Boruto has spent a considerable amount of time living in the shadow of its predecessor, Naruto. However, the most recent chapter has diminished one of the series’ standout moments: the passing of Kurama.
Overall, it can be said that both Boruto and its sequel, Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, have sparked mixed opinions among fans. While some are delighted to witness the young shinobi taking on the responsibility of protecting the world from the Ōtsutsuki’s destructive plans, others believe that the continuation of the story diminishes the significance of Naruto’s triumph in Shippuden.
As much as I understand why fans enjoy Boruto, I must confess that I am in the opposing group. The series’ reversal of the long-awaited world peace, which our beloved Naruto characters worked hard to achieve, has left a slight bitterness in my palate.
Despite this, I still believe that Boruto has had one exceptional moment – the death of Kurama, the nine-tailed fox demon that was a crucial part of Naruto’s journey as a powerful ninja. Therefore, it is disappointing that in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 10, Kurama was suddenly revived.
Goodbye, Naruto…
Kurama’s demise was undoubtedly one of the most unforgettable moments in Boruto and was flawlessly executed. The inclusion of Baryon mode allowed Naruto and Kurama to showcase their strength one last time as they delivered a satisfying defeat to the seemingly unbeatable Isshiki. The climax of their battle was a heart-wrenching farewell as the Nine-Tails bid a final farewell to his long-time companion.
Despite being a consistent presence since the first chapter, Kurama’s sudden demise was a devastating blow that felt like a symbolic passing of the torch. With Naruto losing access to his demon’s chakra and Sasuke’s Rinnegan also gone, the series’ narrative was now free from its previous constraints.
The younger generation, including Boruto, Sarada, and Kawaki, realized that they could no longer depend on the adults to always come to their rescue. They had to take charge and hone their own abilities. This significant moment reflected one of Naruto’s core themes – the notion that every new generation surpasses the previous one. The death of Kurama added a sense of urgency and consequence to the story, which had previously lacked direction.
Regrettably, the news of Kurama’s passing was greatly exaggerated. In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 9, it was disclosed that the Nine-Tails had been reborn within Naruto’s daughter, Himawari Uzumaki. However, this is not a major issue in itself. It has been established since Naruto Shippuden that the Tailed Beasts have eternal life, as they are reincarnated after death, although the time frame is unspecified.
Guess who’s back?
The main concern is that in Chapter 10, it is revealed that Kurama has been revived with all of his memories from his previous life. The only noticeable difference between this Kurama and the one sealed inside Naruto is that this version of the Nine-Tails is smaller in size. While this may be considered adorable, it undermines the significance of his death and reinstates the limitations.
The permanence of Kurama’s death was what gave it such a significant impact. Naruto and Kurama had been through countless trials together, but ultimately, it was war that tore them apart. The heart-wrenching loss of Naruto’s closest friend, following in the footsteps of his parents, Jiraiya, and other fallen comrades, is now rendered meaningless.
In essence, Kurama relocated to a new home, allowing Naruto (if he were to ever be freed) to easily converse with his long-time companion. This predicament could have been resolved by either erasing the new Nine-Tails’ memories of their past with Naruto, or creating a completely new incarnation with a distinct personality, which brings me to the next concern.
With the revival of Kurama and the return of his memories with Naruto, the Nine-Tails now has a strong motivation to assist Himawari. However, it seems as though Kurama’s revival was solely for the purpose of providing a convenient power boost for Naruto’s daughter, who has had little significance until this point. It almost feels like a convenient deus ex machina to quickly resolve any conflicts involving Himawari and prevent any potential future complications.
Despite Naruto spending nearly 500 chapters to befriend Kurama, Himawari has effortlessly gained his power without any struggle. This seems unfair to her, as a side story depicting her efforts to control this new power could have been a compelling addition to the series. However, the narrative takes a shortcut and skips to the end of this arc, resulting in a missed opportunity.
The bold and upsetting death of Kurama had a significant impact on Boruto, completely changing the direction of the series and adding genuine stakes. However, the decision to revive him undermines the gravity of his sacrifice and goes against the core values of the Naruto series, where consequences are important and easy solutions are avoided. This could possibly be due to Kurama being a favorite character of the creator.
For those seeking information on Naruto and Boruto, look no further. Our extensive coverage on Konoha’s top ninjas rivals that of Orochimaru. Additionally, we offer a detailed analysis of the Naruto filler episodes, allowing you to skip the less desirable moments of the series. For more top-quality anime, be sure to check out our curated list of the best titles available on Netflix. And don’t miss our dedicated articles on One Punch Man season 3 and Solo Levelling season 2.
Leave a Reply