How Boruto's Chunin Exams Taint the Original's Legacy

Key Takeaways

Boruto’s Chunin Exams fail to capture the original’s intensity and significance.
Low-stakes fights and subpar tests taint the legacy of the Chunin Exams in Boruto.
Promotion of weak characters like Wasabi and Denki leaves the rank of Chunin as a mere ceremonial title.

As a long-time Naruto fan and a seasoned gamer, I must say that Boruto has fallen short in capturing the intensity and significance of the original Chunin Exams. The thrilling battles, despair-ridden situations, and character development that made the original exams so memorable seem to be lost in translation in Boruto.

As a gamer diving back into the Naruto universe with Boruto, it’s clear that they’ve kept many classic elements intact to mirror the journey of the original Team 7. It was only natural for them to introduce a tournament-style event akin to the Chunin Exams for the new generation. However, what unfolded has given the exams an unwelcome twist, altering their once pure and challenging nature.

In the original Naruto series, the Chunin Exams were undeniably some of the most exciting and emotionally charged events. However, the attempts to replicate this in Boruto have fallen flat, primarily because the fights lack intensity and the tests are unimpressive. Interestingly, there are two separate Chunin Exams happening in Boruto now, but they seem to be diluting the significance of the original exams by presenting trivial conflicts as genuine examinations.

The Appeal of the Original Chunin Exams

The Arc Offered Action-Packed Fights, Fearsome Antagonists, and Ample Character Growth

In the first part of Naruto, the Chunin Exams stood out as a remarkable highlight. This tournament arc was packed with formidable adversaries, intense battles that mattered greatly, and a deep sense of plot significance. From the cheating scandal during the written exam to the perilous challenges within the Forest of Death, each stage offered an equally gripping and exhilarating aspect of the exams.

As a devoted fan, I must say that what truly stood out in these exams were the one-on-one battles – an age-old mode of conflict that brilliantly highlighted each character’s unique traits. These weren’t just displays of action and strength; they provided insights into the characters’ true intentions and background stories. The narrative expertly interwove character growth with plot advancement, creating a tournament arc that easily outshines any other shonen anime in terms of quality.

Where Does Boruto’s Chunin Exam Fall Short?

Boruto’s Chunin Exams Failed to Capture the Original’s Profundity

Boruto has failed to live up to viewers’ expectations, largely due to the show presenting itself as a low-stakes ordeal. The same issue plagued the series’ Chunin Exams, as each phase of the exam was a poorly executed rendition of the original. While the first Chunin Exams in Boruto were a somewhat serious attempt at recreating a legitimate test, the entire multi-stage exam was overshadowed by Boruto’s cheating ordeal, coupled with the oddly-timed Otsutsuki invasion that was meant to mimic the Konoha Crush.

Well… it was a unique battle, but the results are what matters…

In its initial attempt, Boruto had set a high standard, but the second Chunin Exams were an even greater letdown. The entire event was quickly concluded within just a few episodes, with four genin being promoted to Chunin following a string of unremarkable battles that felt more like training exercises. The subplot involving Boruto and Mitsuki rescuing Amado from a fabricated danger received more focus than the actual intense battles, which further emphasized the exams’ comedic and farcical nature.

Although these second Chunin Exams were brief and seemingly ordinary, they turned out to be the most significant in terms of character advancement. These exams resulted in Sarada, Denki, Hoki, and Wasabi becoming Chunin, yet their promotions seemed somewhat unmerited. It appears that the series was determined to elevate a member from each team to the rank of Chunin, as the outcomes of these battles were surprisingly unpredictable, to put it mildly.

The Ramifications of Boruto’s Chunin Exams

The Chunin Exams Have Lost Their Initiatial Significance

How Boruto's Chunin Exams Taint the Original's Legacy

Originally, the Chunin Exams were an incredibly daunting ordeal, with the constant threat of death making it downright terrifying. Add in some malicious intruders and the tension only escalated. However, the modern version of these exams, as seen in Boruto’s time, has left a rather confusing impression on the whole event. For instance, characters like Wasabi and Denki, who are quite weak, have been granted the rank of Chunin. This has effectively reduced the prestige of the Chunin title to merely ceremonial.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the second Chunin Exams, often criticized as mere filler content. However, it’s important to acknowledge that even though these fights might have felt half-baked compared to the epic battles of the original series, they served a purpose in the grand scheme of things.

Boruto’s Chunin Examinations echo the overall feeling of the sequel series, which has left fans of the original series feeling let down on numerous occasions. The creators have faced criticism for turning the Otsutsuki from a significant threat into just an occasional annoyance, and for underestimating Naruto and Sasuke’s true abilities. Many questionable choices have been made with the franchise, and the Chunin Examinations are simply another instance where the series has lost some of its original strength to align with the sequel’s storyline.

Boruto is available to stream on Prime Video.

2024-08-24 22:33

How Boruto’s Chunin Exams Taint the Original’s Legacy