Boruto Uzumaki, the protagonist of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, has been a central figure in the anime and manga world ever since his introduction. The series, which serves as a sequel to the legendary Naruto series, follows the next generation of ninjas, led by Boruto, the son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki. However, unlike his father, Boruto’s journey is marked by internal struggles, misunderstandings, and a search for his own identity. A common question among fans is whether Boruto, over the course of the series, becomes evil. To understand the nuances of this question, it is essential to explore Boruto’s character development, his motivations, the external influences on his actions, and the overall theme of the series.
1. Boruto’s Character Development and Struggles
A Prodigy with a Legacy to Live Up To
From the very beginning of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, it is clear that Boruto is a prodigious young ninja, possessing considerable strength and talent for his age. He is the son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, a figure revered as one of the strongest and most beloved Hokages in history. However, Boruto’s initial disdain for his father’s position is evident. He feels neglected by Naruto, who is often preoccupied with his duties as Hokage. This sense of neglect creates a rift between father and son, leading Boruto to act out in ways that are perceived as rebellious and even disrespectful at times.
Boruto’s inner conflict arises from the weight of living in the shadow of his father. He is determined to carve out his own path and prove himself as someone more than just “Naruto’s son.” Early on, Boruto tries to distance himself from the responsibilities of being a ninja, even resorting to using shortcuts such as cheating during exams to avoid the pressure that comes with the legacy of being Hokage’s son. This rebellious nature and his desire for recognition lead Boruto to make choices that might be seen as selfish or immature.
The Turning Point: Realization and Growth
As the series progresses, Boruto begins to understand the complexities of his father’s role and the sacrifices that come with being a Hokage. Naruto, though absent at times, has always worked tirelessly for the village, and Boruto slowly comes to recognize this. His relationship with his father becomes more nuanced, moving from resentment to admiration and a desire to follow in his footsteps, though still with the intention of creating his own identity.
In contrast to the idealistic world Naruto fought for, Boruto’s journey explores more complex themes of inherited responsibility, personal desires, and the consequences of actions. Boruto is forced to confront difficult situations that test his resolve and morality. Through these experiences, his character grows from being a rebellious and self-centered individual into a more thoughtful, responsible ninja who understands the importance of sacrifice and duty.
2. The Idea of Boruto “Becoming Evil”
Defining “Evil” in Boruto’s Context
The question of whether Boruto becomes evil requires us to define what “evil” truly means within the context of the Boruto series. In the world of ninjas, characters who are labeled as “evil” are often those who pursue personal gain at the expense of others, manipulate situations for their own benefit, or willingly engage in destructive behavior. Boruto’s journey, however, is one of self-discovery and struggle against external forces, rather than one driven by pure malice or an evil desire to harm others.
Instead of becoming evil, Boruto faces moments where his actions might seem morally ambiguous, but these decisions are often a result of confusion, external manipulation, or a lack of understanding rather than inherent evil. Throughout the series, Boruto has consistently shown a strong moral compass, albeit one that is shaped by his experiences and the influences of those around him.
External Influence: The Otsutsuki Clan and Karma
One of the most significant developments in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is the introduction of the mysterious Otsutsuki clan and their involvement with Boruto. This ancient clan, which possesses powerful abilities and a destructive nature, seeks to manipulate various characters for their own gain. The most important aspect of this is the “Karma” mark that Boruto receives, which plays a pivotal role in the plot.
The Karma mark is a seal that allows the Otsutsuki to transfer their consciousness into the body of the host, essentially controlling the host over time. In Boruto’s case, the Karma is given to him by the Otsutsuki member, Kinshiki Otsutsuki, through his encounter with Momoshiki Otsutsuki, two antagonists in the series. The influence of Karma over Boruto’s body is subtle at first, but it becomes more significant as the series progresses. Boruto’s connection to Karma leads to moments where his actions seem unpredictable or detached from his usual personality, creating moments where it might appear as though he is becoming “evil.”
However, it is important to note that Boruto’s struggle with the Karma mark is one of internal conflict. The mark constantly threatens to take over his body and mind, and the power it provides is a double-edged sword. Rather than willingly choosing evil, Boruto is forced to fight against the influence of Karma, which gradually becomes a central theme in the series. His internal battle is a reflection of his growing maturity, as he realizes that the choices he makes, even if influenced by external forces, still hold meaning and consequences.
The Influence of Kawaki: A Mirror Image of Boruto
Another key element in Boruto’s potential descent into “evil” is his relationship with Kawaki, a character introduced later in the series. Kawaki, much like Boruto, is a victim of external manipulation and destructive forces. Kawaki’s traumatic past, marked by abuse and experimentation, leaves him with a cold and calculating outlook on life. His interactions with Boruto create a complex dynamic that mirrors the father-son relationship between Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha in the original Naruto series.
Kawaki’s struggles and his eventual decision to cut ties with his past and live for his own purposes may tempt Boruto to consider a similar path. In fact, Kawaki and Boruto’s conflicting ideologies are pivotal to the series’ narrative and point to Boruto’s eventual decision to make his own choices. While Boruto is tempted by the easy power that comes with embracing Karma and using it to his advantage, he ultimately rejects this path in favor of personal responsibility.
Boruto’s Fight Against the Otsutsuki’s Influence
As the series continues, Boruto becomes more determined to protect his friends, his family, and his village, reflecting his growth from a naive and rebellious teenager into a responsible ninja. While Boruto’s actions may seem questionable at times, particularly as he battles against the dark influence of the Otsutsuki, they are consistently shown to be a reflection of his struggle to control his destiny. His ultimate decision to fight back against the Otsutsuki’s influence, rather than succumbing to their manipulation, is a defining moment that reveals his true character.
3. Boruto’s Future: Hero or Villain?
The future of Boruto as a character is still unfolding in the Boruto anime and manga series. As of now, there is no definitive evidence that Boruto will “become evil” in the traditional sense. Instead, his character continues to evolve in ways that make him a more complex and multifaceted hero.
Boruto’s journey is about reconciling his own desires and ambitions with the responsibilities placed on him by his heritage. He is a hero who grapples with difficult choices and internal struggles but ultimately strives to do the right thing. While there are moments of temptation and external influences that push him toward darker paths, Boruto’s strength lies in his ability to resist these forces and forge his own destiny. The question of whether Boruto will fully succumb to evil may never be answered, but one thing remains clear: Boruto’s journey is one of growth, redemption, and the eternal battle between light and darkness.
4. Conclusion
Did Boruto become evil? The answer is no—at least not in the traditional sense. While Boruto does face moral challenges and is influenced by external forces like the Karma mark, his character is defined by his internal struggle to maintain his own identity and sense of morality. His journey is a continuation of the themes established in Naruto, but with a unique twist that explores the complexities of growing up under the shadow of a legendary figure. Rather than becoming evil, Boruto is learning to navigate the difficult path of responsibility, power, and legacy. As the series progresses, Boruto’s story will continue to unfold, showing that even when faced with temptation, the strength to choose the right path lies within him.
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