Summary

Boruto: Two Blue Vortexhas given the fans a ton of exciting content already, with battles featuring the Hitoshinju and the next generation of shinobi of Konoha. Fans have absolutely been loving all the exciting developments in the story as of late, but there’s one thing that they still wait for desperately, and thatis the return of Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto Uzumaki might not be the main character of theBorutoseries, but he’s every bit as incredible a character as he was in Naruto. He’s the core of the franchise, and even today, the most loved and popular character in the entire series. Fans absolutely cannot wait to see Naruto return, but even though he will do that sooner or later, he isn’t entirely safe. In fact, Naruto Uzumaki might just be killed off in the future ofBoruto.

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There is one recurring theme forNarutoin theBorutoseries, it is being sidelined in one way or another, nerfed, and defeated in battle. Fans have witnessed this happening in theBorutoseries right from the very beginning. When Naruto Uzumaki fought against Momoshiki in Konoha, he was nerfed. When they fought on Momoshiki’s planet, he was nerfed once again. Naruto’s powers were greatly limited in the battle against Jigen, and against Jura, he ended up losing Kurama forever. Undoubtedly, Naruto Uzumaki has endured a lot of bad luck in the story so far, but the worst of it happenedafter the loss of Kurama.

Don’t underestimate us shinobi, you fool! — Naruto Uzumaki to Momoshiki

As fans know already,not only did Naruto lose Kurama, but he also ended up being sealed away by Kawaki. Of course, this was for his own protection in Kawaki’s mind, but it still happened. To this day, Naruto Uzumaki remains sealed, and fans absolutely cannot wait to see him return. Although some may not realize that Kishimoto’s plans for him aren’t exactly good.

Kishimoto Wanted To Kill Off Characters In Boruto

Naruto Could’ve Been Killed In Boruto

While fans are eagerly waiting for Naruto’s return, few know that even though he is alive right now, there could’ve been a version ofBorutowhere he died. In fact,Ikemoto, the author ofBoruto, has stated this on multiplayer occasions. Here’s what he said last year about very important characters having avoided death:

Things don’t always go as planned. Small changes have often been made right from the beginning. But little by little, the story develops in a direction that’s different from Kishimoto-sensei’s outline. Various factors can explain this. But the biggest reason is that I needed to create for myself a new outcome for the shonen part and a concept for the seinen part.

Once that was decided, Ada and Demon were born. Kashin Koji’s role was renewed, and Amado’s escape to Konoha followed. Moreover, Code should’ve died a long time ago. To be honest, an even more important character’s life was also spared. Even if the initial idea is to make the manga even more engaging, we are far removed from what was originally planned. Currently, I’m in the situation of developing the story on my own. So I think the biggest challenge in the production of Boruto, including for Kishimoto sensei who gives me his approval, is to continue to handle successive unforeseen changes.”

Naruto Uzumaki’s Future Doesn’t Look Too Bright

It mustn’t be forgottenthat Naruto Uzumaki was potentially marked for deathin theBorutoseries. More than that, it must also be remembered that the next generation is to rise in theBorutoseries in the future.

Come, Otsutsuki! I’ll show you what true resolve means. — Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto is still in his 30s so if he does return and resume his position as Hokage, the likes of Sarada will never accomplish their dream unfortunately, because the author clearly doesn’t know how to protect and respect Naruto’s legacy and elevate the new generation at the same time, and it seems Naruto Uzumaki won’t escape the shadow anytime soon.

Boruto: Two Blue Vortex chapter 23 is set for its official release on Jun 13, 2025. The release time of the chapter is 10 AM EST/ 3 PM UTC. As always, fans can read the chapter officially for free on theManga Plusand the Shonen Jump apps.