The world of anime has captivated audiences around the globe for decades, with iconic series like Naruto holding a special place in the hearts of fans. However, in the years following the conclusion of Naruto: Shippuden, a new chapter began under the name Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. While the show has gained a significant following, there has been much discussion and speculation about who is truly “controlling” Boruto, the protagonist of the sequel series. The term “controlling” can be interpreted in various ways, from the influence of characters within the narrative to the external forces behind the show’s production and direction.
This article aims to explore the various layers of control over Boruto’s character and story, examining the influences of the narrative, its creators, and the broader fandom. We will dive into the characters who play pivotal roles in Boruto’s life, the development of his story arc, and the behind-the-scenes creators who shape the anime’s direction.
Boruto’s Character Evolution
To understand who controls Boruto, we first need to look at his evolution as a character. Boruto Uzumaki, the son of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, is presented in the early parts of the series as a rebellious and somewhat bratty young boy. His journey differs significantly from his father’s, as he rejects the Hokage path in favor of a life where he can pursue his own dreams without the shadow of his father’s legacy.
This internal conflict forms the basis of Boruto’s character arc, and it is heavily influenced by his relationship with his father. The show reveals Boruto’s complex emotions, stemming from his feelings of neglect due to Naruto’s busy duties as the Hokage. However, as the series progresses, Boruto learns to appreciate his father’s role and begins to understand the responsibilities that come with being a leader.
Naruto’s Influence on Boruto
Naruto’s role as a father greatly impacts Boruto’s development. While initially resentful of his father’s position, Boruto’s perspective shifts as he matures. Naruto’s work as Hokage demands his time and attention, often leaving him unavailable to spend time with his family. This leads Boruto to seek validation elsewhere, often turning to his peers and teachers for guidance.
Naruto’s influence on Boruto can be seen as both a motivator and a challenge. On one hand, Boruto wishes to carve out his own identity apart from his father’s shadow. On the other hand, he also inherits many of Naruto’s values, such as the importance of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. These conflicting emotions form the core of Boruto’s character evolution, demonstrating how external forces shape his internal struggles.
Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki’s Role
Boruto’s closest companions, Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki, also play a significant role in his development. Sarada, who is the daughter of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, shares many similarities with Boruto. Like Boruto, Sarada has a complicated relationship with her parents, particularly her father, Sasuke, who is often absent due to his duties as a wanderer and protector of the village. This common ground allows Sarada to understand Boruto’s frustrations, creating a strong bond between them.
Mitsuki, on the other hand, is a mysterious character whose origins are tied to Orochimaru. As a synthetic human created by Orochimaru, Mitsuki’s motivations are not always clear, but his loyalty to Boruto is unwavering. Mitsuki often provides a calm and analytical perspective to the group, serving as a counterbalance to Boruto’s impulsiveness.
Together, the trio forms a dynamic team, each supporting the others as they navigate the challenges of growing up in the shadow of legendary parents. The interaction between Boruto, Sarada, and Mitsuki provides a source of growth for Boruto, demonstrating how external relationships can influence his behavior and decisions.
The Role of the “Kara” Organization
While Boruto’s personal journey is heavily shaped by his family and friends, there are external forces that exert control over his life in more dangerous and threatening ways. One of the most significant external influences in the Boruto series is the Kara organization.
Kara is a secretive and dangerous group that serves as the primary antagonistic force in the Boruto series. The group is composed of powerful individuals, many of whom possess unique abilities and advanced technology. One of the key figures in Kara is Isshiki Otsutsuki, an ancient and powerful being who has a significant role in Boruto’s destiny.
Isshiki’s influence over Boruto is profound. Through the vessel known as Kawaki, Isshiki seeks to use the power of the Otsutsuki clan to achieve his goals. Boruto becomes a key player in the larger conflict between the Otsutsuki clan and the villagers, with his connection to the Otsutsuki bloodline serving as a crucial piece in the battle for control.
Additionally, Boruto’s connection to the mysterious “karma” seal, which he acquires after a confrontation with Isshiki’s vessel, plays a significant role in the manipulation of Boruto’s actions. The karma seal is a mark that grants the user incredible power but also has dangerous side effects, including the potential for the user to lose control of their body and mind. This marks a new chapter in Boruto’s life, where his fate is increasingly intertwined with external forces beyond his comprehension.
The Creators Behind Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
The question of who controls Boruto also extends to the creators behind the anime and manga series. Boruto: Naruto Next Generations is created by Ukyo Kodachi (story), Mikio Ikemoto (art), and later, Masashi Kishimoto (who took over as writer in 2020). The creative direction of Boruto is shaped by these individuals, each of whom brings their unique vision to the series.
Masashi Kishimoto’s Role
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto, is a major influence on Boruto. While he stepped down from his role as the primary writer early in the Boruto series, his legacy continues to shape the story. Kishimoto’s storytelling style, character development techniques, and the deep themes explored in Naruto are all present in Boruto, albeit in a new context. Kishimoto’s role as the overseer of the project ensures that the essence of the Naruto universe is maintained, even as new characters and narratives are introduced.
The Transition in Writers
In 2020, Masashi Kishimoto returned to Boruto as the chief writer, taking over from Ukyo Kodachi. Kodachi had worked on the series for several years, laying the groundwork for many of the plotlines and character arcs. Kishimoto’s return marked a significant shift in the direction of the series. His writing brought a renewed focus on the themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the responsibilities that come with power. As the creator of Naruto, Kishimoto’s return to Boruto was met with high expectations, with many fans hoping that his influence would bring the series back to its roots.
The Impact of the Anime Studio
Another key factor in the control of Boruto’s character and story is the production studio, Pierrot. As the animation studio behind Boruto, Pierrot plays a crucial role in shaping the visual style, pacing, and tone of the series. The anime adaptation of Boruto often diverges from the manga, with additional filler episodes and story arcs that are not present in the original material. These fillers, while sometimes criticized, serve to expand the universe and provide more depth to secondary characters. The decisions made by the studio influence how Boruto’s story is portrayed on screen, adding an additional layer of control over his development.
The Fans and Their Influence
Finally, one of the most powerful forces in the control of Boruto is the anime’s fanbase. Fans of Naruto and Boruto have a significant influence on the direction of the series, especially with the rise of social media and online fan communities. Fan feedback can shape the success of certain plotlines, characters, and themes, which in turn influences the creators.
The fanbase plays a role in determining which characters and storylines resonate most with viewers. For example, the ongoing popularity of characters like Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki has led to more screen time and development for these characters. Additionally, the fans’ vocal support or criticism of certain plot arcs can influence future episodes and story decisions.
Conclusion
So, who is controlling Boruto? The answer is multifaceted. Boruto is shaped by a variety of internal and external influences, from the relationships he shares with his family and friends to the larger forces at play, like the Kara organization and the Otsutsuki clan. Additionally, the creators behind the series, including Masashi Kishimoto, Ukyo Kodachi, and Pierrot, exercise significant control over the direction of the anime and manga. Lastly, the fans’ reactions and feedback play an increasingly important role in determining how Boruto evolves as a character.
In the end, Boruto’s journey is not just about him trying to find his own path. It is also about the various forces — both visible and hidden — that shape his identity, motivations, and actions. As Boruto continues to navigate these influences, it remains to be seen how his story will unfold, and who will ultimately control his fate.
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