Ever since he was first introduced during theBorutomovie, the titular protagonist of this beloved series has been compared with his father many times over. Fans will attest that the character is a copy of its progenitor, created to maintain interest in the series without making him unique enough to stand out. Nonetheless, as his story has developed,Boruto has proven time and time again that he could not be more different than his dad.
When studying his techniques, personality, and even fighting style, it becomes clear that the hero is way more like his grandfather, Minato. Not only is he a prodigy and a natural-born leader, like the Fourth Hokage during his time as a Genin, but their personalities are actually quite similar. Furthermore, the main character also seems to have inherited traits of another one of his ancestors without realizing it: the stoic but kind Neji.
Boruto Is More Like Minato Than Fans Imagine
The Protagonist Has Always Been Like His Grandfather
Introduced during Momoshiki’s invasion of Earth, Boruto is the oldest son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, and Hinata Hyuga. Most fans of Masashi Kishimoto’s works are familiar with this determined but stubborn character, as he has been a major part of the franchise for many years. As Naruto’s son, Boruto does inherit several of hisfather’s best and worst qualities, such as his kind heart but reckless behavior. Yet, many fans have wrongly assumed that these similarities equate to Boruto being a copy of his father created for a new generation.
This could not be further from the truth, as the titular hero is not as like his dad as viewers assume. Instead, Boruto seems to share much more with his paternal grandfather, Minato Namikaze. Considered by many asone of the best Hokage in history, the Yellow Flash of Konoha was considered a genius and a prodigy from childhood. His charisma, determination, and fast-learning skills helped him become an inspiration to all his classmates. Boruto had a similar reputation during his time in the academy, praised for his high intellect and amazing skills.
Naruto’s son was also a born leader, being the one who rallied all his friends to work together and defeat Kakashi during episode #37 of the anime. Despite the bad first impression many fans had of him, since he decided to use forbidden ninja tools during the Chunin Exams, he was a true inspiration to his classmates. Boruto was one of the Academy’s best students, as well as one of thesmartest characters in the franchise. Overall, the story strongly hints at the protagonist having inherited his grandfather’s most admirable traits.
Two Blue Vortex Makes These Similarities More Apparent
The Boy Did More Than Just Inherit His Grandfather’s Personality
One of the main reasons why fans love theBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga so much is because of the drastic changes the protagonist went through during the time skip. Boruto was already a strong smart ninja before he was exiled from his home, but his time away from Konoha helped him become an even more impressive shinobi. Thanks to his mentor, Kashin Koji, Boruto acquireda long list of techniques and Jutsuthat put him on a level far above his peers. The most useful and significant was theFlying Thunder God Jutsu, created by his grandfather several decades ago.
Nevertheless, the protagonist was not satisfied with simply learning the teleportation technique invented by his ancestors, as he took the time to make it far more versatile. Boruto exhibited a creativity and intelligence that had not been seen in many years when he modified Minato’s technique to allow for multiple targets. When he first used the Jutsu during chapter #4 of theTwo Blue Vortexmanga, eventhe strongest ninja in Konohawere shocked, as only truly mighty warriors can use it.
His similarities with Minato do not end there, as his personality has shifted from an energetic and reckless youngster to a calm and calculating shinobi. Boruto no longer leaps into action without thinking, as he has learned that having a plan is the best way to prevent problems. His selfless nature also becomes more apparent as the series progresses, with the boy becoming increasingly less concerned about his well-being. The Fourth Hokage was also a truly caring and selfless individual, always putting others before himself, once again proving how much his grandson takes after him.
Boruto Is Also Similar to Neji
His Strategic Mind and Quick Fighting Style Mirror His Late Uncle
Even though many fans might not be aware of this fact,Boruto’s name is a homageto one of the bravest and most tragic characters in the originalNarutoseries: Neji Hyuga. The boy’s uncle passed away protecting the Seventh Uzumaki during the Fourth Great Ninja War, one of the saddest and most abrupt deaths Naruto ever witnessed. Boruto did not exhibit any traits of his uncle during the first half of the manga, as he was usually one of the most upbeat and energetic characters in the franchise.
Still, after Eida utilized the most powerful Jutsu in the series, Omnipotence, their similarities became much clearer for readers. The protagonist is now defined by his biggest tragedy, forced to live in a metaphorical cage constructed by other people. Neji was also marked by a tragic event in his past, the death of his father. Both are also strategic fighters who attempt to finish combat as quickly and effectively as possible without engaging in unnecessary displays of power.
Boruto Is Becoming His Own Person
The Boy Does Not Need To Resemble Another Character
Although it is interesting for fans to figure out who the protagonist resembles the most among the cast of theNarutofranchise, the boy has proven to be a unique and fascinating character on his own. TheBoruto: Two Blue Vortexmanga is incredible evidence of how admirable and powerful the main character can be without having to imitate anyone else. Overall, despite any traits Boruto might have inherited from his ancestors, he is a unique person, one who still has a long way ahead of him before he can figure out who he truly is.
