined to die. Then, he uses his Karma's Space-Time Ninjutsu ability to transport Naruto and Hinata away, most likely to another realm, which has been done before.

Kawaki Fights Boruto Because He Wants to Kill all Ōtsutsuki

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This is a massive moment in the series by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto,...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 75A scene in the early chapters of Boruto suggests that Sakura and even Tsunade could play a big part in defeating the Ōtsutsuki and unlocking the full mystery of Karma.

Like the majority of female ninjas in the manga, Sakura and especially Tsunade have played very insignificant roles, with the former Hokage not even appearing once in the manga. But similar to recent chapters which suggest that Boruto's Sarada and Sumire could play major roles against Eida, so, too, could Sakura and Tsunade.

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Readers first learned about their importance when Sarada noticed that the Ōtsutsuki Karma shared a physical resemblance to her mother's Mitotic Regeneration Jutsu forehead mark in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 35 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi.

It might come as a shock to any longtime reader that Boruto would actually embrace his father Naruto's dream, but it has already started to occur, and it began at the worst possible time.

Boruto first surprised fans of this during an ongoing battle against one of Kara's Inners named Boro in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 41 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. While in hiding from the rampaging Boro, Boruto, Mitsuki, Sarada, and Kawaki try to take advantage of the few minutes they have to discuss a strategy on how to defeat their current opponent. Eventually, the topic of who should be their team captain comes up to help them stay focused. Mitsuki recommends Sarada and Kawaki agrees. But interestingly Boruto voices disapproval and only ends up agreeing begrudgingly since he rightfully points out that they have no time to debate.

Related:...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 76Sumire is now the second shinobi known who isn't affected by the terrifying cyborg Eida's love charm, and this further validates a possible Boruto theory about Eida's powers.

The latest hint drops during a hilarious and almost spicy scene when Eida drags Sumire and Sarada Uchiha into a bedroom with her to talk privately in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 76 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto, artist Mikio Ikemoto and scriptwriter Ukyo Kodachi. Somehow, Sumire is able to communicate telepathically with Sarada and tells her that, for whatever reason, she is also unaffected by Eida's controversial Boruto power.

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Earlier, when Eida first landed in Konoha, Sarada didn't seem to suddenly fall in love with Eida or suffer some other malady as is normally the case for anyone who lays...

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 75Overcritical fans may have rejoiced when Boruto tamed the powerful abilities of the series' most Op character, Daemon. However, recent events prove that he may not have had his power reduced as much as some fans had thought.

When Daemon was originally introduced in chapter 59 of Boruto, he came in a blaze of glory, having to contend with many security personnel who had been tasked with eliminating him. But despite the odds appearing stacked against him, Daemon didn't really have to try all that hard, effortlessly reflecting every attack made against him without having to come into physical contact with his assailants. So fans were rightly shocked when a lower-level Kara member named Bug retconned Daemon's earlier victory by claiming a few chapters later that Boruto's Daemon can only unlock his reflection capabilities when his hands are touching the person whose attack he wishes to reflect.

Warning: Spoilers for Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 75The world of Naruto may now have godlike jutsus that were once possessed by a mortal who's ascended to godhood, but they are astonishingly less mysterious than Boruto's most controversial ability.

Boruto has recently shifted to focus on romance and that shift is best embodied by the ability of the villain-turned-uneasy-Konoha-ally Eida as the mere sight of her causes anyone (aside from family members and Ōtsutsuki) to instantly fall in love with her. Even fans who had apparently fallen under her spell saw some inconsistencies, too, like Code's rather abrupt and random confession of love to Eida after having not really shown any compassion for her before then.

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But Eida's power now has a whole new aspect to it as of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations chapter 75 by creator and supervisor Masashi Kishimoto,...