8 Most Blatant Naruto Parallels in Boruto

Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto and Boruto manga, is widely recognized for his exceptional storytelling. He has brought to life numerous iconic characters, plotlines, and themes that have stood the test of time. It is not only fans who admire Kishimoto’s work, but also fellow manga creators, evident in the numerous Shonen manga that have been influenced by his franchise.

Despite being a new series, Boruto still manages to evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of Masashi Kishimoto’s original manga. This is due to the fact that the manga creator has cleverly reused some of the iconic storylines and tropes from Naruto in his new work. These parallels not only serve as a nod to the beloved series but also add depth and familiarity to the new story. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the most notable Naruto parallels in Boruto.

This article includes spoilers from the Boruto manga.

8 instances of parallels between Naruto and Boruto in Kishimoto’s writing

Flashforward at the Beginning of the Series

Sasuke and Boruto as seen in their anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Both Naruto Shippuden and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations opened with a flashforward. Although the one in Naruto Shippuden showed only Naruto facing off against Sasuke at Orochimaru’s hideout, it still had a strong impact on fans who eagerly anticipated the event.

It appears that Masashi Kishimoto intended to create a similar impact in the new series by including a flashforward of a Boruto vs. Kawaki fight. Although this event has not yet occurred in over 90 chapters, fans are eagerly anticipating it.

2) Love Interest: A Female Supporting Character’s Crush on the Protagonist

Hinata and Sumire as seen in their anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In both series, a female supporting character developed feelings for the main character. In Naruto, this character was Hinata Hyuga, who eventually married Naruto Uzumaki.

As for Boruto, Sumire Kakei plays a supporting role. Although she appears to have difficulties finding love, Hinata also experienced a similar phase. Furthermore, it should be noted by fans that both Hinata and Sumire share a similar purple color scheme.

Curse and Karma mark

Ever since the beginning of the Boruto series, the main character has consistently expressed his aspiration to emulate Sasuke Uchiha and become a Shadow Hokage. Interestingly, he bears a striking resemblance to his mentor, not only in their clothing and techniques, but also in their destinies.

Both Sasuke and Boruto received unique marks, known as the Curse and Karma mark, respectively. Despite their differences, both marks have the same intention of taking over the host’s body. Orochimaru aimed to use Sasuke’s body to prolong his life, whereas Momoshiki Otsutsuki sought to revive himself by possessing Boruto’s body.

Team 7 Assignment of Additional Members

Sai and Kawaki as seen in their series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite the standard team structure in the Naruto franchise consisting of four students and one Jonin teacher, Team 7 was an exception and had additional members in both series. Following Sasuke Uchiha’s departure from the Hidden Leaf Village, Tsunade assigned two former Anbu Black Ops members, Sai and Yamato, to join Team 7. Consequently, the team had a larger number of members compared to other teams.

In the new series, Team 7 received an additional member, Kawaki. Despite already having Konohamaru as their captain and three members, the team was assigned Kawaki to join them in missions.

Eye Scar While Protecting a Uchiha

Kakashi and Boruto as seen in their series (Image via Studio Pierrot, Shueisha)

Despite the fact that eye scars are often seen as cool in anime, manga creator Masashi Kishimoto’s decision to give his characters the same was deemed acceptable. Surprisingly, in both series, Kishimoto chose to give his characters an eye scar through similar circumstances.

In both Naruto and Boruto, there are instances where characters receive an eye scar while using their ocular jutsu to protect their friends and team members. Kakashi Hatake received his scar while defending Obito Uchiha from an enemy, while the protagonist in Boruto received his scar while protecting Sarada Uchiha. It is remarkable that both series feature this common theme of sacrificing one’s eye for the sake of another.

The Hidden Leaf Village Protagonists’ Time Skip Training Journey

Protagonists leaving to train during a time skip (Image via Studio Pierrot, Shueisha)

Both series featured the main characters departing from the Hidden Leaf Village to undergo training with their respective mentors. Naruto embarked on a journey with Jiraiya in order to gain strength and ultimately retrieve Sasuke and battle the Akatsuki. Similarly, Boruto, though it was not his choice, joined forces with Sasuke to prepare for the looming confrontation with Code.

Both events featured a time skip in their respective series, which allowed for significant developments to be highlighted during the protagonists’ absence.

7) Protagonists Returning with a New Rasengan

Big Ball Rasengan and Rasengan Uzuhiko in their series (Image via Studio Pierrot, Shueisha)

After completing their training during the time skip, the main characters of both series came back with a new version of the Rasengan. Although fans anticipated them to acquire new Jutsu, they were pleasantly surprised by the fact that both characters had mastered a new variation of the Rasengan.

Despite being a larger version of the original ninjutsu, the Big Ball Rasengan is the technique that Naruto uses upon his return in the series. In the new installment, he utilizes a unique jutsu called Rasengan Uzuhiko, which is derived from the concept of the Rasengan but has distinct differences.

8) The Branding of Characters as Criminals

Sasuke and Boruto in their respective series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In both series, Sasuke Uchiha and Boruto were both branded as criminals. While Sasuke’s actions were deserving of punishment, the same could not be said for the new protagonist. Instead, the protagonist was being wrongly accused and branded a criminal for the actions of Kawaki.

Nevertheless, Kawaki’s behavior was deserving of being classified as criminal. As a result, it made logical sense for the protagonist to be labeled as a criminal after Kawaki orchestrated a switch with Eida.

The sequel series contained several parallels to Naruto that caught our attention. If we overlooked any, please share your thoughts in the comments below.