Boruto is the sequel to Naruto, one of the celebrated Big 3 anime of the early 2000s. It follows the tale of Naruto's son and his journey as he strives to be a Shinobi in an environment that is different from the one his father conquered, and that fans adored.
Being the main protagonist of the series, Boruto is in the spotlight, both in the show and to viewers and readers. His characterization, abilities, interactions, and relationships are all held up to the mirror of Naruto and the typical shonen protagonist tropes. Boruto, however, has carved out his own path and enabled audiences to root for him.
10 He's As Loyal As Can Be
During the Mitsuki Arc, Mitsuki’s disappearance and odd behavior soon lead to rampant doubts and rumors that he has betrayed Konoha. This is fueled by the fact that he is Orochimaru’s son, and the Konoha old guard still has their suspicions about Orochimaru. During a conversation, Sarada says that they should put Konoha first and that a true shinobi should disregard feelings.
Boruto is disappointed and walks away, but not before remarking that she expected more from Sarada. He expected her to give Mitsuki a chance given the bond that they shared. This fierce belief in his comrades endears him to the audience and speaks to Boruto’s trustworthiness and protectiveness.
9 Boruto Decides To Protect Konoha His Way
During the battle with Momoshiki, Boruto has an epiphany about his purpose as a shinobi, the son of the 7th, and as an individual. With Naruto's help, Boruto is able to create a super Rasengan that ends Momoshiki.
This experience leads him to realize his aim is not to become the Hokage, but rather to support the Hokage, much like how his teacher Sasuke supports Naruto. It brings nuance to Boruto’s character in his insistence on carving out his own path.
8 Mastering The Legendary Rasengan
The Rasengan is one of the Naruto franchise’s most beloved Jutsus, and Naruto's proficiency in creating a myriad of them only adds to their popularity. When Sasuke sets the condition that he will only be Boruto’s master if he manages to create one, Boruto quickly runs to Konohamaru to learn the technique.
Despite his use of the kote to create a Rasengan he assumed would be worthy before Sasuke, Boruto’s redemption comes during the fight with Momoshiki. If not for his vanishing Rasengan, the kage would have most surely been captured. His trust in his teacher demonstrated Boruto’s slow but sure maturity, a far cry from his overconfident self.
7 The Eye That Takes Everything Away
The jougan is rumored to be a kekkei genkai of the Otsutsuki clan. The full scope of its abilities remains to be seen, but so far, the jougan enables Boruto to track and see the changes in a target's chakra. It also allows him to discern the chakra pathway system and points of a target. The excitement generated by the possibilities the jougan affords Boruto boosted his popularity, with numerous fan theories attempting to predict the eye’s true role in the series.
6 Big Brother Is Watching
One of the more endearing aspects of Boruto’s personality is how seriously he takes his duty as Himawari’s big brother. This is shown in two key instances. First, Boruto’s fierce admonition to his father prior to Himawari’s birthday was quite protective. Boruto tells Naruto to not forget that it is Himawari’s birthday and that he had better make it.
Boruto is greatly irked by Naruto falling through. He rushes to the door upon hearing the doorbell, throwing a rather violent punch at who he assumed was Naruto, though he was ultimately mistaken. He believes he is justified to attack his father, as he is mad on Himawari's behalf. In another instance, when Himawari falls ill due to a fever, Boruto dotingly takes care of her. This exposes a softer side to him and puts a smile on a lot of big brothers’ faces.
5 Dread It, Run From It, Karma Arrives
The Karma is a seal used as a backup for an Otsutsuki’s biological data. When implanted on a suitable host or vessel, it allows that Otsutsuki to come back to life. When Boruto fought Momoshiki and defeated him, Momoshiki implanted a karma into Boruto, who happens to be a suitable vessel.
Although Boruto lacks control over the karma, his most thrilling fights have come when it has been activated. When Boruto is incapacitated and nearly killed by Boro, Momoshiki takes over and annihilates Boro with relative ease, leaving many a fan curious about the full range of abilities Boruto can display once he masters his karma.
4 Heavy Are The Shoulders That Wear The Coat
Boruto’s relationship with Naruto is initially quite rocky, with some resentment and annoyance exhibited by Boruto. Their relationship further deteriorates when Naruto disqualifies Boruto from cheating in the Chuunin exams, due to his use of the kote to progress. His rage at his father erupts, but Momoshiki and Kinshiki attack, their devastation leading to Boruto falling into a comma.
On his awakening, Boruto understands two key things: his father’s duty is to all of Konoha, and he must take responsibility for his actions. He dons his father’s legendary yellow jacket, and with that action, matures greatly as a shinobi.
3 The Beginning At The End Shows Promise
The first minutes of Boruto’s first episode show a teenage version of Kawaki and Boruto standing atop a defaced Hokage Rock. Kawaki starts by stating that the "age of shinobi is over." Boruto looks menacing, donning a cloak that seems similar to Sasuke’s. The headband he received from Sasuke is chipped, the chip aligning to a scar running down Boruto’s right eye and cheek.
Boruto activates his karma at will and readies himself to go head-to-head with Kawaki, proudly proclaiming that he is "still a Shinobi." This opening was an instant hit and has fans curious to see what makes the rift between the two ‘brothers’ occur, as well as the reason for Boruto’s fierce defense of Konoha.
2 Boruto's Entertaining Ingenuity Produces A Great Feat
There is no doubt that Boruto is a genius compared to his comrades. His out-of-the-box thinking during his fights is always enthralling and reminiscent of Sasuke's genius when he was young. During the bell test with Kakashi, Boruto is hailed as being "a cut above the rest."
By hiding his real self under the ground and using clones to distract Kakashi, Boruto manages to shock Kakashi and actually grabs the bell. This was quite an achievement, given that no one in the history of Naruto has ever managed to grab the bell. Being acknowledged by the 6th Hokage as a ‘real genius’ is high praise, and that potential actualizing is highly anticipated.
1 He Would Give Everything For The Leaf
Boruto has had quite the character arc. He grows from an obnoxious prodigy who liked shortcuts and did not appreciate the value of hard work to a young shinobi who has inherited his father’s and Sasuke’s willingness to give their lives for the Leaf. During the fight with Isshiki, Boruto threatens to kill himself after deducing that Isshiki must have him alive.
Upon Isshiki’s unrelenting assault, Boruto actually tries to stab himself with the Kunai, right before Isshiki quickly shrinks it. It shows Boruto’s willingness to go the extra mile to protect Konoha, and the understanding he has gained of his role as a Shinobi of the Leaf.