Boruto

Boruto is a Japanese manga series that serves as both a spin-off and a direct sequel to Masashi Kishimoto's *Naruto*. Ukyō Kodachi wrote the first 13 volumes, with Mikio Ikemoto providing the illustrations and Kishimoto supervising. After Kodachi's departure in November 2020, Kishimoto took over as writer. The story centers on Naruto Uzumaki's son, Boruto, and his ninja team. The manga first appeared in Shueisha's *Weekly Shōnen Jump* in May 2016 under the title *Boruto: Naruto Next Generations*, then moved to the monthly *V Jump* in July 2019. The first part of the story concluded in April 2023. After a short break, it resumed in August 2023 with a second part called *Boruto: Two Blue Vortex*, where a teenage Boruto protects his village alone while his allies believe he is an enemy. The series originated when Shueisha asked Kishimoto to create a *Naruto* sequel. He declined and instead suggested his former assistant, Mikio Ikemoto, as the artist. Ukyō Kodachi, who wrote the film *Boruto: Naruto the Movie*, developed the plot. A 293-episode anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot aired on TV Tokyo from April 2017 to March 2023, with Kodachi supervising the first 216 episodes; a second part of the anime has been announced. Unlike the manga, which begins by retelling the *Boruto* film, the anime starts as a prequel set before Boruto and his friends become ninjas. A light novel adaptation has also been published. By October 2025, the manga had over 10 million copies in circulation in Japan. The first part received mixed-to-positive reviews, mostly due to Boruto's characterization. His main character arc resolves in the second volume, leading many critics to anticipate his growth and rivalry with Kawaki. While the use of characters from the previous generation drew criticism, *Two Blue Vortex* earned more positive reviews for its portrayal of a stronger, more serious protagonist. Ikemoto's artwork, especially the fight scenes, was also praised. Part I: *Naruto Next Generations* Boruto, son of the Seventh Hokage Naruto and Hinata Uzumaki, and older brother of Himawari, resents his father's absence due to his duties. To gain Naruto's approval, he trains with a team led by Naruto's protégé, Konohamaru Sarutobi, alongside Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki. Meanwhile, Sarada's father Sasuke warns Naruto of a threat linked to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's bloodline.