Boruto: Why Ikemoto Needs To Involve Konoha 11 In Two Blue Vortex

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Since its debut in 2016, the Boruto series has faced a lot of criticism from fans of Masashi Kishimoto’s original work. While some complaints were exaggerated, many fans now agree there are still valid issues. These include a large number of filler episodes – leading some to wish for a more streamlined version – and a noticeable change in the story’s direction, moving from a fantasy-based narrative to one with science fiction elements. Overall, the Boruto series isn’t without its flaws.

One easy fix for a current issue with the series would be to bring back some popular characters from the original Naruto – specifically, the members of the Konoha 11. While the sequel takes place in the same world, it often feels less vibrant because so few characters are actively involved. Reintroducing these fan favorites wouldn’t overshadow the new generation, but it would enrich the story and recapture some of the original’s magic.

Boruto’s World Needs to Feel More Alive

From the start, the Boruto anime and manga made it clear that this series wouldn’t rely on the heroes from the original Naruto. A significant time jump between the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War and Boruto brought huge changes to the ninja world, and the franchise needed to reflect that. This meant moving beyond the previous generation and focusing on a new group of ninjas prepared to protect the world.

Although choosing not to overshadow the first series was the right move, the creators seemed to forget about the powerful warriors who protected Konoha before. This is more noticeable in the manga than the anime, which often includes great filler episodes that bring back familiar characters from the original Naruto series. The manga rarely featured those older characters, with Naruto, Sasuke, and Shikamaru being the main exceptions.

Many fans felt the series lost its energy and became bleak. A simple fix would be to reintroduce the original Konoha Eleven, not as the main heroes, but as mentors to the younger generation of ninjas. While these new ninjas are powerful, they still need the guidance that experienced warriors can provide, which would help them through their challenges. This would also address a long-standing issue with the Boruto storyline: it doesn’t make sense that these skilled protectors wouldn’t defend their village.

Why Are The Konoha 11 Not Protecting Their Village?

Bringing back Naruto’s old friends and teammates would not only inject more energy into the series, but it’s also crucial for the story’s consistency. Since the introduction of Momoshiki during Boruto’s Chunin Exams, these experienced ninjas have been strangely absent from important battles without any clear explanation. This doesn’t fit with what we know about them – they were always courageous and dedicated to protecting their home.

Ikemoto likely avoids adding extra characters to intense fight scenes, especially if those characters wouldn’t stand a chance against the main villains. However, this makes the heroes of Konoha seem unmotivated or even scared, as if they’re letting others handle the tough battles. These supporting characters don’t even need to be in the fight; simply showing them attempting to assist the main characters would address this issue.

The storyline featuring Mamushi, which included the largest battle within the Hidden Leaf Village in over 18 years, clearly demonstrates this issue. The God Tree Clone created hundreds of duplicates to wreak havoc on Konoha, yet Naruto’s allies and fellow ninja were largely absent. Despite still being active members of Konoha’s military, they weren’t shown attempting to stop the invasion. This is a departure from the past, where the Hidden Leaf’s protectors would always step up, even when facing overwhelming odds.

The Anime Already Proved This Can Be Done

Although some fans prefer the Boruto manga, the anime version has its strengths. It particularly excels at fleshing out characters beyond the main heroes and villains. While many of the anime’s side stories don’t add much to the overall plot, there are several excellent original episodes that give beloved characters from Naruto a chance to shine.

Because the show has built a wider world beyond the immediate dangers facing Konoha, it’s easier for viewers to connect with and enjoy the characters’ journeys. The manga could occasionally shift focus away from Boruto and the main storyline to give other characters, like the Konoha 11, a chance to be in the spotlight. However, this approach wouldn’t work for the series’ most crucial fights.

With the arrival of the powerful Otsutsuki Clan, it’s clear that ordinary ninja don’t stand a chance against them. Even now, facing threats like Jura and his God Tree Clones, weaker ninja would be easily defeated. However, this doesn’t mean fan-favorite characters like Hinata, Choji, Ino, or Rock Lee can’t still participate in battles to defend their home and add some familiar moments to the Boruto series.

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2026-05-02 01:38