7 Naruto Characters Who Were Nerfed In Boruto

Naruto is sure to be remembered as one of the best anime series ever created. It was a major force, alongside the other “Big Three,” and has influenced many anime fans globally. Naruto offered a fantastic journey in each episode, with a well-developed world and a complex, thrilling storyline. The series also featured a lot of memorable characters, and some of them even became more popular than Naruto himself.

The memorable characters in Naruto are also some of the most powerful in the whole series – skilled ninjas who risk everything to defend the Hidden Leaf Village. They continuously worked to improve, striving to live up to the legacy of those who came before and eventually exceed them. Although Naruto’s story has finished, Boruto focuses on a new, exciting generation, led by Naruto’s son. While Boruto features its own set of strong characters, some beloved figures from the original series haven’t reached their full potential or aren’t as impressive as they used to be. Here are some characters from Naruto who seem weaker in Boruto.

TenTen

Former Weapon Specialist Now Shop Owner

While not a central character in Naruto, TenTen was a highly capable fighter and an expert in weaponry. Throughout both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, she had several chances to demonstrate her skill with blades, wielding them with remarkable accuracy and control. She was an elite weapons specialist.

Though not the most powerful ninja, TenTen clearly had a lot of potential. Many fans thought she’d become stronger in Boruto after seeing her dream in the Tsukiyomi, where she was a skilled Kunoichi. However, TenTen retired from being a ninja and now owns and operates a weapon shop. She may still be capable, but she doesn’t demonstrate her skills in the series.

Naruto Uzumaki

The Kncuklehead Ninja Sealed Away

Naruto, the main character and one of the most recognizable faces in anime, was the central figure of the series. He started as an unlikely hero but eventually became the Hokage, fulfilling his dream. Naruto was incredibly strong, fast, and skilled in ninja techniques, known as jutsu. He mastered powerful abilities like the Rasengan, the multi-shadow clone jutsu, and possessed enhanced physical abilities as a Jinchuriki.

A truly defining moment for Naruto occurred when he confronted Pain, immediately destroying two of Pain’s bodies. Later, in Boruto, Naruto tragically loses Kurama and is sealed away by Kawaki, and everyone forgets he ever existed. Many fans are hoping the new series currently in development will show us a different, perhaps unexplored, side of this beloved character.

Hinata Uzumaki

Powerful Fighter Turned Housewife

Hinata’s story, from the original Naruto series to Boruto, is truly heartwarming. Her years-long, unspoken feelings for the energetic Naruto blossomed into a strong and lasting love, eventually leading to their marriage – a pivotal moment for them both. Importantly, Hinata wasn’t just an ordinary person; she was a skilled ninja who significantly improved her abilities after the Chunin exams.

It’s a bit sad to see that in Boruto, Hinata has stepped back from fighting. She’s now focused on being a mother and homemaker, enjoying the peaceful times that Naruto worked so hard to achieve. I know a lot of fans, myself included, were hoping she’d get a bigger role, maybe even a team-up with Naruto like Sasuke and Sakura had during that final fight against Shin Uchiha.

Sasuke Uchiha

Still Formidable, Just Missing An Eye

Sasuke complements Naruto, acting as both his biggest rival and closest friend throughout the series, from Naruto to Boruto. He was among the last surviving members of the Uchiha clan to awaken the Mangekyou Sharingan, and later, the Sharenagon. This allowed Sasuke to reach a level of power unmatched by any other ninja, making him one of the two most powerful ninjas in the world.

As the story of Boruto continued, Sasuke was ambushed and lost his Rinnegan eye, greatly reducing his strength. Although he remains a powerful fighter, he has lost a large part of his forces.

Kakashi Hatake

The Copy Ninja No More

Kakashi is a consistently important character in Naruto, often providing support to those around him. He begins as the teacher for Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, and over time becomes a father figure, a trusted friend, and a valuable teammate in battles.

Kakashi is a legendary figure in the ninja world, famously known as the Copy Ninja. He’s earned the respect of both allies and enemies through battles against powerful opponents, including skilled swordsmen from the Hidden Mist and elite members of the Uchiha clan. In Boruto, Kakashi has taken on a more supportive role as a key mentor, stepping away from active combat. Additionally, he lost his Sharingan following the climactic fight against Kaguya.

Shino Aburame

Possible Sanin, Now A Teacher

Shino is potentially one of the most talented ninja in Naruto, consistently overcoming obstacles with a mind like Shikamaru’s and abilities comparable to Kakashi’s. Even when he was young, Shino showed a deep understanding of his surroundings and recognized that tough decisions are sometimes necessary.

Shino showed great talent with his bug techniques, and it was clear he had the potential to become even more powerful. However, viewers who thought he might become a legendary figure like Orochimaru or Jiraiya were surprised to see him become a regular teacher in Boruto and largely used for comic effect.

Rock Lee

The Former Green Beast Loses His Fangs

Rock Lee was initially seen as having incredible, hidden abilities. He started as a promising new ninja who almost outshone Naruto and Sasuke, and quickly became a fan favorite when he removed his leg weights during his fight with Gaara, demonstrating that even underdogs deserve support. Sadly, this moment marked the peak of Lee’s involvement in the story, and he received less focus as the series continued. He remains a beloved character, though, for his dedication and hard work. Many fans still hope to see more of him in the future.

In Boruto, Rock Lee isn’t the powerful fighter he once was-the story now centers on his son, Metal Lee. A lot of fans are unhappy that many characters from the past haven’t been featured much in Boruto, which is different from how Naruto handled characters like Sarutobi and Jiraiya from earlier in the series.

2025-10-02 22:12