One thing that fans of Boruto seemed certain of was that the series would culminate in an epic showdown between Boruto and Kawaki. This conclusion was hinted at from the very beginning of the series and has subtly yet significantly shaped the narrative ever since. However, recent revelations have upended this expectation, resetting the story's endpoint. Surprisingly, this change has made the story even more engaging and rewarding.
In a translated interview posted online by Naruto fan and Twitter user @UzuRepo, it was disclosed that Boruto creator Masashi Kishimoto's initial concept for the series' conclusion was reworked through discussions with his former assistant, Mikio Ikemoto, who is the principal illustrator and driving creative force behind Boruto.
The interview, featuring a conversation between Kishimoto and Ikemoto on their thoughts, opinions, and critiques of Boruto - among other topics - took place during the annual Nuit a Konoha event, a celebration of the Narutoverse held in France, a country that loves manga and especially Naruto.
The interviews quoted below have been translated by fans so there may have been some inaccuracies.
Boruto Is Not A Static Creation, It’s A Living Series That Has Always Been Subject To Change
Ikemoto Describes How And Why The Boruto Story Has Changed
According to the interview, while Kishimoto's original idea for the series' conclusion was sound on its own, Ikemoto felt that in order to take the reins and move the story forward, he needed the creative freedom to modify the plot as he saw fit.
Even if the initial idea is to make the manga more engaging, we are far removed from what was originally planned. Currently I'm in the situation of developing the story on my own - Mikio Ikemoto
Ikemoto's instincts about the story and his drive to shake up the status quo at the end of the first series and the beginning of the Two Blue Vortex saga led to a significant transformation of Boruto's character. This shift also prompted Ikemoto, much like Boruto, to think creatively and outside the box, while also considering practical approaches to crafting a compelling narrative moving forward.
What I mean is that things...don't always go as planned. Small changes have always been made from the beginning. But little by little, the story develops in a direction that's different from Kishimoto-sensei's outline. - Mikio Ikemoto
Before the time skips, Boruto was living a life of privilege. However, as a result of Kawaki and Eida’s Omnipotence cheat, Boruto’s life is cast asunder. Although challenging, this new path has been cathartic, empowering, and maturing for Boruto. Like his father, Naruto, he must now rely on his training, instincts, and cunning to overcome obstacles - the same traits that propelled Naruto from being an orphan to becoming the Hokage. From a fan's perspective, this transformative journey is precisely what captivated them in Naruto.
Ikemoto Has Been In Command Of Boruto Since The Beginning
Fans may wonder why Ikemoto has such a significant influence over Boruto. The answer lies in Kishimoto essentially handing him the keys to the Boruto franchise. In an interview with the French manga publisher Kana on August 27, 2024—translated and posted to the Fanverse website - Kishimoto revealed that while he has contributed basic ideas, suggestions, and points of order for Boruto, the creative driving force behind the series from the beginning has always been Ikemoto.
In fact, Kishimoto has so much trust in Ikemoto that he doesn't know what will happen in the story until he reads it in the manga himself.
Masashi Kishimoto: In the case of Boruto, I initially wrote the outline of the story, but in a very succinct manner. We then held a meeting to discuss it. It is really Master Ikemoto who is fully in charge of Boruto.
Mikio Ikemoto: At the beginning, Master Kishimoto did indeed share his story with me. But the further we go, the more the plot becomes different from what was initially planned. Today, I discuss the rest of the scenario with my editor, every month. So I think that Master Kishimoto does not yet know what will happen in the rest of Boruto."
While this revelation may come as a surprise to some Boruto and Naruto fans, the results speak for themselves. Boruto: Two Blue Vortex is performing significantly better than Boruto: Naruto - Next Generation. This could be the turning point that will lead Boruto to establish itself as worthy of the Naruto legacy.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
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Action
Adventure
Super Power
Boruto Uzumaki, son of Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage, seeks to make his mark in the ninja world. Resenting his father’s absence due to his duties, Boruto aims to surpass Naruto with his friends from the ninja academy. As he develops his own ninja way, Boruto faces the challenges of a changing world that brings new threats and technologies that test his abilities and resolve.
- Release Date
- April 5, 2017
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- Franchise(s)
- Naruto
- Writers
- Makoto Uezu , Ukyo Kodachi
- Directors
- Noriyuki Abe , Hiroyuki Yamash*ta
- Main Genre
- Animation
- Creator(s)
- Masashi Kishimoto
