Ikemoto’s Challenge: Can Sarada Ever Match Boruto’s Strength?

Sarada Uchiha stands out as one of the most debated characters in the Boruto series, primarily due to her unfulfilled potential since the introduction of the Omnipotence Act. Despite her possession of the Mangekyou Sharingan, she has yet to utilize its full capabilities, and her development following the time skip has seemingly stagnated, as evidenced by her recent bout against Hidari. Nevertheless, a segment of the fandom continues to label her the series’ deuteragonist.

Even securing her position as the deuteragonist doesn’t guarantee Sarada will achieve her maximum potential, a notion supported by various narrative cues including her inherent naivety and the challenges she faces in personal growth. Historically, Sarada exhibited a strong desire to become more powerful, but this determination has waned over time, particularly within the manga narrative.

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

Reasons Sarada may never equal Boruto as a shinobi

Sarada in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Sarada Uchiha, a pivotal character in the Boruto universe, is the offspring of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno. Being born to two of the most formidable shinobi in the Hidden Leaf Village set her on a path of great potential.

Throughout her early years, Sarada showcased impressive strength—an inheritance from her mother—and subsequently awakened her Sharingan. She was recognized as one of the most promising young shinobi in the Hidden Leaf, displaying an aptitude for learning and growing her capabilities.

However, her trajectory took a turn after Eida’s arrival in the Hidden Leaf Village, coinciding with the Omnipotence Incident during which Sarada activated her Mangekyou Sharingan. In Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, she appears to have begun this new chapter with a disadvantage, seemingly preoccupied with the protagonist’s struggles rather than focusing on her own strength development during the time skip.

Sarada faces Hidari in the manga (Image via Shueisha) — Sarada battles Hidari in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

This limitation became apparent during her encounters against Code and the Shinju’s raid on the Hidden Leaf Village, especially in her clash with Hidari. While her mediocre performance against Code can be attributed to being caught off guard, her lackluster effort against Hidari was quite disheartening.

Despite wielding the formidable Mangekyou Sharingan, one of the most powerful dojutsu techniques, she was severely outclassed by the God Tree. The protagonist had to rush in to save her from being consumed by Hidari, raising concerns about her true capabilities. Considering her lineage as Sasuke Uchiha’s daughter—who had the potential to reshape the world post-Fourth Great Ninja War—raises questions about whether Sarada can truly surpass Boruto.

Concluding Thoughts

Sarada (left) and the protagonist (right) in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

This subject has sparked extensive discussions online, yet creator Ikemoto seems to struggle in providing Sarada with the spotlight she deserves—one that could validate fandom expectations for her growth.

While filler episodes in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations suggest a glimmer of hope for her character, the canon material often tells a different story, leading many fans to regard Sarada as a letdown, even as others continue to cling to hopes of her redemption. The true measure of her development will ultimately be revealed when she can fully showcase her prowess in battle.

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