Boruto Creator Missed Opportunity to Recreate Next Generations’ Darkest Moment in Two Blue Vortex

The Boruto franchise is known for its somber events, whether they involve the overarching story or focus on specific characters. A particularly dark instance was the tragic demise of Kagura Karatachi, who met a brutal end in front of his companions from the Hidden Leaf Village.

Interestingly, a parallel scenario arose in the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga when Jura stabbed Inojin through the chest while he was attempting to defend Himawari. Unlike Kagura, who was lost beyond saving, Inojin received life-saving assistance from Himawari and Sakura, suggesting that the sequel might steer away from extreme tragedies.

Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers from the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex manga and reflects the author’s perspective.

Boruto: The Impact of Inojin’s Potential Death on the Two Blue Vortex Narrative

Kagura as depicted in the anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The narrative of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations introduced viewers to Kagura Karatachi, the grandson of Yagura, the jinchuriki of the Two-Tails. Due to his lineage, Kagura was often treated differently, leading him to reside in a less accessible part of the village. This treatment influenced his desire to reform the Hidden Mist Village.

His trajectory changed when he was assigned as an aide to the Sixth Hokage due to his exceptional abilities as a shinobi and his swordsmanship. As he traveled alongside the Mizukage to various villages, Kagura developed a desire to elevate his own village to match the standards of others, particularly that of the Hidden Leaf Village.

During the Great Sea Battle of Kirigakure Arc, Kagura fought valiantly to shield his village with help from his allies in the Hidden Leaf. Tragically, he met his end at the hands of Funamushi, a member of the Funato clan who launched an attack on the Hidden Mist Village. In his final moments, Kagura yearned for his comrades to continue protecting their home.

Inojin defending Himawari from Jura's attack (Image via Shueisha) — Inojin defending Himawari from Jura’s attack (Image via Shueisha)

In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, Himawari finds herself in danger as she is pursued by Jura while Inojin and the modern InoShikaCho strive to keep her safe. Just as Jura prepares to strike directly at Himawari, Inojin steps up, placing himself at risk and suffering a chest wound in the process.

Fortunately, with her Nine-Tails chakra awakened, Himawari was able to provide enough healing for Inojin to endure until further help arrived. Ultimately, thanks to Sakura’s intervention, Inojin survived the ordeal, a twist that provided relief but also tempered the series’ darker tone. The impactful death of Kagura, which underscored the series’ grim elements, was not echoed through Inojin’s survival. This shift alters the dynamic, as the darker themes associated with the Otsutsuki clan’s actions lose some of their weight due to this decision.

Analysis and Concluding Remarks

Naruto: Next Generations leaned heavily on filler content to extend its narrative, as the original material was insufficient to fill the extensive episode roster.

This reliance on filler may explain the stark, darker tones found in the anime, as Kagura was a filler character while Inojin belongs to the canon storyline. Various other factors contributing to this distinction may also come to light in the future.

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