Naruto: 10 Characters Ruined by Boruto

Although a controversial entry among fans of the original Naruto series, Boruto has proven to be an entertaining and innovative story that helped audiences explore a new era of the Shinobi World. Not only did this sequel introduce an entirely new cast of powerful characters, but it also allowed audiences to see their favorite characters adapt to their new lives as adults.

While the titular protagonist and his friends have been the central focus of the story, the series has not shied away from bringing back characters from the prequel. This has resulted in a large majority of fans noticing a glaring and often infuriating difference between these cast members as they remembered them and their depictions in Boruto, which have not always been the most accurate or respectful.

10

Anko Mitarashi Became the Subject of Cruel Jokes Due to Her Weight

Once a feared and skilled kunoichi who trained under Orochimaru, one of the most despicable villains in the series and a member of the Three Legendary Sanin, Anko was a respected member of Konoha’s forces. She was a strong and determined woman who could instill fear into the hearts of even the most dangerous ninjas. In Boruto’s age, Anko is no longer a powerful and active ninja, but rather one of the Academy’s teachers.

Her physical appearance has also changed drastically, with the character having gained a significant amount of weight. This by itself would not be an issue, as plus-size representation is rare in modern anime. The problem comes with the fact that her weight and drop in ninja skills are constantly mocked, a cruel and unnecessary addition to the series.

9

Shino Aburame Was Turned Into an Incompetent Teacher

During the original Naruto series, the Konoha 11 were seen as some of the most promising and powerful new generation ninjas the Shinobi World had seen in decades. Shino Aburame, the stoic and lonesome ninja bug expert, while never the most relevant, was a truly frightening opponent. His plethora of weapon-like insects and brilliant strategic mind made him one of the most dangerous members of Naruto’s class.

As such, the idea of having him as one of the Academy’s teachers made sense, seeing as the children could learn valuable lessons from such a talented individual. In reality, Shino was not only stripped of his calm and intimidating personality, but also of the respect he had gained during his active time. He is not only depicted as a lacking mentor, but is also made fun of constantly by most of his students.

8

Shikamaru Nara Abandoned Everything Naruto Believed In

Shikamaru is one of the most intelligent characters in anime history, as well as a noble and respectable ninja who served as Naruto’s right-hand man during the blonde’s time as the Hokage. When the Boruto series began, Shikamaru was depicted as a dependable and loyal friend who would help the Uzumaki with anything he needed and would honor their ideals of peace and cooperation.

By the time the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga began, the Nara head clan that fans had grown to love was long gone. Shikamaru became cold, cruel, and willing to do anything in order to achieve his goals, even sacrificing and betraying his own friends. His personality shifted so drastically that many fans who had admired him since the Naruto era began to question his role as a leader.

7

Sakura Haruno Was Relegated to an Occasional Secondary Role

By far one of the most divisive characters in the Naruto franchise, Sakura has been perceived as a hindrance to the main cast ever since she was a child. Despite this reputation, the pink-haired woman proved herself time and time again during the original series as a powerful and brilliant fighter, healer, and support fighter, having inherited the will and techniques of her mentor, Tsunade.

Despite being one of the most important characters in the franchise and her pivotal role as Konoha’s lead healer, the Boruto series has barely given Sakura the time of day. The occasions in which she was allowed to share the spotlight have simply been healing a patient for a couple of panels or waiting for Sasuke to return, diminishing her legacy to a mere side character.

6

Orochimaru Is no Longer the Fearsome Villain Fans Remember

Hailed as a genius since he was a child, Orochimaru grew up believing himself to be a superior being to regular ninjas, turning into a cruel and emotionless villain. His desire to learn every Jutsu and acquire true immortality pushed him to commit countless atrocities. He is one of the most memorable and iconic villains in Naruto, unapologetically evil and with no desire to ever change his ways.

Boruto’s version of this fearsome antagonist is nothing but a shadow of his once imposing self. Orochimaru is no longer depicted as a threat to the world, even though his experiments have not ceased. He is viewed as an eccentric but useful tool for Konoha, who welcomed him back despite the pain and destruction he once caused, even though he did not deserve to be redeemed at all.

