It’s Time To Bid Farewell To Naruto And Welcome The New Savior Of Konoha

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This article contains spoilers for the Boruto series.

Naruto Uzumaki is a hugely popular character in the Naruto series. His appeal extends beyond the show itself, and he’s inspired many other anime characters. Starting with very little, Naruto worked his way up to become the powerful and respected Seventh Hokage of Konoha.

By the end of the series, Naruto had become a legendary shinobi, recognized as the strongest ever and the hero who saved the world, earning him the love of fans. Even now, in the sequel series focusing on his son, Boruto, people still cherish Naruto. However, Naruto Uzumaki no longer plays a central role; he’s been sealed away with no immediate plans for his return. Now, his son, Boruto Uzumaki, has stepped up to become the new hero, creating an interesting dynamic within the Hidden Leaf Village.

Konoha’s Seventh Hokage Isn’t Coming Back Anytime Soon

  • Naruto Was Sealed Away By Kawaki In Boruto
  • His Full Power Has Been Nerfed

Many fans feel Naruto Uzumaki received a poor treatment in the Boruto series, and this is a legitimate criticism. While his role started strong, the new writer, Mikio Ikemoto, seemed to consistently undermine Naruto’s character and accomplishments. The loss of Kurama, his most powerful ally, was a major turning point, and ultimately, Naruto was sealed away by Kawaki, effectively ending his story.

This isn’t the story of a boy dreaming of becoming Hokage. That was my father’s path. This is my own story—the story of Boruto Uzumaki.

For years, Naruto Uzumaki served as a global symbol of peace as the Seventh Hokage. Though he’s officially considered deceased by the five great villages, a few people know he’s actually missing. Fans have been eagerly anticipating his return ever since he disappeared, but years have passed with no sign of him. With the upcoming arc for Boruto in 2026 looking promising, it seems Naruto won’t be returning this year either.

It looks like fans need to accept that Naruto won’t be the Hokage anymore. Even if he does come back to the story, he definitely won’t be leading the village. Considering how the Boruto series is progressing, we might not see Naruto return for two or three years – or possibly not at all.

Fans should accept that the Boruto series won’t be continuing Naruto Uzumaki’s story. The focus will now be entirely on the new characters, which means it’s time to say goodbye to the iconic Seventh Hokage, Naruto.

Boruto Uzumaki Is The New Savior of Konoha At The Moment

  • Boruto Has Powers Of The Otsutsuki
  • He Has Saved Konoha On Many Occasions

With Naruto Uzumaki no longer consistently defending it, Konoha needs a new protector. As the strongest village, it’s always been a prime target for powerful enemies, including the Otsutsuki clan, who have attacked before. Threats like Jura and the other Shinju still hang over Konoha, meaning it constantly faces danger. Without Naruto and Sasuke, defending against these powerful foes will be a huge challenge.

The shinobi world, and Konoha in particular, desperately needs a new hero. That hero is now Boruto, Naruto Uzumaki’s son. While some fans may feel Boruto is being pushed into this role, and that may have some truth to it, ultimately, this is his destiny and his story to tell.

You just want to end my life and escape this world quickly, don’t you? Unless you see a way to be free, that is. These gods are dangerous to both of us. So, will you help me, or won’t you? — Boruto Uzumaki to Momoshiki Otsutsuki, Boruto: TBV chapter 29

Over the past three years, Boruto Uzumaki has become incredibly skilled. After a year of training with Sasuke Uchiha and then with Kashin Koji, he’s reached a formidable level of strength. Despite being unfairly labeled a traitor by his own village, Boruto has already saved Konoha from danger multiple times. This selflessness makes him a particularly compelling character in the new series.

Boruto Doesn’t Want to Be The Next Hokage

Many fans are curious if Boruto Uzumaki will eventually become the Hokage. However, the answer is no. Boruto never intended to follow that path; he always wanted to be a skilled ninja, just like Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto’s close friend and rival.

Boruto Uzumaki has accepted that he doesn’t want to become Hokage, and instead plans to support whoever does. That person will likely be Sarada Uchiha, who is already dedicated to following in the Seventh Hokage’s example.

Sarada Uchiha Will Eventually Become The Next Hokage Of Konoha

Konoha urgently needs a new Hokage, and while Shikamaru is currently acting as a temporary leader, a permanent one must be chosen soon. Konohamaru Sarutobi is the frontrunner and is expected to become the Eighth Hokage.

Sarada Uchiha is expected to become the Ninth Hokage after him, marking the start of a new generation for the village. By that time, Naruto Uzumaki will have finished his time as Hokage and will be able to retire and reflect on his incredible life as the ninja who saved the world many times over.

If Naruto steps down as Hokage, he’d have the chance to go back on missions, which would help him regain the sharp instincts he’s lost after spending so much time managing the village. This could actually be a positive change for Naruto, and fans might end up enjoying it. But we’ll likely have to wait a few years to see how it plays out.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is the continuation of the Boruto story, created by Mikio Ikemoto with supervision from Masashi Kishimoto. The series picks up three years after the events of the Omnipotence arc and follows Boruto Uzumaki as he tries to protect the world, alongside his brother Kawaki. Chapter 30 is scheduled to be released on January 20, 2026, at 10 AM EST / 3 PM UTC. Fans can read it for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps.

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2026-01-07 00:35