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TheNarutoseries' continuation in the form ofBoruto: Naruto Next Generationshas led to the franchise’s power system evolving in a multitude of ways. While the sequel has introduced a number of new powers and expanded the franchise’s overall power system, it has also clearly deviated from theoriginal system of chakra and ninjutsu.Narutowas originally an anime based on the concept of shinobi warfare and ninjas. However, this notion has changed altogether inBoruto, as the original concept has now taken the form of an entirely new power system with alien beings and divine powers taking center stage.
While theBorutoseries has given an explanation for all of these new deviations, the argument still stands that the current power system is only a husk of its former self, withBorutotaking several liberties that have now led to the franchise’s overall power system deviating to a considerable degree. IfBorutocontinues to move forward in its current direction, with new powers and antagonists being introduced, suchas the Shinju clones,Boruto’spower system will become an entirely new system altogether.
The Original Power system in Naruto
Naruto’s Power System Was Based On Chakra and Ninjutsu
TheNarutoseries was originallybased on three ninja arts; ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu. These ninja arts were further accompanied by aspects such as nature transformations, Kekkei Genkai, and bloodline techniques, all of which served as hierarchies to this power system. These aspects of the power system clearly defined the characters’ fighting style, as it deemed chakra to be the core of this power system, with every single technique and ability rooted in this core element.
In a way, Chakra was the basic building unit of this power system, as it dictated how much a shinobi could fight and where their limitations stood. While other aspects, such asthe type of Kekkei Genkaior the unique traits a shinobi possessed, also dictated this notion, the overall strength of a character relied on how much chakra they had left to continue fighting. Apart from the concept of Chakra, other elements also dictated the series' power system, such as ninja tools, paper bombs, summoning techniques, and even the notion of Jinchuriki, who were, at that time, thought to be the strongest shinobi in the series due to the Tailed Beast’s power.
This original power system, albeit based in fantasy, was entirely balanced, as it had a core unit that set the power of every single character. Moreover, most techniques had some sort of counter, which was defined by their nature transformation. The only unique anomalies were the Kekkei Genkai, which were deemed to be much stronger than regular techniques, as they resulted from two or more nature transformations merging together. Every single anomaly had an explanation within the power system, an aspect that the Boruto series has failed to deliver.
New Powers and Characters in Two Blue Vortex
Boruto Has Introduced Abilities That Defy the Original Power System
Some might say that, by the end ofShippuden,Narutohad already significantly deviated from its original power system. While this holds true, it’s worth noting that the series, at that point, was still very much grounded within the principles of chakra and its usage. However, Boruto has entirely scrapped this notion altogether, as it has introduced a brand-new set of abilities that defy the rules of chakra and the original set power system. The new category of techniques, known as Shinjutsu, are a prime example, as these techniques arederived from the Otsutsuki god, Shibai Otsutsuki. While the series states that Amado’s genius allowed him to extract the DNA from the remnants of Shibai’s body, this explanation is still not enough to satiate fans and their questions regarding how he was able to acquire the corpse of an Otsutsuki in the first place.
Even if these mysteries were to be ignored, there’s no denying that these techniques do not sit anywhere within the chakra-based system ofNaruto, as there is no sound explanation behind their origins, nor is theirusage dependent on chakralike other techniques. Moreover, the scope of their capabilities far exceeds anything that is humanly possible, such as Eida’s omnipotence, which has the power to alter and rewrite reality itself. The Karma seal is another example of an addition to Boruto’s power system that has no real place within the original series' power system. Karma not only grants the user an entirely new set of abilities and power-ups, but also allows them to negate Ninjutsu and gain powers that do not rely on chakra at all.
Moreover, the recent threats inTwo Blue Vortex, such as the Shinju clones, have further taken the series' power system in a new direction, as these God Tree clones possess powers that defy the pre-set conventions of the series. With the chakra of the God Tree itself, these beings are entirely unstoppable, with even the strongest character in the series, Boruto Uzumaki, being unable to stop Jura. Another example isKoji Kashin’s Ten Directions, an ability that allows him to predict the future and any other deviating timelines. Such a power goes beyond the Shinobi tactics and warfare that Naruto is based on, clearly showcasing howTwo Blue Vortexhas taken an entirely new direction.
Each of us Kara members who was given enhanced modifications by Amado received transplants of Shibai’s cells, in the hopes that we would manifest at least one of his many shinjutsu.
Breaking the System or Evolving it?
The New Power System Can Be Defined as Evolution
While these new additions to the franchise’s power system clearly break the system, some argue that these are merely evolutions and changes in the power system, similar to any other shounen anime. For instance, Dragon Ball went from boasting mortal fighters and Saiyans to Kai and Gods of Destruction, and then ended up introducing Angels and other divine beings, changing the hierarchy and evolving the series' power system altogether.Naruto, in a way, has done the same, as it introduced new threats that utilize the same power system, albeit in a more evolved way.
Another example is theconcept of ninja tools, which were initially basic kunai and shuriken in the Naruto series. However, the Boruto series evolved this concept into scientific ninja tools, turning them into an entirely new and refurbished array of weapons. Similarly, the concept of chakra also evolved in Boruto, turning into a form of divine techniques that far surpassed anything seen before in the series. Moreover, the Otsutsuki were also deemed to be gods since their introduction in Shippuden, meaning their powers were naturally bound to defy chakra and the series' original power system.
Right now, Boruto Uzumaki will lose and he stands no chance.
An argument can be made that such an evolution was meant to happen toNaruto’spower system, especially with the introduction of gods and divine beings. However, the notion still stands that theBorutoseries has given such powers to every other character, such as Boruto, Kawaki,and even Sarada Uchiha. The series' overall power system has reached a new height, one that has taken on the form of an entirely new concept from its original chakra-based powers, in turn breaking the original power system altogether.