5

Mei Terumi Was Not Allowed to Keep Her Leadership Role

The title of Kage is granted only to the most talented and capable Shinobi, particularly those whose skills do not diminish even with time. Mei Terumi was once admired for being the Fifth Mizukage, a leader who led her village to a new era of prosperity after the disastrous reign of the brainwashed Yagura. She was a confident and powerful kunoichi, capable of utilizing two impressive Kekkei Genkai without any issues.

Currently, Mei no longer holds the title of Mizukage, having stepped away from the role to enjoy her life. While not odd for a Kage to decide to entrust their role to the next generation, it does seem unusual for her to do so at such a young age, considering other village leaders lasted decades in command. Worst of all, she was turned into a marriage-obsessed single woman, reducing her to a recurring joke whenever she is on-screen.

4

Rock Lee Feels Much Weaker Than He Should Be

Few characters in anime history have been as admirable and inspiring as Rock Lee, Might Guy’s star pupil and one of the most promising fighters in the entire Naruto franchise. Born without the ability to utilize Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, this brave man trained day and night to overcome his weaknesses and become a living weapon. Lee was a master of Taijutsu, second only to his mentor, who was addressed as one of the strongest characters in the franchise by Madara himself.

Though Rock Lee was hinted at one day becoming stronger than Guy, the Boruto series has completely disregarded his growth in favor of making yet another comedic relief character. Guy’s pupil is no longer a valued member of Konoha’s forces, having participated in no important missions as of yet. He is not even seen training his son, who could objectively use the practice.

3

Konohamaru Sarutobi Seems to Have Forgotten Naruto’s Lessons

Throughout his ninja career, Naruto has taken a handful of promising youngsters under his wing to help them overcome the obstacles in their way. Konohamaru is not only the first, but also one of his most successful students, as he went from being a lonely and arrogant child to a respectable and powerful shinobi. The Third Hokage’s grandson is among Konoha’s strongest current Jonin, and he has been heavily implied to be a true leader.

Unfortunately, the Boruto series hardly ever emphasizes these traits, using Konohamaru as a plot device to demonstrate how much stronger his students are than him or to move the plot forward. He has hardly taught anything to the protagonist and his friends, and he was actively the reason why the battle against Ryu and Matsuri almost failed.

2

Hinata Hyuga is the Only One of Her Class To Have Retired Early

Before being the doting and caring mother of the protagonist, Hinata was a prominent member of the Hyuga clan. Despite having a gentle nature, she was a true warrior, capable of facing even her worst fears to protect those whom she loved. She trained hard to overcome her innate lack of skill and become one of her family’s best kunoichi, even adopting a unique fighting style.

From the very first moment she is introduced to the Boruto series, Hinata is no longer seen as a fierce and talented ninja, having completely abandoned her career. Although there is nothing wrong with her decision to focus on her family, the fact that she is the only relevant woman in the series who completely gave up on fighting is indeed strange, more so because she never gave an indication of wanting to retire young.

1

Yamato Is Forced to Watch Over The Person Who Traumatized Him

Team 7 has had a plethora of strong members since its inception back during the original Naruto series, with Captain Yamato being one of the most interesting. After being abducted by Orochimaru as a child, he was heavily experimented on, granting him the ability to utilize Hashirama’s legendary Wood Release. His abilities and physical capacities were also highly augmented, becoming one of the youngest ever members of ANBU.

Even though Team 7’s former temporary leader proved himself a highly efficient and powerful ninja, the Boruto series treats him as nothing more than a glorified babysitter for Orochimaru. Not only is he forced to constantly watch over the person who ruined his life, but his talents and unique abilities are never used again, even when major threats against Konoha arrive.

Release Date

2002 – 2007-00-00

Showrunner

Masashi Kishimoto

Directors

Hayato Date

Writers

Masashi Kishimoto

Franchise(s)

Naruto

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