Does Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Render Naruto’s Ninja Ranks Obsolete? An In-Depth Exploration

The latest installment of the Boruto series, titled Two Blue Vortex, has introduced a host of formidable new villains whose strength eclipses that of Kaguya, the iconic antagonist from the original Naruto series. While the protagonist, Boruto, has experienced a significant power boost and now possesses enough strength to confront these new threats, the series as a whole showcases a notable inflation in power levels.

This shift has led to a diminished perception of previously formidable Kage-level shinobi. In fact, the once-mighty protagonists, Naruto and Sasuke, have found themselves incapacitated following the events of Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, underscoring the stark changes in the series’ power dynamics.

As many fans observe this transformation, it raises the question of whether traditional ninja rankings still hold value in this new context. Although it may seem that Boruto has rendered these ranks obsolete, the foundation for this evolution was laid within the original Naruto narrative and has only intensified since.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Boruto: Two Blue Vortex series and represents the author’s viewpoint.

The Erosion of Ninja Rankings in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex

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

Ninja rankings, initially established in Naruto, served as a straightforward power-scaling mechanism, making it easy to identify the strength of shinobi based on their ranks. The hierarchy typically includes genin, chunin, special jonin, jonin, and ultimately, the Hokage, with each rank reflecting increasing power.

For instance, a character like Kakashi holds the rank of jonin, while a specialist, like Ibiki, may occupy the special jonin rank despite being weaker overall. The traditional ranking system was vital for power dynamics in Naruto; however, in Boruto, the significance of these rankings has diminished drastically due to the overwhelming strength of characters like Naruto and Sasuke, who defy conventional power categorizations.

Start as a genin, Naruto rose to become Hokage without adhering to the conventional progression through the ranks, while Sasuke’s forsaking of conventional village life led him to Kage-level strength without an official title—a status he still maintains in the ongoing narrative.

The breaking point for the ranking system began during the original Naruto series, exemplified when Might Guy showcased combat abilities that outstripped even the Hokage. Furthermore, the evolution of both Naruto and Sasuke to near-divine status upon realizing their heritage as descendants of Hagoromo further complicates the ranking system.

Boruto as portrayed in the series (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In the current context of Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, ninja ranks have become largely superficial. The distinction between various shinobi and their actual battle capabilities has blurred significantly. Boruto, Kawaki, and other characters like Mitsuki now exhibit power levels that rival those of Kage, relegating traditional jonin to minor roles, with Konohamaru being the only jonin afforded any notable screen time.

This trend indicates a full-circle movement from the Naruto series toward a complete disregard for rankings in Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, as the inflated ceiling for power levels transcends the previously understood limits of these ranks.

Looking Ahead

The anticipation builds for Boruto: Two Blue Vortex Chapter 16, set for release on November 20, 2024, where readers will gain insight into Boruto’s strategy to subdue the Shinju. Following Chapter 15’s conclusion with Boruto and Kawaki forming an uneasy alliance against the Shinju, it appears that the anticipated conflict between these two protagonists will take a backseat for the forthcoming arcs as they confront this new, formidable foe.

As the narrative goes forward, fans are eager to see how the battles and alliances will unfold amidst the shifting landscapes of power and loyalty in this evolving saga.

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