Boruto Author Mikio Ikemoto Explains Why Boruto And Sasuke Are The Same

This article contains light spoilers for Boruto

While Boruto is the son of Naruto, the esteemed Hokage of Konoha, it doesn’t necessarily make him an exact replica of his famous father. Although they share similar spiky yellow hair and captivating charm, the path that Boruto treads in the ‘Boruto’ anime and manga is distinctly different from Naruto’s. Their journeys lead to unique adventures that fans have had the pleasure of following. Despite their initial differences, Boruto and Naruto eventually form a close bond, but as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that there has always been something that sets them apart.

Mikio Ikemoto, the author, has openly discussed this topic, and upon examining his latest insights, it becomes clearer why Boruto shares more characteristics with Sasuke rather than his father. At first glance, their bond might seem improbable, but in the Boruto manga and anime, they have a strong rapport. Ikemoto has provided some insight into the reasons behind their deep-rooted connection and how they manage to be similar yet distinctly different.

Boruto And Sasuke‘s Relationship

The Infamous Uchiha Acted As A Mentor To Boruto

Sasuke took Boruto under his wing
Boruto’s troubled relationship with his father led him to Sasuke
Ironically, Sasuke taught Boruto to respect his father

It might seem logical for Naruto to instruct Boruto on the duties of being a ninja, but in reality, his role as Hokage keeps him so busy with endless paperwork that he scarcely has time for leisure, let alone teaching his son Jutsu techniques and close-combat skills.

At the start of the series, Boruto’s eagerness to gain his father’s notice led to significant tension. He even took risks that put him in harm’s way. Eventually, Boruto chose to follow Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto’s former rival, as a mentor. Sasuke not only taught Boruto self-defense but also imparted the essence of being a ninja and the hidden rules associated with it.

Over time, you’ve developed such a strong disdain for defeat that you never surrender or retreat.” – Sasuke to Boruto (Paraphrased)

Despite Sasuke’s assertion that he is merely tutoring Boruto because of their familial bond as Naruto’s son, author Ikemoto hints at a more profound motive behind their unique connection. Long-time fans of Naruto may have already noticed this, but when considering the personal journeys these ninja have traversed, it becomes evident that destiny has played a significant role in forging their bond.

Boruto And Sasuke Had Everything Taken From Them

They Started With Everything, But Eventually, Lost It All

In a chat with Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the Naruto series, Ikemoto was questioned about the contrast in Boruto’s character development compared to his father’s. Ikemoto’s response sheds some light on the matter. He points out that Naruto begins the story with nothing – shunned by those around him, lacking a family or friends. Through perseverance and hard work, however, the protagonist manages to achieve everything he desires by the end of the series, but the journey was anything but smooth sailing.

Contrarily to Boruto, as depicted by Ikemoto, initially leads a seemingly ideal life. However, it doesn’t take much time before significant parts of what he cherishes are torn away in various ways, shaping his character quite distinctly from Naruto when they were young. Unlike Naruto who could be irritating at times but longed to make new companions, Boruto is characterized by being more arrogant and overconfident than his dad. Yet, as the story unfolds, Boruto evolves into a dependable and responsible ninja.

“Boruto resembles Sasuke in terms of loss and Naruto in terms of gaining” – Mikio Ikemoto

Ikemoto subsequently links Boruto’s character development with Sasuke’s, which is quite fitting given the hardships Uchiha endured in losing his loved ones at a tender age. This suggests that Ikemoto had a deliberate motive for teaming up Sasuke and Boruto, as they immediately bond due to the shared struggles they experienced during their childhood.

How Did Sasuke Lose Everything?

His Older Brother Ruined Sasuke’s Hopes And Dreams, Sending Him Down A Dark Path

His clan was wiped out when he was a child
Sasuke became obsessed with getting revenge
The Uchiha eventually made peace with what Itachi did

A ninja wouldn’t grumble about being part of the illustrious Uchiha Clan, but Sasuke had less opportunity to mingle with his fellow clansmen before tragedy struck. Tragically, Sasuke’s older brother Itachi was responsible for annihilating the entire clan in one fateful night, choosing to spare only Sasuke himself. This act of betrayal led Sasuke to harbor a deep resentment towards Itachi and vow to avenge his family’s demise.

In the narrative, when spectators first encounter Sasuke post-academy enrollment in the main plotline, he appears as a formidable and powerful ninja with a dark past. Over years prior, he had been meticulously developing his Jutsu artistry and ninjutsu abilities to confront his elder brother. Although Itachi’s genuine intentions are revealed later, the tragic events of that specific night left a profound impact on Sasuke, shattering his aspirations. Although Boruto may not fully comprehend such depth of hardship, what truly matters is Sasuke managed to escape from the abyss of despair he found himself in.

In the narrative of ‘Boruto’, Sasuke has found tranquility regarding his past and developed a relationship with Itachi following the revelation about the Uchiha Clan’s destruction. This newfound understanding equips him to mentor Boruto effectively, as he can guide him on maintaining composure during difficult times. Given Sasuke’s history of being exploited by characters like Orochimaru, it is plausible that his concern for Boruto stems from wanting to protect him from similar circumstances, making Sasuke an essential figure in the storyline for a significant period.

2025-08-23 20:42