Why Ikemoto Should Include Konoha 11 in Two Blue Swirls

Since its first launch in 2016, boruto The series has been the subject of constant criticism and complaints from fans of Masashi Kishimoto's work. While some of these issues have now surpassed proportions that are statements most fans can agree with, there are a few that still hold up to this day. From the overwhelming amount of filler episodes that make fans wish for an unnecessary and incompetent remake, the sudden change in tone, from a fantasy comic to a science fiction story, boruto The series is by no means perfect.

However, there is a common problem that main writer Mikio Ikemoto could easily solve by reintroducing powerful members of the Konoha 11, some of the best and most beloved characters from the original Naruto series. Despite being identical to the vast and exciting world the Seventh Hokage lived in, the sequels tend to feel lacking in life, with only a few characters involved at a time. By bringing back the characters that made the original feel so special, we were able to solve this problem without taking away from the attention of a new generation.

The world of Boruto needs to feel more vivid.

When the story of boruto Once the anime and manga began, the first few chapters made it clear that this new series would not be inferior to the heroes of the original. Shinobi World has undergone tremendous evolution in the long time between the shocking conclusion of the Fourth Ninja War and its sequel. So the franchise had to evolve as well, focusing on a new generation of ninjas ready to leave the past behind and save the world.

This decision was objectively the right one, but to avoid forcing the sequel to live in the shadow of the original, the team behind the series completely forgot about the fierce warriors who saved Konoha in the past. This problem is more deeply rooted in comics than anime. Many of the best filler episodes of anime naruto lore. On the other hand, the manga rarely depicted members of Konoha's previous generation, with the exception of Naruto, Sasuke, and Shikamaru.

This once living and exciting world was perceived as bleak by most fans. This problem could be easily solved by bringing back the Konoha level members as supporters for the kids rather than in protagonist roles. Although the next generation of ninjas in Hidden Village are very powerful, they still lack the experience of their parents, so having a mentor can help them overcome the current difficulties. This would also fix a major plot hole. boruto The series suffered from the beginning because it made no sense for these brave warriors not to defend their own home.

Why don't the Konoha 11 protect the village?

Image credit: Viz Media

While breathing more life into the series may be the main goal of bringing back Naruto's old friends and teammates, there is another reason why the story needs this change. Since Momoshiki's arrival during Boruto's first Chunin Exams, members of the previous generation seem to have been absent from almost every major battle for no real reason. This makes no sense in the legend, as these ninjas have always been known as brave and noble warriors who protected their homes.

From a writing standpoint, it's possible that Ikemoto didn't want to add unnecessary characters to the exciting fight scenes, especially when none of them have the power to defeat the franchise's most powerful villain. However, this makes Konoha's heroes seem lazy or cowardly enough to allow others to join the fight. These characters don't even have to be present during the arc's battle against the big bad, but they can be depicted as trying to help the protagonist in some way.

Mamushi's arc, which featured the biggest battle inside Hidden Leaf in over 18 years, is a perfect example of this. The God Tree Clone sent hundreds of copies of himself to wreak havoc on Konoha, and even during this major event, Naruto's friends and allies were nowhere to be found. Although none of them showed any intention of suppressing the Mamushi invasion, most of them were still active members of the Konoha military. This would never have happened in the past. Because even when the odds seemed bleak, the saviors of Hidden Leaf took action.

Animation has already proven that this is possible.

It could be argued that it was adapted into an animation, but boruto Although the series is not as enjoyable as the manga, it does have some strengths. One of the most important aspects is the time spent developing characters other than the main heroes and enemies. While most filler arcs tend to add no value to the story, there are a few great original episodes that put the spotlight back on some of the most popular episodes. naruto message.

Moreover, because the show has taken the time to develop the world of the series beyond Konoha and its imminent threats, it is much easier for fans to empathize with and enjoy the heroes' adventures. The manga could include a decent amount of scenes or chapters that take the focus away from Boruto, his friends, or the main villain, giving Konoha 11 a chance to shine once again. Unfortunately, this solution isn't applicable to the series' most important battles.

After the emergence of the Otsutsuki clan and supernatural forces, it became clear that ordinary shinobi had no chance of winning the fight against them. Even now, against Jura and his team of God Tree Clones, no ninja who isn't super skilled will be able to stop one of these villains. Still, that doesn't mean beloved characters like Hinata, Choji, Ino, or even Rock Lee can't join the fight every now and then to protect their home and provide a little nostalgia. boruto series.

release date

April 5, 2017

network

TV Tokyo